6 Bedroom Design Tips for Better Sleep

A new window treatment from Hunter Douglas will give homeowners an innovative way to control lighting. Aura Illuminated Shades feature a three-in-one design that offers a traditional light-filtering shade, a room-darkening liner and an ambient glow from programmable LED strip lights that mimic daylight. “To have such a combination of things in one shade is quite unique,” says Dave German, owner of Elite Shutters & Blinds (eliteshuttersandblinds.com), where Aura shades can be seen and purchased in the Valley.
It can also promote healthier sleep, according to the brand. Aura is available in three styles with customizable fabric and must be hardwired to power the lights. German says an Aura roller shade for a standard 5’H by 5’W window would start at about $1,500. Go to phgmag.com/sonoran-scout for a Q&A with local interior designer Angelica Henry about more bedroom decor tricks to improve your slumber.
Aura shades will be on display in four of Elite’s eight Valley storefronts—in north Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria and Gilbert.
With better sleep in mind, we asked interior designer Angelica Henry, who is the president and founder of Angelica Henry Design, to share her tips for ways to design your bedroom to promote the best night of sleep possible.
1. Control the lighting in the room
“I think the No. 1 thing for people is controlling the light in the room, whether through window treatments, a shade, decorative treatments – things that filter out the light and promote restful sleep,” says Henry, who notes that she personally prefers blackout drapes.
2. Layer your lighting
That can mean having overhead lighting that can illuminate the entire room when you need it and mixing in sconces, lamps for ambient lighting for the morning or evening. “I think it’s always good to have layers of light, so even if you’re not ready to go to sleep, to have a lamp by the bed just to start the process, just quieting your body and mind,” she says.
3. Choose a tranquil color palette
Henry says she prefers a neutral color palette, and for a primary bedroom a deep blue can be calming and add character.
4. Find a mattress, pillows and bedding you love
Henry says that this is among the most personal items to select—and that everyone’s preferences can vary—but she says she’ll often make recommendations of products for clients to try, noting people gravitate toward options like memory foam or adjustable mattresses. “I think that has a huge impact on making sure you’re comfortable in the space,” she says.
5. Minimize electronics in your space
When thinking about lighting, Henry says she also works to limit the impact of light sources that can be present from other powered items in the room, such as a TV. “It can be a sensitivity for a lot of people,” she says.
6. Make it your own
Henry’s last tip? Remember that what is calming and restful for you is personal, so be sure to make choices that best fit you and your desires for the space.
“It’s got to be a sanctuary for you and that can mean different things to different people,” she says. “In that sense, I think it’s OK to buck trends.”