Your bedroom is the place where you should feel comfortable and relaxed. It is a safe space to unwind after a long day. It is a place to forget and let go of your stress and anxiety. Many people find comfort in decorating their bedroom according to Zen principles.
Zen is a style of Japanese meditation, as well as a set of interior design principles characterized by balance and simplicity. If you are redesigning your bedroom to embrace more Zen, here are 9 simple tips that will make the ambiance more peaceful and relaxing.
1. Take a Minimalist Approach
The Zen style is characterized by simplicity and cleanliness. Too much clutter or decoration will overwhelm the ambiance and get in the way of creating a relaxed environment. Consider focusing on essentials like a comfortable bed and any staple furniture, such as an end table, dresser, or desk. Everything else should be eliminated or moved somewhere else.
2. Choose Simple Furniture and Décor
When choosing furniture and home décor, go for quality over quantity. Zen is characterized by clean lines and open space. Do not fill the room with objects that are too ornate or complex because they will not work well with the overall style. Stick to items that are simple and functional but also well-built and aesthetically pleasing.
3. Select Earthy Tones
Look for muted, earthy tones when choosing a color scheme. While not everything has to be brown or grey, bright colors and distracting hues do not fit within the Zen style. Look for items that are natural and functional, such as bamboo curtains or some nice Egyptian cotton sheets. You do not have to sacrifice comfort or style, but the color scheme should be understated and neutral.
4. Keep Electronics to a Minimum
To achieve a pure state of Zen in the bedroom, strive to keep electronics to a minimum. There may be essential items you need, such as a computer or a sleep apnea machine. But anything that is not essential should be kept in another room. Zen is all about achieving balance and harmony. Too many distracting devices can disturb that peace.
5. Eliminate Clutter
Getting rid of any unnecessary clutter is another important step in achieving a Zen ambiance. Either organize excess belongings and store them in another room or get rid of them altogether. Zen is not just about style and color scheme, it is also an Eastern Philosophy that stresses the importance of mediation and self-reflection. Too much clutter will distract your mind and not allow you to fully relax. Organizing or eliminating any unnecessary objects, clothing or waste will go a long way toward creating a more balanced environment.
6. Incorporate Plants
Plants are another great way to make a room feel more earthy and natural. They have a calming effect because they produce oxygen which creates a healthier, more breathable environment. If you are looking for plants that work well with the Zen style, then bonsai trees and live bamboo are perfect. Any greenery you can find space for in the bedroom will make a welcome addition. Just remember to water and maintain them, so they do not wither and die.
Another tip for maintaining a Zen aesthetic in the bedroom is to achieve a soft, natural light that is not too dim or intense. Zen is all about relaxation and calmness. Make sure that the lighting reflects the sense of serenity as best as possible. This includes both natural and artificial light. Investing in some nice curtains or a stylish standing lamp will help achieve a balanced ambiance.
8. Get a Comfortable Mattress
The Zen philosophy is all about feeling more relaxed and centered. This can be hard to do if you are not getting enough quality sleep. Good sleep hygiene is essential for both physical and mental health. Investing in a comfortable mattress that allows you to sleep through the night and wake up feeling rested is essential. If you do not get a good night’s sleep, all your other efforts will be fruitless.
9. Do What Feels Right
Another major tenant of the Zen philosophy is a reliance on instinct. Rely on your gut and choose a design and arrangement that feels the most comfortable and functional to you. While there are certain design principles to follow to achieve an authentic Zen style, a lot of them are up for interpretation. Whatever elevates relaxation and centeredness will fit well into a Zen bedroom.
The Zen way of life is both a philosophy and an approach to design. Pay attention to how form and function intersect and decorate the bedroom in a way that promotes maximum relaxation and inner peace.
Need extra support?
Maybe you have already created your bedroom oasis, but STILL cannot sleep? You may need to consider any physical, or even mental health issues causing sleep deprivation. Contact the Alaska Sleep Clinic for either a free sleep consultation or sleep study to determine the issues.
