Bed Bugs, MRSA, E.Coli And Seven Other Things That Could Be Living In Your Bed
10 Disgusting Things That Could Be Living In Your Bed Right Now
Ryan Barrell— The Huffington Post UK
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From the potentially fatal "vampire" bed bug to antibiotic resistant superbacteria MRSA, there are many horrifying organisms that could be lurking in your bed.
There could also be dust mites feasting on your dead skin cells, and their faeces can cause asthma.
And you might unwittingly have some fungus growing on your pillows, different strains of which could lead to onychomycosis or aspergillosis.
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Bed bugs like to hide in crevasses around your bed
If that wasn't bad enough, flesh-eating fire ants have been known to invade people's beds in swarms. Their venom can block your airways until you suffocate.
E.Coli could also be hiding in your pillows, along with MRSA.
If this doesn't make you want to go home and wash your bedsheets, we don't know what will.
Give Your Bed A Revamp With Luxurious Linen(01 of10)
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The bed is the focal point of the bedroom, so you want to make it visually gorgeous as well as cosy and comfortable. It's also a great place to experiment with print and colour, so invest in beautiful bedding, soft throws and plush pillows that work with the other colours in your space (pop over to your local HomeSpace for a bevy of stylish bedding ideas to feather your nest). If you're looking to make a more dramatic change, get a new headboard, which can instantly bring a pop of colour and a luxurious finish to your space.Patchwork bedspread, £29.99, HomeSense (credit:HomeSense)
Pick A Theme(02 of10)
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Do you want your bedroom to be calming or colourful? Vintage or modern? Whatever look you're after, put together an inspiration board of ideas and adjectives describing how you want your bedroom to feel. Or pick a favourite colour or two and run them through your room with accent pieces (cushions, carpet, accessories). If your theme is 'Make my room look bigger, please!' get a large mirror and hang it opposite your window for maximum light-reflecting, room-maximising potential. (credit:Alamy)
Add Some Wall Art(03 of10)
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The easiest way to brighten up a tired bedroom? Add some wall art, whether it's creating a feature wall of framed photos and prints or hanging a beloved art piece above the bed.Monkey picture, £12.99, HomeSense (credit:HomeSense)
Lovely Lighting(04 of10)
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Swapping a standard lampshade for something a little bit more dramatic is a great way to freshen up a space. When it comes to bedroom lighting, keep it simple and subdued for a calming ambience. If you're short on room, try wall-mounting light fixtures to avoid night-table clutter. Bonus: mounting light fixtures at various heights will draw the gaze upwards, which helps make your space seem bigger. (credit:Alamy)
Invest In Smart Storage(05 of10)
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Clutter can make even the most glorious of bedrooms look messy and chaotic, so keep books organised and banish beauty loot from nightstands. Discrete drawers will keep you streamlined, or get some stylish storage cases or wicker baskets, like these irresistibly priced ones from HomeSense that make for a lovely visual display and keep mess hidden away to help give your bedroom a more spacious feel. Wicker baskets, from £3.99, HomeSense (credit:HomeSense)
Get Some New Curtains(06 of10)
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Sprucing up your curtains is a practical way to update your bedroom and can also bring new colours, prints and textures into your space. Decide what look you're going for: sheer voile curtains are delicate and femine, floral prints are classic and country-chic while velvets and satins are sure to add a sumptuous, dramatic feel. (credit:Alamy)
Introduce Pops Of Colour(07 of10)
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Neutral bedrooms are chic and timeless, but if you're feeling like your bedroom is a bit boring as a result, you can easily add some colour without a paintbrush in sight. Soft furnishings are an easy way to do this: try some colourful cushions, pillows, bedding and curtains to brighten up your room (and mood). You can also make an impact in unexpected places - with a bright lampshade, patterned rug or colourful chair. Or keep it simple with a fresh floral bouquet by your bedside.Pink and purple cushions, £9.99-£14.99, HomeSense (credit:HomeSense)
Make It Personal(08 of10)
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Candles, vases, pictures and flowers all add those must-have personal touches that transform a bedroom from uninspiring to inviting. These accessories also work easily within your theme (painted wooden frames and dairy jug vases say 'shabby chic' while cylindrical ceramic vases and chunky pillar candles are a great way to channel Zen minimalism). (credit:Alamy)
Get Clashy-Clashy(09 of10)
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Don't be afraid to mix and match bedroom pieces to reflect your own style. Clash curtains and bedspreads or try mismatched furniture pieces, like two different nightstands on either side of the bed - perfect for creating an eclectic, inviting feel. (credit:Alamy)
Update Your Hardware(10 of10)
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A decorative, DIY update like replacing doorknobs and drawer handles can spruce up your space and make it more unique, plus it's a great way to add a personalised touch to nondescript furniture. Another alternative? Swap plain wooden drawers for a set with personality, like this gorgeous shabby-chic design from HomeSense.Floral distressed cabinet, £199.99, HomeSense (credit:HomeSense)