I’m an interiors editor – these are the naff bed room errors that make me shudder (and find out how to fashion it as an alternative)

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We spend roughly a third of our lives in our bedrooms – yet this space often becomes the forgotten corner of the house. Maybe it’s the cheap bedding that reminds you of uni, or that once-trendy grey feature wall that now looks tired. Whatever the culprit, a few small design missteps can instantly cheapen the vibe of your room.

Here’s what to avoid, and how to turn things around without spending a fortune…

1. Matchy-matchy bedroom sets

Remember the days when you would buy a full ‘bedroom suite?’ A bed, wardrobe and bedside tables all in the exact same shade of oak veneer? It felt cohesive back then but now looks like the front window of a high-street shop.

The problem is that matching everything perfectly makes a space feel flat and soulless, when what you are actually after is a warm and inviting look. Mixing materials, say a rattan headboard with painted wood nightstands and a brass lamp, will instantly add depth and personality.

Fix it: Keep one anchor piece (like your bed frame) and gradually replace other items with complementary, not identical, tones in interesting shapes. Also add vintage finds or an upholstered chair to break up the brand new ‘showroom’ feel.

2. Too many cushions

No one wants to spend their evenings throwing twelve decorative pillows onto the floor to get into bed, only to rebuild the tower the next morning. It’s no longer indulgent, it’s exhausting. And it clutters what should be the calmest space in your home. Especially when every pillow is competing for attention (embroidered, sequined, fringed or sloganed). The overall effect is chaotic rather than chic.

Fix it: Aim for three cushions for the sweet spot. Start with your sleeping pillows, and add a decorative middle one in a complementary tone or texture. Remember to focus on fabrics like linen, cotton, or velvet for warmth and depth. 

3. A painted headboard shape

Painted shapes in place of headboards used to be a quick and easy way to add personality to a bedroom, especially in the classic bright semi-circle or rectangle shape. But they now look a bit naff, especially if the paint has dulled or chipped over time. Flat, shiny colours lack the texture that make a bedroom feel warm and inviting.

Fix it: Swap it out for a fabric-upholstered or wooden headboard with natural texture. Linen, velvet, or soft timber instantly soften the room and gives it a timeless feel. Why not attempt a DIY version? Just cover a plain MDF or plywood board with foam and wrap it in your chosen fabric. Secure with a staple gun at the back and attach to the wall or bed frame. Stylish, cushioned, and completely custom – all without breaking the bank.

4. Cheap bedding

Nothing says ‘student flat’ faster than polyester sheets masquerading as satin.

Bedding is the visual and tactile centrepiece of your bedroom. Shiny fabrics, mismatched pillowcases and overzealous colours can make even the most thoughtfully decorated space look low-rent. Cheap bedding often also feels just as bad as it looks; static, sweaty and scratchy, and no amount of plumping or layering can disguise it.

 Fix it: Swap synthetics for breathable fabrics like cotton, linen or bamboo. They drape better, wash beautifully and age well-unlike that polyester set that pilled after two spins in the wash. Try Panda London for a stylish selection. And keep colours classic. A simple white set will give instant hotel vibes.

5. Harsh lighting 

If your only source of light is one bright ceiling bulb, you are doing your bedroom a disservice. Overhead lighting casts unflattering shadows and instantly kills the mood (bye-bye romance).

Bedrooms are meant to soothe, not startle and the key is layered lighting – a mix of sources that can be used for different activities such as reading, relaxing and working. Think soft bedside lamps for reading, a diffused pendant or wall sconce for ambience, and perhaps a small accent light to highlight artwork or a dressing table. In a bedroom, remember to always opt for warm-toned bulbs (around 2700K) to cast that flattering golden glow.

Fix it: If you’re stuck with an overhead fixture such as spotlights, fit it with a dimmer switch – it’s the simplest way to shift from ‘getting ready for work’ to ‘wind-down mode’ at the turn of a knob. Diy.com stock a wide range. And don’t underestimate the power of swapping out lampshades: changing a drum shade for a fabric or pleated linen will instantly soften the mood.

6. A space void of colour 

A bedroom drained of colour might feel serene at first glance, but in reality, it can come across as lifeless and a little uninspired. Think of those all-white or grey rooms where the walls, bedding, and furniture blend into one another – visually calm, yes, but also lacking personality. Without colour to provide contrast or interest, the space can feel flat and uninviting.

Fix it: Remember that colour doesn’t have to mean bright or overwhelming. Think in accents;  a muted cushion, a pastel throw, or a soft-toned piece of art will instantly lift the room. Textures and tones also play a role: a chunky knit blanket, a velvet pillow, or a natural wood bedside table also adds depth where colour might be absent.

7. Too much stuff on display 

That pile of laundry on the chair, overflowing bedside table, or endless array of trinkets on open shelves overwhelms the eye and makes the room feel smaller.

It’s not just about looks either. Studies in environmental psychology show that visual clutter can raise stress levels and prevent the bedroom from feeling like the calming space it’s meant to be. When your space is messy, your mind can feel messy too – and that’s the last thing you want at the end of a long day.

Fix it: The key lies in editing and organisation. Keep surfaces clear and display only the items that truly matter – a favourite candle, a framed photo, or a small vase. Use trays, baskets, or decorative boxes to corral smaller items, making storage feel part of the design rather than an afterthought. For wardrobes and drawers, adopt a ‘one in, one out’ approach to avoid overstuffing.