Ten Redecorating Tips for the Bedroom

Bedrooms are often the last room in the house we decorate. After all, we usually don't invite company in to the bedroom and when we are there, we are sleeping. It is important to decorate the bedroom though. A simple, clean bedroom is soothing and restful, promoting better quality of rest and sleep. Following are some decorating tips for a peaceful and serene bedroom.

Our bedrooms should be a refuge from the world and personal place of relaxation. Bedrooms are primarily a place to sleep, dream and refresh ourselves for the nest day.

Following are some simple tips to use when redecorating your bedroom.

1. Use subdued colors in the bedroom. The bedroom should be restful and soothing, an escape from the everyday world. Colors like soft greens, lavenders and blues create a calming color scheme. Rich tones such as gold, amber and browns have a warming effect. Feng shui recommends using warm rich earth tones, such as copper, terra cotta, coral, cream, peach and tan. Save the vibrant, exciting red and yellows for another room.

2. Add some decorative detail to the ceiling. When you lay in bed you see a stark white ceiling. You can soften the feel by painting the ceiling a soft color. You can create a nice look by painting the ceiling a lighter version of the wall color.

When at the paint store, ask them to mix a lighter version of the wall paint. they can create a coordinating color by taking some of the pigment out of the paint formula. You can add detail and interest to the ceiling by stenciling a design on the ceiling. A ceiling light, or even a crystal chandelier will add a patterned effect to the ceiling.

3. Buy furniture that is the correct scale for the room. It is a common mistake to buy the biggest furniture available, with the result that the huge furniture drafts the room. A king bed that fills the room crowds space.

4. Keep the bedroom clutter free, with space to store everything. Clutter creates stress. Having everything put away gives a sense of calmness. A built in closet can help to keep the clothing and clutter contained, and out of sight. Can't afford new furniture? Gets some storage boxes that can be kept under the bed.

5. Keep the bedroom simple and serene looking by keeping accessories at a minimum. A simple look is more relaxing to spend time in, which may promote sleep. Consider the memories and associates that objects in your room have for you. Anything that reminds you of a negative time in your life, illness or poor relationship can interfere with your sense of well being. Conversely, if you you have an object that you really enjoy looking at, try to place it where you can see it first thing when you wake up in the morning. Looking at a pretty picture that has a pleasant memory associated with it is a great way to start the day off right.

6. Create a cozy spot to sit. If you have the space, a comfortable chair with a footrest and small reading table is a comforting place to sit and read. A round table has soft curves, which are soothing. You can drape the table with a table cloth to create a soft draping effect. Many people like to relax by reading before bed. Having a special place to relax and read can signal the body and mind that it is time to start getting ready for sleep. Keep a good book of two on the reading table. Additional books should not be stored in the bedroom. Keep a book shelf in another room to store books.

7. Have different sources of light in the bedroom. A single light from the ceiling is harsh. Arrange lamps around the room and next to the night stand for softer sources of light that are more flattering to the complexion. Torchere lights direct light upward, while lamps with shades direct light downward.

8. Indulge in luxurious linens. We spend a lot of time in our beds. Invest in some really comfortable sheets in natural fibers, like cotton. Sheets with higher thread counts have a smooth luxurious feel next to the skin. Purchase a comfortable quilt, comforter or bedspread that coordinates with the wall and curtain color.

9. Put blackout linings in the curtains. Block out the sun and street lights that can awaken you before you are ready. Shades with blackout linings, or opaque thick curtains to shut out the outside world. Sheer panels, or lacy curtains, are pretty, but the sun can shine in, or cars in the neighborhood may shine their headlights into the window. You will get a more restful night's sleep without any errant light coming in through the window.

10. Close out the everyday. We tend to carry the office with us, but it shouldn't be invited into the bedroom. Reminders of daily activities, cell phones, PDAs, pagers, laptops, work files and exercise equipment should be kept out of the bedroom. Keep the bedroom for relaxing activities, such as reading, sleeping and romantic interludes. An exception should be made for security reasons.

Keep a phone next to the bed in case of a nighttime emergency, especially if you live alone. If you hear someone breaking in, or have a medical emergency, having a cell phone nearby can be a lifesaver. Turn off the ringer though. The phone is for your use to call out, not for others to call in and disrupt your rest.

These redecorating tips are not complicated. In fact, simplicity is the key to a restful bedroom. Enjoy your private refuge.