Bedroom Trends Interior Designers Don’t Like and Want to Get Rid of

Single accent walls can be overwhelming.

Isfira Jensen, CEO and principal interior designer at Nufacet Interiors, said single accent walls with prominent, bold patterns have been trendy in bedrooms. But she hopes to see less of them.

“Accent features are usually done with paint, wall coverings, or millwork, which attract most of the attention in this space,” the designer told Business Insider. “While this modern technique can certainly add visual interest, using bold and busy patterns on an accent wall can be overwhelming and will dominate the room.”

Matching furniture sets tend to look generic and bland.

Jensen pointed out that although purchasing matching furniture sets for a bedroom is easy, it doesn’t necessarily inspire a well-designed look.

“Complete bedroom-furniture sets where every piece matches exactly appear generic, uninspired, and lack character,” she said. “This results in a lack of visual interest and variety, which is usually the goal of design and decor in a home.”

Ditching a headboard might be a mistake.

Beds without headboards have taken over to preserve space and offer a cleaner, more simplistic look. But Jensen told BI that following this trend often leads to missed opportunities regarding style, texture, and personality. 

“Headboards serve more than just a decorative purpose; they also provide functional support when sitting in bed, reading, or watching TV,” the designer said. “They also serve as a visual focal point in the bedroom since the bed is usually the main piece of furniture in this space.”

Ceiling fans are functional but not aesthetically pleasing.

Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight, told BI that ceiling fans are a tired bedroom trend, despite their practicality. 

“Though ceiling fans are functional, they often compromise the room’s overall aesthetic appeal,” he said. “They appear outdated, are heavy, and create unnecessary noise.”

Using too many pillows as decor can look tacky.

From body pillows to throw pillows and decorative pillows to bed pillows, Kropovinsky told BI that having too many piled on the bed can do more harm than good from a design perspective.

“Excessive pillows on your bed might lead to a chaotic, uninviting appearance,” he said. “Besides, managing and storing them can be a daily hassle.”

Instead, opt for a few pillows that match your bedding and general color palette for a more inviting bed. 

Artificial plants aren’t worth the hassle.

Kropovinsky told BI that artificial plants in the bedroom should be replaced with real ones for a better look and fewer allergens. 

“Although they might bring a touch of green to your room, artificial plants often appear unconvincing and inexpensive. They’re also dust magnets, potentially triggering allergies,” he said. “Instead, opt for real plants to bring nature into your room.”

The designer mentioned that real plants help add texture and color to a space, and they can even boost your mood.

Wallpaper borders are a tired trend.

It’s become popular to use thin strips of adhesive wallpaper to border a room and add definition to bare walls. But Kropovinsky cautions against the trend.

“Wallpaper borders can feel old-fashioned, unattractive, and are often tricky to remove,” he said. “They may also restrict your freedom to change wall colors or designs.”

If you’re itching to do something similar, the designer recommended trying out paint, decals, or removable wallpaper instead. 

All-white bedrooms are hard to maintain.

All-white bedrooms have been popular for years due to their minimalistic and clean look, but Alexandra Cooper, an interior designer at Planner 5D, wishes they were a thing of the past.

“Without color and bold accents, these bedrooms can feel sterile and uninviting,” she told BI. “And white surfaces easily show dirt, stains, and scuff marks, requiring frequent cleaning and upkeep. This can be time-consuming and impractical for those with busy lifestyles.”

Busy patterns on curtains and rugs can create visual overload.

Many people incorporate intricate patterns throughout their bedrooms on curtains, rugs, bedding, and wallpaper. But Cooper said overusing patterns can make a room feel “chaotic” and “overwhelming.”

“Busy patterns can be visually stimulating, which can negatively impact sleep quality,” she told BI. “And If you decide to change your bedroom’s overall style or theme, it can be challenging to incorporate new elements or create a cohesive look when the patterns are overpowering.”

Minimalistic bedrooms can feel uninviting.

The minimalist decor trend strips bedrooms down to the bare essentials, such as plain bedding, a bedside table, and a simple light source. Despite minimalism’s popularity in recent years, Cooper told BI, there’s a growing negative sentiment for the trend. 

“Excessive minimalism can result in bedrooms that feel sterile and lack warmth. The room can become impersonal and devoid of character,” she said. “Bedrooms are not just functional spaces; they are also emotional sanctuaries where individuals seek solace, relaxation, and personal expression.”

Additionally, the designer pointed out that emphasizing minimalism can lead to sacrificing storage space.

Dressers with matching mirrors tend to look a little dull.

Some people opt for dressers with attached mirrors, but according to interior designer and author Debbe Daley, it’s a tired trend. 

“This creates a boring look,” she told BI. “Instead, try adding a mirror with a painted finish or unique shape that creates some interest.”

It’s not necessary to match your bedding to your window treatments.

Some bedding sets come with matching curtains or drapes, but Daley told BI it’s OK to mix and match patterns.

“Bed in a bag is a safe bet for most who are afraid to mix patterns,” she said.

But the designer explained her “rule of thumb,” which is that small, medium, and large patterns can work together without competing for visual attention.  

“Look for different textures in the fabrics. The bedspread or comforter doesn’t have to be the same material as the window treatments,” Daley said.

This story was originally published in July 2023 and most recently updated on March 11, 2024.