7 Bedroom Furniture Mistakes First-Time Homeowners Make
Buying bedroom furniture for your home can be quite exciting, but it can also be surprisingly overwhelming, especially for first-time home owners. We’ve seen it all at The Mattress Warehouse: beds and mattresses that don’t fit, nightstands that clash, and rugs that are too small for a space. You probably have so many questions as a first-time homeowner, wondering what you need for your home and what to avoid. This guide will help you skip the stress and help you build a bedroom that you love.
1. Buying furniture before measuring the room
- A lot of excitement comes with buying bedroom furniture for your home, and it’s easy to get caught up in seeing beautiful pieces of furniture that you think would look great in your home, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s true. What looks great on a display space could look entirely different in your home.
- The first step that we often overlook when planning to buy furniture is to take measurements of the space. This will save you from a lot of unnecessary risks of buying furniture like a bed and mattress set that won’t fit your space. Getting the wrong furniture will overwhelm your space, resulting in blocked walkways, doors that don’t fully open, or a room that feels cramped. The worst part is having to return the furniture, wasting time, money, and energy.
- The best thing to do is to slow down and measure everything, twice. Start by measuring the room’s length, width, and ceiling height. Note where the windows and doors are. Then measure all entryways that the furniture will go through. A little extra planning up front goes a long way in making sure your new piece works in your space. This saves you from a major headache later.
2. Choosing a bed that’s too big (or small)
- Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better, specifically with King-size beds in smaller rooms. Choosing the wrong bed and mattress size for your bedroom is more common than you think. Others go the opposite route, opting for a smaller bed that ends up affecting their sleep quality. Choosing the right bed, bed base, and mattress is all about balance; getting it wrong can make a big difference in how your bedroom feels and functions.
- A bed that’s too large leaves little room for nightstands, dressers, or even walking space. It can block doors, windows, or drawers and make the room feel tight and uncomfortable. A bed that’s too small will leave you tossing and turning all night due to a lack of personal space.
- Before deciding on a bed, start by looking at your room size. The bed should fit comfortably without taking over the entire space. You should be able to walk around and still have room for furniture. With a bit of planning, you can choose a bed that feels just right, spacious enough for a good night’s sleep but sized smartly to keep your room functional and cosy.
3. Skimping on Storage Furniture
- A common mistake that we make when furnishing a bedroom is assuming that a closet alone can handle clothes, shoes, bedding, and personal items. But without the right storage, clutter can quickly take over.
- A lack of proper storage makes cleaning harder and can take away from the room’s functionality and aesthetic. And once clutter sets in, it tends to keep growing.
- Nightstands with drawers or shelves are perfect for bedside essentials, while storage ottomans can provide a place to sit and hide blankets or out-of-season items. With a little planning and the right bedroom furniture, your bedroom can stay clean, organized, and comfortable.
4. Buying matching furniture sets
- Buying a full matching set might seem like an easy option since it saves decision-making. However, it can cause problems in smaller and uniquely shaped rooms.
- Matching furniture can take up a lot of space and might include pieces you don’t need. If your room is on the smaller side, a full set can overcrowd the space and limit your ability to move things around. Plus, having everything match perfectly can make the room feel flat or overly staged, not leaving much room for personal style.
- Instead of buying everything at once, build your bedroom gradually. Choose each piece based on how well it fits your space and meets your needs, not just how well it matches everything else.
5. Ignoring the importance of buying a good bed and mattress
- Sleep quality depends more on function than appearance. A common mistake people make when furnishing a bedroom is spending more on headboards and side tables and less on the actual mattress and base.
- When your bed and mattress don’t suit your needs, your sleep suffers. Eventually, you’ll end up having to replace your mattress, which defeats any savings you hoped to make.
- Don’t just buy what looks nice. Try out mattresses in person if you can, and choose based on how you sleep, not just the price tag. Two great options to consider are the Kooi Challenger Mattress, known for its durable and elastic support, and the Cloud Nine Comfort Gentle Mattress, which offers a cooler sleep surface, especially during warmer nights, and a cushy surface to sleep on. Comfort, support, and durability should always take priority over matching styles.
6. Overcrowding the room with furniture
- Overcrowding a room with furniture makes the space feel cramped and unwelcoming. A cluttered room can impact relaxation and functionality, especially in spaces like bedrooms or living rooms where calm and comfort are key.
- Stick to essential bedroom furniture pieces that serve a clear purpose.
7. Forgetting about scale and proportion
- When the furniture doesn’t complement the room’s dimensions, the space loses both functionality and aesthetic appeal. It also disrupts the room’s flow, making it harder to arrange items or move around freely.
- Always consider the room’s size and ceiling height when selecting bedroom furniture. The key is maintaining a sense of harmony, where every piece feels like it belongs in the space it occupies.
Bed and Mattresses for Sale at The Mattress Warehouse
From buying bedroom furniture that matches your room’s proportions, thoughtful choices can completely transform your bedroom. Ready to upgrade your sleep space? Browse our mattresses for sale to find the perfect option for your bedroom.


