How to Coordinate Print ‌and Solid Bedding

When coordinating sheets, blankets, and other linens, consider our decor tips and tricks to make selecting your bedroom color scheme even easier. Your bed doesn’t exist in a vacuum—look at the furniture, walls, and general style of the bedroom for cues as to what sheets and bed linen colors will work best. For a perfectly coordinated room, consider your decor and choose bedding colors and styles that complement the furnishings and features.

1. Light wood and wicker furniture pairs well with lighter colors. Think Scandinavian hygge with sumptuous creams and whites, or a beach-house palette that foregrounds tans, pastels, blues, and neutrals.
2. In a boho bedroom, you might lay a feast for the senses with rich jewel tones like peacock, mustard, paprika, teal, or merlot.
3. Understated, high-end look? Go for sophisticated tints or shades. Think sateen sheets and duvet covers that will show off their sheen and drape.
4. If you love a certain color, go monochromatic. Use different shades of the same color to give depth and interest: instead of an all-violet bed, use pale lavender, violet, and deep indigo.
5. In a kid’s room, think of their favorite color. Start with a duvet cover, comforter, or sheets that include that color in a pattern they’ll love. Then you can repeat that color in the bedding and elsewhere in the room, and everything will coordinate effortlessly.

If you enjoy the thought of a catalog-worthy bed welcoming you at the end of the day, then here’s some good news—it’s not tricky, and you don’t need a hotel housekeeping staff to get it done. Layer in color and pattern with the tips above, and use this simple bedding recipe, adjusting by season, for a perfect look and feel year-round:

1. Fitted sheet
2. Flat sheet—wrong-side-up, so the right side is revealed when it’s folded back
3. Optional: Blanket to add warmth, color, and texture
4. Top layer (coverlet, quilt, duvet, or comforter) according to season or preference
5. Blanket folded over the bottom third
6. Optional: A throw over the blanket at the foot for extra texture and color

To make the bed, first, fold back the flat sheet and blanket at the top third of the bed. (Make sure the blanket is pulled up a little higher than the sheet to begin with, so that both are visible when you fold them back.) A thin quilt or coverlet can also fold back with this layer. If you’re using a duvet or comforter, fold it one-half to two-thirds of the way down the bed. Use an S-fold, so when you’re in bed, you can easily pull it up from the top edge. Leave the blanket at the bottom visible. If you’re using a throw, drape it casually, vertically at the foot of the bed—don’t fold it.

The rule of thumb is to match your standard pillowcases to the sheets and your shams to the quilt or duvet cover. One common way to arrange them is to lay your sleeping pillows flat, place the shams flat on top of those, and prop the Euro shams upright in front. Another option is to place all the pillows upright, with the shams in front of the standard pillowcases. Add a bolster or decorative throw pillow in front, and voila!

If you’re ready to branch out, experiment with a variety of pillow shapes and sizes.

As the seasons change, bedding should change too—after all you wouldn’t wear a wool coat in July. The basic components for creating a magazine-worthy bed still apply, it’s just the fabrics and color palettes that change. For instance, think breathable fabrics and lighter colors for spring and summer; fun florals and bold prints make great warm-weather options. Then, swap out bedding for cozier options, seasonal prints, and richer hues for the cooler months. Find tips below to create the perfect bed for winter, spring, summer, and fall.

• For winter sheets, think fabrics like warm, soft flannel or heavy, silky sateen
• Add an insulating blanket over the flat sheet. Choose a neutral hue that it’s easy to swap in, pick up a color from a pattern in your bedding, or use holiday colors or prints for a festive touch.
• Finish with the heaviest weight top layer called for by your climate: a cotton quilt might suffice where winters are warm; an extra-warm comforter or duvet insert with a flannel duvet cover will make cold nights cozy.
• Favorite winter colors include ice blue, crisp white, and festive cranberry and evergreen—coordinate with bedding featuring snowflakes, trees, or whimsical holiday-inspired prints. 

• If your evenings are mild, refresh your room with crisp spring bedsheets…or stick with soft-and-cozy winter sheets a little longer if you expect more chilly nights.
• Choose a moderate-weight, breathable shoulder-season blanket
• Opt for a bedspread, quilt, or spring comforter or duvet for an attractive top layer
• A blanket folded at the bottom of the bed makes a beautiful and functional accent in spring, allowing you to adjust the warmth for fickle spring weather. Pick a color to highlight from your top layer or print bedding, or use a different shade of a solid hue for a monochromatic look.
• Springy floral prints, vibrant greens and pinks, and textured patterns steal the show. 

• Top your mattress with a cooling mattress pad and choose a cooling pillow for a comfortable place to rest your head.
• The best bed sheets for summer are crisp, smooth cotton percale, or soft, moisture-wicking cotton blends.
• Choose a breathable, lightweight blanket to layer in some color—again, cotton and cotton blends are a good choice.
• Finish with your favorite texture. Quilts and bedspreads are popular for their drape; for a fluffy look, browse lightweight summer duvets and comforters.
• Choose the colors and prints to suit your style: Sheets in nautical motifs in navy and white, lush botanical prints, or vibrant chevrons pair wonderfully with bed linens in coordinating solid colors. 

• Fall sheets come in cozy flannel, soft jersey knit, buttery sateen, and crisp percale—the best option depends on your preference.
• Draw color inspiration from popular shades of the season for your fall bed set.
• Now’s the time to add your favorite warm blanket again: Cotton is still a great choice; fleece and wool add extra insulation.
• In the fall, comforters and duvets make cozy, warm top layers. Use your summer-weight comforter with an extra blanket underneath, or switch to your winter-weight option when temperatures drop.
• A shoulder-season blanket folded at the foot of the bed lets you adjust your warmth level throughout the night.
• Autumn is when deep earth tones and rich shades reign—pair them with seasonal leaf prints, cozy plaid patterns, or even friendly prints featuring cheery critters. 

When it comes to designing a look for your bedding, the right style will reflect your personality and taste. A beautiful bed is a comfortable haven, so use these ideas to create a coordinated color scheme that is just right for you. Explore our other Guides for more bedding tips and tricks.