August 21, 2020, 8:52 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Many bedrooms share one common feature: the position of the bed. Typically, it is placed centrally against a wall, with a nightstand on either side. While this arrangement is visually appealing, it can negatively affect sleep, as Ikea’s interior designer Sandra Schwertfeger revealed in an interview with myHOMEBOOK.
Whether in hotels, vacation rentals, or private bedrooms, beds are often placed centrally against a wall. This allows enough space on both sides to easily get in and out of bed. While this setup seems both practical and visually appealing, it can negatively impact sleep quality.
Why You Shouldn’t Place Beds Freestanding
Sandra Schwertfeger, who has been an Interior Design Manager at Ikea for 31 years, explains to myHOMEBOOK: “A freestanding bed is like an island, which makes you vulnerable.” She refers to the first human sleeping places: caves. They not only provided protection from the elements and wild animals but also conveyed a sense of security and safety. People still long for this feeling today, sometimes even subconsciously.
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Where Should the Bed Be Placed Instead?
In the middle of the room without protective walls, you lie exposed. Even though you don’t have to fear sudden storms or bear attacks at home, the lack of protection from walls—nowadays bedroom walls—can lead to reduced sleep quality. “If the bed is placed against a wall in the darkest corner of the room, it’s like a safe cave, you feel secure and can sleep better. And it’s usually cooler against a wall too,” Schwertfeger adds.
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What Else Is Needed for Good Sleep
However, the placement of the bed alone doesn’t determine how well you sleep. According to the interior design expert, there are five so-called Bedroom Essentials that influence good sleep: light, noise, comfort, temperature, and clutter. “We sleep better when it’s dark. Noise avoidance is another big issue. Just like comfort—there is no mattress that fits everyone. A one-size-fits-all mattress would be a no-go.” It’s also important to ensure a comfortable temperature in the bedroom and eliminate clutter. Even when sleeping, you subconsciously perceive disorder, which makes relaxation difficult. This article also reveals other decorating mistakes lurking in the bedroom.