We all know that a good night’s sleep is key to doing our best at work, at home, and everywhere in between. But getting that sound sleep is easier said than done. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 3 Americans get less sleep than they need for optimal health.
If you’re tossing and turning each night, your bedroom could be part of the problem.
Having the right sleep environment helps you unwind, fall asleep quickly, and wake feeling more refreshed. So, how do you create a haven for sound sleep? Hint: you don’t have to be an interior designer or an expert in bedroom furniture, bedroom decor, or home decor. Below, we’ll go over the top 5 bedroom essentials list you need to achieve restful, restorative sleep.
#1 The Right Mattress
The most essential part of your bedroom by far is your mattress. After all, we spend about one-third of our lives sleeping (or, at least, trying to) on our mattresses. We’d say that makes them a high priority, alongside the bed frame.
But how do you find the right mattress type and bedroom furniture for you? Consider factors like:
- Your sleeping position – Side sleepers can benefit from a softer mattress that conforms to the body’s curves while minimizing pressure points. Meanwhile, back and stomach sleepers will typically benefit from a firmer mattress that offers additional support.
- Your typical sleep temperature – Some folks simply run hotter at night than others. Because staying cool at night helps with better sleep, choose a cooling mattress with a gel top or mattress pad if you tend to sleep hot.
- Roominess – Choose a mattress that offers you plenty of space. Queen size is the most common in the US, but king size may be a better choice if you sleep with a partner (or tend to wake up in a pile of kids or pets).
- Support vs. comfort – Firm, supportive mattresses help you maintain good spinal alignment. Softer mattresses spread pressure more evenly, which often feels more comfortable. For many people, medium-firm mattresses may offer the best balance for health and comfort.
#2 The Perfect Pillow
Down stuffing used to be the go-to for a good, sturdy pillow, but it isn’t necessarily the top-of-the-line choice anymore. Now, you have myriad options for finding a pillow that checks all of your boxes.
High-quality options for bed pillows and throw pillows include:
- Latex filling – Latex is hypoallergenic and provides a firmer feel. It’s ideal for back sleepers who need extra neck support.
- Memory foam or memory fiber – These fillings provide lasting support that conforms to your head and neck without clumping and flattening over time. However, keep in mind that memory foam can hold heat, so choose one that’s vented to provide good airflow.
- Cooling pillows – If you’re prone to night sweats, try a cooling pillow. They’re made with moisture-wicking and heat-dissipating materials to disperse body heat and sweat quickly—that means no more flipping to the cool side of the pillow or your throw pillows.
- Contoured pillows – If you suffer from neck and back aches, a contoured pillow could be the right fit. Contoured pillows are crafted from a solid block of memory foam and are shaped to cradle the neck and hold the spine in proper alignment.
#3 Window Coverings
Any light that enters your bedroom while you’re trying to get that much-needed shuteye can greatly affect your sleep. Fortunately, window coverings provide an optimal and affordable home decor and bedroom decor solution.
Blackout curtains, in particular, are double-lined window coverings that block out even direct sunlight. They’re the best choice if you’re a second-shift worker or if you tend to sleep in a little later.
However, since our circadian rhythm (the natural sleep-wake cycle) depends on daylight, waking in a dark room can be difficult. If you have trouble waking up, consider a lighter window covering that allows filtered sunlight to wake you gradually.
#4 Quality Bedding
Nothing can interfere with a good night’s sleep faster than rough, itchy, or pilly bed sheets. When choosing bed sheets, consider:
- Material – Synthetic blends stand up to heavy use and are ideal for durability, but tend to be less comfortable than natural fibers. Natural fibers are gentler on the skin and also help dissipate excess body heat.
- Breathability – No one likes the feeling of waking up in damp, sweaty sheets. Cotton sheets are typically the best choice here, thanks to the fiber’s moisture-wicking and air-flow-maximizing properties.
- Finish and weave – When it comes to choosing ultra-luxe sheets, high thread count isn’t the full story—the way the fibers are woven and finished is just as important. To that end, most good-quality sheets will feature brushed cotton, percale, or sateen. What’s the difference?
- Brushed cotton offers a soft yet lightweight touch
- Percale is best if you prefer crisp, cool sheets
- Sateen has a heavy, satiny feel
#5 Sound-Absorbing Floor Coverings
Reducing noise is crucial for creating a peaceful sleep environment. If you have hardwood floors, a large bedroom, or high ceilings, adding a thick rug or two under your bed frame can help quiet creaking floors and dampen echoes.
Depending on the size of your room and bed, consider:
- Two small matching rugs on each side of the bed
- One large rug placed about halfway under the bed with room to walk on each side
Enjoy Sweeter Dreams With Mancini’s Sleepworld
With these bedroom essentials list, you’ll be halfway to dreamland by the time your head hits your (high-quality) pillow. And while the perfect bedroom might feel luxurious, the truth is, sleep is anything but a luxury—it’s necessary for health and happiness.
That’s why Mancini's Sleepworld is here to help you create a dreamy oasis filled with all the cozy must-haves you need for peaceful sleep.
Whether you’re in the market for a full bedroom set or simply the perfect pillow, we’re ready to help you find your ideal match.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data and statistics: Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/data-and-statistics/adults.html
- Handbook of Clinical Neurology. We spend about one-third of our life either sleeping or attempting to do so. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21056174/
- U.S. News and World Report. Mattress size chart & bed dimensions. https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/sleep/mattress/mattress-sizes