Improve Your Love Life With a Romance-Ready Bedroom
Sex. Let’s just get that word out of the way right now. Because there’s no reason to shy away from the topic. We want it, and we want to know how to get more of it. And while there are plenty of factors to blame — "I'm too tired"; "My partner is too tired"; "Let’s just watch another episode of Portlandia and go to bed" — a lot of intimacy has to do with just getting in the mood. And the environment plays a huge role in this.
To keep things simple and somewhat G rated, consider the space in which the majority of magic happens: the bedroom. Oftentimes our bedrooms unintentionally end up working against us when it comes to romance. The way we design our spaces can actually hinder how sexy we feel.
But the opposite is true, too. A well-planned space has the power to put us right in the mood.
Dawn Michael spent 12 years as an interior designer. She’s now a certified clinical sexologist and marriage counselor who helps couples not only work through tough times, but also get more romantic and playful in the bedroom.
Her first rule (no, it’s not adding fuzzy handcuffs, though that’s certainly encouraged): “A lot of it is getting rid of clutter to create intimacy and have the bedroom be a place to get in the mood.”
How to Turn Up the Heat in Your Bedroom
The bed. Next to decluttering, the bed is the most important part of a romantic bedroom. “You want softness but also some hardness in the pillows and different textures that evoke different feelings when you come into the room," Michael says.
If possible, avoid memory foam mattresses, Michael says. Why? No springs.
The accessories. For most couples with kids or relatives living with them, having a family-friendly bedroom is important. No problem. There are plenty of things you can do to create a quick-transition romantic bedroom. “You can paint your walls more of a neutral, warm color,” Michael says. “Then add sexy accents after — an animal fur rug, animal print pillows ... reds are always nice, deeper grays and blues. Throw down the red sash or scarf at the end of the bed, and it’s like, ‘Tonight we’re going to get it on, baby.’ Some people make it so serious.”
The color. Michael likes rich eggplant, mocha, dark cream and deep blue colors, but it's up to you to choose what makes you feel romantic.
“Whatever color you’re painting it, remember you’re going to limit the accents and accessories you can put in the room,” Michael says.
The furniture. Of course, the bed isn't the only piece of furniture getting the action. Don't discount the possibilities of other furnishings in the room, she says.
The lighting. “Lighting is important as far as setting the mood,” Michael says. “For the most part, recessed lighting with a dimmer is the best way to go.” Shoot for something soft and subtle. Let a few lit candles take care of the rest.
The sounds. “Sound can calm and soothe or inspire excitement,” Michael says. “It just depends on how erotic or how sexy you want to go.”
Sound machines and radios are always good, but try a water feature, too. And upholstered walls, like the ones seen here, are great for noise control. Remember, sound isn’t just about muffling what’s going on behind closed doors; it’s also about providing insulation to help take your mind off what’s going on elsewhere in the house. When you feel calm and you can relax, you'll have a better experience and can be more passionate with your partner, Michael says.
Also, put a lock on the door.
Next: What Might Our Bedrooms Say About Us?
