Interiors
4 bedroom mistakes that could be keeping your kids up at night
When it comes to children’s bedrooms, there’s no hiding from the bright colour schemes and clutter, not typically suited to a calming sleep environment.
It can be challenging to get kids to sleep without these additional external factors, but making a few adjustments to their sleep environment could make a big difference to their sleeping habits.
As it's National Bed Month, bed specialist and director at Time4Sleep, Jonathan Warren, shares his tips for creating a sleep environment that is perfect for any child…
1. Not making the most out of storage
“Kid’s beds with storage can bring a bit of harmony to an otherwise chaotic environment, allowing you that additional storage without compromising on the existing space. Cabin beds can be beneficial for your child's sleep as they offer a cosy and enclosed sleeping space, especially for children who may feel more comforted in a snug and sheltered environment.”
2. Getting rid of your child's personal style
“Minimalism in a kids bedroom is the perfect interior style for a bedroom that promotes sleep. However, it’s important to retain a sense of character, leaning towards styles that your children will enjoy.
“For this reason, opt for feature walls with bright colours instead of an all-over colour scheme. Intense colour schemes can encourage stimulating feelings of anxiety or stress. Generally speaking, it’s best to keep vibrant colours out of the bedroom to avoid overstimulation. Lighter earthy tones or pastels are good options for your sleeping environment, as well as blue and green tones, which have been shown to promote calm states of mind.”
3. Large angular furniture
“Wherever you can, introduce calming touches to their space. Whether that's through soft, warm lighting or furniture that works in harmony with the space. If your child is particularly anxious at night, consider moving furniture around to avoid casting harsh shadows and dark spaces. It may be worth avoiding full-size wardrobes and full-length curtains, as to a small child the grandeur of these elements can be quite intimidating."
4. Mirrors facing the bed
"Avoid placing mirrors in view from the bed as reflecting light and movement can cause an overactive imagination to run wild. Instead, try placing on the same wall as the headboard or tucked away inside the door of a wardrobe.”
