Decorating your bedroom might seem straightforward, but sometimes it’s trickier than it looks! We’ve all been there—making decisions that seemed like a good idea at the time but ended up messing with the room’s style or making it feel less cozy. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the most common bedroom decorating mistakes (we’ve probably all made at least one!) along with simple, practical tips to help you create a space that feels comfortable, inviting, and totally you. Let’s dive in!

 

1. Empty Walls

While the bedroom is meant for rest, treating it as just a place to sleep is a missed opportunity. Bare walls, boring furniture, and plain bedding can make the space feel, well, lifeless—like a room you pass through instead of a cozy retreat you can’t wait to relax in.

The Fix:
Think of your bedroom walls as a blank canvas where you can add a bit of you. Maybe paint one wall a fun color or a calming shade to create a focal point. Add some personality with a statement mirror or a few of your favorite framed photos—bonus points if they remind you of happy memories! These little updates don’t just brighten the space; they also make it feel warm, welcoming, and uniquely yours.

2. Overcrowding the Space

Filling your bedroom with too much furniture or too many decorative items can quickly make it feel cluttered and cramped.

The Fix:
Less is definitely more when it comes to creating a calm, serene bedroom. Stick to the essentials—like a comfy bed, a nightstand, and maybe a small dresser—so the room doesn’t feel overcrowded. And don’t forget to leave some open space! A little breathing room between furniture makes everything feel more balanced and gives the illusion of a larger, more peaceful retreat. Trust me, walking into a clutter-free bedroom at the end of the day feels like a mini sigh of relief.

For more tips on maintaining a spacious feel and avoiding clutter throughout your home, check out my article “Decluttering Tips To Create A Bigger, Brighter Home”.

3. Ignoring Lighting

Let’s be honest: sticking with just one overhead light might be easy, but it’s far from ideal. Harsh lighting can make your bedroom feel cold and uninviting—the exact opposite of the cozy retreat you’re trying to create.

The Fix:
Layer your lighting for a more welcoming atmosphere. Add bedside lamps for late-night reading, a floor lamp for ambiance, or even some string lights for a touch of magic. Multiple light sources let you easily set the mood, whether you’re unwinding at night or gearing up for the day ahead.

4. Cold Flooring

Hard, chilly flooring can take away the cozy factor of your bedroom, especially during those early morning wake-ups.

The Fix:
If natural wood flooring isn’t an option, try parquet boards or soft carpeting to warm up the space. Even a plush area rug under the bed can make all the difference in creating a cozy, inviting feel.

5. Poor Window Treatments

Window treatments might seem like a small detail, but they can make or break the look and function of your bedroom. Too little thought here can leave your space feeling mismatched—or make it harder to control light and privacy.

The Fix:
Choose window treatments that work for your needs and style. Layered curtains with sheer and blackout options are perfect for a comforting feel, while sleek blinds or shades suit a modern aesthetic. And don’t skip coordinating the color and fabric with the rest of your decor—it’s the little details that bring it all together.

6. Mismatched Design and Style

Mixing too many styles or themes might seem creative at first, but it can quickly turn your bedroom into a chaotic mess.

The Fix:
Stick to a theme or color palette that resonates with you. Love minimalism? Focus on clean lines, neutral tones, and functional decor. Prefer a boho look? Go for earthy tones, layered textiles, and lots of texture. The key is consistency—when everything feels like it belongs, your space feels intentional and relaxing.

7. Choosing the Wrong Paint Color

Colors that are too bold or too dark can overwhelm a bedroom. While rich shades like navy, burgundy, or black can be stunning, they might not be the best choice for a restful space. Dark hues can make it harder to wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.

The Fix:
Go for soothing tones that encourage rest, like warm beiges, light grays, soft blues, or gentle greens. If you adore darker shades, use them sparingly as accents. The goal is to create a serene environment where you can unwind easily.

8. Improper Scale and Proportion

Using furniture and decor that are too large or too small for the room can throw off the balance and make the space feel awkward.

The Fix:
Measure your space and furniture before committing! Look for pieces that fit the scale of your room and leave enough space to move comfortably. Multifunctional furniture, like storage beds or wall-mounted shelves, can be lifesavers in small rooms.

9. Books by the Bed

Having a mini library next to your bed might sound cozy, but too many books can create clutter and even trigger allergies from the dust they collect.

The Fix:
Keep only the books you’re currently reading near your bed. Store the rest on a dedicated bookshelf or wall-mounted shelves away from your sleeping area. A clean, clutter-free bedside instantly feels more relaxing. For more creative ways to style books and magazines in your home, be sure to check out my article on “How to Style Books and Magazines in Your Home“.

10. Mirror Near the Bed

Mirrors are great for making a room feel larger, but placing them too close to your bed—like directly across from it—can be unsettling.

The Fix:
Position mirrors strategically, like where they reflect natural light or highlight decor, but make sure you can’t see your reflection from the bed. This small adjustment helps maintain a relaxing feel.

11. Incorrect Bed Placement

Your bed is the star of the show in your bedroom, so its placement matters. Placing it too close to the door, against a window, or shoved in a corner can make the room feel awkward or off-balance.

The Fix:
Ideally, place your bed against a solid wall, perpendicular to or between windows, and as far from the door as possible. This setup not only improves the flow of the room but also makes your bed feel like a peaceful retreat.

12. Lack of Proper Storage

Let’s face it—without enough storage, clutter takes over fast. A disorganized bedroom not only feels messy but also loses its functionality, turning what should be a relaxing retreat into a source of stress.

The Fix:
Smart storage is your best friend! Think under-bed storage for those out-of-season clothes, built-in shelves to display your favorite decor, or multifunctional furniture like a storage bench or bedside table with drawers. These small tweaks can make a huge difference, keeping your space tidy, functional, and oh-so-inviting.

By steering clear of these common mistakes and trying out these simple fixes, you can create a bedroom that’s not just functional but also your perfect cozy escape. Happy decorating!