Today’s design trend celebrates individuality and creativity – finding a way to express your unique point of view. It may be easy to get yourself a bedding set from the store, put it on your bed, and call it a day, but chances are it will not really reflect your personal style? Now, more than ever, there are choices upon choices of interesting and exciting products you can purchase for your bedroom. By blending different elements like color, pattern, and texture, you can create your own curated look – one that matches your personality, point of view and design aesthetic. If you are ready to dress your bed by mixing and matching from all the options that are out there, let’s get started!
"Ultimately, the goal is to create a serene retreat, where the materials and colors come together in perfect harmony, ensuring the bedding enhances the overall aesthetic of the room while providing ultimate comfort."Laura Lubin, principal designer of Ellerslie Interiors
Color Coordination: Setting the Foundation for Mix and Match Bedding
As with anything, the place to start is by laying a foundation and that means building a color palette. While you want your colors to be cohesive, it does not mean that everything needs to be a perfect monochromatic match. Lean into colors that have personal meaning and appeal to you making sure that the colors you choose complement each other and provide some contrast and depth to your palette. Soft neutrals, like beige and taupe, can be contrasted with richer navy, emerald, and cocoa hues, for example. A good idea is to pick one color to serve as your base (the most abundant color in your palette), then build the rest of your colors around it. If you need help choosing a base color check out the solid bedding collections from Levtex Home, each featuring a multitude of colors to ensure the perfect fit for almost any personality and each providing a great color to ground your palette.
Pattern Play: Adding Visual Interest with Prints
An excellent way to elevate the presentation of your bedding ensemble is by incorporating pattern. The secret is to mindfully select your patterns so that you don’t drown out the rest of your space. Keep in mind the size and boldness of your patterns: balancing smaller prints with larger ones, and busier designs contrasted by simple geometrics. At Levtex Home we make it a little easier for you, most of our quilts for example are designed with a lead design on the front and a complementary reverse pattern that allows for automatic layering and visual interest. If you have a hard time visualizing how patterns cooperate, check out Levtex Home’s shop the look page for inspiration on layered bedding looks.
Texture Variety: Creating Depth and Comfort in Your Bedding Layers
Just as stimulating as your bed is visually, you want that same feeling from a tactile perspective. What’s the simplest way of achieving this? Well, adding more textures of course! Consider layering a quilted coverlet over your smooth cotton duvet or comforter. Try having a layer of cotton for the colder months, and a linen layer for the warmer months. Not only will they have a different feel, they will add depth and dimension to your room. Add pillows that are knit or have tasseled corners or tufted designs that add elements of color and texture to your bedroom. The interplay of textures not only makes your bedroom stunning, but makes it feel magical too.
"Speaking of texture, you should think about what materials are on your bed (i.e. linen, cotton, knits, etc.). The right amount of material/textures will give your bed added (quiet) visual interest."Emily Henderson, interior designer
Themes to Inspire Your Mix and Match Bedding Ensemble
It’s always nice to have a vision before action, so choosing a theme to guide the process can ensure you don’t get too excited and end-up overboard. Here are some of the most popular themes to consider for your bedroom, and how to amp up your bed’s look:
Modern Minimalist Bedding
Opt for a clean simplicity with the modern minimalist look. Sticking to a neutral color scheme of white, gray, black, and taupe – the clean lines and subtle patterns add a calm visual intrigue. Use classic geometric designs like stripes for your pattern.
Bohemian Chic
Bohemian chic is for all those free-spirits. Celebrate your eclectic nature by mixing vibrant colors, diverse patterns, and rich textures to fill your room with personality. Get inspired by global prints, tassels, embroidery, and natural materials.
Rustic Charm
For the homebodies that don’t mind a bit of natural texture around a warm and inviting center, rustic charm might be your go-to style. Earth tones, saturated hues, and hardwoods are beautifully contrasted by plush upholstery. Patterns like plaids and florals work wonderfully in this design aesthetic. If you’re looking for accenting textiles for your rustic home, our farmhouse bedding collection captures the spirit of rustic charm.
Classic Elegance
To create a more upscale and refined feeling in your home, go for the timeless sophistication of classic elegance. Blending blues, creams, and grays for color and damask or classic floral designs for pattern, classic elegance never goes out of style. This bedroom style can be bold or subtle but its always refined. Use the freedom of the expansive color palettes and expressive designs to show off your personal aesthetic.
"I lean towards neutral tones − think whites, soft grays, and muted beige − that evoke calmness and serenity. I also appreciate subtle prints, such as delicate stripes or small geometric patterns, for a touch of visual interest without overpowering the space. On occasion, I'll incorporate a soft, earthy tone, such as deep sage or terracotta, to add warmth and depth to the bedding ensemble."Laura Lubin, principal designer of Ellerslie Interiors
Practical Tips for a Cohesive Mix and Match Bedding Look
Always Have a Base: Starting with Solid Sheets, Duvet Covers and Comforters
It’s always good to sort out your base color before beginning to layer. A solid colored sheet set, comforter or duvet cover will anchor your design and help the bolder, patterned and textural elements stand out.
Layering Order for Maximum Drama
Now that we’ve got our base layer down, it’s time to start layering. Top off your bed with a quilt, and fold a contrasting and complementary duvet or comforter at the foot of the bed (or vice versa). Once you’ve got that nicely made, take a throw blanket to drape elegantly on the bed. Make sure your pillows cases and shams are neatly stacked. The final finishing touch is the decorative pillows, which you’ll want to place just right! There you have it, the perfectly made bed!
"I recommend using 2 blankets, a lightweight blanket with a thick one on top. This provides versatility and creates a plush, soft look. In the summer months, simply fold the thick one back while sleeping."Meredith McKenzie, interior designer and owner of The Selective Design
Reminder: The Balancing Act of Mixing Bedding Prints and Textures
As fun and imaginative as it is to mix and match bedding together, there’s a balance to keeping everything cohesive. Be intentional with your color, pattern, and texture selection with harmony in mind. For example: if you have a bold duvet then pair it with solid sheets that are in the same color family. These decisions prevent a single element dominating your finished ensemble.
Incorporating Accessories to Match and Enhance Your Bedding Ensemble
Just like a banana split isn’t complete without a maraschino cherry, no room is complete without those finishing accessories. Here’s what to look out for to ensure you bring your bedroom vision to life:
Pillows and Throws: Easy Ways to Refresh Your Bedding Look
Pillows and throws are great because they can introduce new colors, patterns, and textures without having to refresh your entire bedroom. Their smaller sizes make them easy to swap out for seasonal makeovers, or just whenever you feel like a change. If you’re looking for new additions to your own bedroom, check out our decorative pillows and throws.
"Finally, bring in the pop of color and pattern with decorative pillows. Pillows are the key ingredient for adding that designer touch. I love to use two “King Euro” pillows against a King headboard. They are the height of a Euro, but the width of a King sham, so you only need two instead of three. They hide your sleeping pillows nicely behind them and it’s less to move each day. In front of these, you can do two pretty square decorative pillows."Meredith McKenzie, interior designer and owner of The Selective Design
Complementary Decor Beyond the Bed
Don’t feel limited to mixing and matching on just the bed. Go beyond with complementary decor items such as rugs, curtains, and wall art. Use the floor and wall space to bring out your personal style.
Conclusion
See how easy that was? Mix and match bedding is a simple yet effective way to get your bedroom oozing with style. Through a mindful combination of colors, patterns, and textiles we’re able to lean into our own individuality while staying stylish with the trends of the modern age.
FAQ
How do I start to mix and match bedding without it looking messy?
Start by choosing a solid base like a neutral sheet set or duvet cover to ground your design. Then, you can mix and match with different prints, florals, and textures to add interest while keeping everything cohesive. Try to combine sheets and bedding in complementary colors, such as blue tones paired with soft neutrals. Always balance bold patterns with simpler designs so your bed feels styled, not cluttered.
Can I mix different materials like cotton sheets with linen duvets?
Yes, combining cotton sheets with a linen duvet cover is a great way to add both texture and comfort to your bed. Cotton offers a soft, breathable feel, while linen brings in a relaxed, lived-in look that layers beautifully. Many people mix materials to adapt to different seasons, using cotton for a smooth base and linen or textured covers for style. This mix not only looks designer but also helps regulate temperature year-round.
What’s the best way to match sheet sets with printed duvets or quilts?
When pairing a sheet set with a bold duvet cover or quilt, look for colors that are already featured in the print to tie the look together. For example, if your duvet has blue floral accents, pick a sheet set in soft blue or crisp white to complement it. Avoid using another busy pattern on the sheets, as that can make the bed feel too chaotic. Keeping the sheets simple lets the duvet or quilt be the star while still looking cohesive.
Can I mix full bedding sets with individual pieces to create a custom look?
Absolutely, blending a full bedding set with individually chosen covers, sheets, and decorative pieces is the essence of mix and match styling. Start with a bed set you love, then add your own spin by layering a different duvet cover, textured throw, or linen pillowcases. This lets you refresh your room without buying everything new and gives your bed a personalized, curated vibe. Combining sets and singles is the best way to make your bedding look custom and unique.
References
1. "How to make your bed like an interior designer − what to buy and where to shop" on Homes & Gardens - https://www.homesandgardens.com/shopping/favorite-bedding-of-interior-designers
2. "6 Steps To Layering Your Bed Like An Interior Designer" on Southern Living - https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-layer-bed-8728151
3. "The 6 Rules For Creating A Bedding Combo That Will Make Bedtime Even More Exciting (+ 16 Combos To Prove It)" on Style by Emily Henderson - https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/our-favorite-bedding-sets
4. "5 Ways To Perfectly Mix & Match Throw Pillows, According To Designers" on The Zoe Report - https://www.thezoereport.com/living/5-ways-to-perfectly-mix-match-throw-pillows-according-to-designers
