What Are Common Mistakes in Bedroom Design?

Creating a bedroom that is both peaceful and functional is key to your well-being and productivity. Ever thought about what mistakes can ruin your dream bedroom? A recent study found that a shocking 75% of homeowners make a big design mistake in their bedroom.¹ Mistakes like overcrowding or ignoring key elements can make your bedroom feel cramped and uninviting. Discover the top bedroom design errors and how to dodge them for a space that’s both restful and stylish.

Overwhelming the Space with Bulky Furniture

When setting up your bedroom furniture, it’s key to avoid using too much big furniture. Liz Goldberg of Carolynleona says, don’t fill your bedroom with too much large furniture. This can make the room feel dark, cramped, and smaller than it is².

Prioritize Functionality and Scale

To make your bedroom welcoming, focus on functionality and scale when placing your furniture. Brianna Untener of Brianna Scott Interiors recommends making the bed the main focus. All other furniture should support it³.

Ensure Proper Bed Placement and Focal Point

Putting the bed at the bedroom focal point can really improve the look. Place the bed in the center of the main wall. Add nice bedding to make the space look cozy and inviting².

Bedroom Furniture Arrangement	Bedroom Furniture Scale	Bed Placement	Bedroom Focal Point
Avoid overcrowding the space with bulky furniture	Prioritize functionality and scale when arranging pieces	Center the bed on the primary wall	Make the bed the focal point of the room

Follow these tips to make a balanced and visually appealing bedroom. The goal is to find the right balance between furniture, size, and focal points. This way, your space will be both functional and stylish²³.

Neglecting the Bedroom During Initial Decorating

Many homeowners skip the bedroom when decorating first⁴. Gina Sims of Gina Sims Designs says it’s a big mistake⁴. The bedroom sets the tone for your day and night⁴. So, don’t ignore it and plan it carefully from the start.

People often focus on other rooms like the living room or kitchen⁴. This leaves the bedroom feeling incomplete or lacking in character⁴. Make sure to spend time and resources on it early on. This way, it will match your design style and fit your lifestyle.

About half of people put their bed by a window for morning light, while the other half prefer it against a solid wall for privacy⁴.
Almost 40% fill their bedrooms with too much furniture, making it look cramped and unwelcoming⁴.
60% of people use just one light source in their bedrooms, missing out on layered lighting for different moods and activities⁴.

Putting the bedroom first in design and decorating makes it truly yours⁴. It becomes a place of calm and rest. Check out this guide for tips on a minimalist bohemian look.

Failing to Reflect Personal Style and Personality

When designing your bedroom, it’s key to make it show off your unique style and personality. Buying matching bedroom sets from big stores might be easy, but it often makes your room look the same everywhere. This lack of variety in woods, colors, and textures can make your room look dull⁵. Mixing different furniture can make your bedroom look better and more personal⁵.

Have Fun with Unique Decor Pieces

Your bedroom should be a place that makes you happy. So, have fun with unique decor that shows who you are⁶. Adding a special chair, a vintage light, or eclectic accessories can make your room truly yours⁵. Selling old furniture and using the money for new items you love can make decorating more fun and personal⁵.

Your bedroom is your personal haven, and it should be a place you love to be⁶. So, enjoy designing it, try out new decor, and make it show off your style⁵.

Decor Trend	Percentage of Popularity
Matching Bedroom Sets	Commonly Seen Among Novice Decorators⁵
Mixing Furniture Styles	Enhances Visual Interest and Depth in the Room⁵
Incorporating Unique Accessories	Reflects Personal Style and Personality⁶

By showing off your personal style and unique decor, you can make your bedroom truly yours⁵⁶.

Inadequate Nightstand Storage Solutions

The right nightstand can change your bedroom for the better. Nightstands are key to keeping your bedroom tidy and peaceful⁷. In small bedrooms, not having enough storage leads to clutter, making the room less functional and less welcoming⁷.

Choose a nightstand that does more than one thing. It should store your books and hide your “junk” in a drawer⁷. This keeps the nightstand top clean and everything you need within reach⁷. Gina Sims, a pro in interior design, suggests getting nightstands at least 30 inches wide for king-size beds⁷.

Bedside storage solutions greatly improve your bedroom’s look and organization⁸. Nightstands with drawers or shelves keep things tidy and avoid a messy look⁸. The right bedroom nightstand storage can turn your sleep area into a peaceful retreat⁷.

Nightstand Dimensions	Bed Size
30 inches or more	King-size
24-28 inches	Queen-size
20-24 inches	Twin or Full

For a well-designed bedroom, balance functionality with looks. Fixing the bedroom nightstand storage issue helps make your space both good-looking and practical⁸.

Relying Solely on Overhead Lighting

Many people make the mistake of using only overhead lighting in their Bedroom Lighting Design. Experts say this makes the room feel empty and unwelcoming⁹. Instead, mix different Bedroom Lighting Layers to make it cozy and inviting.

Incorporate Bedside Lamps and Dimmers

Bedside Bedside Lighting is key for a warm bedroom feel. Laura Umansky suggests using lamps with dimmers for soft, adjustable light⁹. This lets you set the mood for reading, relaxing, or bedtime.

Brianna Untener says even with overhead lights, like chandeliers, you need table lamps or wall sconces for coziness⁹. Mixing different lights makes your room well-lit and practical.

Lighting Recommendation	Percentage of Bedrooms Affected
Relying solely on overhead lighting	¹⁰60%
Obstructing pathways with furniture	¹⁰75%
Overlooking the importance of wall space utilization	¹⁰55%

To make your Bedroom Lighting Design cozy, layer different lights like bedside lamps, wall sconces, and smart LED cans⁹. Mixing Bedroom Lighting Layers ensures your room is bright, useful, and shows your style.

Placing a TV in the Bedroom

Placing a TV in the bedroom can be tricky. Some like having a TV in their room for convenience. But, experts like Georgia Zikas of Georgia Zikas Design suggest avoiding TVs in bedrooms¹¹. They believe TVs can ruin the peaceful feel of the room, affecting sleep and relaxation.

If you still want a TV in your bedroom, think about where and how it fits with your room’s design¹². Mounting it on the wall or placing it in a corner can save space and give a clear view from the bed¹². Or, consider retractable TV units or built-in cabinetry for a neat look¹².

To keep the bedroom calm, add quality window treatments like blackout curtains or Roman shades¹¹. These can block out TV and outside light, making the room more peaceful.

Deciding on a TV in the bedroom should be thoughtful. Think about how it affects your well-being and the room’s look. By focusing on functionality, privacy, and a calm atmosphere, you can make your bedroom a place to relax and recharge.

Overlooking the Importance of Quality Bedding

Designing a bedroom often means forgetting the value of quality bedding. Yet, since we spend about one-third of our lives in bed, the right bedding can greatly improve both the room’s look and our comfort¹³.

Mix and Match Textures and Patterns

To make your bed look good and feel cozy, try mixing different pillow sizes. Use a simple comforter with a coverlet blanket, throw blanket, and pillows in various colors. This method can make your bedroom look better and feel more like your own¹³.

Many people forget how crucial good bedding is for bedroom design¹⁴. By choosing quality linens and layering different textures and patterns, you can make your bedroom cozy, inviting, and beautiful. It will show off your personal style¹⁴.

The right bedding can change your bedroom into a peaceful and comfy retreat. Spend time looking at different options and try mixing textures and patterns. Find the perfect mix that matches your unique style and likes.

Common Mistakes in Bedroom Design

Designing a bedroom is tricky, even for experts¹⁵. Putting too much furniture in small bedrooms makes them feel crowded and overwhelming¹⁵. Not decorating the bedroom at first can leave it looking unconnected and lacking in character¹⁵.

Not showing off your style and using unique decor can make your bedroom feel cold and unwelcoming¹⁵. Bad nightstand storage can lead to a messy room, and only using overhead lights can make shadows and lack of light¹⁵. Having a TV in the bedroom can ruin the peaceful vibe it should have¹⁵.

Ignoring good bedding can hurt your sleep quality, and using the same textures and patterns everywhere can make your room look dull¹⁵. To make a great bedroom, avoid these mistakes. Focus on what works well, your style, and a mix of different elements¹⁵.

Bedroom Design Mistake	Impact	Solution
Overcrowding small bedrooms with bulky furniture	Leads to a cluttered and overwhelming feel¹⁵	Utilize multi-functional furniture and wall-mounted storage to maximize space¹⁵
Neglecting the bedroom during initial decorating	Results in a space that lacks cohesion and personality¹⁵	Prioritize the bedroom and infuse it with personal style and unique decor¹⁵
Failing to reflect personal style and personality	Can make a bedroom feel impersonal and uninviting¹⁵	Incorporate carefully selected accessories and art to showcase your unique style¹⁵
Inadequate nightstand storage solutions	Leaves you struggling to keep the space organized¹⁵	Ensure sufficient storage options for bedside essentials¹⁵
Relying solely on overhead lighting	Can create harsh shadows and a lack of ambiance¹⁵	Incorporate bedside lamps and dimmers to create a warm, inviting atmosphere¹⁵
Placing a TV in the bedroom	Disrupts the tranquility and relaxation of the space¹⁵	Consider keeping the bedroom a TV-free zone to promote rest and relaxation¹⁵
Overlooking the importance of quality bedding	Can compromise the comfort and quality of sleep¹⁵	Invest in high-quality bedding that offers both style and comfort¹⁵

By avoiding these common Bedroom Design Mistakes and Bedroom Decor Errors, you can make a peaceful, useful, and good-looking bedroom. It should show your style and likes¹⁵. The bedroom is your retreat, and paying attention to details can change everything¹⁵.

Underestimating the Appropriate Rug Size

The size of the rug in a bedroom can greatly affect its look and feel. Many people pick the wrong Bedroom Rug Size or Rug Sizing for Bedrooms. This leads to a space that feels off or unfinished.

Interior designer Taylor Fusco suggests a 9 by 12-foot rug for a king-sized bed, an 8 by 10 for a queen, and a 7 by 9 for a twin¹⁶. But Fusco says to go bigger if you can. This makes the space look complete and balanced.

The most common rug size for a king-sized bed is 9′ x 12′¹⁶.
The most common rug size for a queen-sized bed is 8′ x 10′¹⁶.
A bedroom area rug should extend at least 18 to 24-inches beyond the sides and the foot of any bed¹⁶.
The length of the bedroom rug should run perpendicular to the bed¹⁶.
Leave between 10″ and 24″ between the rug and bedroom walls¹⁶.

Choosing the right Bedroom Rug is key. Think about your bed’s size and the room’s dimensions¹⁶¹⁷. The right rug size makes your bedroom look good, reflects your style, and improves its use.

Success comes from measuring your space well and picking a rug that fits your furniture and room layout¹⁷. Follow these tips to make sure your bedroom rug looks great and does its job in pulling the room together.

Misplacing the Bed and Furniture

When designing your bedroom, where you put your bed and furniture matters a lot. Interior designers say the bed should be the room’s main focus. It’s the biggest piece of furniture¹⁸. Make sure there’s enough space (50 to 60cm) around the bed for moving easily¹⁸.

Consider the Bed as the Focal Point

Kathy Kuo, a top interior designer, says placing the bed right is key¹⁹. The bed should have enough space on both sides for easy access. It’s best if you can see the bedroom door and at least one window from the bed¹⁸. Kristina Khersonsky of STUDIO KEETA also warns against putting the bed near the entry. This can make the energy in the room feel rushed and disturb the person sleeping¹⁹.

Trying out different furniture setups can help you find the best look for your bedroom¹⁸. Putting the bed in a corner saves floor space. Adding a built-out ledge for a nightstand gives you more storage without losing the room’s look¹⁹. Choosing a storage bed can also help use space wisely and solve storage issues¹⁹.

The secret to a great bedroom is to see the bed as the main focus. Arrange other furniture around it for a balanced and useful layout¹⁸. Think about the bed’s position, the room’s size, and your storage needs. This way, you can make a space that feels welcoming and shows off your style¹⁹.

Selecting an Oversized Bed for the Space

Choosing the right bed size is key to a great bedroom design. A big king-size bed might look tempting, but it can make a small space feel cramped²⁰. Interior designer Kristina Khersonsky suggests a queen-sized bed for small rooms. This size leaves enough space around the bed and keeps the room from feeling crowded²⁰.

Scale Furniture to Room Dimensions

Susie Atkinson, founder of Studio Atkinson, says it’s important to match bedroom furniture with the room’s size²⁰. A large bed can take over a room, leaving no space for other furniture²¹. For instance, a super king-size bed needs a lot of space, about 203cm x 203cm, and you should have 60cm of space to move around it²¹. If your bedroom is small, a queen bed might be a better fit²¹.

In small bedrooms, smart storage like sliding cabinets can help use space well²¹. Choosing a bed without a headboard or using tall, slim frames with angled legs can also make the room look bigger²¹.

Think about the size and shape of your bedroom furniture to make a space that looks good and works well²⁰. Aim for a balance between the look you want and the size of your room²⁰.

Overfurnishing or Underfurnishing the Room

Finding the right balance in Bedroom Furniture Arrangement, Bedroom Furniture Density, and Bedroom Furniture Balance is key. Too much furniture can make a big room feel small and messy²². Editor Preethi Thomas says the goal is to make a room simple yet personal, so it feels calm and not too much²².

Signs you might be over-decorating include sticking too much to one style, having too many accents, not having enough breaks in the room, and mixing styles that clash²². To fix this, pick one main style and add personal touches. Use a few key pieces as highlights, make sure there are breaks in the decor, and don’t mix styles that don’t match²².

On the other hand, having too little furniture in a big bedroom can make it feel empty and unwelcoming²³. It’s important to find the right balance to make the space cozy and inviting²³.

When furnishing a bedroom, think about the room’s size and how everything fits together. Don’t put too many pieces in the room, as it can look smaller and more messy. Instead, choose furniture that fits the room well and adds the needed function without losing the feeling of space and calm²²²³.

Underutilizing Nooks and Alcoves

When designing a bedroom, it’s key to use every inch of space wisely. Many bedrooms have hidden spots like nooks and alcoves. These spots can turn into useful and stylish places for storage. This makes the room look better and work better too²⁴.

Create Custom Storage Solutions

Nooks and alcoves are great for extra storage. This helps keep your bedroom tidy and organized²⁴. You can use them for built-in closets, custom cabinets, or a cozy spot for reading²⁴. Adding Bedroom Storage Solutions and Custom Bedroom Design makes these spots useful and nice to look at²⁵.

Think about what you want to use these spaces for²⁴. Do you need a study area, a place to read, or more closet space? Once you decide, you can design storage that fits your style and the room’s look²⁵.

Bedroom Nooks and Alcoves	Bedroom Storage Solutions	Custom Bedroom Design
Toy nooks, studying nooks, kitchen nooks, under-stair nooks, reading nooks	Built-in closets, custom cabinetry, cozy reading nooks	Incorporating intentional furniture, textures, and colors to enhance small spaces

Using these nooks and alcoves opens up new ways to improve your bedroom. You can find more Bedroom Storage Solutions and Custom Bedroom Design ideas. This makes your bedroom both useful and beautiful²⁴²⁵.

Blocking Natural Light and Window Views

Designing your bedroom should focus on letting in natural light and keeping the view. Susie Atkinson of Studio Atkinson suggests placing the bed near a window to enjoy the light and view.²⁶ But, Kristina Khersonsky warns against blocking windows. This can cut off light and make the room feel dark.²⁷ She says using the right Bedroom Window Treatments, like blackout and sheer curtains, is key for a cozy feel.

For rooms with an off-center window, there are ways to fix it. Try using a longer curtain rod to make the window look centered. Or, use full-wall draperies for a bold look.²⁶ You can also balance the window with art or a mirror, or add shelves for symmetry.

In small or tricky rooms, putting the bed in front of the window might be needed. Sarah Barnard says it can work if there are many windows or the bed setup doesn’t block the window.²⁷ Sheer curtains let in light while keeping you private. Turning the bed sideways lets more light into the room.²⁷ Raising curtains high makes the ceiling seem taller, pulling your eyes up.²⁷

By carefully placing Bedroom Furniture and choosing the right Bedroom Window Treatments, you can make your bedroom bright and welcoming. This way, you get the most out of natural light and views.

Overlooking Ergonomics and Privacy Considerations

When designing your bedroom, think about more than just looks. Focus on how it affects your well-being. Ergonomics is key, making sure your space is comfy and efficient. With more people working from home²⁸, a well-designed bedroom workspace boosts your productivity and health.

Where you put your bed, furniture, and lights matters a lot for comfort and privacy. Having a separate area for work is great, especially in crowded cities²⁸. But if that’s not possible, smart bedroom setup can still help. Using blackout curtains and placing furniture wisely reduces distractions and creates a quiet space.

Ergonomics isn’t just for workspaces; it’s for your bedroom too. It helps solve problems like back and shoulder pain common among desk workers²⁸. Choose furniture that supports your body and add comfort with rugs or carpets²⁸. By focusing on ergonomics and privacy, your bedroom becomes a place that supports your health and work.

For more on ergonomics in design and its benefits for your health, check out this article.