6 Bedroom Design Errors That Can Disrupt Your Sleep (and How to Fix Them)

Clutter

The less cluttered your bedroom, the more spacious and serene it feels. “A bedroom should feel restful,” says Welch. ”It shouldn’t be used as just another workspace or storage room.”

Try to keep surfaces as clear as possible and have items that promote relaxation—like an eye mask or a good book—easily accessible. If possible, keep computers, chargers, and other devices out of the sleeping area altogether. Relocate them to more active zones of your home so your bedroom remains a true retreat from the world.

Bold, Activating Colors

Color sets the tone for any room. While bright, vibrant hues can energize other parts of the home, they can overstimulate the senses when used in the bedroom. “I like tones that feel calm and cozy, the kind that make you want to curl up and relax,” Welch shares. Think soft neutrals like taupe and cream, or cool, calming shades of pale blue or grey.

If you’re feeling stuck about where to begin, he suggests “sleeping on a color.” Live with a paint swatch for a few days and see how it shifts from day to night. “Light can also completely change how a color reads,” he notes. “I like to see it in every type of lighting before I commit.”

Too Much Light

When it comes to getting good rest, darkness is key. A dark sleeping chamber helps you fall asleep (and stay asleep) by supporting melatonin production and your body’s natural circadian rhythm. 

Welch is a big fan of blackout drapery, whether in the form of shades or curtains. “It makes such a difference when you can completely darken a room at any hour,” he says.

Not Enough (Soft) Lighting

For reading and winding down at the end of the day, Welch strategically places task lighting in areas that are easily accessible. “A simple thing like having a light switch right next to the bed can really change your nighttime routine,” he says.

If the glow from a task lamp keeps you awake, try swapping bright bulbs for a softer wattage or blue light-blocking versions. 

Too Few Layers

A cozy, layered bed can help make the entire space (and sleeping experience) feel more luxurious. “I like to treat the bedroom like a hotel suite,” he says. “That means lots of pillows, crisp 100 percent cotton sheets, and a throw at the foot of the bed that adds both texture and a comforting weight.” 

Layers also help you adapt easily to the room temperature. “Even if you sleep in a cool room, something is grounding about tucking your feet under a heavier blanket.”

Too Much Loud Noise (and Not Enough Relaxing Sounds)

Keeping outside noise at bay is key for restful sleep (earplugs can work wonders), but soothing sounds can also help. Welch suggests setting the mood with select tunes. “A little music can instantly make a space feel calm and transportive, which is exactly how a bedroom should feel,” he adds.

At the Soho House hotel, for example, each room features a retro Marshall radio that plays classical music. “I love that idea and have borrowed it for my own home.”