If your bedroom always looks messy, even after tidying up, the issue might not be your routine — but rather decorating mistakes that create visual and functional clutter.
+ 6 antiques that work perfectly in modern interiors
According to interior design experts, certain habits and furniture choices can make your room feel more chaotic than cozy.
We spoke with interior designer Denise Taylor, founder of Aspen Design House, to share the most common bedroom decorating mistakes and how to avoid them. Check them out and turn your space into a true haven of tranquility.
1. Overcrowded nightstand
One of the most common causes of a messy-looking bedroom is a cluttered nightstand. Accumulated personal items, stacked books, and too many decorative objects turn this small piece into a hotspot for disorder.
“Your nightstand should be pretty, but also functional,” Taylor points out. “If you have 10 books there and aren’t reading any, pick one and store the rest.”
Organization tip: Opt for nightstands with drawers or built-in shelves to keep your essentials out of sight. In smaller spaces, choose models with multiple drawers to better utilize the available area.
2. Shelves above the bed
Installing open shelves above the bed might seem like a practical solution, but it visually overloads the space. The result is a tighter, more hectic room — the opposite of what you want.
Visual solution: Keep that wall cleaner. A single large piece of art, a padded panel, or even elegant fabric brings sophistication without adding visual clutter.
3. Too many decorative pillows
While pillows can add charm to your bed, using too many creates a sloppy and impractical look.
“Avoid overloading on pillows,” advises Taylor. The ideal suggestion: two sleeping pillows per person, up to three decorative Euro shams, and, if you like, one long lumbar pillow to finish the look with balance.
4. Bench at the foot of the bed with no function
Many people place a bench at the foot of the bed to replace an armchair, but it often turns into a dumping ground for clothes and clutter. The key is choosing a functional piece.
“A pouf nearly as wide as the bed is perfect for sitting and also for storing decorative pillows at night,” Taylor explains.
5. Lack of storage in small bedrooms
If you live in a small apartment or studio, every inch counts. Investing in a bed with built-in drawers or a storage compartment lets you store linens, duvets, or off-season clothes without taking up extra space.
6. Oversized armchair
A reading nook is a great idea, but large armchairs often become makeshift storage spots for clothes and everyday items.
“To avoid this, I recommend using a smaller chair, like a slipper chair,” Taylor suggests. “That way, you enjoy comfort without creating another messy spot.”
7. Poorly used dresser
The top of the dresser often turns into an open clutter zone. Accumulated items, forgotten stuff, and scattered objects disrupt the room’s aesthetic.
“It’s best to use trays, a nice mirror, and a few family photos to decorate,” Taylor advises. Less is more on this kind of surface.
8. Too much furniture
The more unnecessary furniture in your bedroom, the harder it is to keep things organized and maintain a sense of open space.
“I believe that fewer furniture pieces bring more balance to the room,” says the designer. Evaluate what’s truly essential and remove what only takes up space.
9. Disorganized makeshift home office
If you use your bedroom as a home office, be careful: a cluttered workspace can interfere with your sense of rest and even impact your sleep quality.
“Have drawers for documents and a specific spot to store your laptop,” Taylor advises. “Don’t go to sleep with a messy desk in sight. It disrupts mental relaxation.”
To have a truly cozy and functional bedroom, you need more than just nice furniture and pretty objects — it’s essential to think about the purpose of each item and how it contributes to your well-being. Avoiding the mistakes above can completely transform your room into a neat, harmonious space full of good energy.
Source: The Spruce
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
