How to Turn Your Bedroom Into Your Sanctuary
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With today’s college students on strict budgets (and likely suffering under a mound of student loan debt), it’s not unusual for student housing to be a bit of a tight fit. Whether you’re able to swing living by yourself, or you’re sharing a house with seven of your “closest” friends, everyone needs a place to retreat. Whether you use your bedroom for sleeping only, recovering from your latest hangover, or for most of your entertainment, your bedroom should be the place where you feel most comfortable – somewhere you can find peace within yourself – a sanctuary.
We all have days where our bed doesn’t get made up, where our dirty clothes don’t make it to the hamper, and you’re grabbing clean clothes to wear from out of the dryer. There are always days where we lack the self-discipline to keep our bedrooms in pristine living conditions. However, the set-up and vibe of your college bedroom can be a foundational point of your well-being, mental health, and self-esteem.
There’s more than one way to turn your college bedroom into your sanctuary. Additionally, there are many parts to a bedroom that require personal attention if you’re wanting to create a serene space for peace, quiet, and comfort. Here are six specifics that you should analyze when you decide to transition your bedroom into a sanctuary.
Scents
Keeping your favorite candles wax scents on hand are going to be important to the overall feel of your bedroom. Coming home from a long day of classes, or that double-shift you worked waiting tables should mean walking into a place full of your favorite smells. Avoid anything too strong – as your roommates or visitors may not appreciate it.
Candle warmers or wax melting lamps are the safest way to smell up your room when you aren’t home. I leave my candle-warmer on while I’m at work, so when I come home, I’m greeted with the smell of my favorite Yankee Candle.
Febreeze and other scent sprays are less effective, so I’d recommend using candles with scents that will last.
When the season changes, change up your scent. You’ll enjoy walking into cinnamon in the winter, but maybe not during the summer. Find what works for you — and what makes your nose happy!
Lighting
Lighting can make or break the comfortability of a room. Avoid using lights that are too bright and overwhelming. Lamps (floor or table) are best when it comes to transitioning from the day into evening/bedtime. You’ll find that it’s important to feel calm in your space, so lamps are the best way to go.
Also look into the lighting that comes from windows. Natural lighting is the best kind — so the more often you can open your blinds and let in the sunshine, the better you’ll feel about your college bedroom turned sanctuary.
Texture
When picking out textures for your bedroom, always go for soft and fluffy. Whether it’s an extra pillow or an area rug that your bare feet will enjoy, the extra softness will bring loads of comfort. You’ll be thankful for the rug when your bare feet hit the floor in the mornings at the sound of your alarm. You’ll love cuddling up in your chair with that extra soft blanket that you love.
Color Scheme
When in doubt, always opt for neutrals. Color “popping” is a good way to catch the eye of your visitors, but for the most part, neutral colors make us feel comfortable, safe, and at peace. Instead of a bold, loud comforter for your bed, consider something gray or off-white. The tricky thing about using neutrals is that you’ll have to keep the place extra clean.
Organization
No one enjoys coming home to a disaster of a living space. If your stuff is scattered all over the place, your clothes are strewn about all over the floor, and you can’t tell the clean socks from the dirty ones, you aren’t coming home to a space that’s welcoming and inviting.
Keeping up with your bedroom organization is just as important as washing your sheets (weekly, let’s hope). When everything is in the right spot and you know exactly where your things are located, you’ll be much happier about spending time in your bedroom.
Plants
Having living things in your bedroom can add a sense of calmness to your life. Not only will you have the “responsibility” of watering your plants, but you’ll get to enjoy their weekly growth and the layer of beauty they add to your sanctuary. You’ll be surprised at how much a little greenery can add to your life.
Turning your bedroom into your sanctuary can take some patience and thought. You’ll need to carefully pay attention to all areas of the room in order to really feel as though you’re getting the full effect. Whether is the scent or the lighting, the fluffy pillow on your chair, or the shag rug under your feet, coming home to a place of peace just can’t be beat.
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