The Bedding Formula

Picking out your bedding and pillows is often times thought of as the last step in a bedroom refresh project, however, we think your bedding can have the greatest impact in your space! Putting together the perfect mix of textures, linens, solids, stripes- whatever it may be- can be overwhelming and leave you feeling like the matching set is your only viable option. Last week, we had a client reach out feeling this same sense of dread toward selecting their bedding. Their only requirements were to keep it neutral, make it interesting, and not break the bank. To some, this may seem like a daunting task, but with our simple formula we were able to create effortlessly beautiful bedding collections layered with textures and patterns that the client loves!

*As a note, "neutral" doesn't have to mean just white, grey, and tan. We like to count all "Earth Tones" as neutrals- think terracotta orange, olive green, charcoal grey, and soft taupes.

1. Select a Duvet Cover

We always suggest picking out your duvet cover first as it typically takes up the most real estate on your bed and works as the "backdrop" to the other elements. There are several directions you can go when deciding on the duvet- this decision will help guide the rest of your selections to create the perfect set. Although we love a bold pattern, going with a solid or subtly textured neutral is our best recommendation. This will allow you to switch out other elements throughout the year while still keeping a neutral base. See below one of our favorite bedroom designs by Chris Loves Julia- they went simple with the bedding and stuck with a classic white duvet which can easily be layered.

Design by: Chris Loves Julia

2. Pick Your Sheets

When buying sheets, it's important to make sure you're purchasing the correct size so the fitted sheet is deep enough for the mattress. After narrowing down your search based on size, it's time to figure out what material you prefer. Cotton or cotton blend sheets are always popular choices, but there are many different materials from flannel to silk- it's all about personal preference. The next step is to decide if you want a pattern [striped or plaid are some of our favorites], color [we love earth tones & neutrals], or even a simple white. If you're a clean freak, avid self-tanner, or love that hotel chic look, we always recommend a white sheet for easy bleaching and a timeless look. We typically suggest purchasing at least two sheet sets while investing in your new bedding, so feel free to mix & match here. See below how Jean Stoffer uses a white sheet, while still creating an interesting and colorful bedroom design in her English Cottage project!

Design by: Jean Stoffer

3. Find a Quilt or Throw (or both!)

Here's where you can start to have a little bit more fun! The first step is to pick a color scheme- is it neutral and earthy? Bright and bold? Tone on tone? Once you determine your theme, you can begin your search. If you love the layered look, you can add a quilt and toss a throw on top to add more texture. On the picture below, we love how Studio McGee uses a printed quilt underneath the folded Duvet for extra dimension. You could also use a contrasting throw that brings in softness to the space. Both options look effortlessly chic while feeling finished and intentional.

Design by: Studio McGee

4. Arrange a Pillow Layout

This one seems to be the step that intimidates most people, but also where creative freedom lies. There are several layouts and methods for choosing your pillows. We'll go over three of our favorite layouts below and how you can make them work with your bedding:

Option 1:

Three Euro pillows in the back, followed by your sleeping pillows, bed size shams that match your duvet, and an accent pillow

Option 2:

Two bed size shams that match your duvet in the back stacked on your sleeping pillows, two Euros, one accent, and one lumbar

Option 3:

Two bed size shams that match your duvet in the back stacked on your sleeping pillows, three Euros, and two accent pillows

Build a (Queen) Bed

Now let’s use the formula in real time! To build our bedding set around Option 2, first we will select our duvet. We want to go neutral, but still bring some texture into the space, so we will go with a Waffle Weave duvet in Coconut White.

Next up are the sheets. We love a solid white, but we want to add just a little bit of warmth. We will choose a Washed Linen Sheet Set in color Embroidery Linen. We love the tone of this natural flax sheet and the contrast it gives to the white duvet we selected.

For this bedding set, we want to use both a quilt and a throw. The quilt will add color, pattern, and dimension, while the throw will add texture, movement, and softness. This Multi-Colored Reversible Quilt gives our bedding set a pop of color without overdoing it. The organic pattern of the quilt pairs well with a Diamond Stitched Knit blanket, which adds some geometric contrast. A great trick when mixing patterns is to incorporate variation in the types of patterns (i.e. geometric, abstract, large scale prints, small patterns, etc.) This helps the vignette to feel balanced and interesting without being distracting and busy. This rule applies when selecting your Euro & accent pillows as well!

In front of our stacked sleeping and Waffle Duvet Shams, we will layer 2 Euro shams. We want something deep and rich to complement the tones in the blue and yellow quilt. Choosing pillows in complementary colors (meaning colors opposite each other on the color wheel) will add interest to the bedding set. These Velvet Tufted Shams in color Cognac are the perfect addition to introduce a new texture and color to “break up” the neutral duvet and sheets. For the accent pillow, we will use this Woven Throw Pillow to tie in the blue tones in the quilt. The finishing touch is a Yellow Moroccan Style Lumbar Pillow.

Ready to see the magic of the bedding formula?

As you can see, with the mix of linens, velvets, embroidery, patterns and solids, your eye moves fluidly throughout the scene.

When it comes to selecting your new bedding, keep in mind that there are many right answers- you may find 4 beautiful accent pillows that work in your space and that is perfectly OK! The formulas above are just to guide you and give some inspiration on how to make your perfect bedding set.

We’d love to hear from you- leave a comment or send us a DM! Let us know which accent pillow layout is your favorite, or how you plan on using The Bedding Formula in your next bedroom refresh!

xo

-Lilli & Sav