Turning a good-looking bedroom into a good sleep space is half a job. Here are some renovation choices to address the physical environment of your bedroom environment.
Block Out Light Properly
Most people underestimate the amount of light coming through thin curtains or even through blinds. If you have fitted curtains, you can add blackout linings, or fit new roller blinds with side channels, such as those that sit inside the window recess. In fact, the best type of roller blind is one that sits flush inside the window recess, such as a Velux blind, with minimal gaps at the sides.
Reduce Noise Through the Structure
Acoustic underlay for your new bedroom flooring to tackle noise from traffic or noisy neighbours. In order to reduce airborne noise, place an independent plasterboard layer on resilient bars within the shared walls. We advise you to complete this early on in the renovation before you start decorating and the room is shut up. See also Bedroom Renovations.
Improve Temperature Control
From the NHS’ guidance on sleep as well as renovation planning it is clear that a cool bedroom with good ventilation is best for a good night’s sleep. Work this into your plans for the renovation of your bedroom. A small extractor or trickle vent will do for this. Position the bed in your bedroom so it is not directly under a radiator and, should there be an external wall behind where you intend to place the bed, make sure it is not right up against it. Try to ensure good air flow through the room to prevent cold air rising off the floor to form draughts up near the ceiling.
Choose Low-VOC Paints and Finishes
Most standard paints and adhesives used in a renovation release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for weeks after use in a bedroom, affecting the bedroom air quality. There are however low-VOC paints and zero-VOC paints now on the market that are as cost effective as standard paints and provide the same covering ability.
Often seemingly insignificant decisions can result in a beautifully designed bedroom that will be perfect for sleep.
