Day Beds and Their Potential for Small Spaces

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Day beds are usually small sized beds that can also serve as couches or sofas when not in use. They are commonly used in children’s and small bedrooms to get more out of the space without having to sacrifice the comfort.

Almost any kind of bed can be turned into a day bed if you are up to it. The trick here is to always make it upon waking up, so it can easily look like a couch when not used for sleep. You don’t really have to fill it up with throw pillows to look like a couch, but it should be at least made so you don’t have to waddle through a heap of bed clothes just to sit comfortably.

To give you a better understanding of how day beds can be used for small bedrooms, here are some great examples we have for you.

Eclectic Bedroom by Calgary Home Builders Brookfield Residential Alberta

Sitting right next to a window, this day bed appears as if it’s just an extended window sill with a cushion and throw pillows. We especially love the drawers, as it offer extra storage spaces.

Eclectic Bedroom by Los Angeles Interior Designers & Decorators Tommy Chambers Interiors, Inc.

How awesome is it to have headboards on two sides of your bed?

Traditional Kids by Beverly Hills Furniture & Accessories AFK Furniture

This traditional bedroom is all chic, classic, and elegant. Perfect for those aiming for a classic look despite the small size their home offers.

Eclectic Kids by Hoboken Real Estate Agents Hudson Place Realty

Day beds also add a touch of uniqueness in eclectic bedrooms, as they can look like a regular sofa, except that they also function as regular beds, like in this bedroom’s case.

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DIY day beds are also all the rage today! They’re inexpensive and versatile, perfect for renters and those who want to pinch pennies.

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If you’re worried that a day bed will make your apartment feel too dorm room-y, take a cue from top interior designer Vicente Wolf and make use of a canopy day bed instead. Get the most out of your space without sacrificing the luxe look and feel of a canopy bed.

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Have enough space but still want a day bed in your bedroom? Why not go all out and opt for a full sized day bed like this one specially made for designer Nanette Lepore’s daughter?

Whether you’re trying to get more out of your small studio apartment or want to experiment on the design of your child’s bedroom or home office, a day bed will surely be a nice fit for your home. Just don’t forget to top it with a Salem bed, and you’ll surely get the rest and comfort you desire.

Bedtime Procrastination and How it Damages Your Health

Bedtime procrastination, or what experts would describe as the habit of putting off sleep for no important reason to a later time instead of sticking to the intended schedule, is a harmful phenomenon that an increasing amount of people struggle with unwittingly. Most people are not exactly aware that moving their bedtime at a later hour can be bad for their health, which is why there is a growing concern about this behavior and why people should deal with it immediately.

Why You Procrastinate Even for Bedtime

For a lot of people, falling asleep as soon as they get the chance is a rare and amazing occurrence. This makes sleep more enjoyable, especially if you’ve just had a long day. However, according to a survey conducted by scientists from the Utrecht University in the Netherlands, subjects tend to put off sleep not because they want to, but because they do not want to stop doing whatever it is that’s keeping them awake.

The study’s lead researcher, Dr. Floor Kroese, says that this is because most folks have a problem with self-regulation. “As bedtime procrastination seems to be a self-regulation problem, we speculate that dealing with distractions (a typical case of self-regulation) would be one of the factors that could be related,” Kroese was quoted in this Time magazine article.

Bedtime Procrastination = Insomnia?

As bedtime procrastination is basically not falling asleep when you’re supposed to, some people tend to confuse it with insomnia. What should be clarified is that bedtime procrastination is simply not a manifestation of insomnia or a symptom of it. As mentioned earlier, this behavior is all about the individual’s desire to actually go to sleep and not his or her inability to doze off. Most folks who choose to put off their sleep doesn’t really have problems getting their shuteye; it’s just that they actually choose not to go to bed just yet for one reason or another.

Why Bedtime Procrastination is Bad for You

Procrastination is a bad habit that a large portion of our modern society has. It can be a waste of time and a great hindrance for productivity. However, when it comes to bedtime, it can get much worse. Putting off sleep can prevent you from getting adequate shuteye, which can lead to health complications that lack of sleep can bring.

If you’ve ever found yourself making excuses to put off sleep to a later time in the evening, you may want to find ways how you can drop your bedtime procrastination habit. Find the right bedtime for yourself and have the discipline to stick to your schedule for starters. Put away all electronic devices when your bedtime draws near and avoid books that are too gripping (or at least have the self-control to put it down when it’s time for you to drift off to sleep). And most importantly, close lay down and close your eyes come lights out. Stick to this routine and you’ll be able to get rid of your bedtime procrastination problem.

Naps and Other Things to Help You Get Rid of Your Midday Slump

After a hectic weekend, it’s either you go to work on a Monday feeling ready to take on all of the week’s challenges or you’re still massively hung over from all the fun (or stress, depending on how you’ve spent your days off) you’ve just had the day before. If you happen to result in the latter, you may also find yourself having your energy lowering by mid-day. And since the day isn’t even nearly over yet, discovering some pick-me-uppers can be the best antidotes for a midday slump.

To help you stop a midday slump from ruining your Monday, here are some tricks you can try.

1. Take a nap.

Naps are excellent ways to perk up your afternoon. Since you’re already low in energy, why not get some shuteye to recharge a bit? A quick 10-20 minute cat nap on your lunch break will help you power through the afternoon easily.

2. Snack on.

Getting some sugar in your system can also help you perk up come early afternoon. However, instead of downing some bottles of energy drink or going on a sugar high with sweets (which will surely result in a crash later on), grab a bar of dark chocolate or some fresh fruits. Dark chocolate is rich in iron and magnesium, making it a great energy booster. Fresh fruits, on the other hand, are great sources of natural sugar, which can ensure the stability of your blood sugar levels.

3. Stretch out.

Stretching has tons of health benefits, which explains why yoga can be an excellent way to get fit. What it does to your body, as long as it is done correctly and safely, is that it improves blood circulation, prevents lower back pain, and reduce stress among many others. Stretching while you’re feeling a bit sluggish can help you perk up, as the physical activity can give your body a jolt and can can even help you get rid of some tension that may already be building up.

4. Take a stroll outside.

Using your break for some physical activities is an excellent way to get rid of the midday slump you may be having by lunch time. A quick stroll around your office building or to a nearby cafeteria/restaurant/food store can be highly beneficial for you in many ways. For one, the walk will give you some exercise and wake your senses up a little bit. The sunshine you’ll be getting will also wake your body up, as it is programmed to respond to the warm light given out by the sun. Also, the trip to the food store can be quite interesting at the very least, and if not, at least you get to come back with snacks and a full stomach.

5. Try some breathing exercises.

Shallow breaths = low oxygen supply = sluggishness. This is why if you’re feeling a bit low, you should try taking some deep breaths to wake yourself up a little bit. Real Simple offers this technique for you to try out:

Put the tip of your tongue against the ridge behind your upper teeth. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound. Then inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven, and exhale through your mouth for a count of eight. Repeat for a total of four breaths.

 

Be more productive with these easy tips how to deal with your midday slump. Keep those yawns away and get more out of your time at the office by following our easy tips.

Space-Saving Design for Modern Compact Living

 

There are several benefits to living small. Not only will it allow you to be near your work place, but it can also help you cut costs and save time on transportation and even live a little greener. However, a compact life seems to be daunting for a lot of people, as the thought of being crammed into a tiny space doesn’t really appeal to those who are used to having wide open spaces to lounge around in and enjoy. With a little bit of creativity, though, you shouldn’t worry too much about small spaces anymore. All you need is some inspiration, a commitment to making your tiny space work, as well as an excellent construction team, and you’re sure to transform a tiny condominium into a great modern living space.

To help you get inspired, here are some of the best intelligent, space saving, transforming compact homes that we’ve found all over the web:

Created by the Normal Projects/Michael K. Chen Architecture, the Unfolding Apartment is primarily a regular apartment with an addition of an oversized cabinet, which also doubles as a closet/changing room, bedroom, and study.

At 24 square meters, this Barcelona apartment would seem more like a walk in closet more than a modern dwelling. However, with the genius of architect Barbara Appolloni, it became a fully functional and modern home in the heart of this hip city. Dubbed as the Lego apartment, discover how a full kitchen (with dishwasher and refrigerator), bedroom, living room, dining room, toilet and study has been squeezed into such a tiny space with ample storage.

Home to TreeHugger.com’s founder, Graham Hill, this 420 square-foot apartment offers a functionality of a 1120 square-foot apartment in a jiffy. Created as a part of Hill’s LifeEdited company, it is the main project in its goal to promote living in small spaces. The apartment is designed by Catalin Sandu and Guerin Glass.

Now, this is one of the smallest apartments that we’ve encountered. But since it’s in Paris, we understand that people will still want to live in it, no matter how tiny the space is. This is why we find this genius transformation is really impressive, as it makes an 8 square meter studio capable of being a fully equipped living space.

Designed by the Kitoko Studio, the space is originally a maid’s room. As the space is so tiny, everything is designed to be pulled out and squeezed into, without sacrificing the comfort and chic aesthetics that the city of lights is well known for.

If you’re not too keen on having to pull stuff out or push doors down, the MIT CityHome project may just be the right fit for you. Designed by the Changing Places Group Lead by Kent Larson, the CityHome is basically a compact cube that is composed of several parts for various purposes. It contains the bed, kitchen, dining table, seating surfaces, and storage. Designed for rooms with 200 square feet, which is basically the common size of dorm rooms, it aims to triple the original floor area for more living space.

What makes the CityHome project stand out, though, is that it is gesture responsive, keeping up with the latest trends in technology today. So instead of pushing and pulling, simple gestures will do and your intended results automatically take place.

Designed by Feng Shui expert, Liu Ming, the Cube is a prefabricated modular loft furniture perfect for small living spaces. It measures eight square feet and can be perfect for sleep, study, and meditation. It’s steel frame makes it easy to relocate.

These are just some of the top examples you can find when planning on transforming the teeniest urban space into a livable compact home. Functional and intelligently designed, you can really enjoy a great modern life with these innovations.

Finding The Perfect Bed Time

Improving your sleep is not just about getting more shuteye every night. As experts say, regular sleep is necessary, as it allows the body to stick with its circadian rhythm, enabling our systems to function at their best. Getting regular sleep, however, can get tricky at first, as it will require you to follow a strict schedule. It gets easier after a while, though, because as soon as your circadian clock falls into step, you’ll find yourself falling asleep at around the same time nightly.

To make the most out of your efforts in improving your sleep, figuring out the best time to go to bed may be of great help. Again, as regular sleep is most ideal for your circadian rhythm, learning when you should start dozing off every night can guarantee better results, as studies show that the time of night also affects the quality of one’s sleep. In an article for Time magazine, Dr. Matt Walker, the University of California, Berkeley head of the Sleep and Neuroimaging Lab, notes that as the night wears on, the quality of sleep also changes.

Basically, sleep is categorized in two types of cycles: the non-REM and the REM sleep. The non-REM sleep, which is more desired for its restorative abilities, as well as for offering deeper slumber, usually occurs during the earlier hours of the night. This allows the sleeper to get rest and recharged right away, just in case the sleeper needs to get an early start in the morning. The REM (or rapid eye movement) sleep, on the other hand, is lighter and dream-infused, as well as designed to cater to our mental health. It also takes place later in the night, as the wee hours of the morning rolls in.

This means, that if you sleep before midnight, chances are, you’ll be getting more non-REM sleep and get more rest. If you’re more of a late night person, though, and you like sleeping right before the day breaks, you may still find yourself exhausted even after a few hours of shuteye, as the shift from non to REM sleep takes place at a specific time of the night, regardless of whatever time you’ve decided to hit the sack.

The best bedtime is right around 8pm to 12 midnight, according to experts. This gives you a great chance of getting enough deep sleep for optimal functioning. However, as there are still different types of people, forcing yourself to sleep before 10 if you’re a night owl may not work at your advantage, while sleeping past 11 may be harmful for morning larks. So, it should depend on your personality and lifestyle what the best bed time is for you, as long as it falls right inside the 8pm-12am window.

According to another expert, Dr. Allison Siebern, associate director of the Insomnia & Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at Stanford University, the best bed time for you is still around the time when you’re usually the sleepiest. You can also count back to get 8 hours to determine the time when you should hit the sack from the time you usually have to wake up. So, if you normally wake up at 6:30 am, hitting the hay at around 10pm will be ideal, as long as you also already feel sleepy around that time.

Dr. Siebern also notes that your ideal bed time changes as you age. However, once you’ve already mastered having a healthy sleeping schedule, adjusting wouldn’t be that hard. You just need to be consistent, as well as observant to your body’s needs.

By learning the perfect bed time for you will help you get started in achieving a healthier sleep hygiene. Pair it with a high quality Salem mattress, and you’re off to improve your health amazingly.

Bed Placement Ideas

The bed is the centerpiece and focal point in the bedroom. This is why its placement can easily make or break the space’s overall look, as how you position your bed could determine not only the focal point of your room, but also dictate how much space you can use for additional design.

As you would know, there are a few traditional ways in placing your bed inside a room. Most are unspoken rules like the bed should face the door, space on either side of the bed should be available, and blocking windows with the bed shouldn’t be done among others. However, with the current trends of downsizing one’s living space, these rules aren’t ideal for everyone anymore. With the space constraints, there’s really no need to follow the “rules”. What you need is to find a set up that will work for you.

To help you out in finding a great placement for your bed, here are some examples we’ve found from all over the web.

1. Up against the window.

Contemporary Bedroom by London Architects & Building Designers MODEL Projects Ltd

Enjoy more natural lighting and fuss less about the wall art you need to hang – the view from outside your window can easily work as a wonderful decor by placing your bed against your massive windows.

2. Corner bed.

 
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If you have a corner window in your bedroom, take advantage of it. Hopefully there’s enough sill space so you can place some random items like an alarm clock or lamp to help you settle in during the nights easier.

3. Against a wall.

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Not a big fan of bedside tables? Why not push it against the wall instead? It may feel a bit like a dorm room, but some people find it more comfortable to sleep next to a wall, so why not give it a shot?

4. Right in the middle of the room.

 
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Putting your bed right in the center of the room will really make it the center piece and focal point of the interior design. It can also allow you flexibility in using your space.

5. Next to the door.

Not because you have a small space does it mean you should settle for a small bed. As long as it fits inside your room and gives you leg space for getting out of bed in the morning, it could work out well.

6. Slanted.

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Slanting your bed is a lot like putting the bed in the middle of the room, it emphasizes the bed heavily. It can also create an excellent visual interest for the space, perfect for those who want to experiment a bit more in designing their bedrooms.

If your room is shaped oddly or you just want to try something new, trying out these placements can prove to be helpful in not only designing your space, but in maximizing it as well. So the next time you’re planning to rearrange the furniture in your bedroom to give it a fresh look, give these unusual positions a shot and you may just nail a chic new layout for your bedroom.

Splurge or Skimp: Bedroom Spend Thrift Tips

Whether you’re furnishing your first apartment or you’re trying to update your beloved home, creating a budget for the items you will need to spend money on is a must. To avoid stress, though, you should keep in mind that you don’t have to spend a lot for everything, especially in your bedroom. There are some that you should invest on and save on the others.

To help you out in creating a strategic spending map, here is our list of where you should splurge or skimp.

Splurge:

Traditional Duvet Covers by Dallas Furniture & Accessories Horchow

1. Mattress

We’re not saying this because we make mattresses, but because it’s true. Mattresses have always been big ticket purchases that are worth investing on, especially Salem beds. Getting a good, high quality mattress will help you rest well at night and even guarantee you great sleep for years, making them worth spending some money on. We’re not saying that you should buy the most expensive model in the market, though. We’re saying that it’s okay to spend more on a mattress, as long as you’re comfortable in it and you know that it is durable and can be used for a long time.

2. Sheets & Linens

As you will be laying on bed clothes all night, ensuring that they are ideal for your skin and hair is necessary. By choosing the right fabric, you can wake up refreshed and even prettier, so why not give yourself this extra boost? Satin pillowcases are perfect for dry hair and can lessen frizz, while cotton bed sheets can give you fresher mornings.

3. Pillows

Aside from your mattress, your pillow also gives you the proper back support needed for a good night’s sleep. They can also make or break your sleep, as a bad pillow will strain your back and cause you aches in the morning. Getting a good pillow is a great way to ensure that you are going to have a good night’s sleep.

For splurging, the idea here is that if you’re going to be using it a lot and your comfort is on the line, you have to be ready to splurge on it. Since you will be maximizing its function, you can get your money’s worth easily, especially if you chose high quality products.

Skimp:

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1. Art

Unless you’re an art collector who is passionate about the works of the masters, buying extra expensive art for your bedroom doesn’t really make a lot of sense. While some people are willing to shell out thousands of pesos for a lovely work of art, if you’re on a tight budget, you can always skimp on art and opt for more affordable pieces. Art can be easily updated as time goes by, so if you really want a good artwork hanging on your bedroom wall, you can always save up and buy the piece you want.

2. Decorative Pieces

Like wall art, splurging on other decorative pieces can be tempting, but once you really think about it, do you really need to spend as much on photo frames, vases, and candle holders? Will these items affect your quality of life if you buy them cheap?

Also, like art, these items can be updated over time. If your budget doesn’t allow it yet, we suggest you skimp on decorative pieces first, but once you’ve settled in  and have already purchased every big ticket item you need, you can always reward yourself with tchotchkes, baubles, and trinkets that you love.

3. Comforters

In a tropical country like the Philippines, getting a comforter shouldn’t be a priority, since we don’t have to go through cold nights. Even if you sleep with air-conditioning, you can always set the thermostat to a tolerable temperature, so you don’t have to wake up shivering in the middle of the night. With this, the need for comforters isn’t really there, so why purchase an expensive one?

Deciding on what to skimp on is fairly easy, actually. You just have to weigh their importance. If you’re not going to use them a lot, might as well buy cheap and just replace them over time should the need arise.

Consider:

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1. Window Treatments

If you’re going for shades, you will have to commit to it and invest. Cheap shades look cheap and are actually flimsy, so splurging on a good one could be a great idea. However, if you’re the type to change up your room every now and then, you may want to opt for curtains instead, as they are a lot more affordable and can be DIYed.

2. Furniture

Just like the window treatments, spending on furniture is tricky. If it’s a heavy use item, like the bed and closets should be invested on, as you don’t want  your bed giving out on you in the middle of the night. However, if it’s just rarely used, like accent tables, feel free to get something cheap, as long as it complements your decor.

3. Your DIY Projects

So, you’ve seen something at the store and you’re pretty nifty yourself. You think, hey, I can make one of those for much less. While it is true that you can actually make a version of it on your own, sometimes, it might also be a lot cheaper to just buy the actual thing. Aside from the time you’ll spend crafting  the item, without watching yourself carefully, you can easily go overboard and hoard everything from the craft store. This, of course, will be counterproductive, since you’ve taken on the project mainly as a way to cut costs, and not spend a lot. So, the next time you’ve decided  to DIY something, try to weigh the pros and cons first. This way, you can be sure that you’re making the right financial decision.

4. Paint

Paint is one of the most contested item when it comes to whether buying it cheap or expensive is the wiser move. Some people swear by pricey brands, while others stand by the more affordable varieties. In any case, experts suggest that the price doesn’t really matter, as long as you prep your walls right. Washing it down to degrease it and sanding it a bit will allow the paint to adhere better, offering greater results. By doing it properly, you can be guaranteed that you’ll get the most out of the product you purchased, especially if you’ve decided to splurge a little bit.

 

Hopefully, these tips help you put in perspective the things you may need to invest on and the ones you can do without. However, it’s still up to you whether you want to follow our suggestions. As long as you’re creating a comfortable space to pamper yourself at the end of the day, you can be sure that you’ll be successful in this challenge.