Zen Bedrooms

What better place to use a Zen decorating style than in the bedroom? Zen is not just an interior decorating style, but a religion and philosophy that emphasizes simple utility, elegance and harmony. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect sleeping environment?

One of the best things about the Zen style is how simple and inexpensive it can be to achieve, as the addition of Zen style to any room is more about subtraction.

Remove Clutter

Clutter is a problem in any room, but in the bedroom it can be distracting and counterproductive to a restful environment. Eliminate all, and I do mean ALL, clutter from the bedroom.

Open Spaces

Each piece of furniture in a Zen style room must have a function, there are no accent tables or decorative furniture. Less is more in Zen, and less is even less for a budget for decorating in the Zen style. Typical furniture pieces should be a bed, nightstands and a dresser. The room should not be crowded, it needs to be open with plenty of floor space.

Simple Furnishings

What furniture there is in the room should have clean, simple lines. A platform bed with a straight headboard is the perfect complement to Zen décor. Part of the beauty of Zen style furniture is the lines are so clean and simple they can be do-it-yourself projects. A headboard could be made with a simple piece of plywood covered in a natural textile.

Accessories

In an actual Zen room, all electronics are removed, including the alarm clock, television and telephone. This isn’t always practical, but get as close to it as you can. Blinking lights, sounds and glows from these objects should at the very least be minimized or hidden as much as possible. For accessories, choose wisely – a simple vase with bamboo on a nightstand makes more of a statement in Zen décor.

Colors

Most Zen rooms use neutral colors in the palette. Colors can be used, they just need to be restful and not jolt the senses. You don’t want to go too monochromatic or it will become tedious. Earth tones and natural colors are best in Zen rooms. Soft colors from nature like taupe, celadon, and pale blue work well with a richer accent color like a chocolate brown. Zen color palettes are usually serene and modern at the same time.

Zen décor is all about creating balance and peace in our living environment. While we struggle to achieve this balance in our career and family, the Zen style achieves this balance in the bedroom.