Optimizing the spaces in your home for life at home - Part 2 (Bedroom)
5 spaces in your home and how to optimize them for life at home
This space is for sleeping and ‘sleeping’. Period. Although that sounds obvious, it needs to be explicitly stated.
I like the idea of having books on my night stand but I am usually too tired when I get into bed that I pass out almost immediately and wake up wondering if a toddler had gotten a hold of my book and crumpled all the pages while I was asleep. For those that need bedtime stories to pass out, do it! I have a notebook that I actually write on when ideas hit me as I wake up. Reading is therefore the only other activity I can think of that one should allow in bed.
It therefore goes without saying that the bed is the most important item to put in this space. Choose the most comfortable bed you can afford. Only downgrade to futons, air mattresses, etc. if space is a concern.
Some rules in this space to help you fall asleep quickly and improve overall sleep quality:
No TV/laptop while in bed.
If you are having a hard time falling asleep (say more than 15 mins) step out of bed and head to either the Entertainment space or the workspace to clear your mind. Re-enter the bedroom when you feel ready to go to bed. Your bed should be for sleeping not for trying to fall asleep.
No food whatsoever in the bedroom. Only water should be allowed on your bedside table. The only exception for this rule is if you are serving breakfast in bed for your special lady - this should be done sparingly. So much so that she is genuinely surprised and thrilled that you bent the rules for her on that special day.
Make your bed before bedtime - ideally when you get up in the morning. You want to walk into a bed that looks desirable to pass out in. A National Sleep Foundation poll found that bed-makers were 19% more likely to report getting a good night’s sleep on most days.
Maintain clean sheets and fresh air at all times
Bedroom starter pack:
Bed. Obviously!
Bedside Table or Nightstand: This is a must in any bedroom. There should be a place within arm’s reach where you can put your smartphone, glasses, glass of water, or dozens of other things that you may need.
Sockets and Electronic Plug-Ins.
Light Source - I recommend table lamps but if you’re into the luxurious chandelier look, go for it! The most important thing for me is that it can be easily controlled as you walk into the room and from your bed. Light dimmers are wicked in a bedroom - you can switch your room from task brightness to a romantic or sleepy ambiance. I use the Philips Hue light for dimming and changing the colours of my lights. I would dive deeper into this in a future post.
Wall Décor: Put up some photo frames or paintings to add mood to your space.
Optional especially depending on room size:
Rug: I hear that it is a nice feeling to start one's day with feet on a soft/warm bedside rug or foot mat. Especially in rooms that have cold concrete or tiled floors. I have never tried this one.
Mirror