After the clutter is under control, add beautiful objects that inspire you and contribute to your peaceful atmosphere. A singing bowl, a vase of flowers, whimsical pillows, or a beautiful painting of a serene beach. You may even want to update your bed covers and curtains, choosing patterns and colors that evoke relaxation.

If it brings you comfort — and helps you ease into sleep rather than rumination — place a photograph of your loved one next to an LED candle, and turn it on at dusk. Just before bed, offer loving words to your beloved and to yourself, then turn the candle off. This honors your grief and your love. 

Having this type of altar in the bedroom does not work for everyone. You can always set this up in a different room or forgo it altogether. 

If having a photograph of your loved one in your line of sight is distracting you from sleep — if you can’t stop looking at it, for instance — move it to a different wall or shelf. Moving all photographs out of the bedroom is also an option. This does not mean you don’t still love and care about your partner. It just means you need some rest.  

The bedroom is full of memories. Many widows report that rearranging the furniture — or replacing it completely — helped them ease emotional overwhelm, while others prefer to keep things as are. There is no right or wrong. Just make the conscious choice that is right for you.