Interior designers share 6 things you should never have in your bedroom

Interior designers share 6 things you should never have in your bedroom
  • Interior designers shared designs and other items they think people shouldn't have in bedrooms.

  • Low light fixtures and furniture that's too small can hurt a room's overall look.

  • Exercise equipment should be kept in other rooms of the house.

Although bedrooms aren't widely considered to be the heart of a home, most people spend a lot of time in them.

So, the stakes for designing them are high — the furniture, decorations, and even wall colors you choose can make or break the vibe and look of the space.

With that in mind, Business Insider asked interior designers what kinds of things people should avoid having in a bedroom.

Here's what they said.

Say no to cool-white bulbs.

White moulding on wall with artwork in front of it and unique-shaped mirror in corner with pendant light above a bed with a bench at the foot of it
The bulbs you put in your light fixtures can make or break a space.CreativaStudio/Getty Images

Bulbs are nearly as important as fixtures when choosing the best lighting for a bedroom.

Ariyan Parvaresh, interior designer at AP Design, recommends skipping any cool-white bulbs.

"People should avoid them because they're incredibly unflattering and tend to make you more alert, hence why they're used in markets and commercial spaces more," she said.

Warm-white bulbs will give your space a much softer glow that's better for relaxing around bedtime.

Lighting that hangs too low can be troublesome.

Large Chandelier over bed with quilted blue headboard
A large chandelier shouldn't be too close to your bed.KUPRYNENKO ANDRII/Shutterstock

There are many types of lighting options available for bedrooms, but interior designer Perla Lichi said it's essential to avoid fixtures that hang too low.

Poorly placed lights can interfere with a bed, windows, or TV. If you have low ceilings, she suggested trying flush-mount lights.

Furniture that's too small for the space can cause issues.

Light green bedspread on bed with chair next to it and moulding on wall behind it with sheer curtains covering the window beside the bed
Your furniture should not overwhelm your bed or space. Morsa Images/Getty Images

Lichi told BI that you should be intentional when choosing furniture for your bedroom. Pieces that don't properly fit the size of the space will quickly make it look cluttered or empty.

"It's best to start with your signature bed and measure accordingly. Leave enough room for end tables, corner vases, plants, and a chaise lounge/lamp for reading by the window," Lichi said.

Rethink placing exercise equipment in your bedroom.

Elliptical machine next to edge of a bed
Exercise equipment can add a stressful vibe to a bedroom. Helin Loik-Tomson/Getty Images

It's not uncommon to use the bedroom as a dual-purpose space, but you may want to set some limits.

Sarit Marcus, interior designer and founder of Minted Space, suggests anyone reconsider putting bulky exercise equipment near their bed.

"Ideally, a bedroom is a tranquil place to promote healthy, restful sleep — having exercise equipment like a treadmill, stationary bike, or elliptical machine creates a different energy in the room," Marcus told BI.

Pass on hanging photos of anyone besides you and your partner.

Woman hanging photos on wall
You can also hang paintings instead of photos.NazariyKarkhut/Getty Images

Although hanging photos of loved ones can make a space feel comforting, interior designer Rachel Larraine told BI it's important to be selective about the pictures you hang in your bedroom.

"I do not recommend having anyone else's photo in your bedroom except for you and your partner, if you have one," she said. "It can be really awkward having your mother-in-law staring at you while you get intimate with your partner."

Don't choose to have a bed without a headboard.

Bedroom with blue comforter, quilted headboard in front of light-blue wood slats with artwork propped on top
Headboards can complete a space.CreativaStudio/Getty Images

Although low-profile, platform beds have risen in popularity, Larraine said, people should always choose to have a headboard.

A headboard gives a bed a "finished and complete look" and creates a focal point in the bedroom.

"Headboards also act as mountain energy in Feng Shui. It gives you the feeling of being supported in life as you sleep," she added.

Read the original article on Business Insider