12 things everyone should replace in their bedroom, according to interior designers

Sarah Barnard, interior designer and founder of Sarah Barnard Design, told Business Insider that nightstands can quickly accumulate a variety of odds and ends, creating visual clutter.

"Opting for a nightstand with drawers or covered storage keeps items close at hand while maintaining visual calm," Barnard explained. 

She added this type of nightstand can also offer privacy for your items. Plus lined or compartmentalized interiors can help reduce the noise of opening or closing drawers. 

Changing out your rug can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of the space, according to Karen Rohr, interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors. 

"Changing out your rug is an easy and affordable way to give your bedroom a fresh, new look," Rohr said. 

If you have carpet throughout the room, you can still incorporate rugs by layering them on top, the designer suggested. This creates an inviting and cozy space that's perfect for relaxing at the end of a long day.

After a long day, your bedroom should be the place where you can finally shut off for the night, so Barnard suggested replacing your TV with a soothing work of art. 

"Our bodies take cues from our surroundings, and if the first thing we see when getting into bed is a television screen, we are more inclined to watch TV before bed, which may disrupt our sleep," Barnard explained.

The designer added that art in the bedroom may help ease the mind and encourage quiet reflection. 

"Dead corners" are empty areas of a room where the furniture doesn't quite fit or the light doesn't quite reach. As a result, these spots can often feel lifeless and uninviting.

Rohr suggested bringing life into your bedroom by using these empty corners for greenery. Plants can help brighten up a space and add a touch of nature.

To add more visual interest and make the space feel cozier, Rohr suggested layering the bed with a variety of pillows instead of a set of standard ones. 

"The different shapes, colors, and patterns will immediately make your bed look much more interesting," Rohr told BI. "This not only adds pops of color and texture but also helps to create an overall sense of comfort and coziness."

By adding layers to the bed, Rohr said, you'll make your entire room feel like a cozy nook for relaxing and unwinding. 

As mentioned earlier, it's easy to accumulate clutter on your nightstand.

To avoid this, you can swap the table lamp for a wall sconce, said Jaime Zehner, interior designer and founder of JZ Interior Designs. 

Doing so can both add light and open more space on your nightstand.

Wall sconces do require some electrical work to install, but Zehner said it's well worth it since they're such a great use of space. 

Instead of relying on candles for a relaxing fragrance, Barnard recommended placing bouquets of fresh, fragrant herbs and flowers in your bedroom.

"Their natural aromas may be a welcome alternative to candles that often contain chemical fragrances and they will add natural beauty to your bedroom space," Barnard told BI. 

Some great options include eucalyptus, mint, lavender, thyme, and jasmine.

New bedding is also a great way to bring fresh energy and excitement to the room.

"Whether you opt for soft, fluffy pillows or bright, rich sheets, new bedding can instantly transform the look and feel of your bedroom," Rohr said. 

Adding a pop of color or pattern can also make the space instantly seem more inviting. 

Zehner told BI you can give your bedroom more pizazz without adding furniture by applying wallpaper to subtly-painted walls.

"I suggest something in a small pattern so it isn't too distracting," the designer said. "This adds so much charm to the room, and when done right, it allows for the fundamental pieces of the room to stand out."

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is an easy, renter-friendly way to achieve this look.

To quell disorganization and clutter, Barnard suggested replacing your closet interior with a more personalized option that meets your specific needs. 

"Having specific storage areas for clothing items and accessories can keep things compartmentalized, especially when best suited for the items in your closet," Barnard explained. 

For example, it may make sense for someone with an extensive shoe collection to repurpose some of their hanging space for vertical shoe storage. 

New curtains give the room an instant update by adding visual interest and changing the style of the space. 

"The curtains you choose can set the tone for your entire space," Rohr told BI. "So finding a pair that reflects your style and makes you feel relaxed and comfortable is essential."

By choosing curtains with a bold pattern or rich color, you can instantly transform your bedroom into a cozy retreat that reflects your style. 

When it comes to decorating your bedroom, the key is to keep things simple and minimal, according to Rohr. Removing excess furniture and opting for smaller items you'll actually use is one way to go about this. 

You can add a dresser if you need more storage for clothes or a soft rug to sit on instead of a full reading nook.

The designer told BI, "By focusing on the items that are essential in your day-to-day life, you can create an inviting and well-designed room that doesn't feel too cluttered and can still perfectly reflect your personal style."

This story was originally published in October 2022, and most recently updated on May 8. 2024.