Decorating Tips for a Healthy, Peaceful Bedroom

You spend a third of your life in your bedroom, so it makes sense to have that area of your home healthy and peaceful. Here are some decorating tips to help you create a bedroom you can really rest in.

1. Detox

There are growing concerns about the toxicity of some common bedroom items, such as the foams and plastics found in conventional mattresses. So it’s probably a good idea to undergo a detoxification of your sleeping area if you want healthy sleep.

* Bedding – First, your bedding. If possible, use a natural rubber mattress without the synthetic materials found in conventional mattresses. Cover your bed with natural cotton or wool sheets that are free from synthetic dyes and bleaches. Your pillows may need to be replaced if you have had them for more than a few years. Again, see if you can find pillows and pillow cases made from natural materials. There are even pillows filled with buckwheat shells that are said to be good for those with allergies and/or neck problems.

* Clean air – Next, you’ll want to take a look at your bedroom’s air quality. It’s probably already improved if you’ve changed out your bedding, but installing an air purifier can be a step toward an even more healthful bedroom. If you like open windows, see if you can purchase a window air purifier. These work by drawing in outside air through a filter.

* Floors – If your bedroom has carpet (particularly old carpet) it’s a good idea to rip it up. Many homeowners discover they have lovely hardwood underneath carpets; others are not so lucky. But there are inexpensive, non-toxic options out there for flooring these days, such as floor tiles. Use area rugs that can be put in the washing machine.

2. Decorate

As you decorate your bedroom to make it healthier and more peaceful, you might be uncertain how to proceed. Here are some ideas and suggestions.

* Feng shui – The art of feng shui is becoming more popular, particularly for bedroom decorating and organization. Feng shui is said to promote health and peace, so some of its tenets may be worth a try. Feng shui emphasizes soft bedroom colors, like pink, light blue, and light green.

The bed itself should be placed in the room so that “energy” can flow freely beneath it (not against a wall, for instance). Water is an important feature of feng shui, and the sound of running water can be very peaceful and relaxing. So a wall or tabletop fountain may be something you’d like to consider.

* Paint – If you are painting your bedroom walls, look for paint that is free of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. This is one time “organic” is not necessarily good! VOCs are generally considered harmful to your health, and they are found in most interior and exterior wall paints. But a little searching should turn up non-VOC paint – in fact, conventional “box” stores sometimes carry paint that is free of VOCs.

* Window treatments – Simple window treatments are considered the best for your health. Choose natural fabrics and keep the design very simple. Big swathes of multi-layered materials just make for difficulty cleaning and may promote a heavy, cluttered feeling.