We’re inviting a new addition into our most intimate space – the bedroom. And yes, it’s a television. This might come as a surprise, especially since we were staunchly anti-bedroom-TV for years. We understood the prevailing sentiment that a TV in the bedroom could be seen as an unwelcome distraction, even a sacrilege to some. However, life, as it often does, prompted a change of heart. With only one TV in our entire home – in the living room – a perfectly functional, albeit slightly smaller, television found itself gathering dust in the playroom. It was the same one we’d upgraded from in the living room because it wasn’t quite large enough to comfortably view from the sofa. This unused potential sparked a rethinking of our household dynamics and, ultimately, our bedroom’s purpose.
Transforming Our Bedroom: More Than Just a TV
Our decision wasn’t merely about finding a home for an old TV; it was rooted in a genuine desire to cultivate a better work-life balance. In an increasingly connected world, we often found ourselves struggling to “shut off” at the end of the day. Our evenings frequently involved working on laptops from the couch, with the living room TV serving as background noise, inadvertently blurring the lines between relaxation and productivity. This constant connectivity, while sometimes necessary, prevented us from truly disengaging and recharging.
The idea of introducing a TV into the bedroom, therefore, transformed into a concept of creating a dedicated “no-work” zone. This space would be strictly off-limits to laptops, work-related documents, and the incessant pull of our professional lives. Instead, it would become a sanctuary solely for relaxation, quality time, and perhaps, some uninterrupted, immersive viewing of our favorite shows – be it a gripping zombie apocalypse saga or a classic Dexter marathon. For us, this intentional separation promises a haven where we can truly unwind and focus on leisure, free from the mental clutter of unfinished tasks.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Intimacy and Feng Shui
We’re well aware of the traditional concerns surrounding bedroom TVs. The old adage suggests it might detract from, shall we say, other activities. However, our personal experience tells a different story. If the demanding journey of raising a toddler, navigating ongoing home renovations, penning a book, and diligently maintaining a blog haven’t dampened our spark, we’re confident that a television won’t either. Our relationship thrives on mutual support and shared moments, regardless of screen presence. So, blushing aside, we’re moving forward with this experiment, prioritizing our mental well-being and creating a space that caters to genuine relaxation.
Another common concern, particularly in home decor and wellness circles, is the concept of feng shui. It’s often said that sleeping opposite a TV or a mirror can disrupt energy flow and negatively impact sleep. While we respect these principles, our own history offers a unique perspective. In our first home, we slept for several years directly across from a giant, floor-length mirror. Thankfully, we never experienced any issues with sleep or overall well-being. This leads us to believe we might be somewhat “immune” to these particular feng shui considerations, or perhaps our personal energy dynamics simply adapted. Ultimately, we’ve decided to trust our comfort and personal experience in designing our most private space.
The Dawn of Lazy Sundays: Embracing Uninterrupted Relaxation
Imagine this: waking up on a leisurely Sunday morning, snuggled under the covers, and settling in to watch a movie in bed. This vision feels nothing short of heavenly. It stands in stark contrast to our usual routine of migrating to the living room sofa, where the unspoken pressure of “we should be working” often leads to immediately grabbing our laptops. A bedroom TV offers the promise of truly guilt-free relaxation, transforming those precious weekend mornings into an uninterrupted escape from the week’s demands. It’s about consciously choosing to slow down and savor moments of pure, unadulterated comfort.
Beyond the simple pleasure of in-bed viewing, the overall transformation of this wall has been remarkable. Previously, it was a chaotic collection of items, a visual representation of our busy lives. Now, envisioning a sleek wall with a well-placed dresser and a television evokes a sense of tranquility akin to a high-end spa. The visual decluttering alone contributes significantly to a more serene and calming atmosphere, essential for a restful bedroom.
From Chaos to Calm: The Decluttering Journey
Returning from a recent series of demanding tours, I felt an undeniable urge to tackle the wall we gaze at every single night. The “before” state was, frankly, an eyesore – a repository for stray items, half-read books, and an assortment of miscellaneous “stuff.” This visual noise was counterproductive to the peace we sought in our bedroom.
The initial step was a straightforward yet powerful act of organization: simply putting things where they actually belonged. Books we had finished reading were relocated to the built-in shelves in the dining room, joining the rest of our literary collection. Empty boxes, which had somehow accumulated, were broken down and deposited in the recycling bin. A misplaced lamp found its way back to its designated spot. This initial decluttering phase was crucial. It wasn’t just about tidying; it was about reclaiming the space, both physically and mentally. By removing these visual distractions, the room immediately felt lighter and more intentional, paving the way for the next stages of its transformation.
Strategic Repositioning: Giving Every Piece a Purpose
With the initial clutter cleared, the next phase involved a strategic relocation of furniture. Our beloved mid-century side tables, which you might recall we phased out from the main bedroom here, found a new lease on life in the guest room. This move was particularly opportune. Having recently yard-saled the old dresser that occupied the guest room, we were left with a completely bare wall. Placing the two side tables side-by-side against this wall created the illusion of a console, offering a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution. While a picture is still pending, the arrangement works surprisingly well for now. We’re still pondering their long-term home – perhaps in Clara’s “big girl” room eventually – so we’ll be sure to keep you updated on their journey.
Once those pieces were out of the way, we could finally focus on the centerpiece of this wall: our cherished dresser. This particular piece holds a special place in our hearts; it was one of the few “secret book projects” we paid for and kept because we absolutely adored its design and craftsmanship. You might even recognize it from this video. We meticulously centered it directly across from our bed, ensuring prime viewing pleasure from any angle. Perched atop it is the very same “too-small” TV that once resided in our living room, now perfectly sized for intimate bedroom viewing.
Anticipating the Future: Our Bedroom Oasis Takes Shape
So far, the visual transformation completely aligns with our vision for a more organized and relaxing space. The aesthetic upgrade is undeniable, creating a sense of calm that was previously absent. However, a crucial step remains: the TV isn’t actually hooked up to cable or any streaming services yet. Womp-womp! Currently, there’s nothing to watch, making it a stylish but silent addition. Getting this sorted will require dedicating some time to phone calls and technical setup, a task that currently falls low on the priority list amidst post-tour recovery and the bustle of Thanksgiving week. The patience required to sit on hold with a service provider like Verizon is a luxury I hope to find next week, once the immediate chaos subsides.
Adding Personality: The Joy of Decorative Details
Beyond the functional aspects, one of my absolute favorite outcomes of having the dresser centered and completely free of clutter is the opportunity to adorn it with charming little details. Specifically, I’ve added a few cute jewelry dishes that subtly tie into the color of our rug. For those who appreciate thoughtful coordination and personalized touches in home decor, this kind of aesthetic harmony is pure joy. It’s these small, intentional details that truly make a space feel like home and reflect individual style.
Also gracing the top of the dresser are wooden blocks displaying our initials and our favorite number. These personal tokens might seem minor, but they contribute immensely to the room’s character and our daily happiness. It’s these small, meaningful accents that transform a house into a home, reflecting our journey and preferences. There’s absolutely #noshameinmygame when it comes to celebrating these little things that bring so much joy.
This is where we stand today – slowly, but surely, transforming our bedroom from a space of disparate elements into a cohesive, intentional retreat. The journey has moved us away from a fragmented aesthetic, characterized by a blank wall here and a cluttered, junky wall there. We’re eager to share updates on how the whole TV experience unfolds once it’s fully operational. It’s an interesting experiment: who knows, we might find ourselves rarely using it, growing to dislike it and eventually removing it, or perhaps, becoming so enamored with our new sanctuary that we rarely want to leave the room! What excites me most, however, is the opportunity to share photos and insights from one of our favorite book projects right here on the blog. Yeehaw, indeed!
Join the Conversation: Do You Have a TV in Your Bedroom?
We’re genuinely curious about your thoughts and experiences regarding TVs in the bedroom. Is it a common practice among our readers? We’re dying to know the breakdown – is it a 50/50 split? Are bedroom TVs more prevalent than not, or are they a rare sight in modern homes? In the past, embedding a poll directly onto our site caused technical difficulties and even crashed our page, a frustration we’d rather avoid repeating. So, in the spirit of engaging with you all, we’ve put together a quick, informal poll over on our Facebook page. If you’re keen to participate or simply curious to see the evolving tally, please click here to cast your vote and share your perspective. We can’t wait to see where everyone lands on this topic and hear the diverse reasons behind your choices!
Psst- Have you heard the wonderful news about baby Weston yet? It was an incredibly exciting moment receiving that middle-of-the-night call, confirming his safe arrival into the world and that Katie and the entire family were doing wonderfully. Our daughter, Clara, has already fallen in love with him! After showing her a picture of the newborn in the morning, she sweetly and lovingly declared, “I want to bother him.” Isn’t that just the cutest thing you’ve ever heard? It fills our hearts with joy to welcome this new little one into the world.