5 Outdated Bedroom Design Trends We’re Retiring In 2023—And What’s Replacing Them

It’s time for a home refresh, and for 2023, we’re taking it to the bedroom. It’s hardly the first room that guests see when we entertain, nor is it where we gather to spend time with friends and family, but that doesn’t discount its importance. The bedroom is where we retreat for relaxation. It’s the first room we see in the morning and the last one we see at night. 

Our bedrooms are our sanctuaries. That’s why it should be something you love as much when you wake up in the morning as you did when you went to sleep—no matter if it's stylishly up to date or a comforting time capsule. That’s also why the bedroom deserves a little TLC, and we can always rely on the pros to guide us and inspire our updates. Here’s what Southern designers are saying about the bedroom trends that we can put to bed in 2022. 

Matching Sets

Matching furniture is out, says Atlanta-based designer Jared Hughes. It’s not just about the look, either; big-box retailers just aren’t selling bedroom sets like they used to. Whether we like it or not, we’re saying “so long” to new sets of matching bedroom furniture.

Try Instead: Asymmetry

“There’s less symmetry—less matchy matchy,” as Sara Malek Barney, principal designer for BANDD/DESIGN in Austin, Texas, puts it. “I think we’re going to see a lot less uniformity in bedroom design,” agrees Suzanne Barrow from Barrow Interiors in Charleston, South Carolina. Designers are leaning into asymmetry and embracing imperfection, including decorating with two different nightstands and using furniture in the bedroom that is increasingly eclectic, but still cohesive. 

This may involve a new piece here and a vintage find there or bringing in unexpected pieces, according to Malek Barney. “Look at atypical pieces,” she says. “It’s about thinking about pieces outside where they’ve always been and using them in different, interesting ways. That could even mean something that would typically serve as a dining room sideboard could also be in your bedroom to house your clothing.”

Dressers

Part of the reason why matching bedroom sets are becoming a thing of the past, is because of a decreasing demand for one of its key features. “The standard dresser in a bedroom is sort of going away,” reveals Malek Barney, especially in new homes. “Closets are being built to house everything, so now those secondary pieces that used to be a necessity in the bedroom aren’t a necessity any more and can be replaced.”

Try Instead: Seating

With bulky dressers and chests out of the way, there’s more space in the bedroom for additional seating. “I’m seeing a lot more arm chairs, benches, and areas for hanging out and reading a book,” says Malek Barney. 

Curved Furniture

Designers are also waving goodbye to rounded furniture styles of 2022. “Curved and arched furniture like the channel headboard, curved chaises, rounded sofas are going out,” says Barrow’s fellow Barrow Interiors Designer Hannah Chait. This may include tufted headboards, which Thomas Guy Interiors’ Louisiana-based principal designer, Lance Thomas says “may not survive into the next year.” We’re on the fence about this down-and-out feature. They are rather bulky, but they’re also so comfortable! 

Try Instead: Polished Frames

In this case, we’re going back to the basics. Instead, Chait sees “classic silhouettes” coming back in. “Homeowners are leaning towards shorter polished options,” says Thomas. We’ll also be stocking up on pillows to prop up in place of our plush headboards for lounging before bed.

California Modern

“There’s less and less of that clean, California modern.” says Chait. You know the look: It’s meant to be light and airy but ends up being fairly sterile with bright whites, earth tones, and lots of steel and glass. 

Try Instead: Nods To Locality

We’re in the South, not California—thank you very much—and more and more, Southerners are embracing a more regional look for their bedrooms. This involves bringing the outside in and gathering inspiration from your locale’s history and location. For example, waterside residents might embrace coastal decor and homeowners in historic areas like Barrow and Chait’s Charleston home base may look towards antiques for decoration. “I think the style is a nod to our area,” says Chait. This can also mean collecting wall decor from local artists or bringing in natural elements.

Minimalism

Part of that California Modern style that we’ve said “good riddance” to is minimalism. “Something that’s going out is simple, minimalist bedding and pillows in that monochromatic style of whites and grays,” says Barrow. Beyond the decor, this applies to the walls, too. “Simple wall colors like white or gray will also take a backseat in the next year,” agrees Thomas. All-whites have been slipping away in front of our eyes, from brick exteriors to kitchens and bathrooms, so we’re not surprised that this outbound trend continues into the bedroom. 

Try Instead: Patterns And Textures

If not white, then what? The answer is, of course, bold colors and bright patterns. We’re ready for them, and Barrow sees them coming in hot. “More layered styles with patterns, fabrics, and more detail is adding a lot of depth and interest,” she says. To get the look, Barrow recommends layering your bedding with different colors, using decorative pillows with different patterns, having multiple throw blankets in different knits and thicknesses, and trying out a textured wallpaper. If you need a place to start, Barrow and Chait are loving florals.