bedroom Archives - Sealy

Tag: bedroom

DIY: Small bedroom ideas

Posted on by lionel

If you’re spending more time at home, and in fact more time in your bedroom, you might lament at the lack of the space if you have a small bedroom. Thankfully, with a few interior-decorator inspired DIY tricks, you can make your space feel bigger with these small bedroom ideas:

Choose your bed wisely

Choose a bed size that doesn’t take up the whole room… sometimes smaller really is better. Before shopping for your bed, measure out your bedroom and see if that King-sized bed you’re dreaming about is really so practical. Consider the amount of space required for comfortable living, factoring in clearance for doors and drawers, walking around the perimeter of your bed frame and other furnishings., and leaving enough room to rotate your mattress without hitting walls. About 75–90 cm clearance or more on 2-3 sides is ideal. (Click here for our Store Locator, to find a Sealy stockist closest to where you are.)

Below are mattress measurements for each Sealy bed size. It can be helpful to get an understanding for how a bed will fit into your room by marking out the dimensions on the floor using tape. Then you will be able to visually see which sizes will fit well.

  • Single – 915mm x 1880mm
  • Three Quarter – 1070mm x 1880mm
  • Double – 1370mm x 1880mm
  • Queen – 1520mm x 1880mm
  • King – 1830mm x 1880mm
  • Extra length (2000mm) is available on request

Another tip is to choose a bed that’s low to the floor. This makes the room feel and look bigger.

Play with colour

There are various options to choose from, but most of the time painting your room a lighter colour gives the space an airier feel. Paint the entire room the same colour – the floor and ceiling included – to create a more open feel.

However, if a single-coloured bedroom sounds too boring for you, take heart. Using contrasting colours creates an illusion of depth. So for example, if your walls and your ceiling are white, opt to paint one wall a darker colour. Do a quick Google search for ‘colour schemes for small bedrooms’ to get a few small bedroom ideas.

Decorate the room with a single colour scheme and avoid using too many colours in a small bedroom. A single colour scheme helps to weave the space together.

No-fuss bedding

Avoid frilly, bulky duvets, loud patterns and too many accent pillows. Rather choose simple bedding with clean lines and minimal designs. If you need more warmth, use a chunky blanket or throw.

If you feel your bed looks to bare without accent pillows, don’t use more than two.

More floor space with floating shelves

The more of the floor you can see, the bigger the space feels, so opt for wall-mounted shelving when you can. ‘Floating’ bedside table can replace the more traditional chunky bedside tables, and you can even replace your headboard with a floating shelf. Paint the shelves the same colour as the walls for that uniform, minimalist look and feel.

Ditch the curtains

Heavy curtains are dust collectors that dwarf a small room. Minimal window treatments like blinds help smaller spaces feel bigger, allow more natural light into the room and also draws the eye outside, creating the illusion of space.

If you really love curtains, then choose floor-to-ceiling curtains in a light-coloured fabric that matches the pallet of your room.

Minimal furniture

Be choosy about the furniture in your room. Do you need a dresser and a wardrobe? Maybe with some organising, you can get away with just one of these, to save space in your bedroom.

If your bedroom has turned into your home office, consider finding another space to work from. Keep your bedroom for what it’s meant for – sleep.

Bold wall hangings

Be bold when it comes to pictures for your room. Rather than hanging several small pictures on the wall, select one big, eye catching conversation piece. Mirrors will also help your bedroom look bigger. If possible, hang mirrors opposite the window to maximise the light in the bedroom.

Of all the small bedroom ideas we’ve shared, the most important tip is to declutter the space. Try to keep clutter to a minimum by creating storage options or moving them to another room. After all, a peaceful sleep environment really does help with better sleep!

Our top tips for choosing a bed size

Posted on by lionel

There are many situations that create the need for a new bed. Maybe you and your significant other are moving in together for the first time, or maybe you’re a parent, and you noticed your child’s feet hanging off the end of their bed. These are just a few of the many events that will inspire you to start shopping around. When this time comes, you’ll have to answer the question “What bed size should I get?”

Considerations when choosing a bed

  1. Who will be sleeping in it?

To help narrow down your options, let’s first think about who will use the bed. Is it for you and/or your partner, a child, guests that come to visit, or someone else? Think about how many people it needs to accommodate.

  • Children and teens can easily sleep on a single mattress, though often appreciate the width of a double or queen mattress.
  • While double mattresses can suit an adult or guests in a pinch, it’s often more comfortable to offer a queen mattress in case two people need to sleep on the mattress. If deciding between the two, let your room size be your guide (see below).
  • Singles and smaller couples find they have plenty of room on a queen mattress. One helpful hint: this size is often the most common in retail showrooms, so you can easily judge its size by visiting a retailer near you.
  • King mattresses are good options for taller people or for couples who prefer extra room, especially if little ones like to hop into bed with mum or dad.
  1. How much space is available?

Next, how much space do you have? This is obviously very important as the bed will need to fit comfortably into the room where it will be used. Consider the amount of space required for comfortable living, factoring in clearance for doors and drawers, walking around the perimeter of your bed frame and other furnishings., and leaving enough room to rotate your mattress without hitting walls. About 75–90 cm clearance or more on 2-3 sides is ideal.

  1. How much can you spend?

Like any major purchase, you need to set a budget. Beds can range widely in price depending on a few factors. As can be expected, the larger the bed, the more it will cost. However, you will run into other variables including the craftsmanship of the bed and the quality of the mattress. To ensure you find the right fit, run the numbers and identify your spending allowance up front.

  1. What are your current and future needs?

Lastly, be sure to consider your current needs as well as your potential needs for the years to come. For example, you may be thinking of purchasing a Single bed for your child. However, a few years down the road, they are likely going to outgrow it and need more room. With that in mind, you may want to consider a Three Quarter or a Double. This can help you to save money in the long run.

Bed size options

Below are mattress measurements for each Sealy bed size. It can be helpful to get an understanding for how a bed will fit into your room by marking out the dimensions on the floor using tape. Then you will be able to visually see which sizes will fit well.

  • Single – 915mm x 1880mm
  • Three Quarter – 1070mm x 1880mm
  • Double – 1370mm x 1880mm
  • Queen – 1520mm x 1880mm
  • King – 1830mm x 1880mm
  • Extra length (2000mm) is available on request

Interesting fact: Two adults sleeping in a double bed is really quite a squeeze. The width of a double bed is 1370mm, which means the shared space for each adult is much less than what they would have if they slept alone in a single bed (915mm).

Whether you want to buy online or try out a bed in store, the Sealy website is the best place to start. Use our Handy Store Locator to find the Sealy retailer closest to where you are, or Click Here to shop online offers.

 

Can’t sleep? Make your bedroom hotel-room comfy

Posted on by lionel

Now that most of us are confined to our homes and taking Coronavirus safety precautions, some of us might be missing the deep sleep comfort that comes with a typical hotel room. If you can’t sleep, maybe you should consider making your bedroom hotel-room comfy with luxurious linen, perfect pillows, black-out curtains and of course a good quality mattress.

That’s exactly what South African blogger, Nonkululeko Britton-Masekela, says she’s going to do. In a recent collaboration with Sealy, Nonku wrote a blog post highlighting her recent struggles with sleep. Click here to read Diary of a sleep-deprived, overworked woman (clutching to her sanity), where Nonku says that before lockdown one of her favourite things to do was to take some time out on her own, a night or two away from the stresses of home life.

“Most importantly, I would look forward to the sleep – in that luxurious, crisp white bedding, dreamy pillows and their incredibly comfortable beds,” writes Nonku.

If you can’t sleep, check out Nonku’s blog post which includes some tips on exactly what to do to make your bedroom hotel-room worthy.

Can’t sleep? Your mattress could be the culprit

There are a variety of reasons why you might not be sleeping so well – anything ranging from stress, to too much screen time, not enough exercise and even a bedroom that is too hot or too cold. But one of the most overlooked sleep thieves is an old, uncomfortable mattress. If you can’t sleep, look out for the following signs that your mattress could be culprit:

  • Your mattress is more than eight years old
  • Your mattress squeaks and there are lumps and pumps on the mattress
  • You have “taco bed” – when you seem to roll into the middle of the bed
  • You get better sleep when you crash on the couch or in your child’s bed
  • You wake up with aches and pains

A Sealy mattress will help you enjoy a rejuvenating sleep each and every night. Sealy is the biggest bed brand in the world, operating in more than 50 countries, and has become a household name dedicated to making the finest mattresses.

Through constant research and development, as well as collaboration and studies with orthopaedic surgeons all over the world, the Sealy team has established the best ‘criteria’ for optimal sleep. Building upon the recommendations of these world class orthopaedic surgeons, Sealy constructed a mattress with an interconnected spring system topped with foam and comfort layers that could support the ideal sleeping posture – meaning the body is in its natural position to fully relieve muscular tension. This is what’s known today as Sealy’s exclusive Posturepedic Technology™, which targets the heaviest part of your body, with reinforced support where you need it most. Only Posturepedic Technology’s zoned mattresses gives you deep, targeted support for exceptional all-over comfort.

Sealy Posturepedic Technology™ supports your life by providing:

  • Pressure relieving comfort for undisturbed sleep: from ultra-plush to cushion firm, built with premium materials.
  • The support you need: deep-down orthopedically correct support with a superior edge support system.
  • A system where everything works together to give you the same great comfort and support for a long time: extra durability that repays your investment day after day.

 

 

Science-backed tips to fall asleep fast

Posted on by lionel

There’s nothing worse than lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, tossing and turning, trying to fall asleep. It could be stress related, maybe it was something you ate, or this could be a regular occurrence for you. We’ve put together a few science-backed tips to help you fall asleep fast.

In the moment

Ok, so you’re already in bed and you can’t get your brain to shut down and you’re simply not falling asleep. This is what you should do to fall asleep faster:

  • Manage your stress. If you know you’re feeling stressed, practice a simple breathing technique to help drift off to sleep. The “4-7-8 Breathing Technique” helps your body relax and calms anxiety. This is how to do it: Breathe in through your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale through your nose for a count of eight. Repeat at least four times.
  • Try a guided meditation using meditation apps. Alternatively, you can also find good guided meditations on YouTube. This Sleep Hypnosis to Fall Asleep Fast has helped me on many sleepless nights!
  • Stop fighting it. Instead, trick your brain using the psychological principle called paradoxical intention. If you use paradoxical (reverse) intention and think staying awake, you might actually fall asleep faster. So next time you struggle to sleep, just give up the thought, “I need to sleep now”. Listen to a podcast or read a book as if you want to stay awake, and your brain may do the opposite and let you sleep!
  • Use aromatherapy. If you have Lavender essential oil, put a drop in your hand, rub your hands together and cup your hands over your face. Take four to five deep breaths. Alternatively put a few drops on your pillow.

Fall asleep fast: Plan for better sleep

If you’re serious about better sleep, start thinking about it before it’s time to go to bed.

  • Get the foundation right: A good mattress. In almost every case, a poor quality, old or worn mattress is an overlooked factor in insomnia. If you’ve been sinking into an old bed that’s lost its shape your body is not being supported and your unique sleeping posture isn’t being accommodated. If your mattress is too firm or too soft, you might experience back and joint pains. Sealy’s exclusive Posturepedic Technology™ mattresses are built strategically to help provide proper support for the entire body, comfort for a great night’s sleep and durability for peace of mind. Orthopedically correct mattress design fully supports the body while at the same time relieving pressure points, allowing the body to fully relax.
  • Feed your body right: Plan your dinner. The latest science reveals that what you eat for dinner and when you eat also makes a huge difference to your sleep. Eating carbohydrates with a high glycemic index four hours before bedtime, such as white rice and pasta, could significantly reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Research by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition explains that this is because carbohydrates could increase the level of serotonin precursor in your body, which is known as a “wellness chemical” with sleep-inducing effects. However, be sure to limit caffeine and sugary drinks close to bedtime.
  • Exercise during the day. Exercise releases endorphins, the happy hormone. If you can exercise outside, you get the added bonus of Vitamin D.
  • Stretch before bed. Slow, purposeful movements helps you breathe slowly and focus on your breath, relaxing your body and mind. Click here for some stretches that will help you fall asleep fast.
  • Your pillow makes a big difference. This might surprise you, but when it comes to sleep quality, pillows are almost as important as your mattress. If your neck and shoulders aren’t getting enough support, your spine and body could be out of alignment, causing body aches and sleeplessness. We have a variety of Sealy pillows to suit the most comfortable sleeping posture, including gel memory foam pillows. Browse Sealy pillows here.
  • Leave screens out the bedroom. Try to stop looking at screens – whether it’s your phone, your TV or your laptop – at least an hour before bedtime. Rather read a book, it will relax your mind more!

 

 

A ‘Lovilee’ look at hygge just before winter arrives

Posted on by lionel

We know there’s still a few warm weeks left before the big chill officially sets in but failing to prepare is preparing to fail – which is why we teamed up with the author of the Lovilee blog, KaRi, to find out exactly what it takes to create a warm and cozy bedroom, just in time for winter.

In her blog post, ‘The best kept secret to a beautiful room’, KaRi explains that she likes to evoke the feeling of ‘hygge’ in her bedroom. What exactly is hygge, you ask? Hygge is a Danish practice and it’s about creating a feeling of coziness, comfort and contentment. That sounds about right for a cozy bedroom!

KaRi provides some tips on how to decorate your room to create a feeling of intimacy and warmth, the kind of place where you want to snuggle up and relax. Of course, it doesn’t matter how many fluffy blankets you buy or how much mood lighting you invest in, if your mattress is old and lumpy, you won’t be able to get too comfy.

A cozy bedroom starts with a comfy mattress

Sealy is synonymous across South Africa with quality mattresses. Sealy Posturepedic Technology™ supports your life by providing:

  • Pressure relieving comfort for undisturbed sleep: from ultra-plush to cushion firm, built with premium materials.
  • The support you need: deep-down orthopedically correct support with a superior edge support system.
  • A system where everything works together to give you the same great comfort and support for a long time: extra durability that repays your investment day after day.

If you’re serious about hygge this winter, start with your mattress first. Browse the Sealy South Africa website to find the right mattress for your needs.

(Pic credit: Hello Love Photography)

Looking forward: Bedroom design trends for 2020

Posted on by lionel

Western Cape interior designer, Sarah Donnelly, has been designing remodelling and renovating homes for over 10 years in the UK, Ireland and here in South Africa. Sealy South Africa recently caught up with Sarah and her team at Overberg Interiors to find out more about the bedroom design trends for 2020.

Exercise, diet and routine are essential elements of good sleep hygiene, and so is bedroom design. Many people underestimate the importance of a sleep environment that promotes good sleep. In her latest blog post, Sarah discusses the latest trends in bedroom wallpaper, furniture, linen and lighting, and how with clever design you can create a sleep sanctuary you simply won’t want to leave! If you’re planning on doing home upgrades during the upcoming holidays, be sure to read Sarah’s bedroom design trends for 2020. Click here to read the blog.

In terms of bedroom environment, these tips go beyond what’s trendy and beautiful and speak specifically to creating the optimal sleep environment:

  • Nothing beats a comfortable mattress. Sealy is dedicated to constantly developing new sleep technology and creating the world’s most comfortable beds, all beautifully designed. We think our mattresses are so beautiful, you won’t want to cover them with linen! (By the way, did you know we also make our own linen? All our sheeting is made with 100% cotton Percale, with a minimum 200 thread count.)
  • Our body’s naturally follow a dark-light cycle, which means if a lot of external light comes into your room, your sleep will be affected. Invest in good quality black out curtains to help you sleep longer, especially in summer.
  • Create a more serene space by clearing out any clutter and all reminders of work.

Should you take your shoes into your bedroom?

Posted on by lionel

 

In many homes, shoes can be found abandoned in almost every room, including the bedroom. However, removing shoes before entering a home appears to be gaining a following once again.

There are three main reasons that people chose not to have shoes in their homes:

  1. spiritual reasons- to avoid shoes carrying in bad energy in from the outside world
  2. hygiene reasons – to avoid shoes harboring bad germs
  3. practical reasons – to avoid shoes staining the light carpets.

Karen Kingston, International best selling author and clutter clearing expertsays: “My personal favourite is to have a shoe cupboard somewhere just inside the main entrance so you can take your shoes off as soon as you enter and store them hidden from view”.

Whilst you may not be able fit a shoe cupboard at your front door, it’s not great to have a big pile of shoes there either. If you are tight on space here are some ideas:

  • Remove your shoes as you enter your home and carry them to where you store them
  • Wipe them clean before putting them away
  • Keep them inside a closed chest or cupboard rather than out in the open
  • If possible, store them separately to your clothing
  • Get rid of any shoes you never wear to save space

One big ‘hell-no’ is putting your shoes on soft furnishings such as beds and couches. Putting your dirty shoes on or near your sleep sanctuary is ludicrous. Remember your bed should be clean, fresh and germ-free. If you can’t make your house shoe-free at least try and make your bedroom a shoe-free zone.

Stunning on the outside, spectacular on the inside – Discover the new la différence by Sealy…

A little bit of cleaning could help you sleep better

Posted on by lionel

Did you know that there are some simple habits that could get you closer to a great night’s sleep?

A recent study by the National Sleep Foundation showed how vital the bedroom environment is to getting good sleep.

David Cloud, the NSF Chief Operating Officer told WebMD: “We’ve looked a lot at how medical and behavioral issues affect sleep, but we really hadn’t looked at the sleep environment in such depth. Frankly, we were surprised to see that senses like touch, feel, and smell were so important.”

Here’s what to do to sleep better:

1. Make your bed each day

Bed-makers are 19% more likely to have a good night’s sleep than those who leave their beds unmade.

2. Change your bedding regularly

75% of people reported sleeping better on clean linen that had a fresh smell.

3. Clean your room

A calm and clean room helps 66 – 75% of people sleep better.

4. Clean your mattress

Your mattress is the most essential part of your sleep environment. Look after it and it will look after you too. Not sure where to start?

Follow these helpful steps to ensure you get rid of sleep thieves such as dust, mould and pet hair without harming your mattress.

Prolong the life of your Sealy Mattress… Invest in our range of mattress and pillow protectors that will not only protect your mattress and pillows, but keep them clean and healthy.

Sheepskin rugs transform bedrooms into boudoirs

Posted on by lionel

You don’t have to look far to find luscious sheepskin rugs. They’re gracing the bottoms of beds, lingering on lounge suites and warming the cribs of newborns.

Whether they remain in their natural wooly-white, ivory form or are dyed to match the décor, it is no wonder that this textile (that was previously set aside to manufacture luxury slippers) has crossed over into mainstream décor.

Of course there are many faux options available, but before you buy the look for less, consider the sleep-promoting properties of sheepskin:

1. Warmth – sheepskin’s depth locks in heat
2. Softness – sheepskin retains its incredible plushness wash after wash
3. Breathability – like all natural fibres, sheepskin allows air flow. This keeps moisture and odour levels low, low, low…

Besides adding to your sleep satisfaction, a sheepskin rug will also be a distinct asset to your décor arsenal. If you are planning on adding a rug or two to your home, look for a rug with a deep pile (which adds comfort) and a lovely sheen (which adds depth and visual interest).

At Sealy, we are natural-fibre lovers. That is why we embrace bamboo, aloe-vera and pure cotton when making our products. To learn more about our mattresses and bed linens visit www.sealy.co.za.

Winter throws and quilts that add more than just warmth to your bed

Posted on by lionel

Winter is fast-approaching and you may find yourself in one of two camps: full of glee or full of dread. However, there is one thing we call all agree on and that is that these gorgeous throws and quilts are a great way to embrace the icy weather.

After investing in a Sealy mattress that is designed for your sleeping pleasure, it is only sensible to invest in a quilt that makes you smile and do a happy dance every time you see your bed.

If you favour hugs and deep massages, purchase a heavy quilt like this one from Purl Soho. With linen on one side and plush fur on the other this quilt gives you the best of both worlds.

Purlsoho strpied quilt

If you prefer a more tactile experience, go for something light and soft like these knitted throws:

These knitted throws offer a more tactile experience

If you’re a DIYer, you might want to watch this tutorial from Simply Maggie – learn how to arm knit your own blanket in just 45 minutes. Easy peasy!

Image source: Simply Maggie
Image source: Simply Maggie

Written by Roxanne Atkinson

 

Note from CEO