I’m an interior decorator. Here are 10 things I would never have in my bedroom.

I love to decorate with bright colors and bold patterns but I use them sparingly in a bedroom. A high-saturation color palette or a busy pattern can strain the eyes and energize the mind, making it more difficult to relax. 

Instead, I strike a balance between busy and bland by adding contrast with light shades, dark muted colors, and lots of varying textures to create visual interest and a relaxing environment.

For example, color enthusiasts could pair off-white wall paint with dark-navy velvet curtains. If you’re a pattern lover, opt for the kinds that appear in textures, like in handwoven throw pillows.

High-gloss or polished finishes are great for elevating an atmosphere but I avoid using highly reflective items in the bedroom.

Polished marble tabletops, high-gloss painted walls, and chrome hardware can make the overall space feel less cozy, as they’re visually harsh and tangibly cold. Keep those materials for spaces like the living room or office.

Instead, opt for brushed metal, warm wooden furniture, and nonreflective textiles and wall coverings. I even suggest matte paint finishes to absorb as much ambient light as possible.

I think too many mirrors, especially across from or in view of the bed, can disrupt a good night’s sleep. Some consider it bad luck, and in the practice of Feng Shui, it’s believed that a mirror will reflect the energy of a room and potentially amplify negative energy.

I use mirrors sparingly so I don’t catch any movement in them when it’s time to unwind at night.

If you choose to incorporate a mirror into your space, try placing it thoughtfully to reflect light and give the illusion of more space without showing the bed. 

Hardwood floors might be popular, but I’d consider installing wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedroom. Carpet dampens sound, adds insulation to a space, and is luxuriously cozy to walk on barefoot.

That being said, permanent carpeting can be divisive among homeowners and renters and tends to show wear and tear more quickly than hardwood flooring.

If wall-to-wall carpeting isn’t for you, opt for the perfect balance by incorporating large area rugs into your bedroom. As a low-traffic area, the bedroom can be an excellent place for a high-pile, plush, or even shag carpet.

Oftentimes, a comforter will come with two pillow shams or a collection of matching throw pillows to create a completed set. Though it may look coordinated, it doesn’t give off the elevated look of a designer bedroom.

Instead, try coordinating stand-alone shams and throw pillows with the color palette of your comforter or bedroom.

Create variation by using solid sheets, textured throw pillows, and fabric patterns that go well together but don’t make an exact match. This technique will enhance the bed as the focal point of the room, and you’ll get to choose more comfortable pillow fabrics.

This story was originally published on August 10, 2023, and most recently updated on September 30, 2024.