How to Create a Minimalist Bedroom—and Why You Should, According to Experts

Minimalism is all about creating a calm, serene atmosphere; nowhere is that mantra more necessary, perhaps, than the bedroom. Bedrooms serve as our sanctuary—a home within a home where we can rest, relax, and unplug from all the noise. Unfortunately, this space can also be a magnet for clutter—whether it's clothes, jewelry, or random décor.

Luckily, while a minimalist bedroom may sound difficult to create, it's not too overwhelming if you take it step-by-step. Here, we spoke to minimalism experts themselves about how they do it, why it's important, and how to maintain a less-is-more scheme.

Benefits of a Minimalist Bedroom

Minimalism naturally lends itself to the bedroom—the last thing you want is a messy bedside table or an unorganized closet, after all. "They're the most important spaces in our home," says Josh Becker, minimalist author. "At its heart, it's the room responsible for sleep and rest."

Often, bedrooms become filled with day-to-day detritus ranging from clothes to makeup—and just about every personal belonging in between. "Unfortunately, bedrooms often function as overflow drains for our stuff when our living areas are full," says minimalist author Francine Jay. "But your bedroom should be a serene space, not a storage space."

Clear Out Clutter

If you want to transform your bedroom into a minimalist haven, then you have to start with a blank slate. "Move everything out except the bed and any large furniture," says Jay. "Take a few moments to lie on the bed and enjoy how calm and peaceful the room feels. Then, slowly bring back only the most necessary and cherished items."

Becker recommends a similar process to clear the space, from random items on your dresser or nightstand to piles of laundry. "Remove anything that distracts you or stirs up anxiety, regret, or guilt," he says. "Even items that are used regularly can detract from the purpose of the room, so look for ways to store them out of sight."

Reexamine Your Closet

One of the top offenders when it comes to bedroom disorganization is your closet. It's easier said than done, but in order to achieve a minimalist look, you'll have to reorganize your jackets, dresses, and slacks. Luckily, the method itself is pretty straightforward. "The fewer clothes you keep, the more options you have for storing them in an uncluttered manner," says Becker. "The same goes for anything you're trying to shove in closets, drawers, and dressers."

Jay also recommends always folding and hanging clothes, no matter where you choose to store them—so long as they don't end up on the ground. "Never start a 'floordrobe,'" she says. "A growing mountain of apparel isn't good for the ambience or for your clothes."

Keep Décor Simple

Minimalism is all about elegant, pared-back décor, so your newly reorganized space shouldn't be filled with too many vases, tapestries, or lamps. Instead, choose just a few sophisticated objects to anchor the space. "Calm and cozy décor makes for a relaxing space, like candles, personal photos, and a throw blanket for color and texture," says Jay. "Avoid small or fussy knick-knacks, which collect dust and get knocked over. And don't go overboard with decorative pillows!"

Maximize Under-the-Bed Space

A storage option that's unique to your bedroom is the space under the bed itself, which most people will use to shove anything and everything that doesn't fit elsewhere. If you're going for a minimalist theme, though, then it's a good idea to be more intentional with how you utilize under-the-bed storage.

"Use the space under the bed wisely," says Jay. "Not as a place to shove clutter, but for extra blankets, sheets, or out-of-season clothes in appropriate containers or drawers."

Make the Bed

Last but most certainly not least, make the bed every single day. Yes, it can be a struggle to do so in the early morning, but it will help keep your bedroom looking and feeling clean—and more minimalist. "The mess of an unmade bed camouflages clutter," says Jay. "When the bed is neat and tidy, it sets a calm, orderly atmosphere for the rest of the room."