Must Have Items For Your Bedroom

If the new decade has inspired you to jump feet first into modern life, then check out our run down of the bedroom essentials that will help you rest, relax and be entertained and inspired, and transform your bedroom into an up-to-the-minute sleeping space, perfectly in tune with the needs of modern life.

In a modern bedroom like this, practicality meets style

Alarm clock

Sadly, every good night's sleep must come to an end, but modern technology offers a host of ways to say hello to the new day. Digital radio alarms let you wake to the sound of any one of hundreds of stations, while more unusual options, such as the Flying Alarm Clock from firebox.com which flies around the room until you get up and catch it, let you take control of your sleep patterns in more creative ways. Check out The Independent's guide to the top ten alarm clocks, and prepare to be surpirised by some of the quirky selections.

The flying alarm clock makes
oversleeping all but impossible

Bedside Lamp

There's nothing more relaxing than settling down in your bed with a hot drink and a good book, so it's important to get the lighting right - not too bright, but not too dim. You'll also really want to have something stylish for your bedside table. You might think that bedside lamps couldn't change much, but there are a surprising range of far-out lighting options, including the Mathmos Airswitch, available from gadgethub.co.uk, that can be dimmed and brightened by the movement of a hand, letting you set the mood with the minimum of effort. For more ideas, you could also check out Living Etc's gallery of the best bedside lamps on the market.

iPod Dock

Whether it's to set a romantic atmosphere, to get you in the mood for a night out, or just to unwind after a long day, the bedroom is the perfect place for music, but you don't want to have a bulky stereo ruining the calming, relaxing atmosphere. That's why an iPod dock can help - choose a slimline designer dock that will continue the look of contemporary elegance, and you'll have your whole music collection at your fingertips. Make sure you pick an option with a remote so you can listen in bed without getting up. Some docks also function as alarm clocks, allowing you to combine two devices in one, but be careful - alarm clock iPod docks rarely have the same standard of sound quality as a dedicated dock, so you may want to stick with separate units for now. Check out The Times' list of the top ten iPod docks, and see which will fit into your room's style.