8 Bedroom Decorating Mistakes Not To Make, According To Designers

Given all of the time you spend in your sleep space, you’re going to want to ensure that it’s top notch! In order to ensure that your bedroom is as stylish and functional as possible, you’ll want to be sure to avoid these eight common design mistakes, which the pros are quick to notice. 

Going Too Matchy Matchy

A matchy matchy look simply isn’t what designers seek out when it comes to the bedroom. “Mixing textures and patterns adds depth and personality,” explains Elle Cole, the founder of Elle Cole Interiors in Dallas, Texas. Jewel Marlowe, the founder of Jeweled Interiors in Fairfax Station, Virginia, expresses similar thoughts. “There is no need to buy the complete bedding set in a bag,” she says. “You might be even happier by mixing a variety of sized and patterned pillows, a separate duvet set or coverlet. This is an opportunity to have fun and be creative.”

Designers say this applies to matching bedroom furniture sets as well. “It can completely take the character out of a space,” says Divya Vaswani, the founder of Divya Vaswani Interiors in Atlanta, Georgia. “Not only will there be too many pieces of furniture and feel cluttered, it doesn't allow a creative, unique flow for the bedroom.” 

Overcrowding The Space 

By no means should your bedroom be jammed full of furniture, whether it’s a large space or a small one. “Resist the urge to over-accessorize, and let the room breathe,” Cole says. Be mindful to make your bed the main focus of the space, says Debbie Mathews, the founder of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs in Nashville, Tennessee. “I often tell clients that the bed should serve as the ‘belle of the ball’ and should take center stage.” 

Decorating With Too Much Color

Going bold in the bedroom isn’t always your best bet. “I’ve seen many bedrooms that really pack in a lot of intense color through paint and wallpaper and I'm just not a fan of that type of design work for a bedroom,” says Sara Swabb, the founder of Storie Collective in Washington, D.C. “This space should be designed with rest and peace in mind, ideal for relaxation and sleep.” This doesn’t mean one has to skip color entirely, Swabb adds, but she recommends taking a softer approach. 

Not Paying Attention To Scale

When a nightstand isn’t close in height to the top of the mattress, a bedroom can appear a bit off, Swabb notes. “It not only looks awkward but also compromises the nightstand functionality,” she says. Scale is equally important when it comes to floor coverings. “A rug too small can feel like a stamp in the room and draw your eyes to the center versus enhancing the space and making it feel larger but still warm all at the same time,” says Whitney Durham, the founder of Whitney Durham Interiors in Atlanta. 

Underdressing Your Bed

Make sure your bed is fully equipped with the right amount of bedding and pillows. “I always specify  at least two layers of sleeping pillows, one layer of decorative pillows, and a bed-sized blanket or coverlet to get a classic, full look,” says Kevin O’Gara, the founder of Kevin Francis Design in Atlanta. Go all in and purchase bedding that you will truly enjoy using each and every night, too. “Wait for your favorite brand to come on sale, and you'll be thankful you did,” Vaswani says. “Good bedding can be pricey but there's something magical about crawling into the most luxurious sheets at night. It's an immediate way to elevate your room.” 

Neglecting Your Lighting Situation

Ensure that your bedroom is well lit and steer clear of harsh overhead fixtures—instead, opt for “soft, layered illumination,” Cole suggests. O’Gara agrees. “I really believe in avoiding overhead lighting in bedrooms (especially at night), so it’s extra important to add enough ambient lighting throughout the space that you can avoid turning on any overhead lights in the evening,” he says. If you’re a bookworm, incorporate some bedside lighting conducive to reading. “I often recommend swing arm sconces which are adjustable so that you can read in many different bed positions,” Mathews says.

Skipping A Fan

Instead of installing an overhead fixture, opt for a fan! “Sleep, good sleep, is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, so go for the fan if that will aid in that,” says Liza Nicole  Angelucci, the founder of Liza Nicole Interiors in Greenville, Delaware. “Tip: Get one that blends with the ceiling and if your ceiling is painted, get a white fan and have it painted to match.” 

Skimping On Window Treatments

Another way to ensure that you sleep as soundly as possible is by investing in quality window treatments. “You should always make sure you have a black out treatment available for the guest or person who does not sleep well and needs complete darkness for sleeping,” says Erin Paige Pitts, the founder of Erin Paige Pitts Interiors in Annapolis, Maryland, and Delray Beach, Florida.