Dressing your bed in stylish and inviting bedding is one of the easiest ways to add personality and flair to your bedroom decor. The right bedding can transform the look and feel of your sleeping space, reflecting your taste and style. Here are some tips for choosing bedding that packs a punch of pizzazz.
Choose Eye-Catching Colors and Patterns
Bedding comes in a dizzying array of colors, prints, and patterns these days. Whether you prefer sophisticated solids, playful prints, or bold patterns, there are tons of options to perk up your bedding. Some ideas:
- Solid colors in rich hues like emerald green, sapphire blue, or eggplant purple make a statement. Go for contrast with your wall color.
- Prints like florals, geometrics, or paisleys add whimsical flair. Scale down big prints so they don’t overwhelm.
- Stripes, especially wide horizontal bands, create a bold linear look. Layer different scale stripes for interest.
- Plaids and checks lend a playful, casual vibe. Try buffalo check or classic tartan plaids.
- Textures like chenille, velvet, or faux fur provide cozy tactile drama. Use sparingly to avoid overwhelm.
Mix and match patterns and textures for lots of personality. Keep the overall palette cohesive for a pulled-together bed.
Choose High-Quality Fabrics
The fabric of your bedding impacts the look, feel, and longevity. For maximum styling impact, seek out bedding made from top-notch fabrics like:
- Egyptian or Pima cotton: Prized for its softness, breathability, and durability. The long staple fibers resist pilling or tearing.
- Percale: Tightly woven cotton with a matte finish. Crisp and breathable.
- Sateen: Smooth cotton woven into a subtle sheen. Provides a silky, lustrous feel.
- Linen and linen blends: Lightweight, breathable, and gets softer over time. Has natural creases.
- Microfiber: Very soft and smooth. Wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying. Budget-friendly.
- Silk: Extremely soft and sleek. Glamorous but high maintenance.
- Flannel: Soft, brushed cotton. Warm and fuzzy for cold weather.
Feel out fabrics in person whenever possible to assess quality. Read labels and product details closely. Higher thread counts, double stitching, and tightly woven fibers signal durability.
Choose Stylish Bedding Sets
Shopping for all bedding elements as a coordinated set or collection is an easy way to pull together a put-together, polished look. Most bedding brands offer mix-and-match sets featuring:
- Duvet cover
- Fitted and flat sheets
- Pillowcases
- Shams
- Bedskirts
- Throw blankets
- Decorative pillows
Within a set, colors, patterns, and textures complement each other flawlessly. Sets provide a simple way to get a designer look for your bed. Add some decorative throw pillows for extra flair.
Opt for High-End Details
Design details add subtle elegance and visual interest to bedding. Look for special touches like:
- Piping or welting – Contrasting trim adds definition.
- Embellishments – Tufts, embroidery, or appliques provide texture.
- Monogramming – Custom personalization with initials or names.
- Novel trims – Ruffles, pleats, fringing, or tassels.
- Novel shapes and sizes – Square pillows, Euro shams, lumbar pillows.
Do a quick bedding audit and consider which elements could use some sprucing up first—duvet? shams? pillows? Focus on one area at a time for easy upgrades.
Layer in Complementary Textiles
Don’t stop with just sheets, shams, and duvet covers. Have fun building out a full layered bedding look with accents like:
- Throws – Provide warmth and a decorative focal point, folded at the foot of bed.
- Quilts – Lightweight quilts add loft and color.
- Coverlets – Woven coverlets have tailored style.
- Dust ruffles – Soft ruffles hide under-bed storage.
- Pillow covers – Swap out for color/pattern interest.
- Mattress pads – Protect your mattress in style.
Varying textures and patterns help accentuate the intricate layers. Just take care that your bed doesn’t veer into over-the-top territory.
Consider Your Headboard Style
Your headboard design impacts the feel of your bedding ensemble. For example:
- Upholstered headboards – Pair with soft, tactile bedding like velvet or chenille.
- Wood or leather headboards – Complement with crisper cottons or linens.
- Wrought iron or metal – Allows for bold, graphic prints and patterns.
- Canopy beds – Draw the eye upward; perfect for opulent details like damask fabrics.
Match your bedding personality to your headboard for a cohesive look.
Care for Your Bedding Properly
To keep your bedding looking fabulous for years, care for it properly:
- Wash bedding regularly and check labels for cleaning methods.
- Use a gentle detergent and wash on cool or warm setting.
- Never use bleach products on colored fabrics.
- Dry completely to avoid mildew or stains.
- For silks or delicate fabrics, dry clean only.
- Store off-season bedding properly to prevent yellowing.
- Iron linens and cottons while still slightly damp.
With the right care, your new bedding will stay beautiful for many seasons.
Perk Up Your Bedding’s Personality
A bedroom should be a relaxing, rejuvenating retreat. Your bedding plays a starring role in creating that vibe. The hue, fabric, and styling details of your sheets, duvets, shams and pillows make a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your private sanctuary.
Follow your tastes and have fun playing with color, texture, and pattern to reflect your personal aesthetic. Cozy up with sumptuous fabrics or make a vibrant style statement. Add those special high-end details for a designer touch. With the right bedding, you can craft a sleep space that’s uniquely you.
So perk up the personality of your bedding! Doing so will uplift your whole bedroom and give you a welcoming, stylish spot to rest and recharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some quick ways to update my existing bedding?
Some quick bedding updates include:
- Adding a decorative throw, quilt, or coverlet
- Using pillow covers to change colors and patterns
- Switching out shams and bedskirts
- Adding fun trims like fringe or pom poms
- Buying new decorative pillows
- Layering in textures like a flannel blanket
How often should you replace your bedding?
It’s recommended to replace bedding every 2-3 years, or more frequently with heavy use. Signs your bedding needs replacement include thinning fabric, pilling, stains, tears or holes.
What thread count is best for sheets?
For sheets, a thread count between 200-500 is ideal. Higher thread counts above 500 don’t necessarily equal better quality. Focus more on the weave and quality of the cotton. Percale and Pima sheets around 300-500 thread count make great bedding.
What are bedding dimensions for standard US bed sizes?
Twin – 66″ W x 86″ L
Full – 81″ W x 86″ L
Queen – 90″ W x 94″ L
King – 108″ W x 94″ L
California King – 108″ W x 102″ L
How do I add a pop of color to my neutral bedroom?
Use bedding to inject color – add a colorful duvet cover, shams, pillows or blanket at the foot of the bed. Wall art, lamps, plant pots and other accents also allow you to add pops of color to a neutral room.
What are some good fabrics for allergy-prone sleepers?
Good bedding fabrics for allergy sufferers include high-quality cotton, microfiber, bamboo and microfiber. Stay away from materials like down or wool.
Conclusion
Transforming your bed into a stylish sleep sanctuary is easily achievable with the right bedding. Shop for high-quality, appealing fabrics in colors, prints and patterns that reflect your personal taste. Pay attention to special details and have fun layering complementary textures. With the proper care, your bedding will provide a beautiful backdrop for restful sleep for years to come. Use your bedding as an opportunity to infuse your personal style into your private retreat.
