Adding Interest to Layered Neutral Bedding
Tips and tricks for adding interest to layered neutral bedding. Includes suggestions for pillow placement and exactly how to place the layers.
One of the things I like most about a neutral color palette is the feeling of calm that it lends to a room. Neutrals let the eye rest, instead of darting all over the place going from color to color.
I know some people consider neutrals boring, but with just a little bit of tweaking, they can be stunningly beautiful and cozy. There are several different shades of colors that are considered neutral, but today I’m focusing on off-whites, creams, ivories, and beiges. I’m going to show you how to layer a bed with neutral colors, and I promise it’s not the least bit boring!
How Do You Layer Neutral Bedding?
There are no rules when it comes to layering a bed. Comfort and ease of use are two of the most important things to consider, but how you actually make a bed is totally up to you. For example, I don’t use a duvet cover, but if you love them, by all means put one on your bed! Take the guidelines provided here, insert your own personal style, and the end result will be a beautiful, neutral bed personally designed by you.
What Are The Different Layers of Bedding Called?
- Mattress pad or cover
- Bedskirt (sometimes called a dust ruffle)
- Bottom or fitted sheet
- Top or flat sheet
- Blanket/Quilt
- Duvet with cover
- Bed pillows
- Throw pillows
From The Bottom Up
- 100% Cotton Sheet Set (Beige Diamond)
- Ultra Soft Quilted Coverlet Set
- Plush 22 inch Square Throw Pillows (2)
- Tufted Trellis 20 inch Square Throw Pillows (2)
- Border Knots Decorative Pillow (This sells out very quickly…it’s currently back in stock in off-white and navy.)
- Beige Plaid Comforter (similar)
- Flannel Fleece Throw Blanket
Vary the neutral shades
In order for your neutral bed to not look like a boring sea of beige, use a mixture of white, ivory, beige, taupe, and tan. By choosing different tones, you easily add contrast and appeal. Pair white with khaki, or ivory with dark beige. Another idea for varying tones is to use a subtle, neutral pattern. A tone-on-tone stripe or plaid really makes the solid neutrals pop.
Add texture + pattern
It’s a good rule of thumb with a bed layering monochromatic color scheme to add two different patterns, and as much texture as possible. I used this sheet set, and placed the top sheet upside down, so more of the pattern would be exposed. The pattern on the bed pillows added a bit more interest.
Note: I love these sheets. They wash up beautifully and there are literally no wrinkles. The fitted sheet covers our mattress like a glove. I have spent a ton of money on sheets, trying to find the perfect set. I hate wrinkles, so wrinkle-free is always my top requirement. These sheets come in several different colors/patterns, and are an amazing price.
All the pillows are full of texture, and more pattern is added with the subtle plaid comforter placed at the foot of the bed. Another thing I love about the comforter is that it adds a farmhouse vibe. Here are texture-rich fabrics and embellishments to add a designer look to your layering:
- velvet
- nubby linen
- faux fur
- tweed
- corduroy
- burlap
- chenille
- tassels
- cording
- ball fringe
- regular fringe
Mix up the pillow sizes
There are no rules when it comes to pillow placement on a bed. In fact, I hope you all embrace your own signature style! I do have one tip that really make a difference: use several different sizes and shapes of pillows. Try regular shams that are oblong and/or euro shams that are square. Use a set of throw pillows in one size (20 inches is perfect) layered with another smaller set. Lumbar pillows, in any size, are great for the front of your pillow stack.
Layered Neutral Bedding Bonus Tips
- Wash and dry everything: sheets, pillowcases, quilt, shams, and if you can, the end-of-the-bed comforter. (No need to wash the throw pillows.) All your bedding will look fluffier, and all the wrinkles will be released.
- To add another “layer,” fold down the top sheet and quilt from the head of the bed. This shows off your sheets, and also provides interest. Use one big flat fold, or add some dimension by folding the sheet & quilt over twice, using smaller folds.
- More style and interest can be added by using a bed skirt and/or decorative shams,
Click the links below to be taken directly to the product listing. Every effort has been made to provide sources for the items found in this post. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
*Affiliate links included. See my disclosure statement. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- 100% Cotton Sheet Set (Beige Diamond)
- Ultra Soft Quilted Coverlet Set
- Plush 22 inch Square Throw Pillows (2)
- Tufted Trellis 20 inch Square Throw Pillows (2)
- Border Knots Decorative Pillow (This sells out very quickly…it’s currently back in stock in off-white and navy.)
- Beige Plaid Comforter (similar)
- Flannel Fleece Throw Blanket (end of the bed)
- Nightstand
- Bedside lamps
- Upholstered bed (in Zuma Linen)
If you aren’t sure, and just want to try layering a neutral bed, I encourage you to start with a pattern-free, white or ivory quilt. This will simplify your entire bed and give you an idea of how you want to proceed. Have fun!
