16 Things Designers Say You MUST Have in Your 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

“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

“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

“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