Styling a Neutral Bed
The heavy hitters of the home decor world, neutral tones reign supreme when it comes to the most popular interior colours. Season after season, these shades stay at the top of the list — and not without good reason. Is your bedroom on the smaller side? The right neutrals can visually expand your space. Do you only get a couple of precious hours of natural light per day? Lighter neutral tones can reflect light and brighten up your space. We know, it sounds like magic, but it all comes down to colour theory.
Speaking of theories, it’s widely considered that colours can impact our mood. From rejuvenating shades of green to quirky and fun pink home interiors, your palette might have more impact than you thought. How do neutral colours effect your mood? Neutral tones are often sought after for their calming effects. Soft, serene hues to help put your mind at ease — what could be a better choice for your bedroom?
So, if you’re someone who has previously considered neutrals to be a bit meh, it’s time to leave drab millennial grey behind and embrace neutral bedroom styling. We’re here to create a bedroom that invites sheer relaxation — a neutral nirvana where you can unwind from day-to-day business and achieve your deepest rest. Oh, and if you’re after some wind-down steps to go the extra mile, we have a blog for that, too.
What Are Neutral Colours?
The word ‘neutral’ is an umbrella term for a whole family of shades and colours. Neutrals can span anywhere from black, grey and white to brown, taupe, tan and cream. As with all colour families, undertone plays a big part in differentiating these tones. You might think that white and cream are one in the same, but the difference between a cool-toned white and a yellow-based cream are vast. Same goes for blue-based grey versus pink-based grey. Pretty much, any of these colours can be separated into warm, cool, and true neutral tones.
It's good to be mindful of undertones when creating your palette, but don’t feel like you need to put yourself in a box. Mixing warm and cool undertones together can add depth and interest to your space; it’s always a good idea to play around with tonal pairings and see what sparks joy for you.
Choosing Your Palette
An easy way to start is by stepping back and seeing what you’re working with. What colour are your walls? What kind of flooring is in your bedroom? If you’re not keen on a total renovation, starting from these basics can help lead you to your perfect pairing. Maybe you want to bring out the rustic look of your timber floorboards or match white walls with white bedding to open up your space.
Another place to start is by considering the mood. A general rule of thumb is that warm-toned colours lean cosy and relaxed (think peach-toned creams and sandy beige), whereas cool-toned colours can feel bright and fresh (this is where your crisp whites and cool browns can really shine). Consider what makes you feel most at ease — how do you want your bedroom to feel to you?
A design like Harlyn is a perfect centrepiece to build around. Multicoloured, earth-toned bands add a point of interest to its classic white base. It’s a pairing that feels perfectly balanced, equal parts airy and grounded. Style with 1000TC sheets in white for breezy styling, or lean into a pop of contrast with our Abbotson cushion in carbon.
Introduce Tactility
A common misconception is that neutral bedrooms lack visual interest. A quick and easy way to bust this myth? By layering with different textures. Accessories like cushions, throws and bed covers can go a long way when putting the finishing touches on your bed. And of course, the benefits aren’t only based in aesthetics — they happen to be cosy and comfy to boot. Choose pieces that are visually tactile, like the pleated interwoven design of the Brannen Cushion. If you’re after something a little more subtle, try the Britten Cushion with its fine stripe.
Along with your chosen neutral hues, the fibres and weaves you choose will have a significant influence on the overall vibe of your bedroom. Laid-back offerings like the TENCEL™ Lyocell collection invite a relaxed feeling to your space. If you’re after something with a crisper feel, our 1000TC Hotel Luxury sheets and quilt cover are your best friends. For something a bit softer, look to the 500TC Cotton Sateen range, which also amps up the sheen.
Don’t Forget Lighting
As we mentioned earlier, bright neutral shades like white, cream, and light brown all do an excellent job at reflecting light. This can be a game-changer if your bedroom is on the smaller side or lacking in direct sunlight. If this sounds like your space, the bigger the better when it comes to using these hues. Choose a bright neutral shade for the larger pieces of your bedding, like your quilt cover or bed cover. Outside of the bedding world, you can amplify this effect with additions like rugs, mirrors, and sheer fabric curtains.
Lighting also plays a crucial role in our sleep schedule. Nobody wants to be winding down for the evening under the harsh glow of overhead lighting (or, as TikTok would call it, “the big light”). When it comes to pre-bedtime relaxing, choosing alternatives like lamps, or candles if that’s your vibe, can go a long way in creating a space that’s prepped for a solid night’s rest. To stick with the colour scheme, look for lamps with neutral fabric lamp shades. This way you can enjoy a nicely diffused light source, with bonus points for matching the rest of your decor.
We love neutrals for their versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned decorating pro or you’re only just dipping your toes in, you can’t go wrong with a neutral palette. And why stop in the bedroom? Once you’re happy with how your neutral bed is looking (and feeling), you can bring the zen into other rooms of your home as well. Maybe it’s a throw on the end of your lounge, or a set of plush, spa-worthy towels for your bathroom. Before you know it, your home will become the rejuvenating retreat you’ve been dreaming of.