Dr. Barry Jarvis
A crisp white bed serves as a light and airy blank canvas to layer in texture, patterns and pops of color. But all that white space can also feel stark and uninviting if not styled properly. Follow this comprehensive guide on how to artfully decorate an all-white bed into a welcoming oasis using color, fabric and thoughtful detailing.
We’ll provide tips for infusing visual interest through contrasting and tonal color palettes, suggest coordinating accessories, and introduce creative styling approaches ranging from minimalist to bold and colorful. With the right personalization and accents, your white bed can become a striking designer focal point.
Benefits of a White Bed
An intentionally designed white bed offers these versatile advantages:
Light and Airy – Crisp white reflects light, enhancing the feeling of openness and breathing life into smaller dark rooms.
Neutral Background – Allows you to layer in any color palette and seasonal accessories you desire without competing with busy bedding prints.
Minimalist – A streamlined white bed with luxurious textures channels the popular minimal design look.
Spa-Like – All-white bedding evokes the tranquil feeling of luxury hotel suites and spas.
Summery – White bedding feels beachy, fresh and light for the warmer months.
Classic and Timeless – Always in style, white bases maintain their versatility and never appear dated.
Choose white bedding as your starting point to build a beautifully designed bed unique to your personal taste.
Tips for Styling and Accessorizing a White Bed
Follow these tips for incorporating color, texture and flair:
Add Contrast – Pillows, shams and blankets in deep hues like indigo or black provide dramatic impact against white. ivory and cream.
Think Textural – Fuzzy shag pillows, nubby knits, and billowy throws add cozy tactile contrast and dimension.
Flaunt Florals and Botanicals – Vivid floral shams and pillows energize white bedding with color and vibrance.
Make it Metallic – Glam it up with touches of shiny gold, silver and copper in blankets, pillow trim and decorative objects.
Insert Brights – Pops of chartreuse, fuchsia, turquoise and other fun bright solids or patterns breathe life into the white backdrop.
Finish Artfully – Wall art over the bed provides the perfect finishing color and style accent.
Follow these tips and soon your white bed will be a work of art.
Styling a White Bed for Different Decor Styles
Tailor accents to complement these popular decor aesthetics:
Modern – Use crisp solid shams in muted neutrals and bold geometric prints in black and white or bright colors. Add metallics.
Rustic and Farmhouse – Incorporate natural wood, burlap textures, checkered homespun patterns, and greenery for an organic look.
Traditional and Classic – Embellish with antique inspired quilts, embroidered French Country shams, and delicate floral motifs in soft vintage color palettes.
Eclectic and Vintage – Have fun combining PILLOWS in a wild mix of vintage-inspired global patterns, exotic trim and show-stopping art.
Coastal – Accent with pale blue and green hues, seashell tones, natural fiber rugs, and driftwood accents for beachy style.
Contemporary – Favor SOLIDS, faux fur throws, and abstract art in vivid colors to complement sleek modern furniture.
Tying in accessories that reflect the overall room ensures your white bedding complements the intended decor personality.
Color Palette Ideas for White Beds
Monochromatic Contrast
Group pillows in soft tonal greys from charcoal to pewter to create an elegant neutral oasis. Add visual texture and luxury with cashmere throws.
Cool Hued
Channel breezy coastal vibes combining shades of icy blue and green pillows with natural woven blankets and rattan or driftwood nightstands.
Warm and Cozy
Layer in terra cotta, peach, and mustard pillows and window treatments for a feminine look brimming with personality.
Primaries
Make a playful bold statement mixing in vibrant cherry red, marine blue, and sunny yellow shams and artwork.
Metallics
Glam it up Hollywood style with sparkling gold, silver and bronze accent pillows, throws and decor against crisp white sheets.
Vivid Florals
Liven up white bedding with hottest-hued fuchsia, turquoise, and chartreuse pillows covered in oversized tropical floral prints.
Au Natural
Take an organic approach with layers in creamy ivory, linen, jute, wood and wicker elements for casual sophistication.
The right color scheme transforms your white bed into a designer focal point that fits your style.
Creative Techniques for Layering White Beds
Colorblock Layers
Section off bedding into frames of color – like a navy flat sheet bordering white pillows against a sky blue wall.
Contrasting Patterns
Ground white shams and sheets with a mix of vibrant patterned quilts and blankets for lively contrast.
Texture Mixing
Combine silky pillows, nubby knits, fluffy faux fur and embroidered accents for varied touchable textures.
Focal Point Pillows
Start neutral with white bedding then make pillows the star – florals, geometrics, global patterns steal the show.
Finish with Wallpaper
Line the wall behind your bed with lively patterned or colored wallpaper for the perfect bold frame.
Paint an Accent Wall
Paint the wall behind the bed headboard a vivid hue to both ground and enhance the white bedding.
Playing with color, texture and patterns transforms a basic white bed into a stunning artistic statement.
Example White Bed Styling Inspiration
Neutral Oasis – Creamy ecru bedding layered with linen and woven textures in ivory and tan. Natural calm sophistication.
Black and White – Crisp black and white Buffalo check shams and pillows with faux fur throws. Classic and cozy.
Vintage Vibe – Antique quilt folded at bed bottom with a mix of faded floral and gingham shams in lavender, aqua and butter yellow. Charming timeworn character.
Glam Glitz – White tufted headboard with shiny silver and gold accent pillows against a wallpaper or painted gold accent wall. Opulent and eye-catching luxe.
Breezy Coastal – Light blue and white ikat print shams mixed with textural seagrass and linen pillows. Transports you to the beach.
Modern Botanical – Simple white backdrop with oversized abstract floral prints in pinks and greens. Fresh springtime vibe.
Blend your favorite colors, patterns and accessories for a distinctly personalized white bed that reflects your unique style.
Decorating with White Beds in Small Spaces
All-white bedding visually expands smaller rooms. But beware going too crisp and spare which can feel cold and uninviting. Take these steps:
- Soften with extra cozy textures like soft chenille shams or faux fur throws.
- Warm it up incorporating wood nightstands and rattan or wicker elements.
- Add lightweight quilts at the foot for warmth while maintaining breeziness.
- Anchor white bedding with contrasting colored or patterned headboards and wall art.
- Choose bright, light-reflecting white shades – avoid stark bright white.
Include touches of warmth and texture so your white bed feels serene rather than stark.
Seasonal Updates for White Beds
Adjust your layers and accents to transition a white bed year-round:
Spring – Floral quilts and pastel accents evoke renewal.
Summer – Light and breezy with fewer layers. Showcase crisp white linens.
Fall – Warm it up with buffalo check wool blankets in spice colors.
Winter – Fuzzy blankets and darker jewel-toned accents create cozy nesting appeal.
Updating bedding and walls transforms the same white base to keep up with the seasons.
Styling Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Anchor white bedding with contrasting wall, rug or furniture colors.
- Soften and add visual texture by layering in cozy linens and knits.
- Embrace white and play up accents in any color palette you want from bold to neutral.
- Have fun styling! Frequently change pillows and layers to showcase new colors and patterns with each season.
DON’T:
- Allow white bedding, walls, and furniture to all blend without contrast. Adds visual sterility.
- Over-match every element including sheets, pillows, shams. Some variation gives a custom designer look.
- Stick to all one textural look. Combine silky and matte with nubby and tufted.
- Feel restricted to only neutrals with white. Any color pops beautifully against a white background.
Use contrasts, combine textures, and layer in colors you love for the most alluring white bed.
Decorating a White Bed FAQs
What color sheets go with a white comforter?
White comforters pair beautifully with sheets in light neutrals like cream and beige. Crisp white on white bedding also looks very elegant. Light blue sheets add a soothing contrast. For pops of color, try pale pink, mint, butter yellow or light grey sheets.
What color walls go with a white bed?
White bedding commonly looks best against light grey, soft blue, taupe and ecru walls. But any color accent wall in shades from emerald to mustard complements classic white bedding. Just avoid matching pure bright whites which compete.
How do you add color to a white bedroom?
Use pillows, throws, rugs, wall art and upholstered headboards in colors you love to liven up white bedding and bedrooms. Pale pastel pillows keep it serene while jewel tones and brights add punch.
What color curtains go with a white bedroom?
White bedrooms adorned with white bedding provide the perfect crisp backdrop for playful curtain colors. Opt for bright and light-filtering sheers or drapes in aqua, pale peach, butter yellow, sky blue and other soft hues you adore.
Should all bedroom furniture match with a white bed?
Not necessarily. Feel free to mix wood stain colors and alternate silhouettes for contrast and character. Just ensure wood tones complement each other. Unifying with consistent white bedding binds the look together.
The Bottom Line
A basic white bed offers you beautiful blank canvas possibilities. Visually expand smaller spaces by keeping bedding light and airy. Then creatively introduce color, texture and patterns tailored to your personal taste or the room’s decor style. Combining the right accents and layers creates a welcoming sleep sanctuary. Soon your artfully designed white bed will make a stylish statement and become the crowning focal point of your bedroom.
Originally posted on September 1, 2023 @ 9:08 pm
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.
