Getting the design of a bedroom right is so important. Make a common design mistake and the space where you begin and end every day won't be as restful or restorative as you might hope.
Your bedroom design not only needs to ensure you get the best night's sleep possible, it should also take into account the fact that you may need to use the room to store your clothes, to get dressed and ready in, and even as a quiet space to retreat to for a moment of quiet during the day.
Unlike the more 'public' spaces in a house, such as living rooms, bedrooms are often not given as much attention as they deserve. To ensure your bedroom is a dream to spend time in, we're here to reveal the top bedroom design mistakes you need to avoid at all costs.
1. Underestimating storage needs
While it is understandable to want your bedroom storage ideas to tie in aesthetically with your overall scheme, do ensure that they are still capable of carrying out their primary function.
Simon Tcherniak, senior designer at Neville Johnson, explains how properly planned storage is essential in a bedroom. "One of the most common bedroom design mistakes we see is spaces without enough storage, which quickly leads to clutter. Mess can make the bedroom feel overwhelming, which in turn can make it difficult to relax or fall asleep at the end of the day. Instead of storage being an afterthought, we recommend fitted storage that can make the most of the space available, without compromising floor space."
Yaqub Khalid, design consultant at Ashford Kitchens & Interiors, agrees that for a bedroom to feel relaxing, good storage is key. "Storage doesn’t have to be complicated and you don’t need a walk-in wardrobe for a bedroom to function properly.
"Bedroom storage needs to balance aesthetics and practicality, so we’d advise bespoke, made-to-measure storage that maximises the space available to you. As this is unique to your home, it can be designed to your specific needs. From large, walk-in spaces to built-in wardrobes, the right storage is essential to create a tranquil sleeping environment."
Simon Tcherniak is a senior designer at Neville Johnson. With a background in both cabinet making and sales, Simon works closely with residential clients and interior designers to create unique pieces every time. Simon joined Neville Johnson in 2010 and has since won Neville Johnson Furniture Sales Designer of the Year six times.
With a background in fashion, Yaqub brings a fresh and distinctive perspective to interior design. He has a keen eye for emerging trends and believes that well-considered interiors have the power to transform a house into a home – blending style with everyday function.
2. Not exploring layered lighting
A well-planned and executed lighting design scheme has the ability to completely transform any space, but when it comes to your bedroom lighting ideas, it pays to consider the various moods this space needs to be capable of delivering.
"One of the most common lighting design mistakes is relying on a single overhead light," picks up Sophie Chapman, associate and interior designer at The Vawdrey House. "Bedrooms need to feel comfortable and adaptable throughout the day, so it's important to introduce layers of lighting. Bedside lamps, wall lights and softer ambient lighting can create a much more welcoming atmosphere as well as offering flexibility – for example when one person wants to read in bed or gets up earlier and needs to get dressed without disturbing their partner. We would also generally avoid cooler-toned bulbs, which can feel harsh, particularly in the evening when you're trying to wind down."
"When it comes to bedside wall lights, placement is everything, both for functionality and visual balance," picks up James Kendall, operations director at KES Lighting & Home. "A good rule of thumb is to position the light so the bottom of the shade or fitting sits around 50 to 60 cm above the top of the mattress. This ensures the light is at a comfortable eye level when sitting up in bed, reducing glare and creating a soft, relaxing atmosphere. Horizontally, you’ll want the wall light to sit around 15 to 20 cm from the edge of the bed.
"If you’re using fixed wall lights, take extra care with positioning to ensure the beam angle is appropriate, as you don’t want a direct spotlight in your eyes," adds James. "For more flexibility, swing-arm or adjustable wall lights are brilliant. They let you direct the light exactly where you need it without disturbing your partner."
A founding member of The Vawdrey House, Sophie oversees the design team bringing her trademark energy & creativity to projects. With a BA in Interior Design & Environmental Architecture, Sophie develops unique furniture packages, styles projects & loves sourcing trips to antique fairs & French brocantes.
As operations director at KES Lighting & Home, James Kendall is well placed to offer expert guidance on all aspects of home lighting. James understands just how transformative great garden lighting can be, and has the experience and expertise to transform any space.
Shop practical yet stylish bedroom lighting
Perfect for injecting a little Scandi-chic into your bedroom, this adjustable bedside lamp has an ergonomic switch and non-slip base
Managing to be simple, classic and modern all at once, this adjustable wall light is perfect where flexibility is the order of the day.
As part of a layered scheme, pendant lights can still look great, and this woven design is perfect for adding a little warmth to your space.
3. Choosing the wrong type of flooring
Your bedroom flooring not only needs to feel warm and comfortable underfoot, it also forms an important part of the overall backdrop in terms of the decor scheme – so give it the attention it deserves.
"Hard flooring can work beautifully, but bedrooms benefit from warmth and softness underfoot," points out Sophie Chapman. "If carpet isn't the preferred option, a large rug beneath the bed can help define the space and make the room feel more comfortable."
Jodie Hatton, design manager at Brintons, has some useful tips on choosing the best options for bedrooms. "While wall colours, furniture and bedding often take centre stage, the floor is what you interact with first each morning and last each night before getting in and out of bed. Often referred to as the 'fifth wall', your flooring choice has a significant impact on the overall atmosphere and comfort of the space.
"Wall-to-wall bedroom carpet remains a popular choice for creating a warm, luxurious bedroom, but for homes with hard flooring, a large area rug can make just as much of a difference," continues Jodie. "The feeling underfoot when you step out of bed sets the tone for the day, and introducing a soft, plush rug instantly adds warmth and comfort where it's needed most."
Jodie is a textile designer with over 10 years of experience in bespoke design, focusing on high-end interior projects. She is the Design Manager at Brintons, purveyors of designer carpets, and she is currently working towards completing a master's in design research, focusing on sustainable and regenerative design solutions.
4. Getting the paint colour all wrong
The colours you surround yourself in your bedroom will have a huge effect on how it feels to spend time in.
Rather than opt for the safest option, Sophie Chapman suggests choosing a shade based on the individual nature of the room. "When it comes to colour, many people either play it too safe or choose shades that feel disconnected from the room's natural light. Bedrooms are one of the few spaces where deeper colours can work exceptionally well, whether that's a soft olive green, a warm brown or a muted blue. The key is to consider how the room is used and how the light changes throughout the day."
The best bedroom colours are those that you enjoy being surrounded by so do ensure you aren't led too heavily by paint trends.
5. Failing to explore alternatives to paint
Which brings us nicely on to this next point. Make sure that you research the alternatives to simple painted walls. While they can work brilliantly, there are other options worth considering too, including wallpaper.
Ian Tomlinson, MD at Chaunceys Timber Flooring is keen to highlight how wooden wall panelling ideas can be perfect for bedrooms. "Wood can significantly enhance the cosiness of a bedroom, transforming it into a warm and inviting sanctuary.
"While wood is commonly used for flooring, its application on walls can create an even more relaxing atmosphere" adds Ian. "Using wooden planks as wall cladding adds texture and depth, creating a rustic charm that feels both timeless and sophisticated. The natural grain and colour variations of timber bring a sense of organic beauty, making the space feel calm and cosy."
Chaunceys Timber Flooring is a family-run company based in Bristol with Ian becoming the Managing Director in 2012. They have been supplying sustainable, high-quality timber flooring to homeowners, award-winning architects, design and build companies, and renowned interior designers since 1988.
6. Picking the wrong window treatments for the space
When it comes to choosing coverings to finish off your bedroom window ideas, you need to consider not just how well they will block out light, but also how they'll add to the overall scheme in terms of appearance.
Sophie Chapman reveals the common mistakes she often sees in this area. "Curtains that are too short, too narrow or made from lightweight fabrics can make a room feel unfinished while also allowing unwanted light into the space.
"Well-fitted curtains can significantly improve both the appearance and functionality of a bedroom," continues Sophie. "We often suggest layering curtains on double poles, combining sheer curtains with blackout-lined drapery, as this provides flexibility throughout the day. The sheers soften natural light and maintain privacy, while blackout curtains help create a darker, more restful environment when needed."
7. Being unimaginative with furniture
Your bedroom furniture choices might need to provide important practical functions but that doesn't mean you can't get a little imaginative with them. This is particularly important when it comes to your master bedroom ideas, where an indulgent feel should be the order of the day.
"Matching sets are a massive no-no," advises Sophie Chapman. "Try to have a stand out piece and then other items that are complementary, such as a four-poster bed or an eye-catching decorative chest of drawers."
Kate Palmer, creative director at The Painted Furniture Company, has some more advice on choosing bedroom furniture. "Choose furniture that works harder, whether that's a bed with storage drawers underneath, a well-designed wardrobe or versatile bedside tables that incorporate a drawer or cupboard. This will help keep everyday items neatly stored away, resulting in a bedroom that feels calm and restful, just as a bedroom should be."
Kate Palmer is the creative director at The Painted Furniture Company. With a background in fashion design and passion for colour and interiors, Kate has helped many customers to achieve the exact look they desired for their home.
Shop bedroom furniture with storage
This upholstered double ottoman bed, shown here in Mink, also comes in two other colours. It has plenty of storage in the base yet still offer lots of support thanks to sprung slats.
It can be hard to find bedside tables with lots of storage – but this nightstand offers plenty despite taking up little floor space, with two handy drawers and shelves.
With its grey oak finish, this wardrobe would slide in with all kinds of bedroom design schemes. It features three cupboards and two drawers that provide ample storage space.
8. Neglecting to consider heat sources
Your bedroom heating needs to be spot on if you want to ensure it is a comfortable space to spend time in. Underfloor heating is a great option that provides a gentle, ambient warmth but often bedroom radiators are the favoured option.
Nick Duggan, director at The Radiator Centre, explains the bedroom heating mistake he frequently witnesses being made. "One bedroom design mistake that's often overlooked is failing to consider heating as part of the overall design. The wrong radiator can take up valuable space, disrupt furniture layouts or simply not provide enough warmth to keep the room comfortable year-round.
"Today’s radiators come in a huge choice of colours, shapes and sizes, and by planning your heating alongside the rest of the room, you can choose a design that perfectly complements your scheme, whether you want something that blends in or acts as a focal point," adds Nick.
Nick has over 20 years of experience in central heating and radiators, leading the team at one of the UK's largest independent suppliers.
FAQs
How can you avoid mistakes when choosing bedroom accessories?
Introducing new accessories and soft furnishings is one of the easiest ways to quickly update your bedroom – and they can easily be swapped when you fancy a change.
Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV, has some tips on how to use soft furnishing to add texture and interest. "One of the most common bedroom design mistakes is feeling that everything has to match perfectly. A bedroom doesn't need curtains, cushions and bedding all in the same fabric to feel cohesive. In fact, overly matched schemes can often date more quickly and lack personality.
"Instead, focus on complementary colours, textures and patterns that work together," continues Debbie. "Mixing scales of pattern and introducing different textures will create a bedroom that’s more timeless and personal."
Debbie is an expert in creating beautifully coordinated fabric collections that can be easily combined to create harmonious interior schemes. With more than 30 years of experience, she takes every design from conception right through to the finished textile - inspired by the latest trends and techniques from every continent.
Don't forget to give your guest bedroom ideas lots of attention too – providing a comfortable restful spot for overnight visitors will make them feel really welcome.
