Your bedroom should be your special place.
It’s where you rest after a long day and get ready to face the new one.
You want it to feel calm and cozy so you can get a good night’s sleep.
But sometimes, the way we set up our bedrooms can actually make it harder to relax.
As a London Ontario designer, I often run into issues like this.
And look, bedroom design can be complicated.
But there are some common mistakes you might be making that can make your bedroom feel less cozy.
This week on the Mati Design blog, let’s take a closer look.
Here are five common bedroom design mistakes we often see here at Mati Design.
Mistake 1: Putting Your Bed in the Wrong Spot
Think about where your bed is right now.
Is it the first thing you see when you walk in?
That might not be the best place for it.
Your bed is, of course, the most important part of your bedroom.
Otherwise they’d call it something else, like the dresser room.
You want to be able to walk around both sides of your bed easily.
It’s also nice if you can see the door and at least one window from your bed.
Try to avoid pushing your bed right up against a wall in a corner.
This can make the room feel off balance.
Also, in some traditions, like Feng Shui, you don’t want the foot of your bed to point straight at the door.
They say this can bring too much energy towards you while you sleep.
How to Fix it
If your bed is in a corner, try moving it so it’s more in the center of a wall.
This can make your whole room feel more open and flow better.
Make sure you have space to walk comfortably around your bed.
Mistake 2: Choosing a Bed That’s Too Big (or Too Small)
Imagine trying to fit a large gift into a small bag – it just doesn’t work.
The same goes for your bed.
While a big, comfy bed sounds great, if it takes up too much space in your room, it can make the whole area feel cramped and crowded.
You won’t have much room for other furniture or even to walk around.
On the other hand, if you have a really big bedroom, a small bed can look a little lost.
It might make the room feel empty and not very cozy.
How to Fix it
If your small bedroom feels overwhelmed by your bed, think about getting a smaller one.
This will give you more space to move around and add other things you need.
If you have a large room, consider a bed with a bigger headboard, or even a four-poster bed.
These can help fill the space better.
Make sure all your furniture looks like it belongs together in the room.
Mistake 3: Having Too Much (or Not Enough) Stuff
Think of your bedroom as a calm lake.
If you throw too many rocks in it (too much furniture), it gets choppy and messy.
Putting too much furniture in your bedroom can make even a big room feel small and cluttered.
It can also make it hard to walk around.
You shouldn’t have to move things just to get to your closet or the door.
But what if your lake has nothing in it?
It might feel cold and empty.
Not having enough furniture in a large bedroom can make it feel uninviting and unfinished.
How to Fix it
In a small room, only keep the furniture you really need.
Look for furniture that can do more than one thing, like a bed with drawers underneath.
In a larger room, add pieces that are useful and make the room feel more complete.
This can include a comfy chair or a dresser.
Make sure you have enough space to walk around easily.
Mistake 4: Letting Clutter Take Over
Imagine trying to relax in a room filled with piles of clothes, stacks of papers, and lots of little things everywhere.
It’s hard to feel peaceful in a situation like that, right?
When it comes to creating a bedroom that feels peaceful and relaxing, clutter is the enemy.
That doesn’t mean you have to take a minimalist approach to bedroom design, though.
But it’s about balance.
How to Fix it
Find some smart ways to store your stuff, so it’s not out in the open.
Use drawers, shelves, and storage boxes to keep things tidy.
Try to put things away when you’re done with them.
And that cozy chair in your bedroom?
That’s not supposed to be a laundry pile.
Having a clean and organized bedroom can really make a difference in how you feel.
Mistake 5: Choosing Colors That Are Too Bright
Think about colors like bright red or neon yellow.
These colors can be exciting and full of energy, but that’s not what you usually want in a bedroom.
It’s important to consider colour psychology when choosing the colour of your space.
Different colours have different feelings associated with them.
So if you choose a colour that’s too lively, you might end up causing yourself insomnia.
RELATED: Colour Psychology: How Can Paint Colours Affect Your Home?
When you’re picking paint colors or bedding, go for softer, more peaceful shades.
Think of colors you see in nature that make you feel calm, like light blue, gentle green, or soft gray.
If you like darker colors, try deep charcoal or navy blue, which can still feel cozy.
Mistake 6: Forgetting About Good Lighting
Imagine trying to read a book in a room with only one bright light shining down from the ceiling.
It might feel more like an interrogation.
Having only one harsh light source can make your bedroom feel cold and unwelcoming.
But what’s more, it can actually keep you awake.
You’ve probably heard that it’s a good idea to turn your screens off before bedtime.
Toronto naturopathic doctor Sheila Dyer talked about this in her article on optimal sleep.
But why is that the case?
The bright blue light from your phone can disrupt your natural sleep pattern.
It can trick your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, so there’s no need to relax and go to sleep.
The same can be true for poor bedroom lighting.
How to Fix it
Instead, consider some different types of lighting.
A big overhead light might be good for when you’re putting away laundry, but that doesn’t work all the time.
Make sure the lamp beside your bed is softer and gentler.
This can help you feel more relaxed as you get ready for bed.
You can even add dimmers so you can control how bright the lights are.
Good lighting can really change the mood of your bedroom.
Mistake 7: Ignoring Natural Light
Think about how nice it feels when sunlight comes into a room.
Windows and natural light are great for your bedroom.
They can make the room feel bigger and more open.
That’s not always possible, of course.
And while blackout curtains can help you fall asleep, they can also make your bedroom feel cold and lifeless.
But sometimes, we block the windows without even thinking about it.
Putting big furniture right in front of your window, for example, can block off the light.
How to Fix it
Try not to put large furniture right in front of your windows.
That’s especially true for your bed, since having a wide open window behind you can make it difficult to sleep.
If you like having blackout curtains in your bedroom, try opening them during the day.
Mistake 8: Having Nightstands That Aren’t the Right Size
Your nightstands should be about the same height as the top of your mattress.
If they’re too short or too tall, it can be awkward to reach for a glass of water in the middle of the night.
But what’s more, it can make your room look off-kilter.
It can make your bed look too small or too large, which can feel a little silly.
How to Fix it
Check the height of your bed, and try to find nightstands that are close to that height.
If you can’t find regular nightstands that work, floating shelves can work as well.
Make sure they’re wide enough to hold the things you need, though, like a lamp and maybe a book.
Also, make sure they’re mounted securely, or you’re in for a rude awakening.
Mistake 9: Bad Window Coverings
Your window coverings play a big role in how well you sleep and how your room looks.
Using only sheer curtains might let in too much light when you need it to be dark for sleeping.
On the other hand, just having plain blinds can make your room feel a little unfinished.
How to Fix it
Try layering your window coverings.
You could use blackout curtains to block out light when you’re sleeping, and add sheer curtains underneath for privacy and soft light during the day.
This gives you the best of both worlds and also makes your windows look nicer.
Avoid vertical blinds – these can really make your home feel dated.
Mistake 10: Not Adding Your Personal Touch
Imagine a bedroom that looks like it came straight out of a catalog, with everything matching perfectly.
It might look nice, but does it feel like your room?
Buying a whole matching bedroom set can sometimes make a room feel generic.
Your bedroom should show your personality and make you feel happy.
How to Fix it
Don’t be afraid to mix and match furniture styles and colours.
Add things to your nightstands that you like, such as books, photos, or small decorations.
Hang artwork on the walls that makes you feel good.
Adding a cozy rug can also make the room feel more welcoming.
Your bedroom is your space, so make it reflect who you are.
Book Your Consultation With Mati Design Today
Does your bedroom feel off?
If so, you might be making some of these common bedroom errors.
But if you’re not sure where to go from here, we can help.
Here at Mati Design, we offer a wide variety of different home design services.
From accessorizing and redecorating to a full home renovation, we’re here to help.
Together, let’s work to make your home feel like your sanctuary, your Shangri-la.
