Livingetc: Jason Wingate on the 5 Design Secrets Sleep Experts Spot First
Sleep experts, including Zlumber co-founder Jason Wingate, highlight five design details — from blackout curtains to breathable bedding — that quietly define a truly restorative bedroom.
“Consider a high-quality blackout curtain or rods that ‘wrap round’ to eliminate any lighting leaks around window edges.” — Jason Wingate, Co-founder and Product Developer, Zlumber
Overview
In Livingetc’s feature “5 Things Sleep Experts Will Always Notice About Well-Designed Bedrooms”, writer Lilith Hudson distills the common design elements professionals look for when assessing a true “sleep sanctuary.”[web:36][web:40] Drawing on insights from experts including Kenny Timper, Dr. Stacey Denise Moore, and Jason Wingate, the article shows that good bedroom design is inseparable from sleep science, emphasizing light control, clutter, color, technology, and materials.[web:36][web:39] The result is a practical blueprint for bedrooms that do more than look calm — they actively support deeper, more restorative rest.[web:36][web:42]
Key Insights
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Blackout & Light Control:
- Experts call out substantial, wrap-around blackout curtains as a first tell of a well-designed sleep space, blocking light leaks and stabilizing circadian rhythms.[web:36][web:41][web:44] >
Low Visual Noise:
- Minimal clutter and closed storage reduce cognitive load and nighttime stress, making it easier for the brain to register the room as “off” and ready for rest.[web:36][web:37][web:39] >
Calming, Muted Colors:
- Soft, earthy palettes — such as deep blues and sage greens — help lower arousal and prevent visual overstimulation, unlike intense hues or neon tones.[web:36][web:43] >
Analogue, Low-Tech Space:
- The best bedrooms limit screens and charging points near the bed, supporting “analogue bedroom” principles that reduce late-night stimulation and improve sleep hygiene.[web:36][web:45] >
Breathable, Natural Bedding:
- Natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, or bamboo improve temperature regulation and comfort, cutting heat spikes and aligning with expert guidance on cooler rooms for better sleep.[web:36][web:42]