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Last updated: 28 June 2023
Avoid these 7 bedroom design mistakes
Want to avoid regrettable bedroom design mistakes? We've rallied our team of experts to spill the beans on the most common bedroom design and decorating mistakes. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the land of duvet dilemmas, lighting catastrophes, and storage wars.

In this article you'll find:
To embark on a journey to create your personal oasis, you need to know what bedroom design mistakes to avoid. We're here to help you through the many decorating obstacles so you don't fall into a hole of regret.
So, get ready for enlightenment and entertainment with some expert tips and cautionary tales. Or, if you're itching to get started, enter your postcode below to get in touch with a tradesperson near you.
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7 common bedroom design mistakes
1) Not measuring
Picture this: you've fallen head over heels for a luxurious king-size bed and are eagerly awaiting its arrival. However, when it finally turns up, to your horror, you now can't open your wardrobe doors because there's not enough space. (Ouch!)
To avoid one such disaster, make measuring your mantra. Whip out your trusty tape measure and write down the accurate dimensions of your room to the millimetre.
Consider the space needed for your dream bed, wardrobe, dressers, and any other key pieces. Don't forget to account for ceiling height if you're dreaming of a statement chandelier or a lofty canopy bed. Precision is the name of the game here!

2) Not planning your storage
Ever walked into a bedroom with clothes strewn across chairs, shoes wherever they were kicked off, and chaos up the walls? Let's dodge that mess, shall we?
One of the biggest blunders many homeowners make is neglecting the need for ample storage. If you've lovingly renovated your bedroom but have no idea what to do with all those extra pillows, blankets, and accessories, then you've messed up (figuratively and literally).
Embrace storage solutions like built-in wardrobes, under-bed storage, and savvy furniture with hidden compartments. Decluttering is now a social media trend, so it's never been easier to find tips and hacks that work for you.
Take a look at our bedroom storage ideas for more tips.

3) Not planning your lighting
Close your eyes and imagine your perfect bedroom ambience. Do you see a dimly lit sanctuary for relaxation or a brightly illuminated space for energising mornings?
In short, lighting sets the tone, so don't overlook its luminous power. If you've installed a single, harsh overhead light that transforms your serene retreat into an interrogation room, we're surprised you can sleep.
Embrace a layered lighting approach with a combination of soft overhead fixtures, bedside lamps for reading, and focused task lighting for dressing areas.
Bonus tip: Install dimmer switches for ultimate lighting control, allowing you to create the perfect mood for any occasion.
Read our lighting design cost guide to help price up your project.

4) Following the status quo
Design trends come and go but your personal style is eternal. You should inject your bedroom with your unique flair and avoid the mistake of just following cookie-cutter trends that leave you feeling uninspired.
For example, if you've painstakingly recreated a Pinterest-perfect bedroom, only to realise it lacks a special something-something that reflects who you truly are, is it really your home?
We advise embracing colours, patterns, and furnishings that resonate with your soul (yes, that deeply). Add personal touches like artwork, cherished photographs, or quirky mementoes that make your heart sing. This is your haven, after all!

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5) Scrimping on your mattress
Let's talk about beauty sleep, shall we? Consider this: you've painstakingly chosen the most gorgeous bed frame and stylish bedding you could find, but your quality of sleep is suffering because you neglected the most critical element – the mattress!
Don't let another crime occur in Slumberland! Before you smother your bed in Egyptian cotton and litter it with 500 pillows, make sure you test out different mattresses to find one that gives you optimal support and comfort for your precious slumber.
And don't skimp on high-quality bedding materials that embrace breathability and cosiness. They'll help you drift into a crime-free Slumberland like a contented cloud.

6) Overcrowding the space
Close your eyes and think about stepping into your bedroom. Do you want to feel like you're navigating through a cluttered maze or strolling through an airy sanctuary?
If you like clutter and confinement, we can't help you. However, if you prefer a sense of autonomy and freedom, then overcrowding is a big no-no.
Don't cram every inch of your small bedroom with so much furniture and decorations you're no longer able to breathe. Embrace a minimalist mindset by selecting furniture proportionate to the size of your room.
For example, prioritise essential pieces, leave space to move, and create a sense of calm. Less is often more, especially when it comes to avoiding bedroom design mistakes.

7) Lack of ventilation
Fresh air is something we all deserve and need for good health. So, imagine renovating your bedroom to perfection but finding out it lacks proper ventilation when it turns into a stuffy, stagnant nightmare. This doesn't have to be your reality.
Open your windows wide to invite a refreshing breeze and circulate air around your bedroom. If needed, consider installing a ceiling fan, wall-mounted fan, and/or even an air conditioning unit to keep the air flowing effortlessly.
Good ventilation is proven to nurture a healthier environment. It also prevents mould and mildew from taking up residence in your personal sanctuary.

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Key takeaways
So, our newly educated bedroom renovators, we hope now you're armed with these tips and cautionary tales, you're well-equipped to tackle your bedroom transformation.
Remember to measure meticulously, embrace storage solutions, light up your life with layered lighting, infuse your personal style, prioritise sleep-inducing comfort, maintain a sense of spaciousness, and let outside air circulate as freely as possible.
Now, go forth and create the bedroom of your dreams, where tranquillity and style coexist harmoniously!
Did you find this article useful? If you enjoyed reading this or have any other tips, let us know in the comments. Also, check out our blog for more tips, tricks, and expert advice.
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