Do you struggle with how to style your bed? If you are anything like me then making and styling your bed each morning may not be a priority. My morning routine is mostly dominated by trying to coerce an opinionated toddler into wearing an outfit that’s at least weather-appropriate. I normally get around to making my bed a couple of hours before I’m about to get back in it. But it always gives me a great sense of satisfaction and it makes me look forward to bedtime even more.
Image via The Secret Linen Store
There is no doubt that taking the time and effort to style your bed can add real wow factor to your bedroom. So here are my top tips.
1. KEEP IT SIMPLE
For me, there is nothing more inviting than plain white sheets, duvet and pillows. It reminds me of luxury hotels and creates a feeling of purity and cleanliness. Like climbing into a big fluffy cloud at the end of the day. It’s always in style and without the fuss of throws and pillows it’s a look that’s quick and easy to pull off. If you are going for pure white linen then make sure it is really high quality and spotlessly clean to achieve that hotel feel. You can also go for a textured design if you want to add some interest.
2. COMPLEMENT YOUR PATTERNS
If you want your bed to be the star of the show then go for a complimentary patterned fabrics across your bedding and cushions as in the image below. The patterns are very close in colour and feel but not an exact match which creates a very stylish look. You want to avoid having everything in exactly matching fabrics as this is a very dated Laura Ashley style look that just doesn’t cut it anymore. And if you are doing the cushion thing then odd numbers work best.
3. CLASH YOUR PATTERNS
For a more youthful and contemporary look then using clashing patterns across your bed can earn you a lot of cool points. There is a lot going on in this bed below, contrasting and complimentary colours as well as clashing patterns and an asymmetrical cushion arrangement. This kind of look is great for expressing your personality and allowing you to break the rules. The trouble is, as with most things in life, successfully breaking the rules means you really need to know what you are doing. This look may appear to be thrown together but it would be easy to get wrong. But with a bit of trial an error and trusting your gut, you will be able to pull it off so give it a go.
4. CONTRAST YOUR SHEETS
Contrasting your sheets and pillow cases with your duvet cover is a great way to add a punch of colour and personality. It’s a subtle look that allows you to work with a colour that would be too overpowering if used across the whole bed. So you can afford to be really playful with this technique and go for a hot fuchsia or coral pink. Or you can pick out an accent colour from some artwork or accessories within the room. This look is perfect if the ‘all white’ look is too boring for you, and as it’s pretty cost-effective you can change the colours to match the seasons.
5. FOLD BACK THE DUVET
Our American friends seem to really favour this look where you fold back the top quarter of the duvet. It creates another layer to add more depth and interest to your styling and can look really pretty if you have a reversible duvet as it reveals the pattern or plain colour on the underside. It also reveals more of your sheet so if you are going for a contrasting colour this can work really well. If this look isn’t for you then simply pull your duvet right up the bed and pat it down so you have a flat foundation to build your arrangement of pillows (and cushions).
6. ADD ACCENT COLOURS
If you go down the cushion and/or throw route then this gives you a really good opportunity to pick out accent colours already within the room. As the image shows below the bedding complements the grey of the painting and the pink of the chair. Having the same accent colours repeated throughout the room creates a lovely rhythm and leads your eye around the room.
7. ADD A BEDSPREAD
A bedspread is different to a throw because it is sized to match your bed which means it will drape over the sides and drop toward the floor like your duvet does. They are also often much thicker and more luxurious than throws and therefore create a more expensive look (because they are). So if you are going for a more traditional or formal scheme for your bedroom then a bedspread could be on your wish list. They are reminiscent of top-end hotels, and with their sumptuous feel and weight, they can add a real sense of luxury. You can read more about how to make your bedroom look like a hotel bedroom here.
8. CHOOSE LINEN FOR THE EFFORTLESS LOOK
If you want the relaxed, laidback, or haven’t tried too hard look then linen could be perfect for you. It doesn’t need ironing (result!) and still looks really good. This fabric is ideal if you are going for a Scandinavian or boho look. Perfect for airy, contemporary interiors. It will go beautifully with casually arranged throws and cushions.
9. LAYER UP
Adding layers creates a fusion of textures, colours and patterns and is very on trend right now. It can suit laid-back schemes as well as more formal looks, and if you are a cushion and throw fanatic it gives you the opportunity to use loads in one place! It’s also perfect for our UK weather where it can be freezing in summer and surprisingly warm in November. Having lots of layers means you can always be at the perfect temperature in bed. For a formal look make sure your throws have straight lines and uniform folds, and for a more informal look, just drape away.
10. DON’T OVER STYLE
Unless you are going for the top-end hotel look then my top tip would be not to over-style. Having symmetrical perfectly plumped cushions is a bit of a dated look now and you’ll also save yourself loads of time if you just chuck your pillow and cushions onto the bed. Job done. So don’t overthink it, allow your styling to be a little bit imperfect.
I’m a fan of tip number 1, I like my bed plain and simple, how do you like yours?
