Putting an air purifier in the right place is as important as choosing a good model. In a bedroom, smart placement makes the air feel fresher while keeping noise low so you sleep well. This guide explains simple rules for where to put an air purifier in a UK bedroom: clearances, avoiding corners, how to handle open doors, and how to face airflow so you breathe cleaner air without a cold draft across your face.
Cleaner air depends on air purifiers with sealed filters sized to the room.
Avoid Corners and Tight Spaces
Air purifiers need space to draw in air and to exhaust it after filtering. Do not push the unit into a corner or against a wall. Leave at least 20 to 30 centimetres of clearance on all sides if possible. If the intake is on the front, keep that side facing into the room. If the intake wraps around the body, place the purifier so air can reach every side. Avoid wedging it between the bed and a chest of drawers, where airflow is restricted and noise can increase as the fan works harder.
Keep It Near the Source
If pollen blows in through a particular window, place the purifier closer to that window so it catches particles as they enter. If pet dander is the main concern and your pet sleeps in the bedroom, place the purifier near the pet’s favourite spot but not where fur can block the intake. If traffic fumes are an issue, place near the door or window that faces the street and run the unit higher in the evening when pollutants peak, then lower at night.
Face the Exhaust Wisely
Most purifiers blow filtered air out of the top or back. Aim the exhaust so it circulates around the room rather than at your face. If you notice a draft on your head at night, rotate the purifier slightly or move it toward the foot of the bed. The goal is to turn the room’s air over quietly, not to blow directly across your pillow. Night modes that dim lights and slow the fan help when the unit is within line of sight.
Doors Open or Closed
If you sleep with the door closed, the purifier can achieve your target air changes per hour more easily. If you keep the door open for airflow, the purifier is effectively cleaning a larger space. Choose a model with enough CADR to handle this or place the unit closer to your side of the room so you benefit most from the fresh air as it circulates. You can run the purifier higher during the evening to clean the adjoining area and drop it to a quiet speed at bedtime.
Height and Stability
Purifiers designed to sit on the floor work best on the floor, where intake is often closer to where dust settles. If your model is a compact desktop design, place it on a stable bedside table that does not vibrate. Do not put a floor unit on soft furnishings or thick rugs that block intake vents. Keep cords tidy to avoid trips when you get up at night.
Keep Filters Accessible
Choose a spot where you can reach the filter cover easily. If changing filters requires moving the unit every time, you are more likely to put it off. Consistent maintenance keeps performance high and noise low. Mark your calendar for filter checks and vacuum the prefilter monthly to remove dust and hair.
Trial and Adjust
Every room is different. Place the purifier, run it for a few evenings and a few nights, then consider how the air feels and sounds. If you still notice dust on surfaces near the bed, try moving the unit closer. If a display light is distracting, rotate the purifier or use a small piece of tape to cover the light if the model does not switch it off. Small adjustments can make a big difference in comfort.
Sealed filters sized for bedrooms are grouped in air purifiers for UK homes; damp rooms often pair a purifier with a dehumidifier.
FAQs
How close should the purifier be to my bed? Within a metre or two is fine as long as the exhaust is not blowing on your face. Closer placement helps if doors stay open.
Can I put it behind a curtain? No. Curtains block airflow and can cause dust to accumulate on the intake. Keep the unit in clear air.
Is higher always better? Not if it increases noise. Size the unit correctly so you can run at low or medium overnight and still get enough clean air.
