What’s a house without a few houseplants? Well…still a house. BUT you have to admit that keeping plants around the home really spruces the place up. *wink wink*
Puns aside, the benefits of indoor plants have been documented and studied on multiple occasions. From health to interior design choices, these little buddies could be just what you need to add the vibrancy of greenery to your living room or kitchen.
Now, what about the bedroom?
Key Takeaways
- Plants in the bedroom can support cleaner air, ease stress, and add a calm, natural vibe that helps with better sleep.
- Plants have their quirks. You’ll want to think about care needs, light levels, pet safety, and even things like feng shui if that matters to you.
- Picking the right plant is key. Go for options that are low-maintenance, thrive in low light, and help clean the air. Then match it with quality bedding and a good pillow for a space that works for rest, not against it.
Is it good to have plants in your bedroom? It’s a question worth asking. Where you sleep is a sacred space, so you might want to consider all the factors involved in having bedroom plants.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of plants in the bedroom, and the best indoor plants for you to choose from.
Jump to a section:
- Should You Have Plants In Your Bedroom?
- Pros of Having Bedroom Plants
- Cons of Bedroom Plants
- What Makes a Good Bedroom Plant?
- Build Your Ideal Sleep Space
Should You Have Plants In Your Bedroom?
The short answer? For most people, absolutely. Plants can be a lovely addition to your sleep space.
Studies show that greenery can do more than just brighten up a room. In one study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, researchers found that interacting with indoor plants can reduce stress by lowering blood pressure and calming the nervous system. As the authors put it, plants promote “comfortable, soothed, and natural feelings.”
But the bedroom is a personal space. You want to know if plants affect your sleep, suit your light conditions, or are safe around pets.
So the answer is: Yes, but not all plants are created equal. Let’s look at the pros and cons before you head off to the nursery.
Pros of Having Bedroom Plants
1. Clearing the Air
While we try to keep our spaces tidy and dust free, few of us are aware of the hidden everyday dangers that float around our homes.
Trace chemicals found in common household items like inks, paints, plastics, cleaning agents, rubber, and even paper products, as indicated in NASA’s research on the topic, can seep into the air we breathe without us knowing. These indoor air pollutants affect us and cause respiratory problems more than we realise.
The same study indicated a significant reduction in air pollutants as a result of adding indoor plants to the room. They are our natural air purifiers. There are plants that help remove toxins and allergens from the air. So, imagine the wonders it can do for the air quality in your bedroom space!
2. Regulating Humidity
Humidity levels can be a factor that affects your sleep, even if you aren’t always aware of it. Studies have shown that indoor plants help regulate the relative humidity of indoor spaces, making them more naturally comfortable for our human bodies.
3. More Positivity, Less Stress
Trying to soothe yourself and forget about the day’s worries is key to a peaceful sleep. It is important that your bedroom reflects the kind of zen that you want to achieve before catching some Zs.
Several studies indicate an increase in positivity and reduction in stress from having indoor plants in experiments conducted in workspaces. Still, the same things can be said about your sleeping space. Ending the day on a positive note and with lower stress levels can only lead to a higher chance of better sleep.
4. Reducing Physical Discomfort
The health benefits of house and bedroom plants don’t end there. This might seem like a bit of a stretch at first glance, but plants can influence your physical well-being.
As mentioned earlier, one part of it is addressing air pollutants in indoor spaces. The same NASA study noted “sick building syndrome”, wherein synthetic materials in buildings release toxins that make people sick.
Adding indoor plants to the space absorbs these chemicals and alleviates health problems like “itchy eyes, skin rashes, drowsiness, respiratory and sinus congestion, headaches, and other allergy-related symptoms”.
This has been supported by other studies that have also pointed out similar results in workspaces with plants compared to those without.
If you think your building might have a similar situation, looking to do the same for your bedroom (and your home in general) might help with some of those problems.
Cons of Bedroom Plants
1. Critters
This might be nit-picking, but it’s important to note that living organisms like plants might invite a few other creatures to nest in their mini biome.
People have been putting plants in their homes for many many years, so it shouldn’t be a big problem. Just keep an eye out and address the problem early if it ever comes up.
Nip it in the bud, so to speak.
2. Carbon Dioxide
Plants release oxygen much more in the day when photosynthesis happens. Whether they are in the presence of direct sunlight or indirect sunlight, it is during this time that they convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar for food.
But it is incorrect to assume that all plants always release fresh oxygen, even at night. Truth be told, many plants release carbon dioxide at night.
But there’s nothing to worry about. Really really small amounts of carbon dioxide won’t be a problem for humans. A few plants will never produce enough to be harmful, maybe unless you are sleeping in some sort of a jungle… Plus, it’s all about plant selection.
The bigger problem is carbon monoxide, which plants like the Chinese Evergreen or Golden Pothos help absorb.
3. Maintenance
Not everyone has a green thumb, and while this con isn’t specific to bedroom plants only, always keep in mind that plants need love and care too. This might take up some of your time and resources, depending on the plant you decide to get so make sure you’re willing to commit.
4. Feng Shui
According to Feng Shui experts, plants are not suitable for the bedroom because they produce energy that contradicts your sleep. On the flip side, some experts believe that there are still some plants that are good feng shui for the bedroom.
You may see incompatible takes on this topic. Dozens of feng shui schools have slightly varied teachings. It depends on the practitioner.
While the historical context of feng shui may no longer be relatable in today’s living standards, at the end of the day, it’s all about your beliefs. If you do decide to have a plant in the bedroom, be sure to find one that’s appropriate for the space and for you.
What Makes a Good Bedroom Plant?
Not every plant is cut out for bedroom life. Some thrive, others sulk, and a few just sit there looking pretty but not doing much else. Here are the qualities to look for when picking a plant that belongs near your bed.
✅ Easy to Care For
You don’t need to be a plant expert to keep a good bedroom plant alive.
Look for varieties that can go a few days without water, aren’t fussy about their environment, and won’t give you a headache if you forget about them now and then.
✅ Helps Clean the Air
Many indoor plants naturally filter out pollutants and freshen the air. That’s especially helpful in enclosed spaces like bedrooms where airflow is limited. Bonus points if they release oxygen at night.
✅ Thrives in Low Light
Bedrooms don’t always get the best light, and that’s okay.
Plenty of plants are perfectly happy in shade or indirect sunlight, which makes them great choices for bedside tables or corners.
✅ Looks Right in Your Space
Function is key, but so is feeling. A plant that suits your style can bring a calming vibe to your room and make it feel more alive, even when everything else is quiet.
Want some help choosing? We’ve put together a full guide of 20 bedroom plants that help you sleep and breathe easier.
Build Your Ideal Sleep Space
Plants can definitely help set the mood, but a truly restful bedroom needs more than a leafy touch. The way you sleep and how well you recover also depends on what you’re sleeping on. A flat pillow or heavy, heat-trapping quilt can undo all the good your plants are trying to do.
That’s where we come in. At Ecosa, we design bedding and pillows that work with your body. From supportive memory foam pillows to breathable, adjustable quilts, our sleep essentials are made to keep you cool, comfortable, and properly supported all night long.