When it comes to decorating a bedroom, not every upgrade has to be expensive or time-consuming to make a huge impact.
We asked interior designers to share some of their favorite easy swaps people can make to elevate their space and make it look — and feel — even better.
Here’s what they said.
Instead of a basic nightstand, use one with drawers or covered storage to reduce clutter.
Sarah Barnard, interior designer and founder of Sarah Barnard Design, told Business Insider that nightstands can quickly accumulate a variety of odds and ends, creating visual clutter.
So, it’s worth choosing a design that’s got more than just a flat surface.
“Opting for a nightstand with drawers or covered storage keeps items close at hand while maintaining visual calm,” Barnard said.
These types of nightstands also offer more privacy, especially in shared spaces.
Replace your table lamp with a wall sconce to reduce clutter.
As mentioned, it’s easy for a nightstand to look cluttered.
To further avoid this, you can swap the table lamp for a wall sconce, said Jaime Zehner, interior designer and founder of JZ Interior Designs.
Doing so can both add light and open more space on top of your nightstand. If you’re not ready to commit to having these installed with electrical work, consider trying battery-operated options.
Update the rugs in your space to give it a fresh feel.
Swapping out your rug can have a big impact on the overall feel and appearance of the space, according to Karen Rohr, interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors.
“Changing out your rug is an easy and affordable way to give your bedroom a fresh, new look,” Rohr said.
You can even incorporate rugs in rooms with wall-to-wall carpet — just layer them on top, the designer added. This can help create an inviting and cozy space that’s perfect for relaxing in.
Add a beautiful piece of art to your wall in place of a television.
After a long day, your bedroom should be the place where you can finally shut off for the night. So if you have a TV in your room, Barnard suggested replacing it with a soothing work of art.
“Our bodies take cues from our surroundings, and if the first thing we see when getting into bed is a television screen, we are more inclined to watch TV before bed, which may disrupt our sleep,” Barnard told BI.
The designer added that keeping art in the bedroom could even help ease the mind and encourage quiet reflection.
Instead of leaving “dead corners,” fill them with plants to add color and life to a space.
“Dead corners” are empty areas of a room where the furniture doesn’t quite fit or the light doesn’t quite reach. As a result, these spots can often feel lifeless and uninviting.
Rohr suggested bringing life into your bedroom by using these empty corners for greenery. Plants can help brighten up a space and add a touch of nature.
Switch out conventional pillows for more decorative ones.
To add more visual interest and make the space feel cozier, Rohr suggested layering the bed with a variety of pillows instead of a set of standard ones.
“The different shapes, colors, and patterns will immediately make your bed look much more interesting,” Rohr told BI. “This not only adds pops of color and texture but also helps to create an overall sense of comfort and coziness.”
By adding layers to the bed, Rohr said, you can make your entire room feel like a cozy nook for relaxing and unwinding.
Fresh flowers and herbs can create natural aromas in place of candles.
Instead of relying on candles for a relaxing fragrance, Barnard recommended a more natural alternative: placing bouquets of fresh, fragrant herbs and flowers in your bedroom.
“Their natural aromas may be a welcome alternative to candles … and they will add natural beauty to your bedroom space,” Barnard said.
Some great options include eucalyptus, mint, lavender, thyme, and jasmine.
Swap out a plain duvet for something colorful or patterned.
New bedding is also a great way to bring fresh energy and excitement to the room.
“Whether you opt for soft, fluffy pillows or bright, rich sheets, new bedding can instantly transform the look and feel of your bedroom,” Rohr said.
Adding a pop of color or pattern can instantly make a space feel more inviting.
Replace solid-colored walls with wallpapered ones.
Zehner told BI that you can give your bedroom more pizazz without adding furniture by applying wallpaper to subtly painted walls.
“I suggest something in a small pattern so it isn’t too distracting,” the designer said. “This adds so much charm to the room, and when done right, it allows for the fundamental pieces of the room to stand out.”
Peel-and-stick wallpaper can be an easy, often renter-friendly way to achieve this look.
New curtains can give a room an instant update.
“The curtains you choose can set the tone for your entire space,” Rohr told BI. “So finding a pair that reflects your style and makes you feel relaxed and comfortable is essential.”
By choosing heavier curtains with a bold pattern or in a rich color, for example, you can instantly transform your bedroom into a cozy retreat. On the other hand, a sheer, lightweight curtain may make a space feel bright and breezy.
This story was originally published in October 2022, and most recently updated on May 28, 2026.
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