Bedroom makeovers can be both exciting and overwhelming, but they are a worthy project! When planning on updating your bedroom, there are two major things to consider: (1) Style and (2) Low-tox options that promote a healthy sleep environment.
This blog post will dive into bedroom makeover ideas for a tranquil space you can enjoy long-term.
We will include both easy swaps and larger investments to cover all the bases.
Choose a Bedroom Style
The first step when updating your bedroom is to have a vision and understand the overall aesthetic you want.
If you want a cottagecore theme, bring in floral designs, antique decor, and gorgeous hardwood furniture.
If you want modern minimalism, focus on crisp linens, low-profile furniture, and decluttering.
Here are a few other bedroom decor styles to choose from…
- Mid-century modern
- Farmhouse
- Contemporary
- Nautical
- Scandinavian
Choosing Bedroom Furniture
When specifically focusing on bedroom furniture, you will need to first choose your overall style, including a color palette so your furniture will match that aesthetic.
Platform Bed
Opting for natural wood will give the bedroom a clean, minimalist feel while also promoting sustainability. Be sure that the furniture is not treated with stains containing VOCs to avoid toxic off-gassing. Even if the wood is sustainably-sourced, if the finishes contain harsh chemicals, it is no longer a low-tox option.
We recommend the Afton or the Esmont platform beds because they are both made with sustainably-sourced maple and poplar wood, and also only use zero-VOC finishes.
Both platform beds are incredibly easy to assemble. The Afton requires no tools for assembly, while the Esmont only requires minimal tools. The major difference between the two is that the Esmont comes with a customizable headboard. You can choose between a solid or slatted look.
Bench
We love the look of a bench at the foot of a platform bed. Not only does it give you a place to sit and put your socks on, but it also is a beautiful decorative piece that adds more character to the space. Some benches even come with a shelf underneath for extra storage.
This natural wooden bench is made of sustainably-sourced maple wood and is available in multiple zero-VOC stains.
Bedside Tables
It’s very helpful to have a bedside table for your jewelry, tissues, alarm clock, etc. We recommend finding one that matches well with your platform bed for cohesiveness. This floating bedside table is excellent to pair with our favorite platform beds.
Easy Low-Tox Bedroom Swaps
Beyond the bedroom furniture you choose, there are smaller swaps you can make that will improve your overall sleep health and make your bedroom a more relaxing environment, even if you are approaching a bedroom makeover on a budget. Here are our essentials!
Organic Cotton Sheets
While conventional cotton can be treated with pesticides, certified organic cotton is free from harsh chemicals and follows sustainable harvesting practices.
Synthetic sheets, such as polyester, typically lack the same level of breathability as natural fibers, which can lead to you sleeping hot. Even if sheets are labeled as moisture-wicking, it does not mean that they are inherently breathable.
On top of that, the manufacturing processes for polyester sheets are questionable, with polyester being made from petroleum-based chemicals. Whereas, fabrics like organic cotton, linen, and hemp are plant-based.
Alarm Clock
Use an old school alarm clock instead of your cell phone.
If your cell phone is next to your bed, you are more tempted to scroll through it aimlessly right up until it’s time to go to sleep. This increases your blue light exposure, which can actually make it more difficult to fall asleep since blue light suppresses melatonin and impacts your circadian rhythm.
Red Light Bulbs
Swap out your bright light bulbs for soothing red bulbs to support your circadian rhythm. You can even get color-changing LED lightbulbs with a remote controller. This is an easy and cost-effective swap that can really change the feel of your bedroom.
Natural Latex Pillows
If you love the feel of memory foam but want something more natural, we have the pillows for you. Sap is harvested from rubber trees and baked into supportive layers of latex that are used in mattresses, toppers, and even pillows. We especially love this GOTS-certified organic natural Talalay latex pillow since it truly mimics the bouncy feel of memory foam without any synthetic materials.
Wool Duvet Insert
A wool duvet insert is more of an investment compared to cotton sheets and red light bulbs, but it’s definitely a worthy one. Wool is a temperature-regulating fiber that is excellent for those who sleep hot. A wool duvet insert can be used all year since it will keep you cool in the summer but warm in the winter (without feeling overheated).
We hope this list is helpful as you navigate updating your bedroom. Enjoy the process and sleep well!