Getting the recommended eight hours of sleep each night means spending close to 60 hours a week in your bedroom. That’s a lot of time! And it’s a good enough reason to turn your bedroom into a place that makes you happy, too. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

1. Put wall coverings to work.

Your walls are a canvas. Use them to personalize your bedroom and showcase your unique sense of style. Wallpaper has recently made a huge comeback and, with a little searching, you can find a color and pattern to suit any design concept. In fact, new easy-change, peel-and-stick varieties make it easier than ever to experiment – whether you decide to cover just one wall or all of them. If wallpaper isn’t your thing, consider tasteful decals or a ready-made mural. These options are offered in vast varieties as well, and they’re a quick and easy way to make an impact.

2. Give old furniture a second chance.

Brightening your bedroom may be as simple as putting a new spin on old stuff. Has your nightstand seen better days? Whether it’s lost its luster after a few years’ use or it’s been worse for wear since the Reagan Administration, painting it a bold color like the one below will bring it – and your bedroom — back to life in a big way. The same goes for the likes of dressers, armoires, side tables and chairs. And replacing old drawer pulls with funky new ones can make a big difference too!

3. Think beyond basic blinds.

When it comes to brightening the bedroom, windows take center stage. It’s not only important to create privacy and let light into this very personal space, but windows also offer an opportunity to fully express your style — and expand on functionality too. Perhaps you’re a bookworm who’ll make good use of a simple window seat like the one pictured below. Or maybe tailored, pleated curtains will provide just the right finishing touch to a very thoughtful interior design. Whatever your style, think beyond basic blinds when deciding on the treatment of your windows. When it comes to coverings, bold or subtle patterns and colors can act as a focal point and create dimension; neutral contrasts can create an atmosphere that is soft and serene.

4. Master the art of illusion.

Mirrors make magic when it comes to creating the illusion of larger space. And they reflect natural and artificial light, doing double duty to brighten a room. A floor length mirror like the one below draws the eyes up and around, making the space feel taller. Grouping and layering mirrors can have the same effect, while adding depth and interest to the space. In fact, hanging a collection of mirrors can be an inexpensive way to add a stylish focal point. (Think a collection of unique mirrors with uniformly painted frames.) Make the most of this asset by angling your mirrors opposite the room’s natural light source.

5. Get utterly organized.

Nothing sucks the serenity from a room like clutter does. Do what you need to do to downsize your stuff and reclaim your rightful resting space. (A good rule of thumb says to toss anything you haven’t used or worn in the past year.) Once you’ve minimized the mess factor, spend some time finding a purposeful place for everything that’s left. Consider purchasing closet and drawer organizers, installing shelves and incorporating furniture that doubles as storage like the bedframe below. If you’re not great at organizing — or if you could just use some help customizing or building an organizational system — you can generally hire a professional organizer or handyman for a few hundred bucks. Your contentment is well worth the cost!

6. Cultivate a color palette. 

Choosing a pleasing color palette is the key to creating a bedroom that will make you blissfully happy from wake to sleep each day. Be sure to select colors that you will enjoy for the long term, but don’t be afraid to stray from standard-issue neutrals. The bedroom is the perfect place to make a bold color statement. Consider complementary but unexpected pairings such as the pink and gold below — or choose from trending palettes including shades of red and turquoise, gray and pale yellow, and chocolate and powder blue. Not sure where to start? Find a colorful pillow or accessory that fits your fancy. Then, find bedding, paint and other accessories to match and balance the hues throughout the room.