by Pat Gray

Created on: December 12, 2008   Last Updated: December 15, 2008

Whether you live in a tiny flat or a rambling mansion, your home should have a sanctuary - and the bedroom, for many of us, is (or should be) that room.

It's A Bedroom First
First and foremost, your bedroom should be about the bed and sleeping. Libraries and sporting equipment, folding laundry and paying bills, all belong in other rooms. The idea of storing clothes in the bedroom or having a dressing table may upset the purists, but we don't all have the luxury of a separate dressing room - just make the bed the focal point.

The Bed
The most important aspect of the bedroom-sanctuary is comfort. If your mattress isn't comfortable, get a new one - it's an investment not only a good-night's sleep but in your general health and well-being too. Everyone's idea of the perfect mattress is different, but plan on spending a day or two - or more - looking for the right mattress for you.

The Bedding
The next big comfort item is bedding. Again, it's a person choice, but the better the quality (and often the higher the price) the greater the comfort level. For real luxury, choose natural fabrics - cotton, silk, wool, eider down - and avoid man-made materials. Purists say you should avoid electric blankets too, but that may be easier said than done in cold climes.

Privacy
Keeping unwanted company out of your bedroom, and off your bed is important, especially when you are trying to relax, sleep or whatever. This means kids, pets and roommates should not invade the sanctuary. Curtains to keep out prying eyes are important too, unless you have the luxury of living on a mountain top.

Color
Even though your eyes will be closed most of the time, color is still important in the bedroom. Color is a very personal choice, but the color you choose should be relaxing. Avoid hot pinks, bright yellows, electric blues and lime greens. Pastels and neutrals work well - warm tones are great in cold climates and use cooler colors in hot climates.

Lighting
Your sanctuary should also have the right lighting. Avoid glare - overly bright lights, the sun at five in the morning or the corner street lamp at midnight. Natural light should be filtered and bulbs should give a soft light. Candles are great too, especially for a romantic evening.

Accessories
It's important to keep your bedroom free of clutter, but that doesn't mean the room should be completely bare. Choose a few pictures that set a relaxing mood, a few candles, a soft fern or two, a romantic or relaxing book. If you have the space, a chair for lounging is a great idea too.

Sleep-wear
Choosing the right sleep- or lounge-wear can help complete the transformation of your bedroom to your sanctuary. Your sleep-wear should be soft and natural - warm in the winter and cool in the summer. And it should make you feel relaxed, attractive and comfortable.

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