Bedrooms ask for versatile lighting. They call for moderately bright light when you’re getting dressed, correct lighting for reading in bed, and mood lighting to set the stage for quiet, intimate evenings. A dimmer switch on the overhead light is a great start!
The art of Feng Shui invites us to choose matching lamps on each side of a relationship bed. The color should match the bedroom decor but needs to be muted rather than vivid. Lamps may be simplistic or detailed but the thing to avoid is a lamp designed with sharp right angles. Feng Shui instructs that lamps must not aim an “arrow” at a sleeper’s body. Yin energy is better in the bedroom therefore fabric or paper lamps and shades are preferable to metal or plastic.
Designers have created unique lamps in every style from period authentic to contemporary. Choose bedside reading lamps, bureau lamps, boudoir lamps, or floor lamps to suit your fancy, but apply a little Feng Shui and enjoy what happens to the energy in your bedroom. Lights out now!
A night stand certainly adds to the overall enjoyment and comfort of a bedroom; it doesn’t really define your bedroom but it certainly can compliment the energy you wish to emanate from this most important room.
In the way of function, we can all appreciate the convenience of having a little table right next to the bed for a reading lamp, favorite bedtime books, reading glasses, alarm clock, tissues, lotion, and maybe even a phone?
Night stands can lend warmth to the environment by giving you a place for framed photos of loved ones near and far, tealights for romantic evenings, or a pretty plant to enhance the oxygen you breathe while sleeping. A serving tray with a pitcher of fresh water and glasses will get your morning off to a healthy start.
It seems the bedroom is the room that is most notoriously saved till last when we’re decorating. And night stands are often low on the list of priorities after a good bed, dresser, and blinds. However, when you get to the night stand stage of finishing your room it can be quite fun! You can find beautiful matching night stands commercially, but don’t say “No” to something unique that makes a quiet statement of its own. A little conversation piece in the bedroom doesn’t hurt!
Anything with a flat surface and a drawer or shelf will do: grandma’s antique sewing machine, dad’s old school desk, a small set of bookshelves from your childhood, wicker furniture with baskets for sexy lingerie, perfumes, and fresh pillow cases. A small round table covered with a floral table cloth can lend a feminine touch to the room. How ’bout a skimboard on a tresle in a boy’s room?
Reminders:
- no candles by the bed unless they’re tea lights in a sunken candle holder
- no ashtrays by the bed
- keep electric/electronic sources away from your head during sleep time
Tip: certain plants “breathe” more at night and thus are condusive to living in the bedroom: spider plant and mother-in-law tongue (although who wants these in the bedroom!); maybe a nice fern would be best!
Shopping for a mattress can be a nightmare! How do you tell one box of foam, fuzz, or feathers from another? Lying there in your winter coat in the middle of the bed department just isn’t quite the same as turning in for a good nights’ sleep!
We are coming to know the importance of looking for sustainable products to serve our needs. Most of us have to balance a price tag into the equation. How do we ever reach a decision when we’re bouncin’ all these ideas on the bed: comfort, cost, and caring for the earth!
When choosing a Futon mattress there are three basic steps to make on your way to slumberland.
First off, choose a frame!
sofa bed
platform
bunk
loveseat
full size
Make your decision based on room size, family needs, and style preference.
Next, choose your nest!
recycled organic cotton
wool
memory foam
Do seriously consider recycled, organic cotton. Purchasing such a product supports organic farming which is a powerful tool in the fight against global climate change. Organic growing focuses on soil health, promotes bio-diversity, and why would we not want to protect our air, soil, water, and wildlife from toxic chemicals?
Wool has been known through the ages for its remarkable strength and softness. As a natural fibre it’s health enhancing. It provides even warmth, disperses moisture from the skin, and muffles sound. Hmmm…even snoring?
Emissions-free memory foam is the new age futon mattress material which provides a truly individualized sleep experience, relieving pressure points.
And finally (the fun part), choose the cover and pillows!
A restorative sleep can make a huge difference in your level of health and contentedness, your creativity and productivity!
Support Mother Earth daily and she’ll support you well each night while you’re sleeping.
