Sleep experts urge you not to follow this popular design trend – here's why

The controversial movement continues to divide designers – but psychologists warn against incorporating it in the bedroom

Pink bedroom with grey headboard
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Megan Slack
By
published

Cluttercore – the most talked-about trend of the season – has made headlines in the interior design industry.  

The aptly-named movement – that urges you to fill your home with curated clutter – originated on social media last year. Since then, maximalists have had every excuse to bring mismatched belongings into the forefront of their scheme – whether it's through antique heirlooms or eccentric accessories.  

Cluttercore shows no signs of slowing down – but there is one room where you should avoid incorporating the interior design trend – and that's the bedroom. 

Yes, sleep experts have warned against experimenting with clutter as it may be stopping you from getting a good night's sleep. Here's what you need to know before following the trend. 

Why you should avoid Cluttercore in the bedroom – according to sleep experts  

Bedroom with plush carpet

(Image credit: James Merrell)

'A cluttered bedroom can certainly drive sleep disorders,' says licensed clinical psychologist Nancy B. Irwin. The psychologist explains that everything in your bedroom should reflect its primary purpose – sleep. Therefore, simplicity is key. 

Nancy recommends opting for soothing paint ideas, aromas, and soft fabrics that won't overpower your scheme. 'For optimal sleep, it helps to have your bedroom set up so that when you walk in at night, you feel like you are walking into a spa,' she says. 

Painted bedroom with large lighting fixture

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

Vanessa Osorio, who is a Sleep Health Content Specialist at Sleepopolis, also reinforces Nancy's argument.

'It's no doubt that clutter is obtrusive to look at, but it's even more obtrusive for sleep. It over-stimulates the mind, distracts the senses, and makes relaxation difficult,' she adds. 

She references a recent study that revealed that bedtime routine and sleep quality were improved among individuals with insomnia after decluttering their sleep space. 

'Thankfully, there are easy solutions to saying "goodbye" to clutter and "hello" to better sleep,' Vanessa says. She recommends choosing 'minimalist furniture such as platform beds, lean and simple dressers' – and only keeping the essentials on your nightstands. 

Bedroom with one wall painted in Farrow & Ball Down Pipe

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Similarly, when it comes to gallery wall ideas, some pieces are better left out of the bedroom. The expert urges you to choose 'relaxing, minimalist art' – for example, a large canvas above the bed. This simple decor decision might just save your sleeping pattern. 

Will you be keeping one of 2022's biggest trends out of the bedroom?

Megan Slack
Megan Slack

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team.

Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US whilst studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site.

Megan currently lives in London, where she relocated from her hometown in Yorkshire. In her home, she experiments with interior design trends and draws inspiration from the home decor ideas she observes in her everyday work life. Her favorite pieces include her antique typewriter and her expansive collection of houseplants. When she isn’t writing, she is browsing London’s coffee shops and bookstores to add to her ever-growing library, taking over the open shelving in her apartment. 

Latest