What could be more thrilling or fulfilling than revamping your bedding? Although it might not happen often since you should replace your bedding only every few years (except pillowcases), it still transforms your rooms with an entirely new look when you update or switch out old duvets and sheets. When it comes to choosing the latter, selecting a color might be as straightforward as opting for traditional white sheets; however, these might be making your space look dated. While white has long been a favored choice due to its easy compatibility, it might be creating a sterile and somewhat cold atmosphere, which could be avoided with other softer or warmer shades.
There’s no need to completely eliminate white from your bedroom, but using it as a foundation or base for your bedding may be worth reconsidering in favor of a more inviting hue that complements your duvet and other elements. Instead of just choosing stark white, explore the vast array of neutral off-whites, beiges, creams, or even use your sheet as an opportunity to introduce patterns or bolder colors. It’s true that white offers a lot of flexibility, which is likely why it’s been such a popular choice for bedding foundations. However, with trends increasingly aimed at creating inviting, cozy, and personalized spaces, the possibilities for expanding your bedroom’s color palette have significantly broadened. Just be aware of potential mistakes you might make when layering your bedding.
White sheets can seem too cold or even dingy
Typically, white serves as a blank canvas around which to build your linens. However, it can create a sharp and intense atmosphere depending on what you pair it with, counteracting a cozy vibe. Additionally, neon and pastel shades don’t blend well with this neutral. White, though a neutral base color, is no longer the frontrunner in the interior design world and may result in a flat or even cold and sterile ambiance. While Nate Berkus champions white for a fresh and clean space, maintaining your bedding’s crispness can also be a tiresome task.
White sheets easily become yellow from sweat and oils, dulling the color, and they can also get dirty from various other factors. Pet hair and dander, liquids, and regular use will make white sheets look dingy, detracting from the overall bedding appearance. Instead of relying on such a sterile color, you can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere by replacing white with beige, cream, or even a taupe shade. This is if you wish to stick with a color closer to white. However, to truly add dimension and texture to your room, choose sheets with prints or patterns and fold your duvet over to reveal them when the bed is made. This allows you to define your bedroom’s aesthetic more clearly.
Mix and match patterns and colors
Combining and matching patterns and prints through textiles is one of the easiest ways to incorporate multiple colors and patterns into your room. If your duvet features a pattern, consider using sheets with a solid color that matches one or more of its elements for a fuller effect. However, if your bedding is simple or plain, your sheets can be the perfect place to introduce a print — whether stripes, checkers, small decals, or something bolder like florals. Since only a small portion of your sheets will be visible, especially if you fold over your duvet, this avoids creating visual clutter in the room while still offering the opportunity to add more dimension and style.
Bedding follows different rules than other textiles in your home. Try using florals for the base sheets, then adding another layer of stripes for a combination that creates interest without going overboard. Or use a bold stripe for your sheets and pair it with a matching solid on the duvet. Lastly, using all solids but layering different colors produces a fuller effect too. Choose bold shades like blue, red, green, and even mustard to layer together, or opt for a monochromatic palette featuring various shades of the same hue.
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