Bring the outside in (Picture: Getty Images)

One of the small silver linings of the pandemic is how our government-issued daily walks helped us rediscover the natural beauty around us.

Being in green spaces can boost our mental and physical health, with the tranquil sights and sounds helping reduce stress and its negative impact on the body.

This appreciation for nature didn’t leave us when Covid restrictions ended either, as the recent popularity of friluftsliv shows.

The term may not be new (it was popularised in the 1850s by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen) but is having a major renaissance, generating over 13 million views on TikTok

Pronounced as free-loots-liv, the Nordic way of living translates as ‘living in the free air’ in Danish – and that’s what it’s really all about.

The friluftsliv philosophy emphasises the importance of being outdoors and connecting with the world around us, whether that’s high-octane activities like mountain biking or simply strolling through the woodlands.

Like hygge, the Scandinavian lifestyle trend that got us prioritising cosy comfort, the friluftsliv mindset is said to improve wellbeing, both through exercise and being at one with the world around us.

For times you can’t head off hiking, though, you can bring the outside in. Through creating an environment that mimics nature, it allows you to reap the benefits of being out in the wilderness… at least until you can do so for real.

With that, the experts at Happy Beds have shared their tips for ‘frilustliv-ing’ your bedroom for better sleep and enhanced relaxation. With a few changes to your room’s decor, you’ll be switching off in no time.

Choose a pared-back, earthy palette

Happy Beds recommends ‘warm, neutral colours’ for a friluftsliv bedroom.

Go for green, warm white, light brown, blue or muted orange, as these shades will evoke flora and fauna and bounce light around the room to create the illusion of space.

The experts add: ‘Additionally, the colour green can help reduce blood pressure, regulate the inner balance of your body and even help to overcome insomnia due to its calming qualities.’

Pick white, organic, breathable bedding

It’s not just about colour – the materials you choose for the furniture also adds a natural touch.

Go for bedding that’s made from 100% natural materials like cotton, silk or linen. As well as lasting longer, these fabrics are breathable and can prevent night sweats or hot flushes.

White sheets work with whatever accent shades in the room, associated with calm and tranquility to promote restful sleep.

Work in real wood furniture

‘Wood is the most common and easily accessible material for your bedroom and boasts a very close-to-nature vibe,’ says the Happy Beds team. ‘Plus, wood and floral smells can regulate your nervous system and get you to sleep quicker.’

They recommend cedarwood for its organic scent, along with aromantic flowers and plants such as yuzu (which is proven to help people get restorative sleep).

Add a coriander plant

Coriander haters, try to suspend your disgust; a plant of the divisive herb makes for a friluftsliv haven.

The Happy Beds experts explain: ‘Studies have found that inhaling the smell of coriander can reduce your REM latency, or the time it takes you to fall into your first REM sleep stage which, typically, lasts around 90 to 120 minutes. 

‘REM sleep is particularly important for learning and memory. Without it, you can become sad, tired, unproductive and struggle to complete everyday tasks.’

If you can’t get over the smell, snake plants, spider plants or gardenia are good alternatives.

Go for plant-patterned wallpaper

Searches for ‘succulent wallpaper’ have increased by 27% in the last 12 months, with imagery replicating the natural world in hues of green, blue and brown.

Plus, there are health benefits to this type of decor, as ‘exposure to the imagery of natural environments can elicit strong, positive emotions and lead to better relaxation than images of urban environments.’

Create a calming gallery wall

If wallpaper isn’t your thing – or you’re a renter – calming, nature-inspired artwork can also do the trick.

Happy Beds recommends matching pieces to the style of your home. For example, if you live by the river or sea, go for a coastal theme, or choose forest and mountain-based art if you live in a cottage-style property.

They add: ‘For those who live in urban areas, any natural scenery will help, such as walking trails or woodland areas – like a form of escapism in your bedroom.’ 

Reduce noise with a handwoven rug

Wooden or laminate floors can make a room echo, so add a handwoven, shaggy rug to drown out noise and make the space feel super cosy.

It can make all the difference to your sleep, as you’re less likely to be woken up by other people in the household walking around.

Banish harsh lighting

Next, tackle your lighting.

Blue light can disrupt our circadian rhythm and make a room feel somewhat clinical, so warm-toned bulbs are best – especially at night time when your body is trying to wind down.

If you use LED or strip lights, switch to orange or yellow settings rather than bright white, and make full use of dimmer switches as the evening progresses.

Include on-trend mushroom motifs

Toadstools are all over the high street right now, and searches for ‘mushroom decorations for room’ have increased by 300% in the past three months.

You can incorporate mushroom motifs in a variety of ways that encompass friluftsliv, working with colour, texture and shape for an outdoorsy theme. Alongside ornaments and lamps, you can find an array of fungi-themed art prints and homewares.

Frame your windows in soothing white

‘Ultimately, friluftsliv is about outdoor living,’ comments the Happy Beds team. ‘Bringing the outdoors in, you can fall asleep faster.’

They recommend sheer white curtains to reflect light in a room and ‘place a focus on the outdoors when they are pulled back during the day.’

Darkness is still important at night, however, so blackout blinds for bedtime ensure you’ve got the best of both worlds.

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It’s all about embracing nature.