Often the bedroom can end up being one of the most neglected places in the home. But it shouldn't be ignored completely! It doesn't take much, but there area few things you need that can greatly effect your health and quality of life. Wow, that sounds dramatic, it's just a bedroom — jeez!
Here's my list of 5 essentials for a bedroom. You might be starting out, starting over or just living with the basics, but no matter what you'll probably need most of these things below. Do you have something that didn't make the list? Let us know in the comments!
• A Bed: Now the word "bed" is a rather loose term when you're just starting out. Obviously you'd like to be able to acquire the best mattress you can afford and a great frame to deck out your "magic room" appropriately. But more often than not it's easy to end up on a futon, mattress on the floor or potentially an air mattress. The essential thing is that you have something that separates you from the floor — even if it's a simple mat. Being broke isn't the end of the world — but sucking in the dirt from the floor can leave you feeling hazy all day long.
• Alarm Clock: Making it to work or school on time is obviously a must. You can check out some of these great options or even just stick to using your cell phone to save a little cash — assuming you can remember to adjust the ringer and keep it charged!
• Clothes Storage: While many think a dresser and a closet are necessities, that's not always the case. A small studio apartment can leave you looking for other options and we've talked about many of them before. Don't invest a great deal of money in clothes storage that will end up staying in the space (closet systems), look for portable yet strong options that will stay sturdy and strong.
• Bedside Table: As much as this item isn't mandatory (especially if you're sleeping closer to the floor) — and a stacks of books will do in a pinch — it is nice to have somewhere consistent to put your cell phone, alarm clock, glasses or nighttime reading material. Check Craigslist or thrift stores for finds that can easily be converted into awesome works of art, or these other fabulous finds from the world of retail.
• Cleaning Routine: OK, so it's not tangible, but there's not many things that you have to have for a bedroom. But when push comes to shove, the one thing you do need are good habits. The bedroom is an easy place to shut the door and pretend it doesn't exist, shoving dirty clothes and other household clutter out of sight. Keeping it spotless and dirt free requires a little work and routine. Start now and live a happy life from here on out! Check out these tips that are oh-so-important to making this dream a reality!
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Ok it's maybe not "essential" but I think every bedroom needs a chair! A visually interesting, semi-comfortable, "I'm too tired to put this jacket away so I'll just throw it on this convinient chair" chair.
With a cute pillow. Of course. :)
A lamp on the nightstand is essential.
...and please, a good bedside light of some sort. I know your bedroom is supposed to be a sanctuary, kept for just sleeping, but my first place was a studio apartment with a small 1/2 walled-off section for my (hand me down) platform bed. With such limited space I did a lot of reading, working,lounging in that space.
Get the bed off the floor, at all costs. If you're so strapped that you're thinking about sleeping on a mat, chances are you're so strapped that you're sleeping in a place that is likely to have creepy-crawlies when the lights go out. Similarly, have a table next to your bed for that glass of water and that cookie you might be munching on before you nod off, because if it's on the floor you don't know who or what might be sharing it with you while you're asleep.
I totally agree with babyfishmouth--get that bed off the floor!
And if you live in a studio, turn your full-size bed into a daybed when entertaining. Don't settle for sleeping on a fold-out sofa or futon if you can help it, especially if that seating is only for the sake of potential guests. You pay the rent and your bedroom is your sanctuary--you deserve good rest every night.
Excellent bedding. Worth the investment.
When did it become hip to have curtains that drag on the floor?
I vote for blackout shades. Custom ones to fit the windows can be a little pricey but they are worth it.
@sweetcommunist- I first saw long, beautiful curtains like that in Domino, so it's been a good half decade at least.
Bedroom window treatments also should allow complete privacy. I've been surprised by the number of AT commenters' complaints about stalker neighbors and landlords.
I consider comfortable sheets to be essential. For me that means only 100% Egyptian cotton - the softness and quality of the cotton is more important than a ridiculously high thread count. A basketweave cotton blanket and an all-season comforter top it off. If you're strapped for cash don't worry about the latest trendy print or pattern, just get it all in white. And forget about the fancy headboard or whatever. Comfort first. And actually put some time into picking out your pillows.
My first big purchase when I graduated from college was a queen size bed with a pillow top mattress (and a great frame, and from a brand that's been around forever). I got it at a mattress store and it cost me over $1000 ten years ago. I was broke but I knew that a good bed was essential, even if I didn't have a new sofa or all of the other beautiful things I wanted. The owners of the store let me come in and take a nap on the floor models! After a week of napping in the store I picked one out, paid cash, and had it delivered. It came with a 30-year warranty and a lot of paperwork that I have filed away.
Later on I purchased (through a catalog) an allergen-proof mattress wrapper. It was expensive as well but well worth it because it actually feels like high-quality fabric and not the plastic you find in a lot of stores. It's breathable, and it does keep the dust mite dander out of my sinuses, eyes, and lungs.
If you're in a pinch and you're sleeping on a rock of a bed, go get a couple of egg crate mattress toppers and use those on your existing bed.
So that's the long-winded version of "A Bed" but I wanted to share it because it's the purchase that has had the greatest ROI.
And whatever you do, DO NOT even think about using one of those cheap alarm clocks that blares the ugliest, nastiest sound ever known to humanity to wake you up. Trust me you will wake up in a much better mood and less panicked if you just use a pleasant ring tone on your cell phone.
Where is good, plentiful lighting on this list? It's cheap and essential.
Curtains dragging the floor seems to be a European thing, they are in silk and usually have layers.I think its supposed to be a "rich looking" thing but to me it still looks tacky. The hem should be about an inch from the floor so they fall neatly.
And I'm with "spots" on the clock issue. Not being a morning person myself, the worst way in the world to be awaken is by a shocking noise! Screws up my whole day!!!!!
A great bed is SO key
I have a huge mattress and box spring and they've been on the floor for years. It's high enough that it seems like a bed and very comfortable. I put an attractive sheet on the box spring so it looks nice. I don't think you need need to get it off the floor. I would rather have blackout drapes, good lighting, AND a chair before I put in for a bed or a frame.
I live in a shared house and am just about to swop rooms - housemate is moving out and I'm taking advantage of moving into her room because it has tons more storage. And I think that's something really key - somewhere to put things so they're out of sight. It has been really bothering me this last year in this room to see piles of stuff, and not know where to put it. I've just invested in vac bags for clothes and spare bedding to go on the shelf in the fitted wardrobe (something else the new room has and the present room doesn't), and shoe boxes to save some space and organise things.
Two other things that I a year with only a bedroom as 'my' space - a throw on the bed so I can pull that over me for a nap rather than completely 'going to bed' and two kinds of lighting - clear lighting on the walls or ceiling, and a softer light for your bedside table that is calming but strong enough to read at night.
Haha, clearly a subject close to my heart judging by the essay!
Does anyone have ANY idea what color might be on the walls? LOVE IT SO!