An attractive, inviting bedroom can play a big role in keeping the romance alive in your relationship Whether you're looking to completely redesign your bedroom or just add a few decorative touches, there are plenty of ways in which you can create a romantic haven where you and your other half can unwind after a busy day and rediscover your love and affection for each other

The dramatic rise in house prices over the last ten years means that living space is at a premium, particularly in urban areas Many of us live in shared apartments, lofts, student rooms or studio flats in which the bedroom also functions as a living and working area

For centuries the bed has been one of the most important items of furniture in a household Beds are a status symbol: the Tudor royals and noblemen showed off their wealth through their huge four-poster beds and elaborate drapes and hangings, and many people today covet a spacious and beautifully designed bed in their home

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice which uses the laws of Heaven and Earth to help improve one's life by receiving positive Chi (or Qi) Chi is a life force or spiritual energy that is part of every living thing

Many of us find reading in bed a great way to relax and unwind after a busy day, or to escape from our everyday problems into another world Reading for half an hour or more before turning the light out helps you fall asleep more quickly, and books are a great form of entertainment and a way of learning something new

In 1988, sleep expert Dr Chris Idzikowski discovered that trading in your old bed for a new, more comfortable one could give you an average of 42 minutes extra sleep -four times as effective as a typical over-the-counter sleep remedy So if you're feeling cramped in your sleeping space, or you're tossing and turning on an uncomfortable mattress, one of the most important things you can do for your health is to invest in a new bed

Most of us invite guests to stay from time to time, whether they're relatives, old friends, visitors from overseas or just people whose company we enjoy Entertaining guests in your home can be a lot of fun but also presents a number of challenges

Since sleep plays such an important role in our lives it's not surprising that beds feature prominently in many myths, fairytales and other works of literature When we imagine the bed in a fairytale like Sleeping Beauty, we inevitably conjure up images of a huge palace chamber and an ornate mahogany four-poster bed draped with beautiful silken fabrics