5 Ways to Revitalize Your Tiny Bedroom

If you are like most people, then you probably spend most of your time in your bedroom (we do spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping!) To most, a bedroom should be clean and tranquil but that is quite difficult when your bedroom is a tiny little room. We have lots of experience trying to make the most of tiny bedrooms and we want to share our tips and tricks with you!

Use Mirrors

Oh boy, we can't advise this enough! When you live in a small space or have a tiny bedroom utilizing mirrors to reflect light and extend the feel of a room is essential. Adding a couple large mirrors or several small mirrors throughout a room will give the illusion that it is elongated and larger than life. 

Utilize Light Colors

Dark colors tend to bog a small space down and keep it looking and feeling tight. Though in large spaces or cooler months dark colors are great for transforming a space into a cozy room, in small rooms you want to keep the area you have open. Try using light colors on your walls and keep those windows open and airy. Sheer curtains or white linen are great for bedroom windows because they allow privacy but let in plenty of sunlight. If you can't stand solid colors or monochromatic themes let your style shine through in a statement art wall or a colorful duvet. 

Keep it Minimal 

Just like keeping your space full of light, you want to make as much open room as possible to "increase" the size of your room. Finding the proper under bed, closet, and room storage that keeps every knick knack in its place while also being efficient is vital to an opening up a small room. A mixture of open and closed storage spaces allows you display what you want while stashing the clutter.

Double Duty Headboard

Like we said above, finding a storage space that tastefully displays your belongings is important for a small room. We - L O V E - using shelves or cubbies as a double duty headboard. It allows you to store what you need on a daily basis while also utilizing that empty space above your bed. Using a headboard instead of a nightstand will also minimize the amount of furniture that can clutter a room. 

Go With Green

If you've read our blog before, then you know we adore any greenery in the home. Bringing plants into your room will fill the need for energy and life in a tiny or stale space. Plants keep a room alive and feeling clean, this is super important when your bedroom can easily feel claustrophobic. 

Sleeping Positions & Your Pillow

It’s hard enough choosing the right color pillowcases, how do you choose the right pillow? Do you need something squishy or firm, lean or thick, one or many?

Our pillows are made with an option of Soft, Medium, or Firm and are produced from a variety of organic materials. Whichever pillow you choose, we guarantee you and your body will be happy with the choice you make. ‘

A pillows main job is to align and support your head and neck with your spine. When you sleep you are giving your neck a rest from its day to day strain. Depending on the way you sleep, you will need a pillow that fits your needs. There are three main sleepers: back sleeper, stomach sleeper, and side sleeper. 

Stomach Sleeper: This sleeper has their neck in a neutral position as they sleep and don’t need a pillow to prevent strain.  If you are a stomach sleeper and don’t feel complete without a pillow then a thin and soft pillow is best. If your pillow is too thick or plump it could cause a pinched neck. The best pillow for a stomach sleeper is Soft.

• Our Down Alternative pillow is best for Stomach Sleepers. This pillow holds a unique cradle that keeps the head in a neutral position. The Down Alternative pillow is just like Down, however avoids the allergenic and housekeeping issues found with Bird Downs. If you want the feel of Down but can’t tolerate the allergic reaction or just want a more affordable alternative, than this pillow is the right one for you.

Back Sleeper: These sleepers need to be aware of a pillow that pushes their head too far forward. A head that is raised too high can cause a stiff neck, when your profile is four to six inches this will create the most ideal sleep. A pillow perfect for back sleepers holds a Medium support. 

• The Shredded Rubber pillow is great for back sleepers. Our natural shredded rubber pillow provides the perfect head rest at the end of your day. This organic dream nestles your head into the perfect firmness that you desire. Easily adjustable by removing or adding material-you style your pillow your way. Have fun and experiment a little. Find the "Just Right" feel and go ahhhh.

• With a Eco Silk pillow you will have the right support for your sensitive sleep position.One of our most popular pillows, the Eco-Silk will make you late for work. Try climbing out of bed after resting on this marvel of comfort. Made from ecologically friendly vegetable matter,  coated with a water based silicone to offer a silky-like fiber that is allergy friendly. Wake up refreshed and ready to go.

• The Kapok Pillow gives a great Down Alternative feel to your back sleeper needs. Place your head on the "Java Cotton" and transform your world into a sleepy dream land. Rest better knowing that your skin is bathed in one of the most eco friendly materials that can be obtained. Kapok feels like Bird Down with a silky aftertaste, and the pillow consumes your head in sleep and takes your body with it.

Side Sleeper: This is the most popular sleep position and takes the most requirement out of its pillow. Side sleepers has the longest distance between their ear and shoulder and need a pillow that covers that distance. Without the right alignment a side sleeper may get a strained and pinched neck. The best pillow for a side sleeper is thick and Firm.

• Our Wool pillow is great for side sleepers. Wool is a breathable fiber that provides instant comfort and circulation. Unlike synthetic materials, it regulates itself to individual body temperatures, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also offers the best support for all you side sleepers!

• The Silk pillow will provide a soft and supportive cradle for your neck as you sleep. Let your head fall into a soft world of comfort called Silk. Our Silk filled pillow utilizes the finest silk we could lay our hands on yet still provide an affordable door into the expensive world of Silk. 

• The firm yet soft Buckwheat Pillow gives you supportive and restful sleep. Buckwheat hulls are firm yet highly malleable and breathable, which makes them ideal pillow fill. Our Buckwheat pillow conforms to your body and provides cool, comfortable, all-natural support.

Ergovea- Our Fire Retardant

Animal and Wool fire barrier layers have long been a quality standard in organic mattress covers. However, these standards are more often than not are not fire safe or vegan products. Many companies use these products for their useful nature and easy price range. Unfortunately, these products are harmful to the environment and our precious animals. These fire barriers are also full of chemicals and harmful products that you and your family can breathe in.

In hopes to revolutionize the standard of fire barrier products Eco Bedroom Solutions has developed a proprietary fire-barrier product that is 100% wool-free. We have worked closely with our premier manufacturer and industry leaders on this environmentally-friendly fire barrier, so we can bring you the 21st century, naturally-derived fire barrier. This product is safer for you, your family, your mattress, and the integrity of the natural mattress industry.

Several Benefits of our Eco Fire Barrier:

1. The Eco Fire Barrier exceeds all federal/state flammability requirements

2. No use of any chemicals or animal products.

3. Been tested and approved by UL labs.

4. Exceeded Greenguard Gold Standard emission levels.  

5. Vegan friendly mattress solution.

6. It will keep you and your littles safe!

The Three R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

We all know that recycling is important to the health of the planet and the reduction of waste, but did you know that there are two other ways you can save the planet and improve the quality of your life. According the the EPA, "reduction and reuse are the most effective ways you can save natural resources, protect the environment and save money." How crazy is that? We can save the environment and save money at the same time!

There is a priority of actions called the "Waste Hierarchy" that should be enacted when trying to reduce and remove the amount of waste in our lives. The three categories from greatest to least important is: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. 

Reduce

These are a few ideas from the Recycling Guide of UK to use when considering reduction:

1. Buy what you need
2. Buy products that can be reused
3. Buy all-purpose household cleaner (OR MAKE YOUR OWN)
4. Buy products with little packaging
5. Sell or give away unwanted items 
6. Cancel unwanted mail

At the top of the hierarchy is reducing your consumption. Reducing the amount of products you consume that means you reduce the amount you have to reuse or recycle later. There are three simple questions to ask yourself when enacting your reduction process: Is there something else (multi-use) that can be used for this purpose? Is this something that needs to be done? Is this an item that you need or will need in your life? 

 

Reuse

Second in line when considering the hierarchy is reusing the products you already own, following are some ideas from the Environmental Protection Agency to consider. Buying used is great to consider when reducing waste in your life. You can find anything from clothes to building materials at specialized reuse centers and consignment shops (P.S used items are often less expensive and just as good as new!) Buying reusable over disposable items, for example, you can buy rechargeable batteries, rather than buying new batteries whenever you run out. Maintaining and repairing products you own and borrowing/renting/sharing one-off items like camping supplies, party decorations, etc. are also great ideas to reducing your consumption of items. 

Recycle

The last step in the waste hierarchy is recycling. The definition of recycling is: a product that will be reduced to its raw material and made into something new. Most items on earth can be recycled, however there are specific items that cannot be tossed into any recycling can. To make sure you aren't tossing any old sock or battery (be careful with this one!) in the wrong bin check with your local authorities or environmental agency the proper protocols to recycling your waste, recycling guides, or a recycling schedule.

Sleep Positions

We know the classics: starfish, fetal, side, stomach, stick straight, and many more. However, what is the best sleep position for you and how can you get the most out of your sleep position? 

Side Sleepers

There are so many different ways to sleep on your side, but all help relieve and calm insomnia and chronic sleep deprivation. While sleeping on your side, putting a pillow between your legs/knees can also relieve back pain by taking pressure off your hips and lower back. P.S -- many believe it is most comfortable to bend your knees towards the chest while sleeping on your side. "This position (where your torso and legs are relatively straight) also helps decrease acid reflux, and since your spine is elongated, it wards off back and neck pain. Plus, you’re less likely to snore in this snooze posture, because it keeps airways open. For that reason, it’s also the best choice for those with sleep apnea" (National Sleep Foundation). 

Back Sleepers

If sleeping on your back is your most comfortable sleep position maybe try a few of these alternatives. Back sleeping is known to cause lower back pain and episodes of sleep apnea. This can cause a lack of sleep and overall restfulness. To ease these symptoms place a pillow under your knees to allow your spine to curve naturally. On Health.com, " It’s also ideal for fighting acid reflux, says Eric Olson, MD, a sleep medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. 'If the head is elevated, your stomach will be below your esophagus so acid or food can’t come back up.'"

Stomach Sleepers

Though it can be done, and with fewer risks with a proper pillow, many sleep professionals are against sleeping on your stomach due to the major strain on your lower back and neck. Stomach sleepers also tend to have more restlessness and don't feel fully alert because of tossing and turning at night. If you sleep on your stomach try your best to sleep with a thin pillow, if any, this allows your neck and vertebrae to align and cause less strain. Stated by the National Sleep Foundation, "seven percent of adults pick this pose, but it can lead to back and neck pain, since it’s hard to keep your spine in a neutral position. Plus, stomach sleepers put pressure on their muscles and joints, possibly leading to numbness, tingling, aches, and irritated nerves." 

Cuddling and Sleep

Falling asleep in the the arms of the one you love may sound ideal—but it doesn't always allow you to opportunity for deep and rejuvenating sleep. Sleeping next to your partner can lead to almost 50 percent more nighttime disturbances than sleeping alone. 

Sleeping is such a personal experience it is expected that there will be challenges when sharing a bedroom with a partner. You have a difference of opinion on room temperature, bedding, lights, which side to sleep on, and the size of the bed.

However, there are benefits to sharing a bed and even cuddling with a partner. When being close to someone your body releases a chemical hormone called oxytocin that helps you bond with a partner, destress, and even feel euphoric. Oxytocin can also relieve pain, tension, strengthens your immune system, and helps you sleep.

Bedroom Environment

A room that’s not too cold or too warm can be uncomfortable when you are trying to fall asleep. Shoot for a temperature between 60 and 67 degrees. Cultivating the best sleep environment is tough but with hard work it. Try sleeping with two separate blankets or duvets so each partner doesn't go the night uncovered. Finding that perfect sheet, duvet, and pillow combo will put you in such a blissful sleep state that you won't care who is sleeping next to you. Discussing your sleep needs with your partner and finding a happy medium will a big step towards creating long lasting sleep happiness.

The Perfect Mattress

Your perfect mattress is one of the biggest investments towards your health and relationship. The importance of a supportive, healthy, and quality mattress is imperative to consistent deep sleep for you and your partner. If your mattress is uncomfortable, sagging, causes pain, is too small for two people or prevents you from getting a good night's sleep it is probably time for a new one. Visit sleep experts who can fit you for your perfect mattress, topper, or pillows. They will be able to find the best sleep situation for you. To find mattress retailers who can fit you for your best mattress visit our Find A Retailer page.

The Madera

Our firm support layer paired with our medium built in topper, this product is perfect for those sleepers that desire a firmer sleeping surface. The Madera is a great support for a neutral-spine position this means that you will be more likely to have less back and neck alignment issues. The Medium Organic Rubber pressure relief layer will prevent any possible aches and pains from a hard mattress. This layer will allow you to feel the "sinked in" sensation while also supporting you where it matters most. No other mattress puts you closer to latex. 

If you love sleeping on a firm core surface with a cushioned top layer, then this is the mattress for you! All natural rubber provides excellent support, is quiet, self-ventilating, anti-fungal, long-lasting and durable.

2” Pressure Relief Layer- Medium Organic Rubber +  6” Support Core - Firm Organic Rubber = 8” Splendidly Comfortable Mattress 

Made in the USA, 20 year warranty, and certified GOLS. Our mattresses are 100% Organic Rubber and finished with the signature Ergovea Organic Cotton Cover.

The Importance of Alone Time

Just as we have shared about the importance of taking a mental health break, it is also important to invest in alone time or "me time". Spending time alone allows our brains to revitalize, re-establish, and rest. Sherrie Bourg Carter, Psy.D., stated in Psychology Today, "Constantly being 'on' doesn't give your brain a chance to rest and replenish itself... no distractions gives you the chance to clear your mind, focus, and think more clearly. It's an opportunity to revitalize your mind and body at the same time." 

You see, clearing your mind of stress also cleanses your body of stress. Having this skill in your tool belt will allow your to live a fuller and more productive life while also allowing your body to learn when to rest and when to work. Another MAJOR benefit of destressing and detoxing is that you sleep a lot better. We think this is our favorite benefit of getting adequate alone time. 

Schedule Your "Me Time"

This may not be possible with your lifestyle (kids, significant other, crazy work hours, school, etc.) or it may be really challenging to find a good time to take for yourself. However, prioritizing your health needs, yes mental health (which includes alone time) falls under health needs, is important. So find a couple hours in your week or, if you are lucky enough, a whole day in your weekend or month to take for yourself. Plan out what YOU want to do or just wing it, whichever is best for you. Do what makes YOU happy.

Disconnect From Media

Now this one is difficult, but so worth it! During your alone time disconnect from the busy world around you and the world of social media. Turn off your text and call notifications (if that is possible for your lifestyle, we see you moms) and mute all your apps, even better just turn your phone and computer off!  

Be Firm

Spending time alone is important but it is difficult when you have friends wanting to hang or a significant other needing to have time with you. However, if you communicate in a caring, honest, and soft way that you desire "me time" to rest, then others will learn to understand and respect your needs. The trick is to be firm in your convictions! If you have a night planned to stay home alone and a friend invites you out to drinks, it is okay to reschedule for another night. Don't feel bad for turning your friend or partner down, just communicate your needs and find another time that works for both of you. 

Wake Up Early

Don't you love those special mornings when you wake up before everyone else? Well you can do that whenever you want! During that dewy and fresh part of the day it feels as though we are the only people on the planet and we can do whatever we want. So go for a jog, read your favorite book, or sit on the porch and drink coffee. Do whatever your heart desires!

Catch It When You Can

We know all of the above ideas are ideal in a perfect world but it's not always practical or easy. So, if scheduling a time just won't work, we suggest that you do your "me time" while you run errands! Need to go grocery shopping? Stop at your favorite market and pick out your favorite treat or flowers! Need to make a payment at the bank? Find the branch that has the best views, park farther away to take a calming walk! 

What is BCI?

If you have heard us recently talk about the Better Cotton Initiative Standard System you may have some questions. What it is and why we use it for all our cotton products (including mattress fabric)?

The BCI is a standard system which takes a holistic approach to cotton production that is sustainable. They follow the three pillars of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. BCI takes a community approach to reaching standards and harmonizing between companies. “Each of the elements – from the Production Principles and Criteria to the monitoring mechanisms which show Results and Impact – work together to support the Better Cotton Standard System”. Their holistic approach focuses on better business practices and creating a mainstream commodity that is sustainable.

"Better Cotton is produced by farmers all over the world who:"

• Minimise the harmful impact of crop protection practices
• Use water efficiently and care for the availability of water
• Care for the health of the soil
• Conserve natural habitats
• Care for and preserve the quality of the fibre
• Promote decent work

We love working with BCI because of their enthusiasm to connect with the community. They work directly with farmers to help them improve their way of growing crops and creating better cotton as the result. The Better Cotton Initiative has a six criteria standard that gives support and assurance to their monitoring of better cotton. These standards are: Production Principles and Criteria, Capacity Building, Assurance Program, Chain of Custody, Claims Framework, and Results and Impact.

By sticking to theses standards, the Better Cotton farmers harvest cotton in a way that is better for the community and environment.

To learn more visit BCI.

The What and Why of Natural Latex

A natural latex mattress is an upgrade in every way. It is sustainable, breathable, chemical free, biodegradable, supportive, and comfortable. If you are here you have probably already researched the facts and benefits of natural rubber HOWEVER all the science aside, what is the real benefit of natural latex?

• Unlike popular memory foam, a latex mattress will never lose shape, but it provides adequate damping of motion transfer and adequate spinal support. Meaning you don't sink in uncomfortably during certain bedroom maneuvers.
• Latex mattresses also last on average at least 20 years, compared to 5 years for memory foam. You can actually save money by choosing Dunlop Latex. Latex mattresses by Ergovea are completely organic, having no chemicals that cause autism, ADHD, or obesity. Other mattresses cannot make the same claim.
• The Dunlop Latex process is the most tested and results in the most supportive mattress. The rubber is filtered then vulcanized, leaving a particulate free, organic, super supportive mattress core.
• Organic mattresses are made using the same techniques and as their non-organic rivals, but without the harmful chemicals associated with conventional mattresses. The highest quality organic materials and craftsmanship are present in all products made by Eco Bedroom Solutions. The only thing you'll be losing is the toxicity and potential adverse health risks that conventional mattresses provide.
• When we started prototyping our own line of natural mattresses, we tried so many different types of latex, different levels of firmness, and configurations that they all started to blend together. We finally found a mattress core that felt amazing. It was soft and consistent. It felt supple and supportive, and really, really good.  We could imagine building our mattress line around this core. We were convinced Dunlop Latex was the right one.