Decorating a Bedroom: Solving Common Design Issues
In home design, sometimes the most simple things can feel difficult. Like decorating a bedroom. I mean, it’s just a bed, dresser, and a few tables right? Well throw in awkward layouts, windows, room size, and all of a sudden it becomes more complicated.
After styling dozens of bedrooms and facing some tricky design challenges, I’ve gathered up some of my favorite tips and tricks to share with you. Here, I’m breaking down elements of bedroom design to help you create an authentic, functional space.
We’ll go over common issues like layout, room size, colors, organization, and furniture.

1. Bedroom Layout
Ok, we’ll start with what is probably one of the biggest challenges for decorating a bedroom- the layout. As in, where do we put things?
To start off, I’d say try viewing your room as a clean slate. Most people get caught up thinking where thing “should” go and then create a layout that isn’t functional.
Furniture Placement
It’s easy to get stuck here. Either we feel like there are no options or we focus on what we think is expected. I say focus on what functions best. Always.
It’s easiest to start with the bed and then build from there. Often, people think the bed *must* be the focal and so it goes on the biggest wall. Not so.
For example, in my current bedroom, the largest wall has a bank of windows. Placing a bed there would not partially cover windows (avoid when possible!) but the view is the focal point. Then, once I’ve got the bed placement determined, go from there.
Balance and Symmetry
Symmetry is a design element that should come with a giant asterisk.
What is symmetry? It’s when two sides in a space feel equal or identical to each other.
And whoa nellie, we can take this way too far. With matching nightstands, table lamps, artwork, the bedroom can start to feel like a little model room and lose its authentic cozy factor.
Instead, think about how to balance the overall “weight” of the space. Like if one side has a tall plant, maybe the other side could use vertical artwork.
If you go with matching nightstands + table lamps, consider styling each one differently. One has a vase with greenery while the other has a stack of books.
Balanced but not identical.
Flow
When placing bedroom furniture consider the flow of the room. Before committing, try walking around (and imagine what it’s like in the dark!). Avoid blocking pathways with furniture.
This seems obvious but so many times we put a bench, chair, or bookcase and then only spend our days bumping, going around, or silently cursing it.
Rug Size
In my research, 99% of bedrooms (not scientific data, but you know), benefit from a rug. And not just any rug. But a rug that is a proportionate size to the bed.
It will help ground and define the entire space so pieces don’t seem like they are floating. And rugs work best when they are partially under the bed with room on each side.
2. Add Height
So many bedrooms keep things low, low, low. I mean it kind of makes sense when so much of the time you’re using the space laying down (ahem).
But adding some height is an instant game changer for decorating a bedroom. When I take a look at a bedroom, this is one of the common reasons something feels kind of “off.”
- Artwork
- Ceiling lights
- Tall plants
- Vertical artwork
- Got vertical design details like beams or tall windows? Don’t distract!

3. Bedroom Size
Room size is a super common challenge for decorating a bedroom. Bigger is not always better and smaller gets out of hand real quick.
I’ve handled my share of bedrooms – within a tiny, awkwardly shaped room being one of my favorites. And now, a large open room presents a whole host of challenges.
Here are some of my best tips:
Proportionate Furniture
If you take away nothing else, let it be this. Select furniture that is on scale with the room size.
This can be a heartbreaker, I know. But if you’ve got a teeny tiny room, chances are you’ll need to let go of those California King dreams. And if you’ve got a massive space, a full bed is going to feel like a raft in the ocean.
Keep this in mind for other pieces too, like dressers and the bed frame. Small space? Go with a minimal steel frame. Bigger? Choose something that adds height and dimension.
Read More: Home Design Terms Explained
Zones
this tip works for both large and small spaces. Think of creating separate little areas, or functional zones. With bigger spaces you might have more options but it’s the same idea.
In smaller rooms, creating a dedicated getting ready space or a spot beneath the bed for all the linens means there’s less reason to move around which maximizes space. (Check out more small bedroom decor tips here).
In larger rooms, zones will make the space feel cohesive and not just a bunch of furniture floating around. Got an extra corner? Create a reading or journaling nook (which I pulled off in my small-ish bedroom).
Just be be sure to avoid activities that would disrupt sleep/calm.
BEDROOM PICKS
Multi-functional Furniture
I’m a big fan of anything that can do double duty.
In smaller spaces: This will be more about function. Look for side tables with storage or bed frames with built in shelving.
In larger spaces, this might be more about design.
Multi functional pieces can help keep things streamlined like lamps with included charging docks or a bench that stores extra linens.
- Bed with shelves
- Lamp with charger
- Night stand with storage
- Bench with storage
- Armoires (let’s you hang more clothes – these classics were popular for a reason!)

4. Bedroom Wall Colors
When decorating a bedroom, choosing paint colors feels extra important. It’s one space that’s ultra personal and also needs to function really well – and promotes sleep!
No matter your design style, I’ve got some pretty solid suggestions for bedroom wall colors.
Neutral
Welp, no surprise here, I’m a big fan of neutral colors in the bedroom. It’s pretty much the basis of my design perspective. That said, neutral colors are always a good foundation to work with.
And if you know me, you probably know that when I say neutral I don’t just mean any old white or gray color. No sirree. I’m talking white, grays, and blacks with minimal undertones. Meaning, you’re not surprised when your gray wall look pink in that mid day sunshine.
And cool colors (those with green or blue undertones) can feel clinical. Like a hospital. Ever notice they use baby blue? It’s supposed to feel cold and sterile. Not usually what we want in the bedroom! (see what I did there…)
Darker Colors
If you’re going for a cozy vibe or have a big room that needs to be reined in a bit, dark colors are the play. I will always choose a black wall. There is not a bedroom I’ve met that doesn’t love a good black wall (it’s next on my list for this house).
But I’ve got a whole list of great darker colors (and they’re true neutrals!!)
Consider Feelings
Avoid committing to certain “feelings” – Chalk this up to a lesson learned early on. Can you believe I used to love yellow? Yep, in my early 20’s it was all bright, sunshine yellow – the color of happiness!
My bedding, clothes, walls, and even hair (blame it on the Sun In). But guess what the problem with sunshine walls?
Well, when my anxiety and depression kicked in, or when I just had a really crappy day – I did NOT want to sit in a room beaming yellow bliss and basically demanding happiness. By committing to that very specific emotion – my bedroom was not a place I wanted to be.
Instead, had I gone for something more generally soothing and calming – this would’ve been great on any day of the week.
5. Bedroom Organization
Ok, bedroom organization seems like one of those perennial design challenges. No matter the decade or the room size or the design trend everyone is trying to figure out how to keep.this.room.organized.
I mean there are entire sites and business models dedicated to this very topic. I am not going to reinvent the wheel here and suggest drawer dividers or closet bins, but I will offer some suggestions that work for me!
- Minimal – most rooms are messy because we have too much stuff. Fix this before buying another drawer caddy.
- Shelves – Yep! Solve a couple design issues all in one. Shelves add height and design while also serving as a place to keep your goodies.
- Wall Hooks – Instead of looking for another piece of artwork – consider wall hooks to hang those most often used pieces like robes and bags or turn your awesome hat collection into wall decor
- Multi functional bedroom furniture – As mentioned above, think about switching out furniture that does double duty.
6. Bedroom Lighting
Ok, if there is one word that comes to mind for bedroom lighting, it’s options. The bedroom is a space where we have very specific needs that might vary throughout the day.
These needs are also uniquely different from person to person so one solution isn’t always the cure all for everyone.
- Layered Lighting: Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. This looks like: ceiling light for general illumination, bedside lamps or wall sconces for reading table lamps for any desks or zone lighting, shelving or accent lights.
- Natural Light: Maximize natural light by layering window treatments. For example, you might use both woven wood shades and curtains.
- Mirrors: Strategically placed mirrors can also help reflect light and make the room feel brighter.
- Dimmable Lights: If any room needs a dimmer, the bedroom would be it! Installing dimmable switches is an easy DIY and a total game changer
Adding a dimmable light is a pretty simple DIY, here’s a great video guide, How to Install Dimmer Switches
- Window Treatments: Use what you need not what you should: Lots of folks think blackout shades or window treatments in the bedroom are a must have. However, if you don’t need them, just skip!
(ps. I love woven wood shades in bedroom!)

7. Above Bed Decor
Another common dilemma when decorating a bedroom is just what the heck to put above the bed.
- Wall Art – large and proportionate to bed, usually horizontal works best
- Non-traditional art, like a yarn wall hanging
- Use a window as the art work
- Nothing – yep, that’s right. If there are a lot of other design details in the room like built in headboards, wood beams, trim work – a little negative space is ok. (Negative meaning, it’s empty and that’s ok).

Even though every room can be a challenge, I hope these idea help when decorating a bedroom!