The Best Bedding Combos You Haven’t Tried Yet

A full bedroom makeover? Overrated. Swapping in a new quilt or layering on a few unexpected textures? Instant transformation. The best part: with the right pieces, you don’t need to start from scratch. These five bedding combos prove that a little experimentation can go a long way.

Opposites Attract

Who says your bedding can’t have depth? Crisp, breathable linen keeps things airy, while a velvet pillow (or bed) adds instant richness. The contrast between the two materials feels luxe, but not precious, and it plays well with both modern minimal and traditional spaces alike. Want to take it up a notch? Keep the palette tone-on-tone for a cohesive-but-dimensional look.

The Power of Pattern

Turns out, pattern mixing isn’t just for your wardrobe. A quilt with bold, geometric stitching layered over a duvet covered in soft, painterly florals hits that sweet spot between intentional and a little unexpected. Stick to a similar color family to keep it from clashing, or go wild and let the contrast sing (it’s your bed, after all).

A Seasonal Switch-Up

Lightweight coverlets tend to get stored away once the weather turns, but we’re all about keeping them in rotation. Pair an airy cotton coverlet in cream with deeper, moody hues like charcoal or dark moss in your sheets or shams for a seasonally unexpected pairing. It’s a great way to transition your space without a full seasonal overhaul.

Mismatched Neutrals

If color feels intimidating, this one’s for you. Try layering warm and cool neutrals, like oatmeal sheets with a slate gray quilt or soft white with a warm brown. The trick is to vary tone and texture: percale sheets, a quilted cotton blanket, and a striped cotton throw all working together in quiet harmony.

One Wild Card

All-white bedding gets a bad rap for being boring, but it’s actually the perfect backdrop for one standout piece. Try a boldly patterned quilt at the foot of the bed, a velvet lumbar pillow in an offbeat hue, or even a floral duvet cover in place of your top sheet. The contrast tends to feel editorial, without looking over-styled.