Almost every single time I've asked designers about the one thing that reduces the functionality of a bedroom and detracts from the true objective of the space, the answer tends to ring out the same — tech.
A bedroom with a tablet on the side table, a phone on the pillow, a TV on the wall, and a laptop somewhere amidst the mix is a recipe for bad sleep. It goes against the nature of this space. And that's precisely why designing a tech-free bedroom is the best thing you can do for yourself.
It's not an easy habit to break by any means. But taking the step to transform your bedroom into a digital detox zone is the wellness exercise designers swear by. And here's why.
Why Should You Remove Tech From a Bedroom?
"Our bodies are sensitive to stimuli, particularly to teal-blue artificial light — the kind that emits from mobile phones, computers, and tablets," says Ksenya Malina of New York interior design studio Time & Place Interiors.
"Exposure to it later in the day can alter our circadian rhythm, the internal clock that keeps our hormones and bodily processes running on a 24-hour cycle."
She explains that when this rhythm is out of sync, our sleep/wake cycles are disrupted, and we become more susceptible to health risks. "So, it's critical to separate ourselves from tech devices in our bedrooms," she notes.
"Keep laptops away from the bed, turn your phone to the do-not-disturb setting, and cover over any buttons on the TV or monitors that emit strong lights."
This is exactly why a desk in your bedroom is bad for sleep. By leaving room for rest and rest alone, you will automatically find yourself in a space that calms your senses and helps you unwind into a deep sleep.
What to Do Instead
To curate a bedroom that helps you sleep better, Ksenya suggests shifting your focus to design features that encourage relaxation. "Think bedside lamps with softly dimmed lighting, high-quality bedding, and proper window coverage like blackout shades to keep away 'light pollution' emitted from neighbors' windows or street lights."
Naoise Cadogan, interior designer at Topology Interiors, tells me that keeping the bedroom as pared-back and considered as possible is the best rule of thumb.
"Introduce good storage, clear bedside tables and softer layered lighting," she advises. "These small changes can make the room feel much calmer and help create a more relaxing space to wind down in."
My favorite way to organize tech is by relinquishing all my devices to a tray that sits outside my bedroom by night.
This is an essential to any truly relaxing bedroom. And H&M is home to some of the best-reviewed blackout curtains.
Rise & Fall's Crisp & Cool Bedding is one of my favorite choices for a summer bedscape.
A smart alarm clock with a night light, a bluetooth speaker, and a blackout mode that looks good? Count me in.
If you live in a studio, like me, or you like to enjoy movies in bed on the weekend, rolling TV stands are the rest-friendly answer.
Tala's Wake Sleep Light, in collaboration with designer Thomas Heatherwick, will gently ease you out of slumber.
With your bedroom all set for restorative sleep, you can move beyond these walls and conquer the rest of your living space. I recommend starting with this list of things to remove for a calm home.
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