From cosy textures to thoughtful colour pairings, creating a layered, inviting bedroom is all about balance. The right mix of fabrics, patterns, and colours can make a room feel curated yet comfortable. But we know that mixing and matching bedding can feel daunting, especially when you want the space to look stylish without feeling overly styled.
That’s why we sat down with our Art Director, Georgie, to chat through her top tips for choosing bedding with confidence. In this Q&A, she shares how to combine prints, play with fabrics, and master that lived-in look – whether you’re a minimalist at heart or love a more maximal approach.
Georgie, how can we make mix-and-match bedding look intentional rather than messy?
The key is to keep it simple and start with the basics – don’t overthink it. Begin by pairing just two components, like your pillowcases with a flat sheet or valance. This keeps the look cohesive without feeling too ‘matchy-matchy.’ For example, you could mix a patterned design like Rhubarb Gingham with a coordinating plain, such as Rhubarb or Oatmeal.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try combining florals with ginghams. Our beloved Posy Bud floral pairs beautifully with soft hues such as Sage or Elderberry Gingham, while our new Morris & Co Double Bough bedding goes well with our Colour Drenched Gingham in Fern Green & Dusk Blue. The secret to tying it all together is to look at the tones: pick out a small colour in your print – say a green leaf or soft blush – and repeat it in a solid sheet or accessory.
How do you approach maximalist bedroom styling?
Maximalism is a true showcase of personality. It works best when it reflects your taste and brings you joy! Start with one colour that you naturally gravitate toward, then build out complementary or contrasting tones depending on your vibe. Layer patterns, mix statement plains, and experiment with rich, moody shades like burgundy, navy, or olive. If you’re new to maximalism, a guest bedroom is the perfect place to play with bolder combinations.
Why mix fabrics in the bedroom?
Mixing fabrics is one of the easiest ways to make a bedroom feel layered and considered. Even in a completely neutral room, combining materials like linen, cotton, or wool adds depth and contrast. I love pairing our Posy Bud floral motif with the soft Pearl colourway, then adding wool herringbone cushions in rich Mocha for texture. It makes a space feel instantly warm and inviting.
Flat sheets – love them or leave them?
When it comes to bed styling, we’re firmly team flat sheet! While it might be the first layer to go a little askew, it’s also the one that adds effortless texture and that perfectly undone, lived-in look. Plus, a flat sheet is an easy way to introduce extra tones or soft contrast into your bedding palette. And there’s the practical bonus – it lets you go longer between duvet washes, cutting down on laundry while keeping your bed fresher for longer.
Any rules for mixing stripes and ginghams?
Mixing stripes and ginghams can create a really fun, playful look – but there are a couple of ways to make sure it feels intentional. First, match similar tones, like greens and purples, to keep it cohesive. Second, pair wider stripes with smaller ginghams for balance so it doesn’t feel too busy. I love Pine Green Pembroke Stripe with Berry Gingham. You can add another layer with a floral or complementary stripe, and finishing touches like gingham curtains or bed valances help tie the whole room together nicely.
How do you select a headboard when mixing and matching?
Let the headboard be the focal point – the visual centrepiece that bridges the colours of your walls and bedding. Rattan headboards are perfect for neutral, tonal bedrooms, adding natural warmth and texture while keeping things soft and cohesive.
If you love colour, don’t be afraid to go for something bold or patterned – it’s a great way to introduce extra personality. A bold or textured headboard also gives you room to be more playful with your prints – our new Morris & Co florals are perfect for this.
For something patterned but a little softer, I love a ticking stripe headboard paired with our Posy Bud bedding – it's such a charming, timeless look. Whatever your style though, keep your palette to two or three main colours across both the headboard and bedding to keep it balanced and harmonious.
