No one notices a bad bedroom layout faster than a professional interior designer. The three experts we spoke with were quick to point out layout issues that they’ve come across, but also offer plenty of easy-to-implement solutions that are sure to help you turn things around in a snap.
When the Bed Is on the Wrong Wall
Kristin Keyes, the founder of Kristin Keyes Interiors, believes that the view of the bed and its accompanying nightstands, lamps, and art is almost always the best view of the room. As a result, Keyes recommends making these features the first thing you notice when you walk through a door.
“I’m always bummed out by rooms where you walk into the side of a bed or have to walk around in an unnatural way to see the main view,” Keyes says.
If you can’t place your bed on the wall across from the door, Keyes suggests putting it to the right or the left depending on the location of the door.
Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!
When the Bed Isn’t Positioned Symmetrically
Kristin Keyes Interiors / Photo by Mary Craven
Just because you’ve selected a suitable wall for your bed placement doesn’t mean you’re off the hook yet. Keyes is adamant that generally speaking, a bed should be centered on the wall, no matter what.
“That’s true even if the wall contains a window, and it’s still true if the window is not centered on the wall,” she says.
Feeling like this type of setup is impossible? Don’t fret. Those dealing with asymmetrically placed windows can follow Keyes’s lead, which is to embrace symmetry wherever else possible, as illustrated in the photo here. The designer suggests choosing symmetrical bedding, matching nightstands, and matching lamps to even out the overall look.
“Then, I balance the window with the art placement on the other side,” the designer adds.
When There Is No Symmetry
Morsa Images / Getty Images
Cristina Lehman, the founder of C.Lehman Home, often gets bothered when she sets foot inside of a bedroom that doesn’t have any symmetry to it. For example, she would prefer to see a nightstand on each side of the bed, for example, or a lamp or sconce on each side of the bed.
“It’s nice to have a balanced feel in the bedroom where you want things to feel calming,” she says.
When a Headboard Covers a Window
If your bedroom features a window, don’t block it, Lehman urges, even if placing a bed in front of the window is the most logistical decision. If you have to do this, make sure that your headboard is on the lower side, the designer instructs.
If you’re struggling in this regard, then at least opt for a headboard made out of a material that will allow light to shine through, she adds, citing rattan as one possible material to use in this instance.
When Furniture Is Not to Scale
It is imperative to choose bedroom furniture that adequately fits the room, so pay close attention to scale and measurements as you shop, Amy Munger, the co-founder of Munger Interiors, notes.
“Choosing furniture that is too large or too small can disrupt the room’s flow and proportions,” she says. “Avoid cramming in an oversized bed that obstructs doors and drawers.”
If you’re moving into a new space, this may mean replacing items that you’ve owned for years. However, you will thank yourself for doing so when you’re able to move around your bedroom seamlessly and utilize it to its full potential.
When Furniture Is Jammed Into a Room
John Keeble / Getty Images
You will also want to be mindful to not overfill your bedroom with large storage pieces.
“There should be three feet of clearance all around the bed, and I often see people adding storage pieces when they don’t have enough space to do so,” Keyes says.
Instead, she encourages people to make an effort to declutter their bedrooms to eliminate the need for oversized storage furniture altogether. Then, she notes, you can add storage bins or even custom carpentry to your closet or simply upgrade your existing nightstands to ones with drawers.
When Lighting Is an Afterthought
Lighting should be thoughtfully woven into your bedroom layout; no one should solely be relying on one singular overhead fixture, Munger explains. Munger recommends incorporating layered lighting with ambient, task, and accent lights to create a relaxing and cozy atmosphere.
