Is your bedroom less of a relaxing retreat and more of a mess? You’re not alone.
Many people dream of a magazine-worthy bedroom but end up with a space that just doesn’t feel right. Bedroom decorating can be tricky.
It is easy to fall into common traps that can make your room feel smaller, less stylish and definitely not the peaceful haven you deserve.
11 Costly Bedroom Decor Mistakes and their Solutions
Before you spend more money or get frustrated, let’s talk about bedroom decorating fails.
Are you accidentally making some of these costly mistakes?
Let’s explore 11 common bedroom decor blunders and, more importantly, how to fix them!
Get ready to transform your bedroom into the sanctuary you’ve always wanted.
1. Ignoring the Size of Your Furniture
Have you ever walked into a bedroom and felt instantly cramped?
Oversized furniture in a small bedroom is a very common bedroom design mistake. A large bed or bulky nightstands can swallow the room, making it feel smaller and less airy.
Why it’s a fail: Big furniture in a small space overwhelms the room. It restricts movement and makes the room feel claustrophobic.
Real-world solution: Scale is key in bedroom decor.
- Measure your bedroom before buying any furniture.
- Choose furniture that is proportionate to your room’s size.
- Opt for a smaller bed frame or a nightstand with a slim profile if space is limited.
- Consider multi-functional furniture like a storage ottoman or a nightstand with drawers to maximize space.
Multi-purpose Furniture Recommended by Gritzee
2. Forgetting About Storage or Lack of Storage
A cluttered bedroom is never relaxing.
Lack of storage is a major bedroom decorating fail that can quickly turn your peaceful space into a chaotic zone.
Clothes piled on chairs, shoes scattered on the floor – sound familiar?
Why it’s a fail: No storage leads to clutter. Clutter creates visual chaos and makes it harder to relax and unwind in your bedroom.
Real-world solution: Maximize storage in your bedroom design.
- Utilize under-bed storage with drawers or storage boxes.
- Invest in nightstands with drawers to keep bedside essentials out of sight.
- Consider a dresser with ample drawer space or a wardrobe that fits your clothing needs.
- Wall-mounted shelves can provide extra storage without taking up floor space.
- Don’t forget closet organization! Utilize shelves, drawers, and double rods to maximize space inside your closet.
Beautiful Nightstands Recommended by Gritzee
- SICOTAS White Night Stand Set of 2, Large Nightstand with Drawers and Storage Shelf
- Homelegance 2147-4 Mayville 2-Drawer Nightstand
- 3-Drawer White Farmhouse Dresser, Fully Assembled Nightstand Wooden Finish for Boho, Mid-Century, Natural Wood, Rustic Style
- Prepac Milo 2-Drawer Nightstand, Drifted Gray & Queen Flat Panel Headboard
3. Poor Lighting Choices: One Size Does NOT Fit All
Many people make the mistake of relying solely on overhead lighting in the bedroom.
Poor lighting is a significant bedroom decor mistake that can affect the entire mood of your space.
A single overhead light can be harsh and unflattering, making the room feel cold and unwelcoming.
Why it’s a fail: Only using overhead lighting creates harsh shadows and a sterile atmosphere. Bedrooms need soft, layered lighting to feel cozy and relaxing.
Real-world solution: Layer your lighting for a welcoming bedroom design.
- Incorporate bedside lamps for soft, ambient light perfect for reading or relaxing before sleep.
- Add a floor lamp in a corner to fill in shadows and provide another layer of light.
- Use dimmer switches on your light fixtures to control the intensity of light and adjust the mood.
- Consider wall sconces for a stylish and space-saving lighting option.
Table Lamps Recommended by Gritzee
- Bedside Table Lamp for Bedroom – 3 Way Dimmable Touch Lamp USB C Charging Ports and AC Outlet
- Vintage Table Lamp for Bedroom Room,16″ Modern Ceramic Bedside Lamp
- Industrial Table Lamps for Bedrooms Set of 2 – Fully Dimmable Bedside Lamps with USB A and C Ports and Outlet
- 22″ Bedside Desk Lamps Vintage Nightstand Lamps with Linen Shades, Antique Grey
4. Ignoring the Rug Size: Postage Stamp Rugs
A rug can anchor a room and add warmth and texture. However, using a rug that is too small is a common bedroom decorating mistake.
A tiny rug floating in the middle of the room can look awkward and disjointed.
Why it’s a fail: A too-small rug makes the room feel smaller and unbalanced. It can also make furniture placement feel off.
Real-world solution: Choose the right rug size to enhance your bedroom decor.
- For a queen or king bed, aim for a rug that is at least 8×10 feet, ideally 9×12 feet.
- The rug should extend beyond the sides and foot of your bed.
- Ensure the rug is large enough to partially or fully go under your nightstands.
- If you have a smaller room, ensure at least the front two legs of your nightstands and bed are on the rug.
5. Matchy-Matchy Overload: Too Much of a Good Thing
While coordinating is good, going overboard with the matchy-matchy look can be a bedroom design mistake. Buying bedroom sets where everything is identical can make your room feel generic and lacking personality.
Why it’s a fail: Overly matched furniture lacks character and can make your bedroom feel impersonal and boring.
Real-world solution: Mix and match for a more stylish bedroom decor.
- Vary wood tones in your furniture.
- Choose nightstands that complement but don’t exactly match your dresser.
- Incorporate different textures and materials in your bedding, accessories, and décor items.
- Introduce accent colors through artwork, pillows, and throws to break up the monotony.
6. Underdressed Bed: Missing the Cozy Factor
Your bed is the focal point of your bedroom. An underdressed bed is a missed opportunity in bedroom decorating. Skimping on bedding can make your bed look flat and uninviting, impacting the overall feel of the room.
Why it’s a fail: A bare-looking bed lacks visual appeal and comfort. It doesn’t create a welcoming and luxurious feel.
Real-world solution: Layer your bedding for a plush and inviting look in your bedroom design.
- Start with a good quality comforter or duvet.
- Add a coverlet or quilt for extra warmth and texture.
- Use multiple layers of pillows: sleeping pillows, decorative pillows, and throw pillows.
- Drape a throw blanket at the foot of the bed for added coziness and style.
7. Color Chaos: Too Bold or Too Bland
Color is powerful in bedroom decor. Choosing the wrong color palette is a common bedroom decorating mistake. Too-bold colors can be overstimulating and prevent relaxation, while a completely bland palette can feel uninspired and dull.
Why it’s a fail: Overly bright colors can disrupt sleep and relaxation. A completely neutral room can lack personality and warmth.
Real-world solution: Choose a calming and balanced color palette for your bedroom design.
- Opt for calming colors like soft blues, greens, grays, or muted pastels for walls.
- Use neutral colors for large pieces of furniture to create a versatile base.
- Introduce pops of color through artwork, accessories, and bedding to add personality and visual interest.
- Consider your personal preferences and the mood you want to create when choosing colors.
8. Ignoring Window Treatments: Letting the Light (and Privacy) Go
Skimping on window treatments is a frequently overlooked bedroom decorating mistake.
Bare windows can make a bedroom feel unfinished, cold, and lack privacy.
Why it’s a fail: Lack of window treatments affects light control, privacy, and the overall finished look of the room.
Real-world solution: Invest in good window treatments for a functional and stylish bedroom decor.
- Layer window treatments for optimal light control and privacy: blinds or shades for light blocking, and curtains or drapes for softness and style.
- Blackout curtains are essential for bedrooms to ensure restful sleep by blocking out unwanted light.
- Choose window treatments that complement your overall bedroom style and color scheme.
9. Over-Accessorizing: Less is Often More
While personal touches are important, over-accessorizing can be a bedroom decorating fail. Too many knick-knacks, decorative items, and clutter can make a bedroom feel visually overwhelming and detract from the relaxing atmosphere.
Why it’s a fail: Too many accessories create visual clutter and make the room feel busy and stressful.
Real-world solution: Edit and curate your accessories for a balanced bedroom design.
- Choose a few meaningful and impactful accessories instead of many small, unrelated items.
- Group similar items together to create a cohesive display.
- Leave negative space to give your eyes a place to rest.
- Regularly declutter and remove items you no longer love or need.
10. Not Personalizing Your Space: Missing Your Unique Touch
Your bedroom should be a reflection of you. Not personalizing your bedroom is a missed opportunity in bedroom decorating. A generic, impersonal bedroom can feel cold and uninviting, lacking the comfort and personality that makes it truly yours.
Why it’s a fail: An impersonal bedroom feels generic and lacks the warmth and comfort that comes from personal touches.
Real-world solution: Infuse your personality into your bedroom decor.
- Display artwork you love, whether it’s paintings, prints, or photographs.
- Incorporate personal items like travel souvenirs, family photos, or collections.
- Choose colors, patterns, and styles that resonate with your taste.
- Create a reading nook if you love to read, or display your hobbies and interests through decor.
11. Ignoring Ventilation: Stuffy and Uncomfortable
A well-ventilated bedroom is crucial for comfort and health. Ignoring ventilation is a practical bedroom design mistake that can make your room feel stuffy and uncomfortable, impacting your sleep quality.
Why it’s a fail: Poor ventilation can lead to stale air, stuffiness, and discomfort, affecting sleep and overall well-being.
Real-world solution: Ensure good ventilation in your bedroom design.
- Open windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate.
- Use a ceiling fan to improve air circulation, especially in warmer climates.
- Consider an air purifier to improve air quality.
- Ensure your bedroom door allows for airflow even when closed.
Transform Your Bedroom into a Sanctuary
Avoiding these common bedroom decorating fails can make a huge difference in how your space looks and feels. By focusing on scale, storage, lighting, color, and personal touches, you can create a bedroom that is not only stylish but also a true sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Are you ready to make some changes and create the bedroom of your dreams?
