A Comfortable Bedroom

CEBU, Philippines - The bedroom is ideally a refuge. It is the place to retreat to when life begins to boggle the mind. Thus, this part of the house is supposed to beckon everyone to comfort.

But, unfortunately, not every bedroom is a calming oasis from the hectic life. Many bedrooms in many homes are not as relaxing or welcoming as they should be. Many bedrooms are not as shielded from various hassles simply because its occupants do not bother to pay much attention.

Color. Many people miss out on the fact that the color of the bedroom can affect how they feel in it. They think that it doesn’t matter, because they aren’t really looking at the walls and ceiling while inside; and all the more room color won’t matter when they close their eyes to sleep. But room color does affect one’s senses, albeit maybe not to one’s conscious awareness.

Some colors are just too bright for comfort. The room color needs to reflect the personalities of the people who occupy the space. White is known for its calming effect. But a blue, green or grey color can also bring forth a similar feeling, as well. Or maybe a combination of soothing colors may be tried to attain a desired relaxing feel.

Lights. And room color is not limited to the wall painting alone. The effect of the lighting on the overall color environment is an important consideration, too. The room lights should complement the color environment. Really strong lighting is rather uncomfortable, in whichever part of the house. Installing soft lights or a dimmer to adjust the bedroom light to the right intensity at different times is a good thing. Light, of the right intensity and color, can really create some ambiance.

Temperature. This is talking about something other than air-conditioning. The very materials inside the bedroom can affect the perceived temperature by the room occupants. Microfiber bedding can add heat, while natural fibers tend to be more breathable. These are options to consider depending on the obtaining weather.

Clutter. Next to the bathroom, the bedroom is the most personal space in the house. As such, its occupants tend to be a little less mindful. It is easy to clutter with photos, jewelry, clothes etc. To prevent clutter from building up to problematic proportions is for one to try to make his bed every morning and tidy up the room every day. In this way, things will get tucked away and things that don’t belong in the bedroom will be put out in time.

Plants. A small room can feel a little short of air, and all the more so if there is no window. Putting in some plants or flowers will give the room some freshness, visually and actually. Flowers can add some color to the room, and plants can purify the air – and much better if it’s a flowering plant brought inside, so both benefits are enjoyed in one go.

Whether you struggle with the duvet cover or just can't get that fitted sheet to stay put, getting your bedding right can take more time than it's worth.

Mattress and Bedding. It may be a mattress that is no longer working right – creaky and wobbly to one’s discomfort.  Or the bed sheet doesn’t fit right and the blankets and pillows too big or too small. Little time and effort is worth expending to fix these, or these would be like a pebble that gets in one’s shoe… insignificant but very irritating.

The Trouble of the World. People unwittingly undermine the serenity of their bedrooms, in many different ways. Watching TV in the bedroom is one such ways. The violent late-night news on TV, for example, is definitely not the best ‘last thought’ to lull one to a good night sleep. Reading a good book is certainly a much better option.

Noise Leak. Barking dogs, loud people and the bustle of vehicles outside can get in the way of the peace and calm in the bedroom, making the space less of the sanctuary that it is supposed to be. The simplest way to remedy such intrusions, aside from soundproofing the room, is a CD of nature sounds – like that of ocean waves, rainforest, soft humming wind or rainfall. It can be played at just enough loudness to override the noise outside, and one is sure to be able to relax or dose off to sleep halfway through the CD or even sooner.

The bedroom is a private getaway for its occupants – for relaxing, for sleeping and dreaming. Thus, it has to have that comfortable, soothing atmosphere. Any effort to make the bedroom what it should be is good investment. (FREEMAN)