10 Easy Bedroom Swaps That Designers Swear By

A bedroom does not need a full renovation to feel new. Small swaps, the kind that take an afternoon, can shift the look and the feel of the room without a contractor or a big budget. Interior designers shared ten of their favorite upgrades with Business Insider, and each one is a concrete alternative to something that likely sits in the room right now.

The nightstand is a prime candidate. Sarah Barnard, founder of Sarah Barnard Design, said that flat-surface nightstands collect clutter fast. Her fix is simple: choose one with drawers or covered storage. "Opting for a nightstand with drawers or covered storage keeps items close at hand while maintaining visual calm," Barnard said. That also adds privacy in shared spaces, she added.

A table lamp on the nightstand takes up valuable surface area. Jaime Zehner, founder of JZ Interior Designs, suggested swapping it for a wall sconce. The sconce frees the flat surface while still providing light. Zehner said battery-operated sconces are an option for anyone who does not want to wire in electrical work.

Rugs can change a room's feel more than almost any other single piece. Karen Rohr, an interior designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors, said swapping out a rug is an easy, affordable refresh. Even rooms with wall-to-wall carpet can take a rug layered on top, she said. That creates a cozy, inviting corner.

A television in the bedroom fights the purpose of the room. Barnard recommended replacing it with a piece of art. "Our bodies take cues from our surroundings, and if the first thing we see when getting into bed is a television screen, we are more inclined to watch TV before bed, which may disrupt our sleep," Barnard said. Art, she added, can encourage quiet reflection.

Dead corners, empty spots where furniture does not fit or light does not reach, often feel lifeless. Rohr suggested putting plants in those spots. Greenery brightens the space and brings a touch of nature indoors.