Sleep Easy in a Serene Bedroom

When it comes to creating the perfect master bedroom, strike a balance between form and function. Pile on the plush. Sprinkle in some style and serenity, then sleep easy.

“The most important aspect of a master bedroom is to have a sense of comfort and serenity,” said David Schaefer, owner and president of Urban Essentials. “After all, you spend more time typically in that room than any other in your life.”

Schaefer designs bedrooms for several upscale condominium model homes, including the Rhodes Hill Square condos in Rosslyn. For these bedrooms, he creates the look of a luxury hotel suite, with clean lines, neutral tones and beautiful linens. 

Because the main activity in a bedroom is sleep, it’s important this room, more than any other, be free of clutter and chaos. Display collections and what-nots in the living room. Leave trophies for the basement. Focus on the bed. 

“The most important decision one can make is their selection of their mattress,” said Schaefer. “We sell Tempurpedic, which is incidentally the highest-rated customer satisfaction mattress in the U.S. It is also the highest rated Consumer Reports mattress, as well. Since sleep is so important to everyone, getting good sleep is essential. After the mattress, I would say the style of your bedroom should really be what feels comfortable for you.”

Consider the mattress the foundation for building a better bed. The linens are like the walls, designed to keep you snug and warm.

I designed my bedroom based on my favorite hotel chain, Sofitel. The Sofitel has the best bedding. Using what they call the SoBed system; they top the mattress with a feather bed, a duvet and plush pillows. The SoBed system costs about $3,000. 

But you can create a similar experience for a fraction of the price. Purchase a feather bed from Bed Bath and Beyond or Macy's. Top with luxurious linens. Avoid getting stuck on thread count alone. The type of cotton is just as important. Egyptian cotton is the most luxurious, followed by pima. Purchase a down comforter and cover with a duvet made from a high thread count Egyptian cotton. With a featherbed below you and the down comforter above, you will feel enveloped in luxury. Splurge with luxury linens from Kriess Collection in D.C. or visit Patrick’s Fine Linen and Home Decor in Old Town Alexandria. 

Patrick’s carries stunning linens from around the world. Patrick’s co-owner Troy Englert believes all beds should be dressed in lush linens. “I personally like jacquards because of the way the thread is woven,” said Englert. He suggests adding another layer of tranquility with soothing aromas. “I love a candle burning in the bedroom or the scent of linen waters spray on the bed, like a lemon verbena.”

Most importantly, make sure your bedroom makes you feel at peace. “When you walk into your bedroom at the end of a hectic day, it should feel like your sanctuary,” said Schaefer. “Bedding, furniture, paint – all should reflect one's one personal style and taste.”