“Bedrooms should be places of calm and rest,” says designer Maggie Griffin, quoted by Southern Living. While some items really do need to go, getting rid of things doesn’t always mean losing them — sometimes it just means finding the right place for them.
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The goal is to transform the bedroom into a minimalist, modern, and refreshed space.
Clutter: the bedroom’s biggest enemy
Dresser drawers and nightstands can turn into junk storage. Griffin advises: “Clear the clutter off your nightstands! Keep mail, books, and accessories organized in the top drawer, leaving only the essentials out at night.” Designer Annie Downing, from Southern Living, adds that furniture like nightstands and consoles should prioritize storage capacity, allowing the surface to be used only for lamps and carefully selected objects.
Television: reconsider its place in the bedroom
Almost every designer consulted by Southern Living recommends removing the TV from the bedroom. Laura Hodges suggests: “Keep the bedroom a tranquil retreat, with artwork, natural light, and quality bedding as the main focus.” Designer Bethany Adams emphasizes that even sophisticated TVs, like the Samsung Frame, should be limited to the guest room.
Old books, newspapers, and magazines
Andi Morse advises cutting down on piles of books and magazines, which can make the space look visually cluttered and less relaxing. Southern Living highlights that while it’s important to discard old newspapers and catalogs, valuable books can be relocated to shelves or cabinets outside the bedroom.
Overly matching furniture
According to Southern Living, not all furniture needs to have the same finish or style. Jennie Holland suggests mixing antique or family pieces with modern items to create an asymmetrical, layered, and more inviting look.
Unused gadgets and electronics
Old remote controls, chargers, cameras, and forgotten alarm clocks only add clutter. Morse recommends getting rid of these items, keeping only what is actually used.
Mattresses and pillows
Hodges recommends replacing mattresses every 8 to 10 years and investing in quality. Avery Cox advises reducing excess pillows, keeping just a few larger ones and discarding or relocating the smaller ones.
Lighting and lamps
Downing and Hodges suggest ditching heavy recessed lighting in favor of dimmable fixtures, table lamps, and sconces to create a cozy atmosphere. Lauren Lowe recommends using warm light and dimmers to diffuse lighting and make the bedroom more relaxing.
Sheets and bedding
Griffin stresses the importance of replacing worn-out sheets. Cox adds that new sheets provide comfort and well-being, turning the bedroom into a true retreat.
Alarm clocks and LED bulbs
Lauren Sullivan recommends replacing digital alarm clocks with aesthetically pleasing analog models. Lowe adds that cold LED bulbs should be avoided, favoring warm, dimmable lighting that invites rest.
By following these tips from Southern Living, you can transform your bedroom into a minimalist, organized, and sophisticated space that promotes relaxation and well-being every day.
Source: Southern Living. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
