And So, To Bed… Everything You Need to Know About Cozying up Your Bedtime Retreat
joy of nesting
above via INTERIORSBYSTUDIOM.com
Some
people love winter. I’m clearly not one of them, but I admire those who do because they’re
hearty individuals, able to bloom where they are planted. We less spirited souls need
a number of creature comforts to get us through those bleaker days.
above LARRY HOOKE
Here
in Northern California we live in a climate with distinct seasonal changes so I
try to make my bedroom versatile and supportive for every season. I have a
remote controlled, extra quiet fan and light weight comforter for warm weather,
and for cold weather I have a heavy weight comforter and a much prized electric
bed warmer.
in Northern California we live in a climate with distinct seasonal changes so I
try to make my bedroom versatile and supportive for every season. I have a
remote controlled, extra quiet fan and light weight comforter for warm weather,
and for cold weather I have a heavy weight comforter and a much prized electric
bed warmer.
above SHEILA BRIDGES
Bedding
Most
beds benefit from the following components:
beds benefit from the following components:
one
light weight comforter for warm weather
light weight comforter for warm weather
one heavier weight for winter
one
decorative duvet cover (it’s like a giant pillow case that protects your
comforter)
decorative duvet cover (it’s like a giant pillow case that protects your
comforter)
two foam pillows for bolstering
two decorative pillow shams
two
down or synthetic-down sleeping pillows
down or synthetic-down sleeping pillows
two decorative rectangular throw
pillows (also called kidney pillows because they support your kidneys when you
sit against them)
pillows (also called kidney pillows because they support your kidneys when you
sit against them)
one throw blanket for over the foot of the bed
and one bed
skirt
skirt
above via DECORPAD.com
If you don’t have a head board, consider getting an upholstered one.
They are comfortable additions if you enjoy reading in bed. Most
designers can have these made-to-order for you. They are available in a wide
range of prices and styles and are comparatively priced to wicker headboards.
They are comfortable additions if you enjoy reading in bed. Most
designers can have these made-to-order for you. They are available in a wide
range of prices and styles and are comparatively priced to wicker headboards.
above via ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST
Windows
Window coverings come in many options. In the bedroom, your main concern will
be light and privacy control. These issues should be addressed before
aesthetics.
be light and privacy control. These issues should be addressed before
aesthetics.
In
the master bedroom, minimally plan on a room darkening treatment
such as lined draperies, Roman shades, or lined woven shades. To ensure darkness with any type of shade, have them measured and installed to be big enough for
exterior mounting. If you mount them inside the window frame, the gaps will
allow light to seep through. Add an additional
inch or two in width for better light control.
the master bedroom, minimally plan on a room darkening treatment
such as lined draperies, Roman shades, or lined woven shades. To ensure darkness with any type of shade, have them measured and installed to be big enough for
exterior mounting. If you mount them inside the window frame, the gaps will
allow light to seep through. Add an additional
inch or two in width for better light control.
above via VOGUE
Unless
you live in a mansion or an ornate Victorian, keep window coverings in the
master bedroom tailored and tasteful.
you live in a mansion or an ornate Victorian, keep window coverings in the
master bedroom tailored and tasteful.
above OHARA DAVIES GAETANO
Lighting
Table
lamps on the night stands are standard fare. Putting them on dimmer switches adds
a nice, atmospheric touch. Dimmer switches for lamps are available at many lighting
stores. I happened to have found mine at IKEA though I don’t usually shop
there. And I might add, they didn’t last long. Try your local lighting stores
first. If they don’t carry them, ask if they can order them for you. The lamp dimmer concept is great because you
simply plug the dimmer cord into the wall and plug the lamp into the dimmer
cord. In this way, you can control the level of light as well as access the
dimmer cord’s on/off switch without even sitting up in bed.
above via DECORDESIGNREVIEW.tumblr
Bed
Sheets
I
love white. White paper towels, white napkins, white t.p., white towels, and
white sheets. White is clean looking and versatile. And I love the faint smell
of Clorox on my linens. When my sheets are freshly changed and smell good, all
seems well with the world. A cozy bed is really an investment in yourself
because you and your mate are the only ones who will enjoy these small
luxuries. It’s a nice way to express “self-care”: to make you both feel pampered and appreciated.
love white. White paper towels, white napkins, white t.p., white towels, and
white sheets. White is clean looking and versatile. And I love the faint smell
of Clorox on my linens. When my sheets are freshly changed and smell good, all
seems well with the world. A cozy bed is really an investment in yourself
because you and your mate are the only ones who will enjoy these small
luxuries. It’s a nice way to express “self-care”: to make you both feel pampered and appreciated.
The
softest, most comfortable sheets are Egyptian cotton or Pima cotton. A 400
thread count is sufficient for a quality, comfortable bed sheet. Anything
higher is overkill. Remember there is more to sheets than just thread count. If
the cotton is poor quality, they will wrinkle. And who has time to iron their
sheets or hang them outside to damp dry?
softest, most comfortable sheets are Egyptian cotton or Pima cotton. A 400
thread count is sufficient for a quality, comfortable bed sheet. Anything
higher is overkill. Remember there is more to sheets than just thread count. If
the cotton is poor quality, they will wrinkle. And who has time to iron their
sheets or hang them outside to damp dry?
Mattresses
a mattress is a matter of personal requirements but my favorite, most luxuriant
night sleep is on the Simmons Heavenly Bed System pillow top mattress and box spring,
the one Westin Hotels use. The mattress thickness is about 12 or 13 inches and
the box spring, about 8 to 9 inches. They are available for special order. I also
love a high quality down pillow but the next time I purchase a pillow, I’m
going to explore animal friendly, hypoallergenic alternatives.
To
understand your own mattress needs, please visit this helpful post at WebMD.com.
understand your own mattress needs, please visit this helpful post at WebMD.com.
Rating firmness to
softness, on a scale of 1 to 10, a 5 or 6 is good for most people. Pay
attention to coil count too. A coil count of 390 is sufficient for optimal back
support and comfort. WebMD.com also states that if you’re waking up with low
back pain that disappears within 15 minutes, this could indicate the need for a
new mattress set.
softness, on a scale of 1 to 10, a 5 or 6 is good for most people. Pay
attention to coil count too. A coil count of 390 is sufficient for optimal back
support and comfort. WebMD.com also states that if you’re waking up with low
back pain that disappears within 15 minutes, this could indicate the need for a
new mattress set.
above via DOMAINEHOME.com
The Bedroom with Color
When
decorating your own bedroom, keep in mind the room is for relaxation. Bright reds,
oranges, and other vibrant colors are not conducive to this and for some reason
consumers love a red bedroom. Instead, try using softer touches of red as seen in the guest room below.
decorating your own bedroom, keep in mind the room is for relaxation. Bright reds,
oranges, and other vibrant colors are not conducive to this and for some reason
consumers love a red bedroom. Instead, try using softer touches of red as seen in the guest room below.
Keep
the amount of colors in your bedroom to a minimum. Stick with restful colors
like greens, blues, and violet. Muted versions of warm colors like peach, pink,
and yellow also work nicely if chosen well. When doing rooms with neutral color
schemes, try to think outside the box.
the amount of colors in your bedroom to a minimum. Stick with restful colors
like greens, blues, and violet. Muted versions of warm colors like peach, pink,
and yellow also work nicely if chosen well. When doing rooms with neutral color
schemes, try to think outside the box.
above via DOMAINEHOME.com
Neutral design schemes in formal
settings have been overdone. Instead, add interest to your neutral scheme with
rustic antiques and textures, as seen in Swedish and Belgian design schemes.
White and black accents look nice with neutrals too, if not overdone. Because
the bedroom isn’t a work place, you can get away with darker paint colors. In my own room however, I went light with
Pratt and Lambert’s Accolade paint called “Half and Half”. It’s a warm white
which normally wouldn’t be exciting but you wouldn’t believe how pretty it is.
settings have been overdone. Instead, add interest to your neutral scheme with
rustic antiques and textures, as seen in Swedish and Belgian design schemes.
White and black accents look nice with neutrals too, if not overdone. Because
the bedroom isn’t a work place, you can get away with darker paint colors. In my own room however, I went light with
Pratt and Lambert’s Accolade paint called “Half and Half”. It’s a warm white
which normally wouldn’t be exciting but you wouldn’t believe how pretty it is.
above via INVITINGHOME.tumblr
In
the bedroom, less is more. Incorporate tactile elements like soft throws and
pillows, pre-warmed sheets in the winter, and light dimming options for
bedtime. The quality of furnishings in the master bedroom should be notably
better than in the children’s and guest rooms. Choose quality fabrics, original
artwork (or good reproductions), and unique furniture and accessories. Keep
surfaces clean and dust free. Enjoy your retreat and remember why it’s there: to replenish your tired spirit.
the bedroom, less is more. Incorporate tactile elements like soft throws and
pillows, pre-warmed sheets in the winter, and light dimming options for
bedtime. The quality of furnishings in the master bedroom should be notably
better than in the children’s and guest rooms. Choose quality fabrics, original
artwork (or good reproductions), and unique furniture and accessories. Keep
surfaces clean and dust free. Enjoy your retreat and remember why it’s there: to replenish your tired spirit.
And so, to bed.
above via MARKSANDFRANTZ.com
above THEFOODOGATEMYHOMEWORK.tumblr
above via THEFULLERREVIEW.tumblr
August 7, 2014
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