8 Outdated Bedroom Design "Rules" Experts Want You to Stop Following

If you think you know all of the "rules" involved with decorating a bedroom, you may want to think again!

According to interior designers, people have many misconceptions about what is right when it comes to furnishing and decorating a sleep space. Below, they chime in with eight outdated bedroom design rules that you should feel free to toss out the window.

Sticking to Matching Nightstands

Not all bedroom layouts will allow for matching nightstands on either side of the bed, and that's just fine. Raina Henderson, the founder of Raina Henderson Interiors, says that she determines where a bed will go within a room based on the flow of the space.

"Sometimes that means a low bureau on one side and a standard side table on the other," she says.

If you do opt for two different styles of nightstands, ensure that each features its style of lamp, notes Suzan Wemlinger, the founder of Suzan J Designs.

"Just make sure the heights are similar, as too much disparity creates a lopsided look," Wemlinger says.

Avoiding Color in the Bedroom

If a dose of color in the bedroom is what you crave, then, by all means, embrace that look.

Kristina Petit, the founder of Kristina's Collective Interiors, says that many people assume that bedrooms must be neutral in color to appear relaxing, but this is not actually the case.

"I much prefer a full dip in a warmer color that envelops the space to create a cocoon of sorts," she says. "It's so much cozier and feels so much more intimate."

Rebecca Bridges, the founder of House of Drennan, agrees that what is most important is choosing a bedroom color that you love. "Whether it's light, dark, or cheerful, select a color that speaks to you," she says.  

Buying a Matching Furniture Set

Designers like Petit agree that purchasing a matching furniture set for the bedroom is a major don't, not a rule that should be followed.

"It immediately looks dated and cheap when you buy a matching bed, nightstands, and dresser," she says. Switch things up to ensure that your room appears collected and artful.

"We love to mix it up in bedrooms: old and new, lights and dark, stained and painted," says Bridges

Incorporating an Accent Wall

Chrissie Anthony Haim, the founder of Chrissie Home and Design, simply isn't a fan of the bedroom accent wall, which has become quite popular over the years.

"An accent wall screams either you forgot to finish, or you ran out of resources and only did one wall," she says. "Make a commitment and go with it!"

Leaving the Ceiling White

By no means do you have to leave your bedroom ceiling a plain white color if you crave something more eye-catching, Bridges says. She enjoys covering ceilings with either paint or wallpaper to bring life to the room's fifth wall.

Not Thinking Beyond the Furniture Basics

You may think that all that belongs in a bedroom is a bed, dresser, and set of nightstands, but that simply isn't the case, Bridges notes.

"Think outside the box," she says, noting that desks and chests can often come in handy in the bedroom.

Going Overboard With Pillows

You may think that you need to cover your bed with all kinds of throw pillows for it to look stylish, but Lori Paranjape, founder of Mrs. Paranjape Design and Interiors, assures that this is not the case.

"Pared-down beds are having a big moment," she says. Paranjape notes that some people are choosing to pull the bedspread above their sleeping pillows and forgoing accent pillows entirely, while others are sticking to just a couple of shams and a lumbar pillow.

"Either way, it makes for a cleaner look, and certainly reduces stacks of pillows pilling up on the bedroom chair or floor!"

Wemlinger agrees and says that although she loves pillows, less is more. "All the extra throw pillows, bolsters, et. cetera, are unnecessary to create a custom look," Wemlinger says.

Adding Carpet to the Bedroom

Think twice before opting for wall-to-wall carpet in the bedroom.

"I think a room is going to look more upscale and distinctive with hardwood floors and an area rug," Wemlinger says, adding that softness is still important. If you have no choice but to install carpet the designer suggests going with a patterned design.