Sleep & Well Being
November 2024How NOT to Give Your Date ‘The Ick’ in the Bedroom
Removing “the ick” in the bedroom is key to creating a cosy, inviting, and romantic space where you and your partner can truly unwind. Little things like fresh, clean bedding, a tidy room, and thoughtful touches can make all the difference in setting the stage for warmth and connection. When the bedroom is well-kept and intentionally decorated, it becomes a sanctuary for relaxation and romance, allowing you to focus on each other and enjoy memorable moments without distractions.
What’s the ‘Ick,’ and Why Does It Happen in the Bedroom?
The “ick” is that uncomfortable feeling of distaste that can arise out of nowhere. Often, small annoyances or overlooked details—like messy bedding or piles of clutter—are enough to create it. To keep your bedroom from becoming a source of the “ick,” we at John Ryan By Design surveyed 1,500 people to find out which bedroom habits are the biggest turn-offs.
Unsurprisingly, poor bed hygiene came out as the top culprit.
The Findings
A significant 68.7% of respondents ranked poor bed hygiene—like dirty sheets, mystery stains, or no bedding at all—as their biggest bedroom “ick.” Close behind, 14% cited clutter and untidiness, from scattered clothes to leftover dishes, as a turn-off. Other factors included unfinished decor, poor furniture choices, and unsupportive bedding.
Gender and Age Differences
Both men and women disliked poor bed hygiene, though women felt more strongly about it (72.9% compared to 63.3%).
Men, however, were four times more likely to find collectables or memorabilia off-putting.
Older age groups were more sensitive to bed hygiene, with 77.2% of those over 54 listing it as their biggest “ick,” compared to 62.5% of 18-24-year-olds.
Five Tips to Avoid the Bedroom ‘Ick’
Creating a warm, inviting bedroom can make all the difference in turning your space into a sanctuary of comfort and relaxation. Here are five detailed tips to help you avoid the dreaded “ick” in the bedroom and craft an atmosphere that’s fresh, cosy, and inviting:
1. Change Your Bedding Regularly
Fresh, clean bedding is essential to maintaining a welcoming space. Aim to change your sheets weekly and keep them free from any stains or odors. Use a mild, fabric-safe detergent to preserve softness and add a touch of a subtle, fresh scent to keep your linens feeling new. Clean bedding not only improves sleep quality but also enhances the room’s overall feel.
2. Tidy Up and Declutter
A clean, organized bedroom is far more inviting than one filled with clutter. Take a few minutes daily to put away clothes, remove dishes, and organize surfaces. Consider a stylish storage solution for extra items and make the bed daily to make the space feel more put-together instantly. An organized room is visually appealing and promotes a sense of calm and relaxation.
3. Finish Decorating the Bedroom
Even minor decor updates can elevate the space and bring a sense of personality and style to the bedroom. Complete any unfinished decor projects, whether hanging artwork, adding new throw pillows, or investing in a rug that complements the room’s design. Soft lighting from bedside lamps or string lights can add a warm glow, making the room feel intimate and restful.
4. Invest in Quality Bedding
Your bedding plays a significant role in creating a cosy, comfortable sleeping environment. Consider upgrading to high-quality sheets, supportive pillows, and a quilt or duvet that provides warmth and texture. Layering with throws or adding decorative cushions can also make the bed look and feel more luxurious, inviting you to relax and unwind.
5. Add a Fresh, Pleasant Scent
Scents have a powerful effect on mood; a subtle, fresh scent can make the bedroom feel even more inviting. Light a few scented candles, add an essential oil diffuser or spritz a gentle fabric spray on your pillows and linens. Lavender, chamomile, and vanilla are calming scents, ideal for creating a peaceful ambience conducive to relaxation.
With a few intentional adjustments, you can transform your bedroom into a welcoming retreat where the “ick” doesn’t stand a chance!
Get A Great Night Sleep With John Ryan By Design
Of course, we’d also be remiss if we didn’t point out that having a comfortable and supportive mattress is another key to enjoying a great night’s sleep. At John Ryan, we stock all manner of high-quality mattresses. So, if you think that your mattress could be contributing to your poor sleep quality (even if it’s only in part) then why don’t you browse our excellent range and see if you could find something that suits you better? And if you have any questions about our products, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our friendly team of experts will be more than happy to listen to your requirements and help you to choose the mattress that will work best for you.
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