Nate Berkus' Simple Solution That Makes A Bedroom Feel More Peaceful

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You finally finished doing the laundry. You retreat to the bedroom, dump it all on the bed, and start sorting clothes. Then, your roommate plops down on the other side of the bed to chat about tomorrow's plans and bills to be paid. Suddenly, your bed has become a combination of laundry center and office — so much for a nice, relaxing evening.

One way to ensure that your bed remains a special place is to add furniture to your bedroom. Nate Berkus, a top home decorator and author, shared on Instagram, "Consider a place to sit — somewhere else to pack, unpack, or have a conversation that doesn't happen on the side of the bed." That sounds great, but what does it really mean in practice? Berkus suggests selecting seating elements that make it easy to use the bedroom for more than sleep.

The key is to discourage using your bed for potentially stressful tasks such as writing, working, browsing the web, organizing, or planning the day — this helps to create a peaceful bedroom for a good night's sleep. While the style and quantity of seating will depend on your space, budget, and household size, it generally makes sense to provide seating for two.

Before digging into purchases, think about the size of your room, your budget, and your personal style. If you have the space, you may want to select a pair of armchairs or even a small sofa. These can provide a comfortable space for chatting or reading. But there's no need to make big, expensive furniture purchases when incorporating the bedroom detail that'll make your room feel like a retreat. A simple Ikea loveseat can serve the same purpose, as can a pair of funky ottomans. Another option: Select a unique upholstered bench that's big enough to accommodate more than one person.

While there's no absolute rule on where to put bedroom furniture, many designers place a single piece, such as a bench, sofa, or loveseat, at the foot of the bed. This is also a great solution if space is at a premium. Pairs of seating elements are most comfortable under a window or in a niche of their own.

In Nate Berkus' bedroom, he mixes and matches furnishings to create a warm, comforting style all his own. He suggests avoiding bedroom sets and instead incorporating vintage or distinctive seating elements. If you're looking for inspiration, consider this Hulala Home upholstered storage bench, a pair of stylish rockers like this beauty from Pemberley Row, or even a couple of Mandala Life ottomans with their vibrant, patterned look.