The bedroom is where we begin and end our days. But if how we begin and how we end those days has changed, then the bedroom itself will change too. Many individuals will find new ways to make these formerly limited-use spaces more active during the daytime. Those who are able to work from home may actually get more sleep, while many — especially essential workers — might need to take extra steps to ensure their bedrooms are clean, safe spaces to relax after a long day.
The first thing we do every morning — wake up — will happen differently for many Americans. Because people working from home don’t have to commute, many will be able to sleep in later. This also means less engagement with the media they consumed on those commutes (e.g., radio, podcasts, etc.). Still, it’s not likely that commutes will be replaced minute-for-minute with sleeping. Many will build new routines that get them into the right headspace for the day, and others will face new stress and disruptions that prevent them from getting the sleep they need.
On the other hand, essential workers and those who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 may face additional stress and more disruptions to their routines, which can negatively impact sleep.
Let’s take a look at some of the changes we’ve seen so far.
Before COVID, bedrooms were often left vacant during the daytime. Moving forward, the bedroom — whether primary or a guest room — will likely become a workspace for many by afternoon. This bedroom office will be a home’s quiet zone. It’s a place for private phone calls and distraction-free work. And now that we’re spending even more time here, perhaps it could use some redecorating.
Adjustable standing desks
Shared calendar to reserve time
Depending on how many rooms your home has, it’s possible the bedroom was already functioning as the alternative space to consume media. The post-COVID bedroom essentially demands it. Families, however close they’re getting, are still composed of individuals. The bedroom is where many of these individuals will retreat to decompress — alone. From streaming a movie to engaging in their favorite hobbies, it’s about maintaining individuality. Here are a few changes we’ve already seen in the way people are engaging with media and entertainment.
