Declutter Your Bedroom: 10 Items to Toss Now

Rethinking Your Bedroom: Southern Designers Share What to Declutter and Revamp

Bedrooms are intended to be sanctuaries, havens of calm and rest. While the idea of decluttering might seem daunting, it doesn’t necessarily mean parting with cherished items. Instead, it’s about finding the perfect place for everything, creating a more serene and refreshing personal space. Gone are the days of overly-stuffed rooms and outdated design trends; the focus is shifting towards a pared-down, revitalized bedroom suite.

“A bedroom should be one of the most minimal rooms in terms of furnishings,” states Atlanta-based designer Katie Wolf. “Necessities include: a bed, nightstands, adequate lighting (like table lamps or sconces), and a comfy rug underfoot. If space allows, a bench at the foot of the bed to toss any decorative pillows at night and a chaise or chair and ottoman is nice to have as well.” From overflowing bookshelves and cluttered dressers to harsh lighting and matching furniture sets, Southern designers are weighing in on 14 things it’s time to retire or replace in the bedroom to cultivate a more peaceful environment.

Tackling Clutter: From Nightstands to Dressers

The dreaded “junk drawer” in your nightstand or dresser is a common culprit of bedroom clutter. “Declutter your nightstands!” urges designer Maggie Griffin. “Remove any piles of mail or cluttered accessories and stash reading materials in the top drawer of your nightstand along with any other nighttime essentials.” While this may sound challenging, the furniture you choose for your bedroom can significantly aid in this process. “When shopping for bedside tables, consoles, and other foundational furnishings, their storage capacity should be high on your list of priorities. Tuck necessities into drawers, availing your surfaces to lamps and thoughtful accessories,” advises Austin, Texas, interior designer Annie Downing. This strategy ensures that your surfaces remain clear, allowing for decorative elements and essential lighting.

The Case Against the Bedroom TV

When asked about what should be removed from the bedroom, the television was a near-universal suggestion from Southern designers. “I’m firmly in the ‘no TV in the bedroom’ camp,” says designer Laura Hodges. “I would suggest keeping the bedroom as a restful retreat with artwork, filtered natural light, and beautiful bedding as the focus.” This approach aims to reinforce the bedroom’s primary purpose: relaxation.

“Let the bedroom be calming—a true respite from the responsibilities and hurriedness of life,” advises Dallas, Texas, based designer Lisa Henderson. Even if you possess a high-tech television, like a Samsung Frame TV, the consensus is that the only bedroom that should house a TV is a guest room. “Even if you have a gorgeous Samsung Frame TV, the only bedroom that should have a TV in it is the guest room,” adds Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors.

Curating Your Reading Material

While your collection of Southern Living magazines is undoubtedly a treasure, it’s time to pare down the bedside table stack. “Periodically clean out old magazines and books—they tend to just add clutter to your relaxation space, making it less relaxing,” says Atlanta designer Andi Morse. Outdated newspapers, catalogs, and worn-out books are prime candidates for removal. However, for those books and magazines you truly cherish, consider relocating them to a dedicated bookshelf or a stylish cabinet elsewhere in your home, keeping your bedroom a serene escape.

Embracing Asymmetry: Moving Beyond Perfectly Matching Furniture

While matching nightstands or a coordinated set of bedside lamps can have their place, creating a cohesive bedroom doesn’t necessitate every piece of furniture being identical. Consider incorporating antique finds or family heirlooms to achieve a more unique and asymmetrical look, embracing the beauty of imperfection. “We always try to show our clients how mixing up styles and finishes can create a more lived-in, layered look,” says designer Jennie Holland. This approach adds character and a sense of history to your space.

Decluttering Unused Gadgets and Electronics

“Make sure to get rid of old gadgets like former TV clickers and untouched alarm clocks. They add clutter and you’ll wonder if you still use them,” says Morse. It’s easy to accumulate a collection of old power cords, chargers, outdated cameras, and remotes “just in case,” but these items are often relics of the past and contribute to unnecessary clutter. It’s time to let them go.

The Art of Pillow Editing

While decorative throw pillows add comfort and style, an overabundance can quickly overwhelm a bedroom. “Try to edit your bedroom collection and you’ll be so happy you did it,” says Avery Cox of Avery Cox Design. Her advice is to select a few larger, impactful pillows and find a new home for the smaller, less essential ones. This curated approach ensures your pillows enhance, rather than detract from, the room’s tranquility.

Rethinking Lighting: Ditching Recessed Fixtures

Decorative lighting has the power to transform the ambiance of any room, setting the desired tone. “Ditch the overhead lighting and punctuate your bedroom with beautiful and functional lamps and sconces,” suggests Downing. Opt for dimmable lights and bedside table lamps to create a warm, inviting, and layered feel. “Recessed lights aren’t very flattering and can make the ceiling feel busy, especially when you’re staring up at it from your bed,” adds Hodges. For pendant lights or chandeliers, consider a dimmer switch for a more diffused and adjustable light distribution, as suggested by designer Lauren Lowe of Lauren Elaine Interiors.

The Bedroom as a Sleep Sanctuary: Why Desks Should Be Elsewhere

“Studies show that bedrooms that function exclusively for sleeping and rest actually promote better quality of sleep. Books, plants, and beautiful artwork set the stage for relaxation, not technology and to-do lists,” explains Lowe. While the rise of remote work may necessitate creative space solutions, if at all possible, relegate your desk to another area of your home. “You need a separate area to be your work zone that’s not in your sleep zone. You’ll have a more restful sleep by keeping it separate,” emphasizes Morse. This separation is key to maintaining the bedroom as a dedicated space for rest and rejuvenation.

Investing in Fresh Linens

“Freshen your bed with new white linens,” recommends Griffin. Considering we spend a significant portion of our lives in bed, investing in high-quality linens is a worthwhile indulgence. Cox highlights the importance of selecting the right bedding for optimal rest. Replace stained, ripped, or pilling sheets with crisp, new sets to revitalize your bedding. Don’t forget to declutter or repurpose any miscellaneous old linens lurking in your cabinets.

The Nuances of LED Lighting

Updating your light bulbs can dramatically alter the atmosphere of a room. “A bedroom should be a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, so soft lighting is a must! LED bulbs do not have the same dimming capabilities as incandescent bulbs and also have a cooler color temperature. Dimmable warm, soft lighting from bedside sconces invite you to find a moment of peace,” says Lowe. While LEDs are energy-efficient, the quality of light and dimming capabilities can differ significantly from traditional incandescent bulbs, impacting the overall mood of your bedroom.