Top 9+ Outdated Bedroom Trends Designers Are Ditching

Matchy-Matchy Bedroom Sets

Once upon a time, walking into a furniture showroom meant picking out a perfectly coordinated bedroom suite: bed, dresser, nightstands, all matching down to the drawer pulls. But today, designers are waving goodbye to this predictable look.

It’s like wearing a suit made from the same fabric head-to-toe—neat, but a little stiff and lacking in personality. Now, the magic is in the mix: combining different textures, finishes, and shapes for a collected-over-time vibe.

You might see a weathered-wood nightstand next to an upholstered bed, or sleek metal lamps paired with a vintage dresser. This approach makes the space feel more personal and alive, turning the bedroom into a true reflection of you—not a catalog page.

Overly Themed Kids’ Rooms

Gone are the days of bedrooms decked out in cartoon characters or single-theme overload. While a pirate ship bed or princess canopy might delight a five-year-old, those tastes can change overnight.

Designers now recommend keeping the bones of a child’s room neutral—think soft wall colors and classic furniture—while using bedding, art, and toys to bring in personality. This way, the room can grow with the child, and a superhero obsession doesn’t require a total makeover next year.

It’s about flexibility and creating a space that can adapt as quickly as kids do. Plus, it saves parents from the endless redecorating cycle and lets kids explore new interests without feeling stuck in a single phase.

Carpeted Bedrooms (Wall-to-Wall)

Wall-to-wall carpeting once felt like the height of comfort, but it’s starting to show its age—and not in a good way. Designers are moving away from this trend for a few reasons.

Carpets can trap dust, allergens, and even odors, making them tough for allergy sufferers. They also tend to wear out unevenly, especially in high-traffic areas.

The modern approach? Hardwood or laminate floors topped with cozy area rugs.

This combo is easier to clean, healthier, and visually lighter. Rugs can be swapped out to change the look of the room or add a splash of color, while the bare floor underneath keeps things fresh and timeless.

It’s a win-win for both style and practicality.

Tiny Nightstands (or None at All)

If you’ve ever tried to balance a lamp, a glass of water, and your phone on a postage-stamp-sized nightstand, you know the struggle. Designers are ditching those miniature stands—or worse, skipping them entirely—in favor of bigger, more functional options.

Think nightstands with drawers, shelves, and enough space for your bedtime essentials. Some people are even using small dressers or side tables for added storage.

This trend is all about making your bedroom more livable and less cluttered. After all, your nightstand should be a place for comfort, not a source of frustration.

A generous surface makes it easier to keep things organized, so you can unwind at the end of the day without feeling cramped.

Heavy, Dark Wood Furniture

Dark, hulking bedroom furniture used to be associated with luxury and tradition, but these days, it often feels like it’s weighing down the room. Designers are turning the page on these imposing pieces.

Instead, lighter woods and airy materials are coming to the forefront, breathing new life into bedrooms. Pale oak, maple, or even painted finishes make a space feel bigger and brighter.

This shift opens the door to playful textiles and bold colors elsewhere in the room. Imagine waking up in a light-drenched space with soft wood tones, rather than feeling like you’re in a gloomy, old-fashioned den.

It’s about creating a sense of openness and possibility—something we could all use more of right now.

Overhead Lighting as the Main Source

Relying on a single overhead light to illuminate the entire bedroom can make the space feel harsh and uninviting—like being on stage under a spotlight. Designers now favor layered lighting, combining soft bedside lamps, wall sconces, and accent lights to create a cozy and flexible atmosphere.

This approach lets you adjust the mood for reading, relaxing, or getting ready in the morning. Imagine the difference between fluorescent glare and the gentle glow of a table lamp—it’s like the difference between a hospital and a spa.

Layered lighting isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about comfort and making your bedroom a true retreat from the world.

Clutter-Catching Platform Beds

Platform beds with built-in drawers and cubbies seemed like an organizational dream, but they often turn into graveyards for forgotten stuff. Designers are rethinking this approach, advocating for less built-in storage and more intentional organization.

Instead of cramming things under the bed, they suggest using attractive baskets, closets, or dressers to keep clutter out of sight. The result?

A bedroom that feels cleaner and more serene. You’re less likely to wake up to chaos or spend precious minutes searching for lost socks.

It’s a subtle shift, but it can make the whole room feel calmer and more inviting, like a breath of fresh air.

All-White, Sterile Bedrooms

The all-white look had its moment, promising a serene and modern vibe. But for many, it ended up feeling cold—more like a hospital than a haven.

Designers are now bringing warmth and personality back into bedrooms with color, texture, and layered materials. Think cozy throws, colorful pillows, and natural fibers that invite you to relax.

Even a touch of wood or a soft patterned rug can make a huge difference. The goal is to create a space that feels welcoming and lived-in, not stark and impersonal.

Life is messy and colorful, and our bedrooms should reflect that—embracing comfort over perfection.

Word Art & Cliché Wall Decor

If you’ve ever hung up a “Live, Laugh, Love” sign, you’re not alone—but this trend has officially worn out its welcome. Designers are steering clear of generic word art and cliché wall hangings, encouraging people to choose decor that feels authentic and meaningful.

This might mean hanging a favorite painting, a cherished photograph, or a one-of-a-kind piece picked up on vacation. Personal artwork tells a story and adds character to a bedroom, making it truly yours.

It’s about moving away from mass-produced messages and surrounding yourself with things that actually inspire or comfort you. The result is a space that feels both stylish and deeply personal, like a secret retreat from the world.