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When it came to decorating my home, my poor bedroom was usually one of the last places I thought to pay attention to. I used to pour everything into shared living spaces—the living room, the dining room, the powder room—all the places that guests and loved ones could see. It’s me and my husband in our bedroom, I think. There’s no rush to make it a thoughtful, beautiful space, not when there are other areas in my home that could use more attention. OK?
With this attitude, the bedroom has become a less than ideal place to rest and recharge. Your bedroom is truly a sacred space. In every room in your home, it should put you at ease and help you feel calm and relaxed. After all, this is a place where you spend a lot of time if you really think about it.
Featured image from our interview with Remi Ishizuka by Michelle Nash.
How to Keep Your Bedroom Tidy: 5 Things to Get Rid of for Peace and Calm
If you’re craving a good declutter and have been wondering how to keep your bedroom organized, here are five things to get rid of for good—with tips on how to design a calmer, more purposeful space.
Visual Sound
I will never forget buying a TV console with cabinets. It replaced one with open closets, and I had no idea how the visual clutter was affecting my sense of calm. With everything closed, it was as if I was breathing slowly. With this in mind, look around your bedroom. Be aware of where there is visible noise—a crowded space, an area with a lot of overhead, or even loud decorations. Remove yourself from your space and enjoy a deep breath.
Is your nightstand full? Maybe on top of your dresser? If you know how to keep your bedroom organized, you know to keep only the important things. Your nightstand especially doesn’t need to be filled with too much stuff. Make room for a lamp, a book, and a candle for a cozy glow. If you’d like to put things somewhere in your room, try a catch-all container to keep things contained. Remember to keep the things that make you feel comfortable, and put away everything else.
Screens and distractions
Scrolling through your phone or watching TV can be very tempting to do before bed. But screens and algorithms do the opposite and help you narrow it down. Instead, reclaim your bedroom as a place to relax. If you have a TV, try removing it for a week and see how it feels. The same goes for your phone. Try charging it outside your room and resist reaching for it as soon as you wake up. I’ve done both of these and I feel much lighter and clearer when the bedroom is free of screens and distractions.
If you use your phone as an alarm, try switching to a Hatch alarm, or a basic analog clock. Isn’t it crazy to think that we didn’t rely on phones to help us wake up? Bring back the days of old school alarm clocks!
Bad Light
Lighting is everything. If you only have high light in your room, or maybe all your light sources are particularly bright, consider dimming. Replace harsh overhead lights with warm lights or candles. If you have dimmed lights, always keep the power low, especially after dark. A soft glow signals your body that it’s time to slow down. Keep bright lights in spaces like your kitchen and living room, and include soft lights in your bedroom. It will improve your sleep!
Strong Linens and Rough Textures
If you’re in bed that’s too bad to wear, think of this as your kiss mark. New bedding and natural fabrics can change the feel of your bedroom. Do you have a diaper that isn’t as soft as it used to be? A blanket? Or maybe you’re sleeping on beds that no longer suit your personal style. Everything matters, and surrounding yourself with soft materials, soothing colors, and natural fabrics makes all the difference.
In addition to renewing old linens, be careful if you have plastic or fast furniture in your space. If you can, always choose natural materials like wood or glass. Not only will these things elevate your space, but living things also help us feel peaceful. They come from nature and are not man-made—fill your space with them!
Unfinished Projects
Piles of laundry, unopened mail, or sprawling to-do lists are stressful to look at. If your bedroom has visible unfinished business, finish it or get rid of it. It’s always a good idea to keep your work life out of your bedroom, so be sure to move laptops, notebooks, or other work-related items elsewhere. Keeping a laundry basket in the room is often necessary, so choose one with a lid to hide the growing pile. I used to store my laundry in an open basket, but my space has gotten a lot quieter since I swapped the hamper for a lid.
This post was last updated on February 24, 2026, to include new information.