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One of the most personal spaces in a home is the bedroom. You can tell a lot about the person simply by the way they decorate and organize it. Do they have a lot of personal photos displayed on their shelves and dresser? Perhaps they're a sentimentalist. Is the room composed entirely of varying beige tones, from the bedding to the furniture? They may be into Japandi design. When you're creating your sacred space, there are many style routes you can go, but there are also many essentials your room must have—like a sturdy bed frame (sorry, Emily Ratajkowski!) and proper lighting. When it comes to essential decor, though, the opinions will vary. How do we know this? Well, we asked designers what they think are the non-negotiable decor must-haves for a bedroom—they've designed and seen many different bedrooms, after all—and their answers varied widely.
Some named an accent chair or a bench at the end of the bed as a must-have, while others agreed that scones are necessary to tie a bedroom together. Many designers shared that smaller decorative items are important, from tiny jewelry dishes to framed photos to candles. The consensus? Everyone has a different preference when it comes to decor for their rooms. Thankfully, with answers so varied, you'll have no trouble finding a piece to add to your own sleep sanctuary. If you want a little inspo, just scroll ahead to shop expert-approved products for any bedroom.
"Eleonor Boström's ceramic ring dish is whimsical, fun, and the perfect practical accessory for a bedside table."
—Molly Torres Portnof, founder of DATE Interiors
"Water is always important to have next to the bed. Sometimes, you get a little parched while sleeping. That means having a cute carafe and cup should be a must in the bedroom. And not just any will do. If you want a serene space to sleep in at night, then even having a nice drinking cup and water container helps with the ease and flow of your space."
—Linda Hayslett, founder of LH.Designs
"Nice bedding is a must—not just for aesthetic reasons, but for comfort and sleep optimization as well. I love Julia B's Capri bedding—just the right amount of detail in the design without overwhelming a bedroom space. And, they offer personalization."
—Marea Clark, founder of Marea Clark Interiors
"I think having appropriate storage is so important in a bedroom, especially a nightstand with drawers. It allows for everything to be in its place and the bedside surface to be peacefully organized. A table lamp, a beautiful stack of books, and a small arrangement of fresh flowers are really all I want to see before resting my eyes. Everything else can be hidden away inside a beautiful nightstand. This one, in a beautiful marbled finish, is handmade in Italy. It's the perfect size, and I love the slightly concave shape—it adds even more visual interest."
—Bradley Odom, founder of Bradley Odom Interiors
"Art that ignites a peaceful essence and feeling is a must-have for the bedroom. Having something that is visually calming in your surroundings helps you transition to a relaxed state from the day. Natural, organic art is ideal for this. The Olives limited edition art print from Miller House does just that."
—Jennifer Miller, founder of Jennifer Miller Studio
"A small bedside sconce is a must-have. I love something small and low profile like this one from Pooky. It looks good but can still be paired with a nice bedside lamp if need be!"
—Jessica Davis, founder of Atelier Davis and Nest Studio
"As both a designer at Studio Balestra and a curator for discerning clients, I believe that comfort is the cornerstone of a well-designed bedroom. Choosing the Hungarian Down Pillow isn't just about luxury; it's about prioritizing restful sleep, ensuring that every night begins and ends with the utmost comfort and relaxation."
—Adriano Balestra, interior designer and collector, founder of Studio Balestra
"Most people don't realize that having a chair in your bedroom is really important. I always make sure to have a chair in the space because you want another area to sit on other than just your bed. Maybe your spouse is sleeping, and you're in the corner, able to read. Or you want to watch TV but not lie down while watching your favorite show right before bedtime. So having a nice, comfy chair in the space is a must in a bedroom."
—Linda Hayslett, founder of LH.Designs
"This sensual object is a must-have for your bedroom, as it enhances multiple aspects of your sacred environment. It's a meditative, calming, and olfactory experience that soothes the senses."
—Sophie Goineau, founder and principal designer of Sophie Goineau Design
"[I] strongly believe that each bedroom, especially a primary or guest room, should have a bench or small daybed/settee at the foot of the bed. These end up being the perfect spots to perch when trying on your daily outfits, a place to hold a small pile of folded clothing (let's stop pretending that we all put laundry away immediately), and ultimately, a comfy resting spot for kids, and pets 'visiting' the bedroom! [I] love this piece as it's a great price point, is semi-customizable, and is narrow enough not to project too deeply into a space, yet is still deep enough to feel inviting."
—Diane Rath, principal designer and owner of THE RATH PROJECT
"Your bed occupies the most prominent visual space in the bedroom, so bedding is key. [I] love the look of intermixed sets of coordinated patterned sheets as this approach adds personality, layered color, and visual interest to any style of bedroom."
—Emilie Munroe, founder of Studio Munroe
"Without question, it's important to have nice lighting next to your bed. Mood lighting and ambient lighting are nice to have when you want to read or get situated in bed. So, if you're unable to redo your electrical to put in a sconce or pendant light, then it's a must-have to put a nice lamp next to your bed. Plus, pretty decor next to the bed never hurts."
—Linda Hayslett, founder of LH.Designs
"Candles and faux flowers are my go-to for a cozy bedroom. A beautiful, scented candle such as the Voyage et Cie Italian Carved Onyx candle adds ambiance and light to the bedroom, while a faux floral arrangement, like my Anemones, adds a refreshing, lasting floral that brightens the space."
—Ashley Stark, founder of Ashley Stark Home
"Installing a sconce at the bedside always feels a little more polished than a standard lamp. The flexible neck on this one adds a layer of functionality that [I] live for."
—Annie Downing, founder of Annie Downing Interiors
"An antique vessel on the nightstand is a must-have for any bedroom. It brings a touch of history and uniqueness to your space. Having something to keep your personal items neat and tidy is essential, and I prefer pieces that aren’t mass-produced. Abhaya in Tribeca, New York, has a fantastic selection of unique pots and dishes that add character and charm to any space."
—Helena Clunies Ross, founder of Helena Clunies-Ross Design
"No bedroom is ever fully styled and complete without cushions. They instantly add a layer of softness and make a bedroom feel cozy. For statement sophistication and effortless luxury, our Melbury Cushion is the perfect bedroom addition. Offering a decorative touch and a sublime sheen, the Melbury has a classical appeal. Pair the Melbury Cushion with the Iris Cushion from our collection for a wonderfully layered aesthetic."
—Laura Hammett, founder of Laura Hammett Interiors and Laura Hammett Living
"My must have for that most sacred bedroom space is soft, cool to the touch, cotton sateen sheets that feel connected through design and color to the stories I want to remember, and feelings I want to evoke, as I drift off into a peaceful sleep!"
—Jalene Kanani, founder of NOHO Home
"I think every bedroom needs a small tray or dish for corralling random objects that might pile up on a nightstand, like jewelry, lip balm, or hair ties. I often use vintage bone dishes and soap dishes."
—Lauren Liess, founder of Lauren Liess
We love the Legna line of bed linens for almost all of our projects. These amazing Italian sheets are so buttery soft; they feel amazing to sleep on, and barely wrinkle! They have a nice range of neutrals that seem to work with almost every palette."
—Wendy Labrum, founder of Wendy Labrum Interiors
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