9 Relaxing Room Ideas
Make it easy to unwind.
After a long day, there's nothing better than relaxing at home with loved ones. Reduce stress and refresh your home with a few simple tips like choosing soft bedding and soothing colors. With our list of relaxing room ideas, you can turn your home into a space made for rest.
1. Make Space With a Sectional
With plenty of space for everyone to settle in, sectionals are a great choice for relaxing living room ideas. L-shaped sectionals are the most common due to their versatility. They can maximize seating in the corner of the room or create a defined area in an open floor plan. U-shaped sectionals are best for large living spaces and provide even more seating. A chaise sectional is more like a typical sofa with an extended ottoman. Opt for a slipcovered sectional for the right amount of laid-back ease that suits any farmhouse living room or choose a leather sectional to create a relaxed rustic look.
As you unwind for the night, your bedroom should be as relaxing as possible. One of simplest ways to incorporate relaxing bedroom ideas into your space is starting with comfortable bedding. We recommend choosing breathable natural materials, such as cotton or linen. Cotton is great for warm sleepers. The lightweight fabric wicks away moisture and stays cool all night. Similar to cotton, linen is incredibly breathable and soft. Linen is a long-lasting fabric that softens with each wash and wears beautifully over time. Opt for calming colors and simple patterns with classic appeal, such as stripes, florals, or small geometric designs. The combination of clean lines and soft fabrics will bring a refreshing touch to your bedroom.
Pro Tip:
Swap your bedding seasonally to stay cool in the summer or warm up as the weather cools down. Read our guide 9 Fall Bedding Ideas for easy ways to make your bed cozy for fall and our guide How to Pick Summer Bedding with tips for choosing breezy bedding that will keep you comfortable all summer long.
3. Opt for Soft Lighting
Lighting is an important element when creating a space for relaxing at home. Rather than one overhead light, opt for layered lighting. In addition to pendant lighting or a chandelier, add a floor lamp or a pair of table lamps to provide the right amount of light for after-dinner conversations or late night reading. Layered lighting lets you easily adjust any space to create ambience or add brightness. Choose lightbulbs with a warm glow rather than a cool tone for inviting ambience.
Pro Tip:
Set the mood for the evening by lighting a few candles. Look for candles with relaxing scents, such as lavender, chamomile, or freshly-washed linens, to create a calm and inviting space. If you prefer a flameless alternative, opt for long-lasting LED candles with a realistic flicker.
Relaxing at home is even easier when you have a clean, well-organized space. For relaxing bedroom ideas, it's important to invest in high-quality pieces of furniture with plenty of room for storage. Organize bedside items in a nightstand with drawer storage. Use the drawers to stash electronics overnight, creating a visual reminder to unplug and unwind before bedtime. Dressers and armoires are best for clothing that doesn't need to be hung up (such as sweaters and pants) or for storing extra bedding. Use a decorative tray to minimize clutter and corral any small items on the nightstand or dresser.
Make the most of open space and turn the guest room into a relaxation room. To optimize the guest room, choose a comfortable daybed that can easily transform from a daytime lounge to a spot for guests to sleep. Consider features, such as a trundle or built-in storage, for added versatility. Pile on soft throw pillows and a few cozy blankets – an easy finishing touch for any relaxation room ideas.
Whether you have an open corner in the living room or unused space in the bedroom, a reading nook is one of our favorite relaxing room ideas. Start with a comfortable chair, like a plush tufted armchair or a spacious chaise lounge. Add a side table to hold any reading material and a lamp that can be easily adjusted for the right amount of light. Finish the reading nook with simple decorative touches and a throw blanket just in case you'd like to take a midafternoon nap.
Pro Tip:
Interested in adding a reading nook to your space? Check out our guide 9 Relaxing Reading Nook Ideas for more inspiration.
7. Choose Soothing Colors
With relaxing room ideas, it's important to choose colors that are associated with calmness and tranquility. We love creating a neutral-toned foundation with furniture pieces and upholstery before incorporating accent colors that draw inspiration from nature. Soft shades like sky blue and pale green are often associated with relaxation, making them ideal for any relaxation room ideas. Light colors like white, beige, or warm-toned gray reflect natural light and bring a refreshing feel to the room. Bring in textured throw blankets and scenic landscape paintings to add a touch of color while building on a nearly neutral palette.
Whether you're looking to sleep in on Sunday mornings or want to add a bit of privacy, curtains are a practical addition to relaxing room ideas. Sheer curtains create a soft glow that diffuses bright natural light. Blackout drapes are best for blocking out light while sleeping in or enjoying a movie night. Noise-reducing curtains are great for creating a quiet bedroom retreat. In colder climates, try curtains with thermal insulation to retain heat.
Pro Tip:
To elongate the look of windows and make them seem larger, hang curtain rods between 4" and 6" above the window frame and have the rod extend between 3" and 6" beyond the window frame. This also allows more light through when the curtains or drapes are open.
Bring a bit of the outdoors to relaxing room ideas with bright greenery. Floral arrangements add color and freshness without taking much time to put together. We love the look of simple arrangements of hydrangeas, daisies, and other seasonal blooms for everyday spaces. Potted houseplants are another great option for adding vibrant color. Be sure to choose a planter with drainage holes if you've opted for live plants or herbs. For small surfaces, such as coffee tables or nightstands, we recommend choosing coin plants or spider plants. If you're looking for a larger houseplant, fiddle-leaf figs and areca palms add height to well-lit areas. Tall surfaces like bookshelves are great for plants with trailing leaves, such as English ivy or pothos varieties.
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