Article:
The well-dressed bed
By Shelley Anderson
November 2008
Luxurious bedding combined with thoughtful details can help you create your own private getaway without setting foot outside your door. Whether your style is traditional, contemporary or somewhere in between, you can make your master bedroom into a plush retreat no matter what your budget.
Of course, your first objective is to determine the style you want to create. If you are decorating your room for two, then both tastes should be considered. It is possible to find a happy medium that will please both of you.
Once you’ve determined the look you want to achieve, focus on the feature of the room that will drive your style — the bed. Aside from the color of the walls, the bed is usually the largest feature, which can easily and affordably be changed. But, don’t feel you need to go out and buy a new bed or headboard if yours is less than impressive. You can create a great look through the use of pillows. Large square European pillows propped up against a headboard or wall act as a backdrop for other pillows placed in front. Finished pillows and pillow shams are available in this size. If you need to purchase the pillow inserts separately, go for the least expensive form. You won’t be sleeping on these, just get the most full and firm forms you can find.
There are several options available for your bedding, but keep in mind that matched bedding may be pretty, but it’s not exciting. Don’t think sets and matching fabrics.
You may have an element already that you wish to use, like a bed cover or favorite accent pillow. Keeping that in mind, you can select each item of bedding separately, usually starting with the duvet or bedspread since this is the largest splash of color or pattern for the bed. By layering on pillows in various sizes and shapes you will personalize this custom look.
Another option is purchasing the matched bedding set but dissecting it and adding contrast pillows. These sets can be an incredible value, but don’t feel like you have to use everything in the set just because it’s there. By adding three Euro shams, in a contrasting fabric, color or texture, behind the two standard or king shams that come in the set, your look starts to be your own. Next add at least three accent pillows in at least two different patterns, color or texture.
Now that you bed is dressed, look at your wall color. Most likely it will need to be addressed. If you’re not sure what color to use, an updated neutral is a good choice. Depending on the colors in your bedding, some of the colors I like are Benjamin Moore’s peanut shell, Huntington beige and Ashley grey. These are slightly deep mid-tone colors that work well as a basic with “attitude.”
Shelley Anderson has been creating interiors in the greater Seattle area since 1990.You may contact her at (206) 719-6814 or email her at
shelley.anderson@shelleyandersoninteriors.com.