How To Create A Cozy Bed: Your Ultimate Guide to Blissful Slumber
Getting enough shut-eye seems to come naturally to some people. It’s like they fall into blissful slumber the moment their heads hit their pillows. Hellllloooo, John *wink*
For others, drifting off to sleep can be a nightly struggle. And while there are various reasons some people might sleep more soundly than others, there’s at least one thing everyone can do to improve their Z’s — create a cozy space that invites better sleep, friend!
If you want to get the recommended seven or eight hours of sleep nightly, it could be as simple as turning your sleeping environment into a sanctuary.
At Elegant Simplicity Interiors, we’ve had our share of experience in curating luxurious bedroom spaces, and we’re ready to spill our secrets *wink*!
Grab your jammies and a cup of chamomile tea, and snuggle up for some tips and tricks to crafting a blissful bedroom retreat — so you can get the R&R you deserve.
Why Sleep Matters
If you’ve spent any amount of time looking for sleep tips, you’ve probably clued in to how important it is to get adequate rest. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that sleep contributes to numerous brain functions and affects nearly every bodily system and tissue — from the brain, heart + lungs to immune function, mood + ability to stave off disease.
Think of sleep as the magic housekeeper who comes in and cleans up your brain + body while you sleep, sweeping away toxins that accumulate in your waking hours. When you’re chronically sleep-deprived, that “housekeeper” doesn’t get a chance to tidy up, boosting the risk of disorders, diseases, and mental health issues.
Sounds like a pretty darn good reason to get more sleep, dontcha think *wink*?
Now let’s take a look at some simple ways to make your sleeping quarters more tranquil and inviting!
Choosing the Right Bedroom Furniture
Let’s start with arguably the most important part of your bedtime setup: the furniture!
Choosing a Bed Frame and Mattress
You could easily drop thousands of dollars on a bed frame — and you could just as easily spend a couple hundred bucks. There are so many options for bed frames out there, so your choice largely comes down to your budget, preferences + the overall style of your bedroom.
Here are a few factors to keep in mind if you’re in the market for a new frame:
Frame construction: Decide if you’re willing to put the bed together yourself or if you’d rather pay a premium for white-glove delivery and service. Just make sure your frame is high-quality — read reviews, sit on a few beds in a furniture store, and opt for something that’ll last.
Bed frame material: Options like solid wood or metal may be sturdier and longer-lasting than wood composites or plastic.
Mattress support: Look for a frame that offers adequate support for your mattress, including the center.
Headboard: A coordinating headboard can be a nice complement to your room’s decor, but you can also forgo it in favor of more wall space and additional savings.
Style and size are also key considerations. From platforms and canopies to sleigh beds and four-posters, there are many different styles of frames to choose from.
A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 2 feet free around the bed so you can easily move around it. Keeping this guideline in mind can help you narrow down what size frame and type of mattress you want, whether a twin-size or a California king. If you’re short on space, a platform bed with under-bed storage for shoes and bulky clothing can be a great option, making the room feel bigger.
Adding Nightstands and Dressers
It’s time to add your other furniture! The right nightstands and dressers will help pull your space together and create much-needed storage. Keep the following factors in mind.
Size and scale: Choose pieces that make sense in your space without overwhelming it. Whereas a long dresser might be the perfect way to dress up a blank wall, a tiny nightstand next to a giant bed will make things feel out of proportion.
Matchy-matchiness: No, sis, you don’t have to match all your furniture to your bedframe. Adding timeless pieces from various shops and even mixing and matching styles can make your room feel more personalized (and less like a model home tour *wink*).
Storage: Choose pieces that maximize storage, especially in smaller bedrooms. Try a nightstand with drawers, for example, or under-dresser storage boxes.
Accessories: Style your room with meaningful accessories + art that complement your overall design. Again, just say no to matching! Feel free to mix up wood tones, colors, and textures to create visual appeal.
Construction: You can get away with lower-quality nightstands if their only purpose is to hold your glass of water + a book. However, if you want your furniture to do any heavy lifting — a TV atop your dresser, for instance — go for higher quality.
Creating a Warm Haven With Your Bed
A cozy bed layered to perfection is the stuff that dreams are made of, quite literally *wink*! Let’s create a snuggle-worthy cocoon you’re excited to dive into every night.
Breaking Down the Essentials
Yes, you might have beef with your fitted sheet (does anyone really know how to fold one?). But a smooth, soft, snug-fitting bottom sheet is truly the foundation of a clean, comfortable bed.
From there, add a flat sheet for just the right amount of insulation — light layers on warm nights or added warmth in the colder months. Top it off with a comforter or a duvet in your preferred weight and fill for the season.
Layering Up
Now for the fun part: all the layers on top! A family quilt and chunky-knit throw here … a set of patterned shams and a velvet pillow there … and voila! Your bed will have the extra oomph it needs to transform your space into a personal sanctuary.
Speaking of pillows, can you ever have too many?! We think not, especially when it comes to creating your bedroom retreat. The more the merrier, and don’t be afraid to have fun with textures, patterns, sizes, and colors.
Of course, make sure your sleep pillows support your particular sleeping position. For example, side sleepers might prefer a thicker pillow under the head and a pillow between the knees; back sleepers might do better with a thin pillow and a neck roll under the head.
Adding Warmth Underfoot
Don’t forget about under the bed, too! As we say here at Elegant Simplicity Interiors, your floor is the fifth wall of a room. A well-placed rug under the bed will help tie together your space and give you that cushy ahhhh feeling when you step out of bed *wink*.
Getting Personal
You’ve come this far, bestie. Don’t quit while you’re ahead. Adding personalized touches will make your bedroom a reflection of your personality, tastes, and style. So, don’t skip this important step.
Incorporating Decorative Accents
Vintage quilts, fairy lights on the headboard …
A hanging plant for a bit of nature indoors …
A set of floating shelves …
A carefully styled decorative tray on a bench at the foot of the bed.
These are the little touches that make your bedroom feel unique and special, friend. Like collecting fine art or jewelry, take your time curating these pieces for your bedroom refuge.
Adding Bedside Essentials
Your bedside table includes items you see just before going to sleep or opening your eyes in the morning. Give yourself something pleasing to look at by styling this space for comfort and joy, incorporating items like:
A framed family photo
A small vase with flowers
A bedside lamp and a book
Candles in seasonal scents
An essential oil diffuser with automatic shutoff
A couple's journal for deepening your bond with your partner
A gratitude journal for recording everything you’re thankful for
Not to be all #blessed, y’all — but hello to your soothing, serene space!
Creating the Space for Good Sleep
Designing a calming and sleep-inducing environment will help you drift off to sleep faster and preserve your bedroom as a sacred space. A few tools to add to your sleepytime toolbox might include:
Blackout curtains or blinds
A noise machine that plays white noise, nature sounds, or music (depending on your noise preferences)
Linen spray, essential oils, and lotions infused with calming scents like lavender, and chamomile
Strict rules about ditching screen time at least an hour before bed
Get Better Z’s Starting Today
It might sound like a lot of work to craft your bedroom environment, but the benefits are so worth the extra effort. Once you create your perfect oasis and build a bedtime routine, you’ll never look back — and you’ll start getting the rest you need.
The coolest part? By giving yourself the gift of sleep, you’ll be able to show up more enthusiastically in other areas of your life, from family relationships and home organization to work, school, and friendships.
You’ll have more clarity about what’s important and what’s not.
You’ll have a customized sleep space that feels intentional — one that tells a story about who you are and what you value.
Instead of sleeping amid chaos, you’ll have a space of calm that promotes your well-being, gives you the energy to embrace your days, and gives you permission to rest at night.
This sleep space you’re creating? It’s not just a place to lay your head. It’s a place to dream, hope, and build a strong foundation for your family. It’s a place to clear the emotional clutter and start and end each day feeling at ease.
And you thought we were just picking out duvets *wink*.
Well, that’s a wrap for today, friend. Thanks for prioritizing your sleep!
Got any amazing sleep tips or design hacks of your own? Share your cozy bedroom setups with us on social media! Just head over to any of the links from the icons on the right side of this page. We can’t wait to see how you’ve transformed your space!
And remember, if you’re dreaming of a bedroom makeover but aren’t sure where to start, let’s chat.
P.S. If you loved this article, be sure to check out 4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home.