Your new is just around the corner
Sign up for insight into the latest design trends from our newsletter
You're on the list
By signing up, you agree to receive email marketing.
How To Style a Bed
Your bed is a welcome place of respite at the end of the day. It’s where you go to relax, decompress, and yes — sleep. When you’re not getting your shuteye, though, the bed becomes an important part of home decor, setting the mood for the room.
For many people the bed is a centerpiece of bedroom design, whether it’s the main bedroom or for guests. Whether you're looking to style a king bed or a twin, you want a personal touch that’s unique to your tastes or a more universal style that’s welcoming to guests, the options are endless.
You can bring a bit of creativity, mood, and design appeal to this functional necessity while creating a welcoming environment for you and yours to get that much-needed rest. Here are our tips for how to style a bed.
Pillows
Pillows come in every shape and size — you can make use of this variety when you style your bed. If you want a more luxurious look, consider using a couple of large pillows propped up against the headboard with a few smaller pillows propped up in front.
Usually, these pillows are more for show than comfort, so they should be easy to shift around when it’s time to sneak under the covers. Your color scheme might match the larger pillows and the smaller pillows respectively in a way that’s complementary.
For a more refined and sleek option when styling a bed with pillows, consider nothing more than a couple of oblong bolster pillows — the kind you might see in a yoga class. Placed along the edge of the headboard, these can bring a sense of space to the bed, making it look roomier and easier for you to stretch out.
When it comes time to sleep, you can use the bolster pillows or swap them out for something that provides the ideal head support. You can effectively balance style and support by having a range of pillows on hand.
Sheets, Quilts, Throws, and Duvets
The sheets are the core of your bed’s style and function. It’s this layering that gives your bed its specific look and also determines how much comfort you’ll get at the end of the day. Choosing heavier winter sheets or lighter ones when spring comes around can help you maintain the ideal sleep temperature for the season.
To bring some flair to your style, consider mixing textures and materials in your throws, quilts, comforters, and duvets. You might consider styling a throw blanket on a bed by folding it neatly or layering it more casually on a corner. A chunky knit quilt with a neutral color laid on top of a patterned duvet can bring a touch of subtlety to a bold design.
Mix thickness in addition to material; a thick duvet might go well over a thinner top sheet that ensures the bed doesn't look too heavy or light on comfort. Remember that it’s perfectly acceptable to mix a few different looks in a single bed style.
If you have a bed skirt, consider adding on to this look with an overall softer style that invites long top sheets and a pattern on the headboard.
Color Scheme
The color scheme for your bed style can vary from updates on old classics like tartan, opting for green patterns instead of the traditional red, or floral patterns that come in a range of styles from distinctly retro to unabashedly modern. If patterns aren’t your thing, consider keeping it simple with a full matching bed set, keeping the same solid color for all pieces.
Some bold options include high-contrast pieces, such as solid black and white in the pillows, duvets, and top sheets. If you’re willing to take a risk with color, consult a color wheel to find two bold tones that are in distinct contrast but together invoke the mood you want.
Your colors can also be subtle. A range of earth tones can give the bed set a cohesive feel while still offering a range of shade opportunities. It’s also a safe choice if you want to make your guest room inviting for visitors with a variety of aesthetic tastes.
Adding Unique Tastes
The bed is also a chance for you to experiment stylistically. Bring in unique aspects of your personality or a distinct style to a guest room you want to make an experience. You can think like a designer and turn your mind to the ideal bed for each unique personality.
Perhaps that’s a flowing canopy for the dreamy teenager or monogrammed pillows for those with a traditional aesthetic. The '80s-obsessed guest might love bold sheets with a tiger print throw. Think of how children often enjoy having bedsheets with their favorite fictional characters; grownups also have little style elements they enjoy, too. If your style is a little off the beaten path, feel free to bring it into your bedroom decor.
Staying Focused on Comfort
A bed still has to allow for rest at the end of the day. Along with your style choices, consider other options that can make the bed welcoming for you or your guests. Starting with bedsheets, consider what’s best to sleep in given the time of year. Linen is often light enough for summer, while flannel offers that extra bit of heat in the winter chill.
Layers are another essential, no matter the time of year. You might style your bed with a top sheet and duvet during the day, but offer guests the option of a few lighter blankets. A chest or shelving in the room with bedding options can allow you or guests to make a quick switch as needed.
Styling your bed involves exploring options for color, design, layering, and comfort. The look and function of a bed are both important, but you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. By working with your own sense of style, providing options to customize the bed’s comforting elements, and taking a few design risks, you can have a bed style to be proud of.