There’s something comforting about sticking to the rules—especially when it comes to decorating a bedroom. But sometimes, breaking the expected can result in a space that feels more personal, more beautiful, and ultimately more inviting. If you’ve been holding back on a bold paint colour or passing on patterned bedding because it didn’t feel “safe,” this is your sign to reconsider. Here are eight bedroom design “rules” worth rethinking—plus the smart ways to break them.
1. Stick to Solid Bedding for a Timeless Look
Rule to Break: To keep things classic, it’s safest to avoid patterns on your bedding.
Why Break It: Patterned bedding adds personality and visual interest, especially when the rest of the space is restrained. Think oversized florals, tonal stripes, or soft geometric prints. They can act like texture when done in a cohesive palette. Don’t shy away from layering patterns either. Keep them in the same colour family for a look that feels timeless, not busy. It’s also a great trick for adding richness to a room that lacks architectural detail.
2. Ceilings Should Always Be White
Rule to Break: The ceiling should be left white to keep the room feeling open and airy.
Why Break It: When it comes to ceiling colour, you have more options than you might think. Painting the ceiling the same tone as the walls creates an enveloping, restful atmosphere—ideal for a bedroom. Alternatively, choosing a coordinating contrast can introduce depth, drama, and a striking design moment. Whether you match or complement your wall colour, a painted ceiling is a beautiful way to complete the space.
3. Use Light Colours for a Relaxing Space
Rule to Break: Soft neutrals and light colours are the only way to create a calming bedroom.
Why Break It: Dark and moody hues—deep navy, rich green, charcoal—can feel just as cozy and sophisticated. Colour drenching your walls, trim, and even the ceiling in a bold shade creates a cocoon-like effect that’s perfect for winding down. With the right lighting and texture, these deeper tones can make the bedroom feel more serene, not less.
4. Your Lighting Has to Match
Rule to Break: All the lighting fixtures in your bedroom should match for a cohesive look.
Why Break It: Matching lighting can feel safe, but mixing styles and finishes brings character to the space. Try combining a sleek sconce with a vintage-inspired table lamp, or mixing matte black with warm brass. As long as the scale and visual weight feel balanced, the contrast will make the room feel more layered and interesting.
5. Small Bedrooms Should Avoid Large-Scale Pieces
Rule to Break: Stick to small furniture in a small room to make it feel bigger.
Why Break It: A dramatic headboard, an oversized pendant, or a large piece of art can actually make a compact space feel more designed and intentional. Instead of filling the room with lots of small-scale pieces, choose a few standout items and let them shine. The result? A bedroom that feels bold and thoughtfully styled.
6. Your Bedding Should Stay the Same All Year Round
Rule to Break: Once you’ve styled your bed, there’s no need to change it with the seasons.
Why Break It: Just like your wardrobe shifts with the weather, your bedding should too. In summer, lightweight layers like linen duvet covers and crisp percale sheets keep things breathable and cool. Come winter, bring in Portuguese flannel sheets, a plush duvet, and cozy knit throws for warmth and texture. It’s a simple seasonal update that adds comfort and a fresh new look to your space.
7. Matching Furniture Sets Are a Must
Rule to Break: Your bed, nightstands, and dresser should all match for a cohesive look.
Why Break It: A curated, layered aesthetic often comes from mixing materials and silhouettes. Think an upholstered bed paired with classic wood nightstands, or a vintage dresser contrasted with sleek modern lighting. The result feels more collected and lived-in—like a room that’s evolved over time, not bought in one go.
7. Matching Furniture Sets Are a Must
Rule to Break: Stick to one metal finish and one wood tone for consistency.
Why Break It: Mixing metals—say, black hardware with brass fixtures—adds depth and interest. The same goes for wood tones. Light oak against a darker stained wood creates a layered, intentional contrast that brings visual richness to the bedroom. Just be sure to repeat each finish at least once so it feels purposeful.
At the end of the day, your bedroom should feel like a reflection of your personal style, not a set of outdated rules. If a design “don’t” actually helps create a space that feels right to you, go for it. Some of the most stylish bedrooms are the ones that break design rules—beautifully.
Photography by Stacey Brandford
