2 min readInterior designer Nate Berkus says bedroom design should prioritize how you unwind, not just aesthetics like color or bedding.
Adding separate seating keeps the bed reserved for sleep and helps maintain a calm, restful atmosphere.
Thoughtful layouts—like paired chairs or oversized pieces—balance function and serenity in a bedroom retreat.
Balancing your bedroom can feel confusing. Unlike a kitchen or bathroom, where appliances and functionality shape the design, bedrooms are far more open-ended stylistically. To help fans navigate layout challenges in their own sleep spaces, interior designer Nate Berkus took to Instagram to share tips for creating the perfect, peaceful bedroom.
While many elements—like paint color, bedding choices, and the amount of throw pillows—come together to define the overall feel of a bedroom, Berkus emphasizes in his caption that how you unwind in the space plays a major role in how you feel once you’re cozied up in bed.
For example, adding additional seating allows the bed to be reserved strictly for sleep. “Consider a place to sit — Somewhere else to pack, unpack, or have a conversation that doesn’t happen on the side of the bed,” Berkus writes. Keeping tense, organizational, and everyday tasks out of your bed helps maintain it as a calm, restful retreat.
While Berkus doesn’t specify an exact number of seating options, his designs suggest having at least two to accommodate both you and your partner. From cozy twin armchairs to oversized ottomans, the spaces he shares often feature seating in pairs, or single pieces large enough for two.
Tucked away from the main living and entertaining areas, bedrooms serve as a retreat from the day’s bustle. Designed as restful sanctuaries, Berkus’s approach treats the room as both functional and serene—prioritizing comfort and a sense of calm. After all, don’t we all deserve a little R&R?
