The bedroom is a key room in any home, a space where people spend a large portion of their lives. Data from Kronos Homes, a leading real estate developer in Spain and Portugal, suggests that an average person spends about 20 to 25 years in the bedroom. That amounts to more than a quarter of a person’s life. Over recent years, this room has evolved into a flexible living area, extending beyond restful sleep. Children learn and play there, adults unwind, listen to music, read, watch television, or share intimate moments with a partner. Because of this evolving use, nearby areas such as the bathroom have grown into comfortable dressing spaces where one can shower, dress, or prepare for the day.
With the importance of the bedroom in mind, Kronos Homes experts offer guidance on layout and decoration to promote relaxation and well-being. They emphasize practical distribution and thoughtful design to enhance comfort and calm.
how to distribute the bedroom
A well-planned bedroom delivers comfort, well-being, and relaxation. Here are key points to consider:
The bed should be spacious enough for comfort: at least 120 cm for single sleepers, and 150 cm for couples. Positioning the bed facing a window or parallel to it can help wakefulness in the morning if the view is pleasant.
A nightstand beside the bed is useful, but ensure there is at least 60 centimeters of clearance around the bed to allow free movement.
A closet should be kept at least one meter from the bed to allow doors to open smoothly. If space is tighter, a sliding-door wardrobe is a practical choice. Inside, flexible shelving helps tailor storage to any need.
Custom furniture can maximize usable space and create more open meters in the room. This approach is especially beneficial for children’s rooms, where room to move and play matters.
Bunk beds work well when siblings share a room. Slightly staggered bed configurations can improve access and, importantly, offer built-in storage.
Desks should measure at least 120 cm long by 60 cm wide. A fixed desk or a fold-down top can suit the room’s layout.
Shelves should not be placed higher than about 180 centimeters. They should be at least 30 centimeters deep to be practical. If young children sleep in the room, avoid placing shelves near windows.
Headboards add personality to the space. A tile-style headboard can also serve as a small storage area for items like an alarm clock.
Considerations for better rest
A good night’s sleep is essential for feeling energized and ready for the day. Consider these guidelines to improve rest:
Room temperature should stay between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, with cooler being generally healthier than heat.
Aim for humidity levels around 50% to 70%. Dry air can irritate the mouth and skin and make breathing harder. A humidifier can help maintain comfortable humidity.
Daily ventilation helps; a quick 10-minute cross-ventilation session in the morning freshens the air and reduces allergens. Avoid heavy carpets and excessive synthetic fabrics that trap dust and mites.
Dim lighting before bed supports relaxation and helps signal the body to unwind. A dark room fosters easier sleep onset.
Noise can disrupt sleep, especially during deep rest. Well-insulated windows or soundproofing reduce disturbances and support recovery.
A mattress should feel firm yet comfortable, and the bed should remain quiet at night to minimize disturbances. Proper bedroom orientation can aid waking refreshed.
Pillows should balance support and softness; too thick or too flat pillows can strain the neck. The ideal pillow keeps the head aligned with the spine.
Plants are not recommended in the bedroom because they consume oxygen at night and can trigger allergies for some people.
Tips for falling asleep
If restful sleep is elusive or nighttime awakenings are frequent, Kronos Homes experts offer practical tips to maintain peak performance the next day:
Soothing music or guided meditation can help the body relax gradually.
A warm bath before bed, especially in a dimly lit setting, supports muscle relaxation. A glass of warm milk can also aid sleep.
Limit screen time in the hour before bed; the blue light from phones and tablets can interfere with melatonin production necessary for sleep.
Natural scents can aid relaxation. Aromatherapy with calming oils, applied to a pillow or used in a diffuser, can help, with lavender being a common choice.
Establish a simple bedtime routine, such as a few minutes of reading or quiet meditation to ease into sleep.
Benefits of sleeping properly
Quality sleep brings a range of health benefits when it happens consistently. These include:
Lower risk of certain diseases and improved overall health.
Reduced risk of stroke and heart problems.
Better weight management and metabolic balance.
Lower stress and improved mood.
Sharper focus and memory consolidation the next day.
Easier daily tasks and better decision-making.
Fewer accidents linked to drowsiness and fatigue.
In summary, creating a restful bedroom environment supports physical health, emotional well-being, and everyday performance. By prioritizing layout, climate, lighting, and quiet, homeowners can transform this essential space into a true sanctuary that serves rest, function, and connection.