7 Interior Designers on Their Number One Rule for Choosing Bedroom Furniture

From steering away from matching sets to getting proportions right.

Your bedroom is your sleep sanctuary and should be a space where you can easily relax and recharge. Ideally, this room will make you comfortable every time you step into it. One of the key components in creating a bedroom that you love and get excited to retreat to – aside from quality bedding – is selecting the right furniture.

Given it's a space you sleep in, you don't want it to be cluttered and visually distracting, so being particularly intentional when choosing pieces is key. This doesn't mean you need to choose boring furniture, it just means you want to create a sense of calm and organisation in this space in order for it to be an easy spot to rest.

For this reason, we've turned to the experts for their advice. Below, 7 interior designers share the number one rule they follow when choosing bedroom furniture.

1. Chelsea Mac

@chelseamacc

"The bedroom is a place where you rest, recharge, relax and start and end of the day. Bedroom furniture should create a space for you to do all of the above. Keeping this in my mind, my number one rule would be to abide by the idea of less is more. A cluttered mind has a cluttered bedroom. I strongly believe you should spend money where you spend your time. For me, this is a couch and a bed."

2. Lynda Gardener

@lynda.gardener

"Make sure the bedside table is in proportion to the size of the bed and the space around the room. Something too small can just look out of place. Ensure you look at the entire space to decide on the right piece. Bed heads and bed frames I always keep very simple."

3. Jenn Bliss

@_jennbliss_

"My number one rule when it comes to selecting bedroom furniture is that it needs to tick all of these boxes before I place it in any bedroom. It is essential that it is made from great quality materials, that it is supportive and comfortable, that it's aesthetically beautiful and it fits in with the overall look and feel of the entire home. Additionally, I also try to pick pieces that are timeless."

4. Hema Persad

@hemaapersad

"My number one tip for choosing bedroom furniture is to not buy it all in a matching set. Instead, take time to curate a headboard, bedside tables, dresser, etc. that are all different from each other but still work together. Matching furniture sets can come off looking cheap and un-creative."

5. Alexandra Ponting

@apdesignhouse

"I’m all about a sense of calm when it comes to sleep. I like to introduce a strong and usually, dark floor which feels grounding. Everything else, I like to be light and airy with maximum texture – I never compromise on the quality of fabrics."

6. Dani Dean

@themakehaus_

“The bedroom is a space in which you can add mood, depth, and punctuated colour. Select a bed that fits to scale and one that has a bedhead moment, as this will really anchor the space and allow you to layer in the accessories. I also think a large format rug which spans the entire room under the bed is essential to elevating the hotel feeling.”

7. Natalie Walton

@nataliewalton

"Avoid matching bedroom furniture. You can choose pieces that speak the same visual language, but steer away from matching sets. Instead, think about layering your furniture – adding pieces that contribute to the conversation rather than create a visual dead end."