10 Ways to Make Your Bedroom More Romantic

2. Introduce music ​

Background music helps some couples get out of their heads and into the mood. Silence is sufficient for lots of people, but for some the lack of noise means it’s easier to get distracted by that mental to-do list. ​

If you are feeling courageous, start your foreplay with a little bedroom dancing, whether it’s a light sway to slow jazz or a more energizing sexy salsa. ​

3. Incorporate comforting colors​

Research has shown that some colors help people relax. Relaxation is key for romance because arousal doesn’t emerge when people feel stressed. Interior design site Houzz noted that relaxing colors for bedrooms include dark blue, icy blue, soft gray, green sage and lavender. If you don’t want a painting project, try finding some throw blankets and accessory pillows in colors that create that relaxed feeling. ​

4. Savor the scents​

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Sometimes the right smell is just what you need for romance. Scents are often attached to memories—maybe the aroma of sweet-smelling flowers at your wedding, or of a favorite perfume or cologne. Try oil diffusers, candles or even incense. If an external scent feels like too much, try a massage oil or lotion that has a subtle smell. Applying lotion or oil to your partner can add an exciting element to romantic playtime. ​

5. Fine-tune your textures ​

Touch and texture are major components of sensuality. Snuggling naked under a velvety blanket or on a lambskin throw rug can be just the thing to elicit passion. ​

6. Care about your clothing ​

Believe it or not, what you’re wearing can make or break a romantic mood. Dressing in slouchy sweatpants or a ripped T-shirt does not always inspire an “I want you” reaction. Some people won’t feel their most confident in old sweats, and confidence is one of the biggest aphrodisiacs around — feeling good about yourself can help both people when it comes to foreplay. ​

Consider wearing clothes you know your spouse likes or that you feel sexy wearing. Or buy a soft robe to cover the naked body underneath. ​

7. Don’t let screens spoil the mood​

My first rule for all couples is to remove screens from the bedroom — they’re a distraction. Unless you watch movies together snuggled up in bed, individual screens and even that large TV mounted on the wall inevitably steal energy, time and desire to be with one another. ​

8. Consider your furniture​

If you have space in your bedroom, adding chairs, ottomans, small couches and even a pile of pillows can expand spots for sensual activity beyond the bed. A bit of extra furniture allows for diversity of places and positions during sex, while maintaining the privacy of the bedroom. ​

In addition, think about removing furniture or items that don’t enhance the mood — like exercise equipment or a temporary office setup. Getting those items out of the bedroom can allow more space — mentally and logistically — for romance. ​

9. Be choosy about pictures and art​

Making your bedroom a sensual sanctuary means having pictures and art that elicit romance. Art that makes you happy or photos of you and your partner holding hands or doing something that created fond memories might inspire more romance than a large family photo or an ancestor’s portrait. ​

10. Invest in your bed​

A couple’s bed is often the centerpiece of the room. It signals care and consideration for a partnership. Making your bedroom a sanctuary may mean coming home to a well-made bed, decorated with intention.​

When choosing a bed, make sure to consider bed height. Find a height that allows for one partner to stand at the edge of the bed while the other person lays on their back. This position allows for both spouses to relax during sex without the pressure or athleticism of having to hold up their bodies. If you are not in the market for a new bed or frame, consider a mattress topper that helps elevate a lower bed. ​​