If you are looking for a room that supports calmness, health and well-being, keep reading. Wondering how bringing some nature into your bedroom could turn it into a relaxing place to sleep? I’ll show you how to incorporate the flavor of nature in your bedroom in a practical way. You will find out how natural substances, smart materials and responsible design can help you rest better, think clearer and live healthier. Starting from the basics, we’ll take a look at biophilic designs in a calm way.
Introducing Biophilic Design Principles In The Bedroom
I like to start a biophilic bedroom concept by adding design features inspired by the environment. Being in nature this way helps us find emotional balance and think more clearly. Ideally, a biophilic bedroom includes nature, soft fabrics and natural items to help you feel good. It isn’t just about putting some plants anywhere but about making the space match the natural calm and pattern found in nature.
Most of the time, I use recycled wood panels, linen curtains, earthy wall colors and natural flooring. The style of furniture ought to be up to date and simple so that the materials stand out. I reunite nature with the indoors by including big windows, gentle lighting and a seamless design. Stone trays and woven baskets even help create a soothing look for the interior. Everything works if you are purposeful and focused.
Having biophilic elements in my bedroom has helped me feel like I’m getting away each night. According to Architectural Digest, designers are trying to cut down on synthetic surfaces and are also bringing more natural light and softer textures into the homes. I couldn’t agree more—it boosts mental health.
You might want to add something that hears or senses such as soft wind or a flowing fountain, to the area. They add to the biophilic effect and lift the mood throughout the room.
Maximizing Natural Light For A Healthy Sleep Space
One of the first things I do when thinking about a biophilic bedroom is making sure there is plenty of natural light. Getting sunlight during the day helps you maintain a healthy waking and sleeping pattern. Bright natural light lifts our moods and helps make simple earthy colors and natural materials more attractive.
It’s best to place the bed or seating by large windows, putting up breathable curtains to let light in gently but protect your privacy. If traditional windows can’t be installed, skylights or clerestory windows make a great choice. A lighter hardwood floor and white plaster walls work to make a room brighter and cheerful.
I put in a big horizontal window which now frames the treetops and noticeably improved daytime light and my feeling of being in touch with the outdoors. According to House Beautiful, putting together light-colored textiles and plants helps create a nice balance and a soft touch in rooms with sunlight.
Furthermore, I can use automated lights that resemble the sun’s daily movement, so that artificial light is smoother with the day’s natural changes.
Incorporating Indoor Plants For Fresh Air And Aesthetics
A biophilic bedroom should always include indoor plants. I like to use greenery to improve the air in my home and to include interesting shapes, texture and color. They relax you at a subconscious level and help bring to mind the cycle of life, making sure the room stays fresh.
Snake plants, peace lilies and pothos are my preferred plants for those looking for something low-maintenance. You can make any space more interesting by hanging planters, displaying large potted trees or adding plant frames to the walls. Having planters made of ceramic or woven material helps give the garden a natural look.
As soon as I added my monstera next to a rattan chair in the corner of my room, the space felt more grounded. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens suggest that grouping various plant types in layers makes for the most pleasing effect. Plants definitely help brighten up a room.
If I added more, I’d set up a little herb garden where the windowsills are. Herbs such as lavender or rosemary may help make any area look better and feel fresher.
Earthy Color Palettes That Promote Relaxation
The psychology of color is strong and in designing a biophilic bedroom, I prefer earth tones to relax the space. Metal gray, taupe, olive green, muted terracotta and clay tones help soothe the mind and make your home seem more calm.
Paint your walls in light neutral colors and then add forest green and rust red to your bedding and cushions. I use unique materials throughout such as mossy velvet and clay-colored wool, to make the space feel more engaging for visitors. What’s true here is that you don’t want your style to be trendy, but aim for a timeless look instead.
I painted the walls green-gray in my guest room and included dark walnut furniture and light-colored bedding so the space feels serene and orderly. According to Elle Decor, neutral shades soothe your mood, reduce worries and encourage restful sleep due to their natural effect.
I’d give the room more character by applying a wall in either lime-washed paint or textured clay plaster. The three different finishes create visual details but do not disrupt the soothing color scheme.
Using Natural Wood Furniture For A Timeless Appeal
To me, using natural wood furniture is a main part of creating a biophilic bedroom. Wood gives any room a comfortable, genuine and lasting quality. By displaying pieces from nature inside, homes become more caring and shielding.
Most of the time, I prefer bed frames, nightstands and dressers made from oak, walnut or reclaimed pine. You won’t find these unique grains and textures in any mass-made items. Mid-century shapes or minimal Scandi styles help the room remain neat and focused on nature.
A pleasant smell that reminds me of forest cabins comes from my aged solid oak bed. According to Dwell Magazine, wooden furniture connects you to the environment in a way nothing else can.
Adding some handmade designs such as a wooden bench near the bed, can complete the look.
Organic Bedding Materials For A Sustainable Sleep
I consider supporting health and comfort which makes me pick organic materials for bedding in my biophilic work. Not only are they eco-friendly—they actually make you breathe cleaner, have better skin and feel more relaxed. Now we are bringing together sustainable practices with luxury.
I use sheets made of GOTS-approved cotton, kapok or wool pillow stuffing and linen duvet covers. They are designed to let air pass through, are not toxic and regulate your body’s temperature naturally. Natural pet food has better-feeling textures than other options on the market.
Choosing organic sheets allowed me to sleep much better. According to other research from The Sleep Foundation, using natural materials in bedding lowers overheating and helps you avoid exposure to allergens. They become more beautiful with time because they age smoothly.
You can make the section even better by adding a latex or hemp organic mattress or topper—many of them are available and designed to help you sleep well and sustainably.
Green Walls And Vertical Gardens For Bedroom Zen
A biophilic bedroom can’t be complete without a green wall or vertical garden. Not only do these living installations look good, but they also make the air cleaner and help soothe your senses. If done correctly, they let the forest live in your own home.
Most of the time, I build vertical gardens behind the headboard or on stylish walls elsewhere in the bedroom. A moss wall or modular system is perfect for a bedroom because they need very little maintenance. To showcase their texture and shadows, I use soft lighting with these objects.
We opted for moss and birchwood in one project and the displays were sturdy, stayed pretty and required little upkeep. As Veranda Magazine describes, vertical gardens are becoming more popular for how they combine a dramatic appearance with restoring properties.
You could also add a little water feature to the area next to the green wall, so noise from it promotes tranquility and helps you fully enjoy the natural vibe.
Reconnecting With Nature Through Scenic Views
When I’m working on a biophilic bedroom, I always look for opportunities to create visual connections to the outside world. If you’re lucky enough to have a window that opens up to a garden, a tree canopy, or even the sky, it can become a natural focal point that calms the nervous system. Appreciating nature with our eyes restores our connection to the environment, a main feature of biophilic design.
If you move your bed or reading area to where the window is, you’ll have a daily reminder of the outside world. If you’re concerned about privacy, use sheer linen drapes or wood shades, so you can still see outside. Consider putting in a bench by the window, using blinds that let in light but keep out sunshine or installing glass doors that open onto a balcony if that’s possible. Adding jute rugs and timber beams fits the view and benefits your senses.
Once I positioned my bed so that I could see the forest out my window, I felt much better each morning. Many of the designers in Domino Magazine stress that view-filled rooms can be very satisfying in modern and environmentally conscious bedroom settings.
Take it a step further and put a climbing plant close to the window or plant your window with a vertical trellis. As a result, your space becomes more layered and invites changing seasons into your daily life.
Stone And Raw Textures For Grounding Energy
Textures are an essential aspect of biophilic design, even more so than color or furniture. I like to include stone and raw elements because they give the space a solid foundation and remind us of the wild beauty outside. Stone makes any home decor last longer and feel more genuine than many synthetic surfaces do.
You may see stone used as brick walls, slate for floors, marble for tables beside beds or in creative sandstone sculptures. It’s especially fun for me to include river rock trays or lamps with pebble-like patterns. Using these natural materials adds texture and mood to any room.
Another bedroom that I really enjoy has a low bench made of travertine marble and a stone wall made from reclaimed material behind the bed. Design Milk points out that the use of unprocessed textures gives a bedroom a peaceful, ancient feel that is balanced by the soft furnishings.
In addition, I could imagine using clay walls or concrete that’s not sealed with wax, along with wool fabrics. Combining earthy and mossy colors really highlights the flaws in nature’s growth, but in a way that is truly appealing.
Nature-Inspired Wall Murals And Art
Art can really change the look of a room, so I often decorate bedrooms with murals and art that connect to nature. Pictures of nature help people connect with the outdoors, even when they don’t have much to see outside. With murals of forests, mountains, water or drawings of plants, a room becomes a peaceful haven.
If I’m doing a mural, I choose high-quality wallpaper with watercolor, misty mountains or botanical silhouettes. Usually, framed photography or handmade images give a softer, more personal appeal to the walls. If you use natural fibers for wall hangings, the look also fits well.
In my area, I set up three prints of desert cacti in black and white above a rattan bench. Apartment Therapy advises that large wall art can help expand the look of a room and for a biophilic space, it allows you to bring the natural outdoors in.
I believe including textured wall sculptures created from driftwood or carved stone will raise the section to another level, as they offer both artistic art and natural pieces.
Soft Natural Lighting With Eco-Friendly Fixtures
Every bedroom needs proper lighting and in a biophilic design, it should look like natural daylight. That’s why using soft natural lighting and eco-friendly fixtures that help conserve energy and avoid glare is something I always suggest. We try to achieve a comfortable and inviting light that can assist our regular sleep pattern.
I typically use LED bulbs with warm tones (2700–3000K) in wooden or rattan pendant lights, linen lampshades, and sconces. Controlling the light intensity with dimmer switches is very important daily. Task lighting close to where reading takes place should appear warm and not too professional. Fixtures that use bamboo, clay and paper match the natural and earthy theme of the room.
I put up a bamboo pendant in the center of my room and its shadows add a calm atmosphere to the wall at night. High ceilings and layered lighting are often shown on HGTV as important parts of cozy bedroom designs.
I’d add that motion-sensor nightlights that give out amber colors are good for night-time safety without disturbing sleep hormone production.
Layered Natural Textures For Sensory Comfort
For me, layering is the best way to make a biophilic bedroom feel cozier and more comfortable. Mixing wool, linen, wood and stone in my home makes it feel warm and supportive. We want to use all of our senses—sight, feeling and emotions—when looking at art.
I lay down either a wool or jute rug to start, then add linen bedding, a handwoven throw and complete it with a wooden headboard. A bulletin board with cork or a bowl made of stone is a quick way to complement just about any dresser. Make sure the color palette is natural and matches, so the textures create the main interest in your space.
I find that adding different textures makes a bigger difference than filling the place with lots of different visuals. The Spruce suggests that using simple textures in subtle colors will keep people from feeling overpowered, but still add some life to the space.
I’d also suggest putting an upholstered bench in cotton or a seagrass basket there to keep blankets. They help make the room more interesting through designing its sense of touch.
Using Recycled And Sustainable Materials
All of the materials in a biophilic bedroom should be special and connected to sustainability. Besides being environmentally friendly, I love using sustainable and recycled materials for their true character. Many have something unique about them, along with minor issues and appeal that big-brand goods miss.
I get shelving, headboards and lamp bases made from reclaimed wood and my soft goods like sheets are made with recycled glass and organic cotton. Among renewable materials, bamboo, cork and rattan stand out. Drawer pulls and curtain rods are available these days in recycled metals or handcrafted materials.
My dresser is built from old barn wood and it’s the most commented on item in my house. Green Builder Media recommends you use regional, recycled goods for both your environmental benefit and because it ties you closer to your place.
I’d also mention reusing architectural components—old window shutters look great on walls and door panels can add style as headboards. They are designed to highlight creativity that is good for the environment.
Fragrance From Nature With Essential Oils And Herbs
Scent is an important, yet often unnoticed part of biophilic design. I often add essential oils and herbs to my rooms to improve how I feel and keep the atmosphere natural. By using aromas, aromatherapy can improve sleep, ease feelings of stress and link you with nature.
To get a good night’s sleep, I have lavender or cedarwood essential oils spread through a ceramic diffuser and eucalyptus scent for better focus during the day. These bundles add charm to your kitchen when placed in woven trays. Impressive Living has 100% cotton panty liners with pleasant scents.
I made a big difference when I put a living lavender plant by one of my windows. Bathing in this soap leaves your skin clean with a very enjoyable, light fragrance. According to Martha Stewart Living, you should use different summer herbs to promote mental health and give your meals new flavors.
Planning ahead with a herb shelf and special lighting would enhance the result by adding scent, charm and greenery to the space.
Acoustic Comfort With Natural Soundscapes
For me, a peaceful bedroom is largely determined by how comfortable the sound is. We often create the soothing effects of nature in biophilic design with sounds of water and leaves. Covering walls with textured panels, including soft furnishings and adding wood details reduces disruptive sounds that give a peaceful atmosphere. As a result, you have a space where each note enhances your rest and focus.
In such a place, wool rugs, upholstered headboards and linen drapes all help me block out outside sounds. In my experience, there are positive results when using white noise machines that include noises like rainfall or the ocean. Having colorful blooms in the home creates a better mood and encourages good sleep. Noise from traffic and neighbors is better controlled when sound-insulating windows are used.
Architectural Digest’s designers often point out the value of layers of sound for a full sensory effect. They prefer that subtle sound systems be hidden behind items that blend with the design. I’ve given this suggestion to people who wanted their house to keep a natural look with tech added.
For this idea to work, I’d suggest adding a little indoor fountain or a window with garden access, so real refreshing sounds can mix with the TV’s.
A Bedroom Layout That Flows With Nature
For me, arranging the bedroom in a certain way can make it feel much more natural and spacious. If your home’s layout matches the environment, it keeps visual clutter low and arranges furniture by windows that show nature outside. Free movement of people is encouraged when there are few obstacles on or near pathways.
Most of the time, I arrange the bed opposite a window or balcony door, so natural light can be a main focus in the space. Thin or suspended nightstands and dressers open up the space in the room. I go for organic-shaped furniture that isn’t too sharp or straight, helping the room to feel comfortable and linked to the environment.
I find that following nature’s design can both make your space more beautiful and sharpen your mind. Designers on Houzz recommend making your landscape irregular to create the same randomness found in nature. Recently, I’ve applied this and seen how it makes my work seem livelier and more natural.
One idea for improvement would be to add a flow inside to outside using sliding glass doors that access a deck or little green area. It naturally allows fresh air, light and nature sounds into the space.
Biophilic Patterns And Prints On Textiles
Textiles are straightforward to use for adding biophilic designs to a bedroom. Botanical prints, leaf designs and natural hues are elements I use to share the calm outdoors gives. Something as simple as a fern-print throw blanket or curtains with trees can make the area feel very different.
My labels feature organic cotton, linen or hemp because they help you stay cool and are kind to the environment. A floral print duvet cover matches nicely with sturdy green or earthy tone pillows. Soft watercolor forest print curtains, when hung with wooden rods and rings, can match the natural looks you see outside your window.
Elle Decor believes that decor styles with floral and animal themes reflect our love for the natural order around us. If you arrange larger floral bedding and smaller leaf patterned cushions, the pattern isn’t too overwhelming and you still see the patterns clearly.
I’d take this up a notch by including a seat with fabric covered in embroidered bark patterns or by adding moss- or grass-like throws to soften the furniture.
Sustainable Flooring With Bamboo Or Cork
I feel that picking the right floor for a biophilic bedroom makes it feel grounded and balanced. Right now, I really like bamboo and cork flooring. They’re not only environmentally responsible but also warm underfoot and visually soothing.
The soft material of cork absorbs noise and gives a pleasant bounce, so it’s perfect for relaxing areas. Unlike porcelain, bamboo brings its own elegant style and also pairs wonderfully with the different wood colors in the room. I habitually pair wool or jute area rugs for cosiness and a sensible natural feel.
The designers from Dwell explain that using bamboo from sustainable sources is a great idea because it is long-lasting and naturally replenished. That makes sense — it’s right for those who care about the environment and want an updated look. Cork’s versatility also lets it be used in accent walls, expanding its presence beyond just the floor.
It would be nice to include radiant floor heat in the solar thermal water system, especially in winter, without affecting how sustainable it is. It brings a touch of luxury, but doesn’t neglect green sustainability.
Water Features For A Calming Bedroom Retreat
Although it may surprise you, adding a water feature to your bedroom is a key part of biophilic design. Frequently, I get accent pieces like small tabletop fountains or garden panels installed to bring the sound of flowing water. In addition to better sound, it has a very relaxing effect on the mind.
Use designs in stone, ceramic or copper to make sure they fit with the biophilic theory. Having a fountain on a nightstand or dresser helps create a peaceful atmosphere by providing moving water and slow noise and giving some extra moisture to your bedroom.
Many psychologists think of flowing water as being very peaceful. I’ve realized that when I put a fountain beside dimmable lighting, the area becomes even more relaxed. The wall fountain featured by House Beautiful became art and I have reinterpreted that for many of my modern bedroom projects.
Instead of having a water feature beside your bed, try putting it near a place where you could sit or meditate. It prevents being distracted, yet provides a calm point of attention.
Nature-Inspired Bedroom Accent Walls
A standout nature-inspired accent wall is usually my starting point in designing a biophilic bedroom. This type of feature immediately tells guests what the space is about. It serves as a visual reminder of nature’s presence.
I really enjoy creating a design with framed live moss and a backlit panel—visitors are always drawn to it and start a conversation. If you’d prefer, a peel-and-stick mural of a calm mountain scene can give the room a sense of space and make you feel like you’re surrounded by nature. A biophilic design principle is to incorporate accent walls in a way that grounds the space and helps nature-inspired design.
Better Homes & Gardens believes that having different types of natural texture matters as much as choosing the right colors. They say using both wood and stone lends a unique and truthful atmosphere to the decor. It’s true — harnessing different textures gives a room a natural and personal touch rather than a staged appearance.
I think adding some low-level uplighting would help make the wall’s appearance more noticeable after dark.
Organic Window Treatments For Gentle Light
Linen, hemp or bamboo drapes help me control the light and add comfortable softness to any room. They are excellent at blocking sunlight, ensuring your bedroom is bright and comfortable to be in. Natural wood adds a comfortable hand feel to any interior with other natural features.
Pairing bamboo blinds with gauzy linen curtains gives you a lot of choices. I’ve added woven shades made of wood and then put light-blocking drapes over them to create both privacy and well-balanced light. The room’s natural ambiance is enhanced by the light sandy or bright sage color of the fabric.
According to Veranda, professionals in interior design advise using earthy colors and textures in biophilic designs. I’ve been following these guidelines for years and customers often say how relaxed and natural their space looks. Choosing the right curtains can make the whole room healthier and look better too.
To make the room work truly well, I’d add automatic window shades that are designed to open as the sun appears — I find this is a wonderful example of how biophilic design can help.
Combining Minimalism With Nature Elements
Often, I use minimalism as a design style in biophilic spaces, as it helps to showcase nature while not stressing the senses too much. With minimalism, textures, curving shapes and natural light are given control of the design. With less clutter, the natural appeal of the materials is clearer and every design looks both thoughtful and basic.
I keep the furnishings in my minimalist biophilic bedroom to just a wooden bed, open wooden shelves and a simple area rug. This minimalist thing means letting the surroundings remain warm white or stone-gray, so any natural pieces such as driftwood sculptures or indoor plants shine brighter among them. The aim is to promote a peaceful state without interfering with the scene.
A number of professionals in the U.S. such as Marie Burgos Design, discuss how bringing nature and minimalism together is relaxing and improves your sleep. I’ve helped clients who are overwhelmed by sensory input by using this technique, leading to noticeable improvements in how much they sleep and their stress.
Adding some clay vases or baskets will give the space a little extra texture and won’t disturb the soothing feel.
Creating A Bedroom Retreat With Canopy Greens
I think it’s great to add canopy greens to biophilic bedrooms to make nature feel close at hand around us. Plants attached to ceilings focus the mind upwards and can even make you feel like you’re sleeping under the branches of a tree, something shown to help with sleep and anxiety.
To do this, I rely on lightweight ceiling rods or hooks to hold my trailing plants such as pothos or ivy. To help structure the greenery and give the space a good setting, I use a rattan or bamboo bed canopy frame. The bed linen is made from ground tones and both side tables are finished in stone or wood materials.
I often combine live and artificial greens in eastern bedrooms to ensure they are easy for clients who have less spare time for watering plants. An installation that looks like a hanging object can add a pleasurable nature feel to any area.
Adding a few wall sconces would make the design better by giving the canopy a moonlike shadow from underneath.
Celebrating Seasons Through Rotating Decor
Biophilic design is particularly fascinating when it highlights each season. I like to suggest swapping out decor with the seasons — this keeps the room changing, reminds us of nature and helps keep things interesting all year long. Every season allows you to take a moment to freshen your environment thoughtfully.
When spring arrives, I add flowers to my arrangements and double up on light pastel bedding. Summer is the time for comfortable linen items and seashells in lovely trays. When autumn arrives, I decorate with red-orange cushions and use dried leaves in several vases. Warm colors and the smell of pine candles change the space when winter arrives. No item in the shop is made from anything artificial or artificial materials.
On Domino, designers explain a capsule decor method by picking a collection of seasonal decorations for each box. Personally, I used this system and I found it both efficient and inspiring. It means you’re less likely to buy unnecessary home decor which is better for the environment.
I think a cork board or a walkable ledge in the hallway decorated with art or photos taken during different seasons would be a quiet reminder of each season’s passing.
Zen-Inspired Corners With Natural Meditation Nooks
A single Zen space can bring peace and calm to any bedroom. A meditation nook using natural materials helps you practice mindfulness and reflection where you live. You don’t need a lot of space for these corners, but they give you a lot of mental benefit.
I place a cork mat or a low rectangle of wood with some woven cushions in the nook. Set a fountain or sound bowl in your room for a soft calming sound. Putting it by a window or under some hanging plants helps me remember I’m a part of nature. A bit of light from a rice paper or clay lamp completes the mood of the space.
Many simple nooks with natural materials have been featured in Architectural Digest. Similarly, I design peaceful areas and many clients like to return here when they want to relax — which suggests thoughtful design can influence choices.
Aches and pains are eased more effectively by including natural scents with a cedar or sandalwood diffuser in the environment, so that our bodies relax.
Encouraging Natural Ventilation For Clean Air
One of the easiest and most important things about biophilic design is to consider natural ventilation. I focus on ensuring enough air circulation since having fresh air directly improves how you sleep and feel emotionally. The right windows and paths for airflow will bring energy and change to your living space.
As much as I can, I add two or more opening windows on opposite walls in bedroom spaces to improve ventilation. If you can’t use the swinging type, you might prefer awning or casement windows since they let air in and protect your privacy. I hang linen or cotton drapes next to these trims, as they sway, making the room feel closer to nature.
With stagnant air, you may not just feel that it has become stale but that it becomes home to indoor pollutants. I encourage this by decorating with peace lilies and snake plants which naturally remove pollutants from the air and calm the room.
Another improvement would be to have a skylight that can be opened so that warm air doesn’t get trapped but lets sunlight in. It makes sense as well as it mesmerizes.
Using Pebbles And Moss For Ground Decor Details
If I’m interested in adding some natural elements to my bedroom, I start with the floor. Decorative vignettes are improved when they include rocks and moss which help anchor the space and add more sense of touch to it. Such details remind me of exploring in a forest and feeling at a spa.
Under benches and near low furniture, I use shallow wooden boxes and fill them with smooth river stones. Linear or freeform leaf design terrariums will work well in the same space. Faux moss rugs are perfect for those who want something bright and need little attention. They turn into talking points and serve as reminders of what’s important.
Moss walls and mini gardens are becoming more popular in interiors, as Better Homes & Gardens notes. Drawing ideas from these scenes, I’ve designed sustainable ecosystems that also look wonderful. Nothing beats the calming touch of a jar filled with a bit of moss and bark.
With just some light, you can change this little feature into a striking focal spot.
Rustic Ceiling Beams To Add Warmth And Nature
When I want a bedroom to feel more homely and original, I generally place rustic ceiling beams in it. They bring warmth, unique features and a clear wooden touch — something essential in biophilic design. Both practical and attractive, beams help hold up the ceiling and mix modern look with a touch of nature.
Reclaimed beams with clear grain and knots are the ones I most often select. A simple finish with sealant or without it gives the wood a natural and comfortable look. In bedrooms with a lot of room above, beams make the space look less tall and more inviting. When you add neutral colors to your space, you have a design that feels homey and inspired by nature.
Elle Decor recommends complementing wood beams with more wood elements for a united theme and so I follow the same idea. Putting beams together with bamboo lighting, raw-edge wood shelves and terracotta pots gives your space a nice layered and textured appearance.
Should I bring up one more point, I’d set up dimmable LED strip lights along the edges of the beams to softly showcase their texture in the evening.
Creating A Biophilic Bedroom For Children
A biophilic space for children in their bedroom should help them discover, understand and rest in harmony with nature. I usually began with colors such as sage green, sky blue and sandy beige and use natural things like bamboo, cork and cotton inside the room. It’s important for children to sleep and grow well and plenty of daylight enters the room here thanks to the light wood floor and large windows.
I choose furniture that looks great and also has a purpose. You can make a nature hideaway by hanging plants from a wood canopy bed. With low wooden shelves, little desks and a comfy rug, the room is both attractive and usable for children. I add a small indoor tree or tall plant such as a rubber fig and a mobile with feathers, driftwood or recycled paper papers to make things smell, look and feel different indoors.
My experience shows that children feel good in a room where you find both clear and hidden signs of nature. I’ve even consulted recommendations from pediatric design specialists like the team at Parents.com, who advocate for incorporating nature sounds and textures to improve children’s mood and learning potential. Wall decorations like mountain, animal or night sky images don’t take away from the serene feeling in a bedroom.
In order to make the room even better, you could add a corner for nature-based toys or a place to read that’s shaded by greenery from curtains or a moss wall. They aim to spark interest while still keeping the site’s natural design.
Smart Tech Integration With A Natural Touch
Despite what many think, carefully combining smart technology and biophilic design makes each element more effective. I often suggest installing blinds you can control with your voice, putting in circadian lighting and setting up smart diffusers to add forest-like oils to the air. With these, it’s possible to sleep well and still have a simple, natural interior.
To bring smart tech and nature together, every device should fit with the room’s design. I usually use spoken cover cloths, wood panels for switches and screens set on wood beams. Encircling a smart thermostat with stone or matte metal matches its design with the rest of the room.
In my opinion, smart features are most effective when you don’t notice them. I worked with a client who enjoyed having their soundbar with ambient sounds from nature play in the evening. Architectural Digest mentions that such methods raise relaxation levels and clarity in thought, without adding visual noise.
A great way to make this section stand out is to set up sensors for the lights and windows so they can change on their own with the sunset or simulate morning sunrise by lighting. Because of these features, your body cycles match nature and help you feel part of the world.
Maintaining A Clutter-Free Organic Space
I think the key to great biophilic bedroom design is to ensure the area looks open and simple, with nothing too cluttered. I follow the idea that nature informs interior design which is why I add open areas, low(er) furniture and neutral color schemes inspired by outdoor scenes. Reducing things in the interior helps bring attention to the peaceful influence of biophilic materials.
Everything you use should be useful for something. The under-bed storage I include is natural wood, I use bamboo nightstands that float off the floor and woven baskets act as both decor and storage. Using pegboards made of cork on a wall is a great way to keep small items in order and add a sensory and organic touch. Undyed wool and muslin fabric are light to look at and feel soft to the touch.
Through decluttering mindfully, I’ve found that it supports the main ideas of biophilic design. Better Homes & Gardens says that rooms with fewer things to look at help our brains relax which can ease stress and support good sleep.
You could make this space even better by adding built-in shelving with soft edges or a bench at the end of the bed. They add new features to the room without interrupting how the space is used.
Final Touches: Harmony Between Nature And Rest
It is during this final stage that your research is integrated. In my opinion, the point of biophilic bedroom design is how the space impacts our senses as well as our eyes. Combining nature and rest is achieved by adjusting what we feel, hear and smell. I pick soft lighting, comfortable layered fabrics and peaceful art to make you feel like you’re outside your room.
What you include in the details is important. Try silk or linen window curtains, a wooden or rattan headboard and use a bedside table with a small plant or accentuating driftwood. The room is centered by artwork of nature that is framed with timber salvaged from old buildings. Additional touches with eucalyptus or nature music are the final elements in the sauna.
From my own designs and what Elle Decor has shared, final touches can have an outsized impact on a bedroom’s emotional tone. It’s easy to overlook these improvements in the beginning and yet they greatly influence the experience of the space afterwards.
I’d also place a bamboo or woven grass ceiling fixture and hang a handmade quilt dyed with natural colors for this section. They complete the room, making it your own while still following the natural bedroom look.
A biophilic bedroom design is good for your health, helps you fall asleep more easily and leaves you feeling relaxed. Whether you’re designing a space for a child, integrating smart tech, or focusing on natural harmony, every detail makes a difference. I’d love to hear how you’re bringing nature into your home—share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
