Why to Love White Bedding

They’re an easy update. One of my go-to design solutions for projects on a small budget is a quick update of the bed linens to a new all-white set. Since typically the bed visually dominates the bedroom (hence the name), this one upgrade can go a long way toward making the room look like a whole new space. It’s like giving a wall a fresh coat of paint, without all the work. 

Add a textural pillow or two for subtle contrast and you’ve got a classic look with depth that you’ll want to dive into every night.

They make neutrals sing. One of the reasons white linens are such a foolproof option is the way they make other neutrals appear more vibrant without getting loud. Calming neutral tones are popular for bedrooms, and adding a strong presence of white to the palette helps make neutral walls show their beautiful undertones, instead of feeling drab. It looks restful, but you won’t be yawning out of boredom.

They’re a breath of fresh air. White linens are also a great choice for bolder schemes because they break up dark colors and busy patterns, making the look rich but not totally overwhelming.

They’re easy to accessorize. It’s easy to think that white linens won’t have any personality. In the store, when comparing two packages, a bold pattern or print may certainly seem like the more interesting choice. But it’s easy to give white linens a unique, personal look with just a few accents. Look for large square Euro shams and faux fur or a richly textured throw to cap off the head and foot of the bed, and suddenly you’ve got a complete look with a few pieces.

They’re easy to accessorize. It’s easy to think that white linens won’t have any personality. In the store, when comparing two packages, a bold pattern or print may certainly seem like the more interesting choice. But it’s easy to give white linens a unique, personal look with just a few accents. Look for large square Euro shams and faux fur or a richly textured throw to cap off the head and foot of the bed, and suddenly you’ve got a complete look with a few pieces.

They’re crisp. In many cases, white can feel like a cool color (despite not having a true hue), but in the bedroom white sheets work well as a crisp counterpoint to warm accessories for an inviting look that says clean but not cold.

Notice how the pale blue blanket appears extra fluffy and soft next to the simple sheet, and the hits of gold and other natural materials appear warm and welcoming.

They go anywhere. It’s worth noting that white sheets aren’t only for the master bedroom. Daybeds, guest beds and window benches all can look stunning in sleek white, especially paired with white walls to allow the bed to visually become part of the architecture.

Here the whole window niche looks like one cohesive statement, and that statement is: Come curl up and stay for a while.

They balance masculine and feminine. The bedroom can be a hot spot for fights — over style, that is. When one person wants a more romantic look and the other doesn’t want to go “girly,” the balanced solution is simple white sheets. They aren’t aggressively masculine like the gray or black linens of some bachelor pads, but they also don’t have florals or frills to remind you of Grandma’s house.

They’re hip without even trying. White sheets are perfect for a hip, stylish bedroom, without feeling like they’re trying to chase trends. They’ll work with eclectic furnishings and exotic collections for a modern look that always feels up to date.

They’re haute. White linens can totally hold their own against haute luxury and high drama — they’re that classic. Opulent chandeliers, delicate rugs, bold walls and intricate furniture all feel right at home with the simplest of white sheets, which look great in any thread count.

They’re dreamy. Ultimately, no other look has the same serene, cloud-like quality as a set of white sheets. Add neutral walls, dreamy drapes and a fantastical light fixture, and you’ve got a perfect bedroom you’ll cherish every day — even if you do spend most of your time there fast asleep.