8 Bedroom Décor Mistakes That Make it Hard to Relax

Your bedroom is meant to be your personal refuge, and should balance elements of comfort, style, and function. If your space feels off, cluttered, or uninspired, there are likely a few decorating mistakes at play.

Perhaps your color scheme feels a little too bold, or you just haven’t found the right storage solutions. Bedding is also important; you might be missing those cozy layers that make all the difference. Fortunately, there are easy fixes to these errors—addressing them will transform your bedroom into a dreamy haven. Ahead, we spoke to designers about common bedroom décor mistakes and how to resolve them to make this space the haven it should be.

Ignoring the Bed

One common mistake is treating the bed as a standalone piece, rather than an integral part of the room’s architecture. Without intentional design, beds can feel like they’re floating in the space, and the room will lack connection and flow.

“The key is to make the bed feel rooted,” says Alyssa Anselmo, founder of Studio Anva. “Custom-built frames or built-in beds with side tables help anchor [it] and create a seamless, cohesive look.”

This approach not only elevates the space's overall style, but also its functionality.

Short Curtains

Yes, the length of your curtains can change how spacious your bedroom feels. Drapery that stops short of the floor creates a visual cut-off and makes the room seem cramped and unfinished.

“[It] breaks the natural flow of a room and cuts down on its sense of height,” says Anselmo. “Hanging curtains from ceiling to floor elongates the space and adds a touch of luxury.”

Anselmo recommends using ceiling-mounted sliders to keep the lines clean and seamless. "This simple change instantly makes any room feel bigger and more refined," she adds.

Relying on a Single Light Source

One of the quickest ways to drain a bedroom of personality is sticking with a single overhead light that’s too harsh or too dim. Interior designer and architect Daniel Joseph Chenin likes to combine different light sources. "It creates a dynamic, welcoming atmosphere, rather than a flat, clinical one," he says.

He recommends pairing ambient lighting with task lamps, sconces, or accent lights, ideally in the warm 2800 to 3000 kelvin range.

Filling the Room Instead of Framing It

It’s tempting to fill every corner of a bedroom with furniture, but too many pieces can quickly make the space feel overwhelming. “Think of your bedroom like a gallery,” says Chenin. “A few carefully chosen pieces with plenty of breathing room creates calm and focus, instead of chaos.”

Edit down to only the essentials. Oversized dressers, extra chairs, and multiple side tables often do more harm than good; leaving negative space around key pieces lets your eye relax.

Anselmo recommends mixing vintage, modern, and metal pieces to add depth and personality—so don't reach for that matching furniture set. “The goal is a layered, curated room, not a catalog page,” she says.

Forgetting Texture

No matter how stunning your furniture is, a room made entirely of smooth, matching surfaces can end up feeling cold and a little flat. "Texture is what invites you in. It adds warmth, interest, and that lived-in feeling," says Chenin.

He recommends layering materials with contrasting feels. Soften linen sheets with a cashmere throw, add a rug beneath your feet, or layer together natural wood and stone accents. These tactile elements add dimension and comfort, making your bedroom feel polished and inviting.

Accent Walls

Accent walls have become a popular go-to in bedroom design, but they often disrupt the flow of the space, making it feel smaller and more segmented.

If you want to add color and personality, Anselmo recommends painting all the walls the same soft, rich tone. "This creates a sense of cohesion and makes the space feel larger and more serene," she says.

Choosing the Smallest Room

Many people instinctively choose the smallest, most hidden room for their bedroom, thinking it offers privacy and quiet. However, this often means sacrificing natural light and a sense of openness.

“A bedroom thrives on light and air,” says Anselmo. “Selecting a room with ample windows reconnects you with the natural rhythm of the day and improves your wellbeing.

To make the most of the space, Anselmo recommends hanging curtains from floor to ceiling. “This simple trick not only adds height, but also enhances the flow of light, creating a brighter, more uplifting bedroom.”

Using Mass-Produced Art

Thinking about adding wall art to your bedroom? Mass-produced prints or cluttered gallery walls can dilute the personality of your space, rather than enhance it.

Instead, Anselmo recommends choosing pieces that reflect your story and style. “If family photos are part of the plan, avoid the common canvas prints," she says. "Instead, go for high-quality frames with custom mats.”