Interior designers often spot common bedroom features that can undermine the room's comfort and style. According to three design professionals, certain choices—from exercise equipment to matching furniture—can disrupt the space's intended purpose and visual appeal. Here are five elements they say to reconsider, along with their suggested alternatives.
Why Exercise Equipment Doesn't Belong in the Bedroom
Melissa Fields, founder of Shades of Gray Design Studio, strongly advises against placing workout gear like stationary bikes or treadmills in the bedroom. Even in small apartments, she recommends finding another spot, such as a living room corner or a home office, to keep the sleeping area focused on rest. "I'm a big proponent of keeping that space separate from the other daily activities we partake in," she says, adding that exercise equipment "looks terrible and completely throws off the look of the room making it feel cluttered and messy."
Bulky Dressers: A Better Way to Store Clothes
Fields also discourages oversized dressers, which can dominate a room and disrupt its flow. Instead, she encourages clients to invest in a well-designed closet system with built-in drawers. "By relocating what you would normally store in a dresser into the closet, you have a better flow in the bedroom and a more curated wardrobe at the same time," she explains. This approach not only frees up floor space but also helps keep the room visually tidy.
Bed-in-a-Bag Sets: A Dated Look
Ellie Mroz, founder of Ellie Mroz Design, is not a fan of pre-packaged bedding sets, which she says often feature overly matchy-matchy fabric and low-quality materials like polyester. "The combination of overly matchy-matchy fabric and poor material choices (no thank you, polyester) gives me the ick," she says. Instead, she suggests mixing complementary colors and textures—for example, pairing a linen duvet cover with boucle throw pillows and a wool throw blanket. This approach adds depth and personality to the bed.
Matching Furniture Sets: Time for a Change
Jaime Zehner, founder of JZ Interiors, says she gets the "ick" when she sees matching furniture sets, which she finds sterile and uninspiring. While these sets were once trendy, she notes that a more collected, eclectic look is now preferred. "We want to look for items that complement each other versus being so one-dimensional," she says. To achieve this without overspending, Zehner recommends shopping secondhand—from vintage stores and flea markets to online platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
Window Treatments: Details Matter
Zehner also emphasizes the importance of well-fitted window treatments. "Ill-fitting blinds or mismatched curtains can detract from the room's overall aesthetic," she says. She advises that tailored window treatments are key to a timeless design, regardless of budget. Taking the time to measure and choose appropriate curtains or blinds can significantly enhance the room's look.
By avoiding these common pitfalls and embracing more thoughtful, individualized choices, homeowners can create a bedroom that is both functional and visually pleasing. The experts' advice underscores the value of intentional design, where each element contributes to a cohesive and restful environment.
