10 Details You’re Probably Overlooking When Decorating a Bedroom—But Really Shouldn’t

All the Linens You Need for Your Bed

The bed is the single most important piece of furniture in your bedroom. So, it’s crucial to have everything you need to properly make it, says Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, founder of Taylor Hannah Architect Inc. For a queen bed, she suggests two Euro pillows, two queen shams, and two standard pillowcases. You also need a bottom sheet, a top sheet, and a duvet cover. Lastly, she recommends adding a throw on top “for that layered, cozy look.”

Additional Lighting

Did your bedroom come with ceiling lights, or do you have lamps on your nightstands? That’s a good start, but layering the lighting will take it to the next level. “People often rely on one overhead fixture in a bedroom, but layering in different light sources makes the space feel softer and more usable,” says interior designer Melanie Bryant. “I’ll usually recommend wall-mounted reading sconces, a pair of lamps, or even a small lamp on a dresser for a warm glow. Bonus: It looks beautiful at night and helps the room feel more finished.”

Installing sconces adds a big dose of both light and style, too. But if you don’t want to hardwire them, opt for plug-and-play or cordless, battery-operated sconces instead.

Window Treatments

Window treatments serve two purposes: decorative and light-blocking. While Eustace recommends blackout drapes, there are lots of ways to approach this.

Even simple curtains can add style. But it’s important they’re installed the right way, explains Morgan Olsen, Thumbtack’s interior design expert. “Installing curtains that frame the windows and go from the ceiling to the floor will make the room feel taller,” she says.

No matter what you decide to go with, don’t forget to take the opportunity not just to create a more private space, but to truly allow the window treatments to enhance the feeling of the space as a whole.

Extra Seating

If your bedroom is large enough, you may want to add a comfy chair and perhaps an ottoman, giving you a spot to read or scroll and watch television off the bed. “Whether it’s a chair, bench, or small loveseat, adding a second upholstered piece shifts the scale of the room,” says Andrew Suvalsky, owner and director of Andrew Suvalsky Designs, a full-service interior design firm. “It breaks up the dominance of the bed and makes the space feel more personal and layered.”

Don’t have enough square footage for a full seating area? Opt for a bench in front of the bed instead. 

Small Decorative Details

According to Olsen, seemingly minor details can make a major difference. “The small details of a room are what make it complete,” she says. “Something as simple as switching out toggle light switches for rockers can create an updated look. Additionally, keeping to the same hardware color throughout the room will create a timeless look. For example, a gold curtain rod, gold frames, and gold hardware on furniture.”

Hiding Cords

Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary, and there’s no faster way to ruin that feeling than unsightly cords out in the open. “Hiding cords is another easy fix that makes a room feel more peaceful,” says Bryant.

If you have a television in your bedroom and don’t have the cords hidden in the wall, consider getting a plastic cord concealer (they’re very inexpensive) and either painting it the same color as the wall, concealing it with peel-and-stick wallpaper, or putting a decorative object like a vase or stack of books in front of it.

Closet Doors

Not all closet doors are built equally, and they can really add to—or take away from—the overall look and feel of the room. Whether they’re painted to add a pop of color or decorated with wallpaper or even peel-and-stick molding, taking the time to truly embrace the design opportunity can elevate a bedroom. Don’t forget to consider the hardware, too.

The Closet Interior

While it may not seem as important, the way the inside of the closet looks can make a difference, too. “A thoughtfully designed custom closet system doesn’t just help with organization—it can elevate the entire room, both functionally and aesthetically,” says Angelia York, vice president of Saint Louis Closet Co. “A cluttered or mismatched closet can disrupt the sense of calm and style that your bedroom should have. A cohesive look between your bedroom and closet brings a sense of harmony to the space.”

She suggests matching or complementing your closet’s hardware, finishes, and materials with those in your bedroom, such as drawer pulls, shelving color, and even lighting fixtures. “This creates a seamless visual experience,” she says. “For example, if your bedroom has warm brass accents and natural wood tones, echo those in your closet for a polished, intentional feel.”

Where Your Dirty Clothes Will Go

Sometimes we get wrapped up in the big aesthetic picture but forget about the practical things, like where your dirty clothing will go. And no, that doesn’t mean laundry purgatory on that bench or chair. “Laundry often gets left out of the design conversation, but nothing disrupts a tidy space faster than a pile of clothes on the floor,” York says. “Built-in tilt-out hampers or hidden laundry baskets inside your closet help keep things clean and convenient. For households that separate lights and darks, consider dual bins.”

How the Space Smells

Lastly, Bryant tells me that people always think to light a candle in the living room or kitchen, but they don’t think about adding scent in the bedroom. “I really think it changes how the space feels. Whether it’s a candle, a diffuser, or just a linen spray, something soft and relaxing helps set the tone at night,” she says. “It’s such an easy thing to add, and it makes the room feel more peaceful and pulled together.”