How to: Refreshing Your Bedroom With a Duvet Change
Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, a place to relax and get away from all of the day’s stress. Overhauling your whole bedroom can seem a bit daunting when you don’t know where to begin. What if all you had to do was make one or two simple swaps to change the vibe of your dream oasis? Upgrading your bedroom is one of the best investments you can make for yourself because it’s the place where you get the sleep you need to function properly. Here are a few easy tips to upgrade your bedroom with a duvet.
First things first: what is a duvet?
A duvet (pronounced doo-vay) is a top-of-bed cover, usually a quilt, filled with synthetic or natural materials. It's usually protected with a removable cover, similar to a pillowcase. A duvet cover allows you to keep your duvet in its best condition while giving you the chance to update the look of your bedroom. Changing your duvet cover is also less expensive than buying a whole new quilt and allows you to make the changes you need for better sleep with each season. If you live in a cold climate where temperatures drop during winter a duvet cover in a thicker material such as velvet will keep you warmer, while a lightweight organic cotton cover is perfect to keep you cool for those hot summer nights.
What colors work best in a bedroom?
Let's start with identifying a key base color. What is your favorite bedroom neutral? White, cream, tan, navy, or maybe even light pink? (Yes, navy and light pink are both considered neutrals). Experts suggest that the color blue is the best for sleeping while yellow is the second best. Decide on a base color and incorporate it as your starting point. A cotton duvet with a floral print and a cream background gives you the power to change pillows, sheets, and throws when the mood hits you. Make it a solid cream duvet cover and you can switch out just your shams and pillowcases from spring florals to holiday plaids. Your choices don’t only stop at patterns, try mixing textures with your bedding such as crinkle, silk, micro mink, velvet, and linen.
How can I tastefully add interest to my bedroom décor?
It really is the little things that make the biggest difference sometimes, isn't it? You'll notice the impact of shams with great stitch work details. If your bedroom partner isn't a fan of frou-frou prints, stick to bold solids and have some fun with monogramming. "Good" on one pillowcase and "Bad'" on the other. Or "My Side" on one sham and "Your Side" on the other might be the perfect bit of whimsy your space requires. Clean white bedding is always a winner. Something about the crisp pure color makes you feel like you’re about to lay on a cloud and with an extra fluffy duvet, it might just be. It’s also a color that both partners can agree on. Of course, if you absolutely need some color, there are bedding with small details in a different color such as a border. There are also options to get your shams monogrammed with a different color of stitching.
Carry the bedroom theme into the master bathroom
If your bedroom has an ensuite, make sure the updates carry into this space. A fresh set of bath towels and a new bath mat that picks up the colors of your new duvet cover are all you need. Add small touches such as apothecary jars filled with bath salts or bath bombs, a few eucalyptus or peppermint scented candles, and even a small orchid plant can keep that relaxing theme. These items aren’t just for decor. They are great essentials to have on hand when you want to have a spa day at home.
Add small details to your nightstand
If you’re used to piling things on your nightstand whether it be books, gadgets, hygiene products, snacks, or other miscellaneous items — it’s time to get rid of those. A decluttered nightstand allows your brain to relax without seeing the chaos next to your bed. Your nightstand should be clean with small items that compliment your bedding and make you happy. A lamp with a couple of decorative books and one or two picture frames gives off a sophisticated look. Add an aromatherapy candle, linen spray, or diffuser to inhale some relaxing hints such as lavender or eucalyptus to release some stress before bed.
Keep everything in order
With the everyday hustle and bustle, it’s hard to stay on top of clutter. Whether it be the storm of clothing piled on the floor that came from deciding what to wear for the day to items that you forgot to put away in their proper place. If there’s one place you should declutter daily, it’s your bedroom. A clean, organized room is tranquil and gives you an opportunity for a better night’s sleep. Before you begin your new decor, be sure to throw away anything that is no longer needed and put items in other rooms of the house that they belong in. If possible, declutter before bed so that you have a clean slate each night.
When commitment issues are kind of your thing
Do nail holes in the wall make you cringe, yet have pieces you'd love to display? In the bedroom, everything follows your bedding's lead. A perfectly noncommittal way to up your bedroom's fab factor is to purchase colorful frames that coordinate well with the less noticeable colors hiding in your bedding. That pinstripe, the leaves on your floral pattern...those are your go-tos. Instead of hanging your framed pieces, lean that gorgeous framed art against the wall and display it on your bedside table or dresser top for all the glam and none of the bam. Your new duvet cover really can springboard all sorts of simple, creative changes.
Not everything you welcome into your bedroom's design needs to last forever. Bring some pieces into your bedroom knowing full well that their time is limited. If you have soft floral bedding, wouldn't a fresh bouquet switched out weekly bring the entire bedroom up a notch? What bedroom updates do you like best? Share your ideas with us.