Out of any room in your home, it’s most important that your bedroom both looks and feels relaxing. That’s because your environment can majorly impact your sleep health, but one of the best ways to ensure a restful night is by creating a bedroom that has all the elements of a comfortable, relaxing space.

We checked in with a design pro to find out what common design flaws are keeping your bedroom from its most relaxing state.

Designing an Overly Formal Room

A bedroom can be beautifully designed, but it should never be fussy over overly formal, says interior designer Ian Parker.

“Oftentimes, people think that because their more public spaces, such as living and dining rooms, have a formal air, they need to continue that into the private spaces for continuity,” he says.

This is, of course, a mistake, but it’s one that can easily happen if you opt for furniture that’s too large, or whose design gets in the way of easy functionality. In either scenario, you can easily end up with a bedroom that feels too stuffy or pent up rather than relaxing and cozy. 

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Incorporating a Workspace

In the work from home era, plenty of people have had to transition various rooms in their homes to serve multiple functions, so the idea of a bedroom-home office likely doesn’t come as much of a surprise.

But Parker says anyone who’s turned their bedroom into a partial home office should think twice about the impact it’s having on their sleep health. 

“No matter how you try to counteract it, the presence of a work space can really ruin the relaxed, zen vibe of a bedroom,” he says. “The bedroom should be a sanctuary, not an office.”

With this in mind, consider moving your home office to another alcove or corner. You might even want to opt for more of a mobile office that can be rolled into a closet when not in use. Truly, anything to keep it out of your bedroom.

Adding Workout Equipment

Much like an ad hoc home office, the imposing presence of exercise equipment can also have a negative impact on how relaxing your bedroom actually feels.

“Even on just a subconscious level, it still has a negative impact,” says Parker.

You can maybe get away with a yoga mat and some free weights on hand, as long as they can be easily tucked away when not in use, but if you have something larger—like a stationary bike or a treadmill—it’s time to move it elsewhere.

Not Filling the Space Correctly

While a large bedroom with a ton of space sounds like a great thing, it has to be mapped out and filled correctly. If you’re facing a lot of dead space around your bed, the room can easily feel cavernous and hollow—two things you never want to feel in your sleep sanctuary.

Aside from your bed, nightstands, and a dresser or wardrobe, Parker says a comfortable seating area can work wonders in terms of enhancing the relaxation levels in your bedroom. 

“Even if it’s just one chair and an ottoman, a cozy corner has a big impact,” he says. 

For maximum coziness, consider turning this small seating area into a reading nook—complete with layered lighting and extra blankets.

A Missing Piece at the Foot of the Bed

If you can’t pinpoint what it is that feels a bit ‘off’ in your bedroom, look to the comfiest bedrooms you know for inspiration. Luxury hotel rooms are a great source of guidance, even if you simply browse their websites.

Along with beautiful color palettes and chic design elements, you’ll find that they almost always have a piece of furniture at the end of the bed. 

“A sofa or chaise does the trick nicely,” says Parker. “There’s nothing quite so relaxing as a cushy sofa at the end of your bed.”

It doesn’t have to be a completely functional piece, but there is something about a piece of furniture at the end of your bed that elevates the room and makes it feel complete.