8 Things To Keep Out Of Your Bedroom, According To Designers

Is your bedroom designer-approved or does it fall victim to some major no-nos? Below, Southern interior designers weigh in to share eight items that just don’t belong in your sleep space. Removing these pieces from the bedroom will make a world of difference. 

Harsh Overhead Lighting 

It’s time to stop relying on “the big light,” as it’s come to be known. “Skip can lights and double down on table lamps, bedside sconces, and a beautiful ceiling mounted fixture—all on dimmer switches—for ultimate light control,” advises Lindsay Speace, the founder of Lindsay Speace Interiors in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

So-So Shades

If your window coverings are sheer—or missing altogether—it’s time to remedy that, Speace says. “I'm convinced blackout lined window treatments are a key part of the equation for a restful night's sleep,” she comments, adding that she likes to layer woven or roman shade with drapery panels. “In addition to blocking light, window treatments offer another opportunity to layer in color, texture, and pattern,” the designer explains. 

Beds on the Diagonal

Now isn’t the time to get artsy with your furniture placement. “While angles can be a design plus elsewhere in the home, doing so with a bed will feel impractical,” says Lieve Saether, the founder of Turnstyle Interior Design in Austin, Texas. “You’ll feel less grounded, and when you go to reach for your side table, since there will always be an unsettling gap to the wall behind you; allowing for things to get lost or dropped into overtime.” 

A Work Station

Make it your utmost priority to keep anything work related out of the bedroom. “Try to keep it as serene and relaxing as possible,” says Molly Basile, the founder of Molly Basile Interiors in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, who recommends setting up a desk space elsewhere. Kara Miller, the founder of Kara Miller Interiors in Jupiter, Florida, agrees, noting, “Your bedroom should be your sanctuary from the outside world.” 

Meaningless Art

If a piece of art doesn’t speak to you, leave it behind, says Jennifer McKissick, the founder of Jennifer McKissick Interiors in Greenville, South Carolina. “Wait until you have something really meaningful to display,” she says. “This holds especially true in the bedroom, which should be your sanctuary and where you display only your most intimate and personally special pieces.” In her own sleep space, McKissick has hung sentimental works from her travels. “There are a lot of blank spaces on the walls of our bedroom, but I'm waiting to fill them until the right pieces find us,” she adds. 

Oversized TVs

By no means do you have to cut your television altogether—McKissick understands that many people do love watching their favorite shows from bed—but do your best to avoid bulky, theater-sized TVs in this room of the home. McKissick recommends sticking within the 19 to 24 inch frame range and steers her clients toward the sleek Samsung Frame when possible. “It makes it blend right in and feels very subtle and intentional,” says the designer, who likes to style the piece as part of a gallery wall. 

Bold Colors

Keep brightly colored items out of the bedroom, says Lauren Deloach, the founder of Lauren Deloach Interiors in Atlanta, Georgia. “We like to bathe it in soft, restful tones and patterns that encourage the homeowner to start their mornings in a calm atmosphere, then wind down and relax after a busy day,” she says. 

A Disorganized Bedside Table

No one wants to wake up to a nightstand covered with clutter. Instead, opt for a bedside table with a drawer—and use it—says Mallory Mathison Glenn, the founder of Mallory Mathison Inc. also in Atlanta. She suggests placing a tray on top to corral small decor pieces like picture frames and a small clock.