Dr. Barry Jarvis
Choosing the perfect color combinations for your bedding is an art and a science. With the right blend of colors and patterns, your bedding can become the beautiful centerpiece of your bedroom décor and a welcoming oasis for rest and relaxation.
This in-depth guide will explore how to expertly coordinate all the layers of your bedding into fabulous color combos. Read on for pro tips, popular pairings, examples and ideas to inspire you to dress your bed in beautiful coordinated style.
The Importance of Coordinated Bedding
Having coordinated bedding offers many benefits beyond just looking stylish and put-together:
Creates a Complete Look
With coordinated colors that complement each other across all bedding layers, you can achieve a polished, complete bedroom look easily.
Feels Harmonious
When bedding colors coordinate, the eye perceives the arrangement as harmonic and soothing. Mismatched colors feel chaotic and visually disruptive.
Makes Decor Easier
Start with coordinated bedding and you have a reliable color palette to guide the rest of your bedroom decor choices.
Sets the Mood
Carefully chosen color combinations can help set the mood you want for your bedroom retreat.
Adds Personality
The colors you choose for your personal space reflect who you are. Coordinate them to maximize style.
Factors that Impact Coordination
As you plan your color combinations, keep these factors in mind:
Color Theory
Rules like complementary colors and triadic colors provide tried-and-true harmonic formulas.
Existing Colors
Consider colors already present in your bedroom – walls, furniture, artwork – and choose bedding to coordinate.
Personal Taste
Above all, choose color combos you find attractive and enjoyable. Push boundaries too!
Lighting
The light in your bedroom impacts colors. Test swatches at different times of day.
Room Size
Bold colors and big patterns suit larger bedrooms. Soft hues and dainty prints for small.
Essential Bedding Pieces to Coordinate
To achieve a coordinated total bed look, these are the key bedding pieces to color coordinate:
Fitted Sheet
Since this layer hugs the mattress closely, its color will be very visible.
Top Sheet
A lightweight sheet on top that can be seen when bedding is folded down.
Duvet Cover
The duvet is the focal top layer, so its color choice is key.
Blankets
Any blankets or throws involved in bedding layers should coordinate.
Bedskirt
If using a bedskirt to conceal under-bed storage, match its colors.
Pillows
Bed pillows in their pillowcases are a major color element.
Other Accents
Bed scarves, cushions, shams can tie colors together.
Top 10 Color Combos for Bedding
Here are 10 fail-safe complementary color combinations perfect for coordinating bedding:
1. Navy and White
Crisp white mixed with classic navy blue evokes timeless nautical style. Sophisticated and lively.
2. Gray and Yellow
Cool gray paired with vibrant yellow creates an uplifting bright and contemporary look.
3. Pink and Green
Feminine pink with refreshing green mirrors springtime and brings playful charm.
4. Lavender and Seafoam
Pretty lavender blended with soothing seafoam green delivers a dreamy pastel pairing.
5. Red and Turquoise
Punchy red with vivid turquoise makes for an exotic, Moroccan-inspired combo.
6. Chocolate and Mint
Rich chocolate brown with invigorating mint green offers an unexpected earthy mix.
7. Black and White
Classic black and white provides timeless contrast and works with any style.
8. Orange and Blue
Cheerful orange and calming blue create color pop but stay balanced.
9. Tan and Sage Green
Warm tan combined with earthy sage green gives off organic vibes.
10. Beige and Mauve
Neutral beige with subtle mauve purple conjures romantic French country charm.
Use these combinations as jumping off points to inspire your own fabulous coordinated bedding in any color palette you fancy!
Mixing and Matching Patterns
When working with prints and patterns, follow these tips:
Limit to 2-3 Patterns
Stick to one or two dominant prints/patterns maximum so bedding doesn’t feel too noisy or cluttered.
Vary Scale
Mixing small, medium and large-scale patterns creates visual interest. Avoid combining all small patterns.
Coordinate Colors
Ensure patterns have at least one color in common for cohesion.
Solids for Balance
Use solid sheets, shams or blankets to balance busy patterns.
Choose Thematic Patterns
Opt for patterns with similar origins or motifs like traditional florals and paisleys.
Dreamy Color Formulas for Bedding
For those seeking inspiration, here are foolproof formulas professional designers use to create stunning coordinated color schemes:
Monochromatic
Different tones, tints and shades of one color like blues or greens. Tranquil and elegant.
Analogous
Hues adjacent on the color wheel like violet, blue and green. Harmonic and calming.
Complementary
Opposite colors on the wheel like red and green or orange and blue. Vibrant contrast.
Triadic
Color triangle like purple, orange and green. Energetic and balanced.
Warm or Cool
Sticking with only warm earth tones or cool blues and greens. Simple and relaxing.
Neutral Plus One Color
Such as tan and sage green. Allows one color to pop while keeping the palette calming.
Pulling the Bedroom Together
Once you’ve chosen beautiful coordinated bedding, pull the look together throughout the bedroom with:
Coordinating Wall Color
Paint or accent the walls in one of your bedding colors.
Matching Curtains
Hang drapes or curtains in a matching or complementary hue.
Considered Furniture Selection
Choose nightstands, headboard and other furniture in colors that work with the bedding palette.
Artwork Echoing Colors
Select some artwork or wall prints that reflect the color scheme.
Area Rug Cohesion
An area rug matching or complementing the bedding ties the whole room together.
Cohesive Linens
Bed pillows, throws and shams should follow the color/pattern scheme.
FAQs About Coordinating Bedding
Below are answers to commonly asked questions about pulling together color-coordinated bedding combinations:
How do you choose bedding for a guest room?
For guest rooms opt for complementary neutrals like navy and white, gray and tan or chocolate and light blue. Easy to use with any decor and unlikely to clash with guests’ taste.
How do I choose bedding for a small bedroom?
In small rooms stick to light, muted cool hues like greys, soft blues and lavenders. Monochromatic schemes also keep things calm. Avoid bright colors and oversized patterns.
Where should you start when coordinating bedding?
Begin by choosing the duvet or comforter first as that is the dominant color. Then select coordinating fitted sheet, pillows shams and blankets.
Should you buy bedding as a set?
Sets can simplify coordination, but mixing and matching allows for more personalization and gradually collected look over time.
What’s the best way to add color to neutral bedding?
Add punches of color via accent pillows in complementary shades. Vibrant artworks above the bed also enliven neutrals.
How do you work color into a rental bedroom?
Use art, throw pillows, area rugs and blankets to inject color into a rental space with neutral bedding. These are easy to change out when you move.
How often should you change your bedding color scheme?
Aim for refreshing your bedroom color palette every 2-3 years. Change with the seasons if desired. Mix up pillows more frequently.
In Conclusion
A beautifully made bed dressed in coordinated colors and patterns can become the inviting centerpiece of your dream bedroom retreat. Use the tips in this guide to thoughtfully blend sheets, shams, duvets and blankets into fabulous combinations that reflect your personal taste and style. Confidently apply professional color formulas for foolproof harmony. Then expand the color scheme throughout your bedroom for a polished, peaceful ambiance perfect for rest and relaxation.
Originally posted on September 20, 2023 @ 2:06 am
Author
Dr. Barry Jarvis
Dr. Barry Jarvis is a renowned sleep specialist, dedicating their illustrious career to the intricate world of sleep medicine. Holding a medical degree from a prestigious institution, Dr. Jarvis has cultivated a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern sleep and its pivotal role in overall health and well-being. With a compassionate approach and a meticulous eye for detail, Dr. Jarvis has helped countless individuals reclaim restful nights and vibrant days. Beyond their clinical expertise, they have contributed to groundbreaking research in sleep medicine, unraveling the mysteries of sleep disorders and pioneering innovative treatments that stand at the forefront of the field.
