Some bedroom decorations and design choices can just add visual clutter. Andreas von Einsiedel/Getty Images
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.