As hard as it is to bid warm weather good-bye, winter's cooler temperatures have their own charms — like snuggling into a deliciously comfy, cozy, beautiful bed. To make sleepytime even more inviting this winter, why not give your bed a pretty makeover? We've got 10 tips guaranteed to whisk away the wintertime bed blues!
1. Embrace the Season
With warm flannel bedding in charming seasonal prints, you can wrap up your bed like a beautiful, restful present that you open every night (and the occasional weekend afternoon)! Nothing feels cozier in the winter than flannel bedding. Why stop at flannel sheets when you can have a flannel duvet and shams, too?
Shown here from thecompanystore.com:
Winter Wood Flannel Duvet/Sham ($119 for queen; $24 for standard), Sante Fe Lamp ($149 for lamp base)
2. Go Luxe & Plush
A bed draped in faux fur and washed velvet is guaranteed to produce audible sighs of happiness. Use over-the-top elegant and sumptuous textiles to turn your bedroom into a decadent, luxurious lair.
Shown here from restorationhardware.com:
Exotic Faux-Fur Oversized Bed Throw ($299), Washed Velvet Bedding Collection ($59-$329), Ultra Faux Fur Pillow Cover ($29-$39), Barrel-Backed Swan Chair ($1,795-$2,595)
3. Layer in Texture
Texture is an often-overlooked way to bring tactile and visual interest to your decor, and the same goes for your bedding! This romantic grouping combines soft cotton, scalloped lace, faux fur, and carved wood for a look that is equal parts pretty, cozy, and visually interesting.
Shown here from anthropologie.com:
Soft-Wash Linen Duvet ($298 for queen), Eyelet Embroidered Sheet Set ($228 for queen), Faux-Fur Pillow ($68 12"x18"), Coralie Bed ($2,198 for queen).
4. Create Some Magic
Nothing creates a special mood faster (or easier) than softly glowing lights — they make you feel and look great. All you need is a string of lights, some tacks, and voilà! Combine all that atmosphere with richly colored bohemian bedding and you'll have an escape-worthy, beautiful wintertime bed.
Shown here from urbanoutfitters.com:
Galaxy String Lights ($28), Magical Thinking Farah Medallian Duvet Cover ($109 for full/queen), Magical Thinking Farah Sham Set ($39 standard)
5. Go Ravishingly Rustic
So you don't spend your evenings holed up in a log cabin sipping hot cocoa beside a roaring fire with drifts of snow outside your window? That's okay. Dress up a rustic bed with a cozy quilt and whimsical sheets and start dreaming of sleeping under the stars. A large, shallow bowl filled with pillar candles will cast the perfect light.
Shown here from sundancecatalog.com:
Richardson Reeves Reclaimed Pine Bed ($2,495 for queen), Moonflower Lightweight Quilt ($245 for queen), Alpine Meadows Sheet Set ($265 for queen)
6. Get Punchy With Color & Pattern
Shoo away the wintertime bed blahs by punching up the color and pattern in your bedding. A crisp, graphic duvet cover can keep you energized. Be bold and pair it with the snazzy bright sheets and striped shams. Don't worry about matching — it's all about harmonizing and visual excitement. This combination will have you waking up on the sunny side of the bed!
Shown here from serenaandlily.com:
Catalina Medallian Duvet Cover ($238 for queen), French Ring Sheet Set ($228 for queen), Ronan Euro Sham ($68 each).
7. Natural Beauty
Let the natural beauty of winter be your inspiration! Create a bed that echoes the elements with natural fibers and colors. This bed is a symphony of pure winter hues — all rendered in washed linen. Create some contrast and cozy with the a blanket in soft cotton. Prepare for serenity …
Shown here from garnethill.com:
Eileen Fisher Soft Washed Linen ($275 for queen duvet; $374 queen sheet set), Vintage Homespun Cotton Blanket ($198 for queen)
8. Travel South of the Border
Travel to a warmer climate every time you climb into bed. An Aztec-inspired pattern is modern, groovy, and sure to warm you up. Introduce more color with funky throw pillows. Baskets are practical for storage while adding great texture and color.
Shown here from cb2.com:
Baja Bed Linens ($129 for queen duvet; $39.95 for set of standard shams), Ouvrage Pillow ($79.95), Trap Rug ($449 5'x8'), Cobra Basket ($89.95)
9. Reframe Your Thinking
A dramatic, statement-making bed frame might be all you need to take your bed — heck, take your whole bedroom — somewhere totally inspired this season. Tip: Don't be afraid to put a bold bed frame in a small room. Make sure it fits and then revel in the drama.
Shown here from roomandboard.com:
Hale Bed ($1,699 for queen, roomandboard.com)
10. Go Exotic
Take the trip of your dreams … in your dreams. This combination of exotic block-printed bedding and hand-painted pillows will sweep away winter doldrums with their intricate design, rich colors, and handcrafted beauty. These prints from India lend themselves to mixing and matching, so don't be afraid to layer one on top of the other. In this case, more is more — and winter looks wonderful.
Shown here from johnrobshaw.com:
Halim Duvet ($440 for queen), Tabur Clay Sheet Set ($485 for queen set), Hand-Painted Camel Pillow ($195)
Images via thecompanystore.com; restorationhardware.com; anthropologie.com; urbanoutfitters.com; sundancecatalog.com; serenaandlily.com; garnethill.com; cb2.com; roomandboard.com; johnrobshaw.com; © Hero Images/Corbis