Bedding: The Best Way to Update Your Bedroom

Wednesday, January 15th

Bedding: the Best Way to Update Your Bedroom

When you walk into your bedroom, is your reaction more like a frustrated "UGH!” or a relaxed "Ahhhhh...”? If your current style doesn't inspire happy thoughts of sweet dreams, what's the quickest, least-expensive way to change it up?

Bedding!

While your stimulus checks might not be enough to buy a whole new set of furniture or knock out a wall to give you more space, you can easily and affordably get a fresh look and feel by buying new pillows, sheets and a duvet or comforter. And, if you've got a little bit more to spend, a new mattress can completely change how you sleep.

Let's dive a little deeper into these inexpensive hacks for updating your bedroom.

All the Colors of the Rainbow - And Beyond

Neutral walls and furniture are a fantastic backdrop for vibrant colors. If your bedding at present trends towards neutral beiges and grays, go bold with a hue you really love - either as a solid or as one of the primary colors in a fun pattern, coordinated between your sheets and your top cover (i.e. the duvet or comforter). You can then choose a complementary shade to feature in your throw pillows, artwork, or other items in your bedroom. Don't be afraid to experiment!

Toss in Some Textures

Linen and cotton, smooth and silky...boring and more boring! While we're not suggesting you swap out your softest sheets for burlap just to change up your bedding, thinking outside the traditional textures just a little bit can make a big impact on the look and feel of your bedroom. How about a fuzzy throw blanket for colder temperatures and a lightweight one for summertime? A comforter with velvet accents can lend a touch of romance and provides an intriguing contrast with satin sheets (*cue music*).

Beyond bedding, texture can be incorporated in your decor with hand-tufted rugs and cut crystal for a traditional look, braided rugs and ironstone pottery for a more country vibe, or go ultra-modern with smooth leather upholstery and stainless steel accents.

Alternate Your Accents

No, we don't mean you should speak with a British accent every time you walk into your bedroom! We're referring to accent pillows: probably the most convenient and affordable way to make a quick change to your bedroom's decor. Use accent pillows on your bed to highlight colors in your wall hangings, match the color of an accent wall in the room, or provide contrast with neutrals. And, look around and see if pillows could add a little something elsewhere in your bedroom. Do you have a windowsill wide enough for a pillow? How about a reading nook or small chair?

Do You Duvet?

There's nothing quite so cozy as a down comforter on a cold winter night - but they can be hard to clean and bulky to store. That's where duvets come in really handy: they're essentially removable comforter (or quilt) covers that can be swapped out as needed, either for washing or just to add a different look for a new season. That way, you can use one comforter all year long (well, maybe not in the summer...) instead of trying to find storage space for multiple blankets, quilts and comforters. Duvets fold easily and rarely take up much more room than a set of sheets.

Matchy-Matchy No More

We get it: having perfectly-matched bedding and furniture and decor is...comfortable. Easy. Familiar. But, if your decor puts you to sleep, give it a shock by going more eclectic. Maybe add some colors that don't quite go together, or get a brightly-patterned comforter to contrast with your solid-color sheets. Or pair your grandma's vintage quilt with the newest style of bamboo sheets. Going outside of your comfort zone by adding that zing to your bedding might make you feel more energized when you get up in the morning.

The Foundation of a Good Night's Rest

While it won't necessarily give you a visible refresh for your bedroom, a new mattress could completely change how you feel every night when it's time for bed and each day when you rise. How old is your mattress? If you can see visible indentations where you (and/or your significant other) sleep, it's well past time for a new one. If it's been a while since you've shopped for a mattress, you might be shocked by how easy it is to get them online - especially the ones that come tightly packaged in a box and then expand when you unpack them after they're delivered to your front door. Hint: watch an unboxing video or two. They're very satisfying!.

So, what'll it be? New sheets and a comforter in a bold pattern and colors? Experiments with texture? Or all of the above plus a new mattress beneath? Bedroom: updated in a flash! All that's left are a few new sheep to count as you drift off to sleep!