Did you know that almost one in five people in the UK aren’t getting enough sleep according to Mental Health UK?

On average, adults under the age of 64 require between seven to nine hours of sleep every night (Sleep Health Foundation) to manage stress, retain focus, and stay in good physical health.

With increasing reports of poor sleep, we thought it best to look at what steps you can take to get a peaceful night.

“Few recognise how important your bedroom’s interior design is and how much this can impact your sleep, especially in smaller spaces,’ reveals Tina Barkway, trading director at Aldiss in Norfolk.

“In tiny bedrooms, what furniture you buy and how you arrange it, is essential for determining how cosy your sleeping area will be,” adds furniture buying director, Victoria Jackson.

To ensure an uninterrupted night’s slumber, Tina and Victoria share what to do (and not do) when designing a small bedroom.

1. Using light colours in small rooms is a must

In rooms where space is limited, it’s important to choose a cool colour palette and use no more than three shades. This is to prevent the room from becoming cluttered and overwhelming, which can distract the brain and could disrupt your sleep.

Pastel shades like powder blue, pale grey and creamy whites are ideal to use in small bedrooms as they reflect natural light, make the space appear bigger and create a calming effect – just what you need when climbing into bed at the end of a long day!

2. Don’t crowd your bedroom with too much furniture

It’s never fun to stumble your way around awkwardly arranged furniture when getting up in the morning. In tighter rooms, you need to be more selective about the pieces you include. It’s best to stick only to the essentials and carefully plan the room’s layout to ensure ample walking space between each item.

Built-in wardrobes are stylish, a great space-saver and provide plenty of storage. When designing a guest bedroom, choosing a sofa bed is a brilliant idea. It provides a comfortable spot for your guests to rest, but anytime it’s not in use, it can be transformed into a sofa. This not only cuts down on space but allows you to use the area for other purposes, such as a home office.

Eastern Daily Press: Built-in wardrobes like the Wiemann Rhodes four door one from Aldiss are great space saversBuilt-in wardrobes like the Wiemann Rhodes four door one from Aldiss are great space savers (Image: Aldiss)

3. Pick bedding that complements the room’s colour scheme

When decorating little bedrooms, sticking to a cohesive colour palette is crucial. This will help you achieve a stunning result and prevent your bedroom from becoming congested and ruining your sleep. It’s best to select bedding that matches your decor and accessories. You can explore Aldiss’ extensive range of bed linens and find luxurious light toned duvet sets from the latest collection by Helena Springfield.

4. Steer clear of dark, over-patterned curtains

Avoid selecting curtains with busy patterns, as this can draw too much focus. To ensure plenty of natural light can enter the room, it’s best to pick light fabrics. Simple plain, striped or small print curtains will provide a timeless finish and add elegance.

Eastern Daily Press: Use pale linens, like these Sophie Allport duck egg blue curtains available from Aldiss, to maximise the amount of natural light entering your bedroomUse pale linens, like these Sophie Allport duck egg blue curtains available from Aldiss, to maximise the amount of natural light entering your bedroom (Image: Aldiss)

5. Limit how many bedroom accessories you add

Many people often make the mistake of filling a small bedroom with too many knick-knacks. It’s far more effective to be selective and only include a few finishing touches. A luxurious throw can make a bed seem far more inviting and adding a vase in a contrasting shade is a great way to add a splash of colour.

6. Don’t waste an ounce of space

The golden rule when designing a small bedroom is to think about storage. It’s something you need, but don’t have much room to be wasteful with. This is why solutions like an ottoman bed are perfect. The area beneath the bed can hold lots of items without taking up unnecessary floor space. It’s easy to access and find whatever you need, but once you’re done, you can simply lower the bed, and everything is hidden away once more.

Eastern Daily Press: Ottoman beds like this one from Aldiss' Cairo range are ideal to use in small bedroomsOttoman beds like this one from Aldiss' Cairo range are ideal to use in small bedrooms (Image: Aldiss)

7. Freshen up your bedroom with stunning faux foliage

Plants are a simple and effective way of brightening up a small space. They can help boost your mood and energy, as well as bring a touch of nature into your home, creating a relaxing ambience.

You can hang them from the ceiling or place them on the windowsill to save space, and for those not blessed with green fingers, artificial plants are a saving grace. They’re easy to care for, can be placed anywhere and won’t make any mess.

Visit aldiss.com to discover more items to create a stunning small bedroom or stop by their stores in Fakenham and Norwich.