How to Style Patterned Bedding With 7 Simple Tips
Easy ways to coordinate patterned bedding.
Styling patterned bedding is easier than you think – from dreamy florals to nautical stripes, there are plenty of ways you can incorporate playful designs into your bedding. Keep reading for tips on choosing patterns, coordinating colors, and finding the right balance.
1. Choose a Primary Pattern
When it comes to working with patterned bedding, it's best to create a balance between prints and solids to ensure your sleep setup looks cohesive. The key to mixing and matching is choosing your primary pattern. This is typically the boldest, most colorful, or largest pattern. The primary pattern could be displayed on a bigger piece of bedding, such as your duvet cover or sheet set, or on a coverlet that you keep folded at the end of your bed. You'll be able to use the design as a foundation on which to base additional patterns.
Tip!
Need help gathering the basics? Learn more about bedding essentials with our guide Basic Parts of Bedding You Need to Know.
2. Pick Secondary Prints
Once you choose your primary print, it's time to pick out secondary patterns. You want something that will pair well with the primary design and complement the overall aesthetic of your bedding. It's easy to incorporate the secondary pattern through a pair of throw pillows, a set of sheets, or a cozy throw blanket at the foot of the bed.
Knowing how to style patterned bedding comes down to playing with the right proportions. Whether you're working with two patterns in the same family or two entirely different designs, it's best to choose prints in different sizes to prevent them from clashing. Using a combination of a small and large pattern will help separate the two, making the pairing easy on the eyes.
Mixing prints doesn't have to be tricky! When working with mismatched patterns, you can choose one with rounded shapes and another with straight lines. Think of plaid and polka dots, geometric and abstract, or florals paired with stripes (like in the image above). The playful juxtaposition between the two types of patterns adds a thoughtful layer to your bedding.
If you'd rather match than mix, pair your primary pattern with solid-colored bedding in coordinating colors. This makes the patterned bedding feel like the focal point. In the photo above, we love how the dainty geometric design of the sheets brings the cozy white quilt and dark pink throw together. Plus, swapping between different sets of patterned sheets is an easy way to switch up the look of your bedroom.
Texture can play a key role when working with a variety of different colors and patterns. Try to experiment with textures that act like patterns – such as a diamond-stitch quilt or a set of embroidered pillow shams. In the photo above, the white channel-stitch quilt adds a clean-lined, stripe-like feel that balances the bright patterned throw.
If you're not ready to begin playing with bold patterns just yet, look for small ways to incorporate your favorite prints instead. Try using patterned throw pillows or a set of printed pillowcases to brighten up your neutral bedding. Such motifs will add some visual interest – and might just inspire you to bring more patterned bedding to your bedroom.
Tip!
Read our guide 24 Cozy & Comfortable Bedroom Designs You'll Want to Try to find inspiration for your next bedroom refresh.
