Updated: August 7, 2026
An easy way to refresh your bedroom is to mix and match your bed linen. Your bed is usually the largest item in the room, and by simply changing the bedding you can give the whole space a new look. We are going to show you how to make the most of your linen bedding and how a style switch can bring an unexpected fresh feel to your home. Need some inspiration for a bedroom update? We have you covered.
Here are our pro tips for mixing and matching bedding:
Get the basics right
It is important to start from the right place, which means good-quality bedding. No amount of cushion plumping or colourful pillowcases will disguise sad old sheets or bobbly synthetic duvet covers. If you invest in top-quality bedding you will not only create a stylish look, it will last longer, so it is worth buying new bed linen if yours is on the shabby side and your budget can stretch to it.
Quality counts
We think linen is the best choice for bedding, thanks to its temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties. It helps you stay cool in summer and warm in winter, so you can use linen bedding all year round and still sleep comfortably through the night. Cotton, another natural fabric, is a popular choice, but in our opinion linen outperforms cotton on all fronts. Once you have slept beneath a super-soft linen duvet cover and rested your head on cool linen pillows, you will see why.
It is easy to care for too, making it a low-maintenance option for bedding. Linen is machine washable, can be tumble dried and does not even need ironing, as its natural creases are part of its charm.
Play with pattern
If you have two or three different sets of patterned bedding, do not be afraid to mix them together. We love pairing medium-stripe pillows with a windowpane duvet cover, creating different textures by combining a simple graphic design with patterns such as stripes. The same applies to pairing dots and stripes, or floral prints and graphic patterns.
Keep one tonal aspect in common
Although a combination of different patterned linens looks great, the key is to have one common tonal element—for example, background colours in the same tones or a shared colour palette across your bedding, curtains, cushions and throw. A blanket can really pull a look together, so if you want to harmonise things, try adding a layer of a shared colour by draping a blanket over the bed. If you have chosen patterned bed linen, opt for a plain throw or blanket.
Use a block colour with patterns
If a multi-print combination makes you feel dizzy, add a block colour alongside one or two different prints. Layering colour and print works well to soften the busyness of patterns and also brings more texture into the room. It is a lovely way to add a pop of colour, especially if your décor is mainly minimalist or neutral. We love combining a navy-blue duvet cover with pale checked pillowcases for a crisp yet welcoming combination.
In summer, layer paler tones with patterns; in winter, choose darker, moodier grey, blue and plum tones. You can lift these dark colours by adding patterned pillowcases or cushion covers.
Bring neutral bedding to life
While white or pale-coloured bed linen makes for a tranquil, calm and fresh-feeling bedroom, sometimes it is fun to add a dash of pattern to create different textures. Layer off-white stone-washed pillows and a duvet cover with a windowpane sheet underneath, or match white sheets with a subtle patterned piece such as a striped comforter cover.
Work with textures and patterns together
As well as adding patterned textiles, you can mix or pair fabrics with different textures. Linen works beautifully with other natural fabrics such as wool, so try adding a wool throw and see how the creases and textures complement each other. Unexpected textures can also be effective, such as placing a silky cushion against a cool linen sheet or hanging velvet curtains for a luxurious accent. Using the same colours but contrasting fabrics is a lovely way to harmonise your bedroom décor while keeping it interesting.
Use art to add accents
If you would rather stick to single-colour bed linen and do not feel patterns will work on your bed, try adding abstract art or pictures to the walls. You can find amazing prints online, so look for something that expresses your personality and works as an accent for your colour scheme. This can be as subtle as finding a painting containing one of your colours, or as bold as matching a piece of art to patterns elsewhere.
Bring nature indoors
Once you know how to combine bedding for the best effect, you can start thinking about the little extras that make a place feel like home. A great way to do this is to bring in something natural: a bunch of flowers, a beautiful branch found on a walk, feathers or dried seed heads. Create a feature shelf with your finds, or clear clutter from your chest of drawers and place them in a prominent position.
Whatever look you want—from pared-back neutrals and white backgrounds to bold, rich colours and prints—adding patterned fabric to your interior completely transforms a space. Together with choosing the highest-quality fabrics and accessories you can find, it is an easy way to update your bedroom.
For more ideas on decorating your bedroom, explore our blog for practical hints and expert tips.