Ready to break free from boring, overly coordinated bedroom looks? Mismatch bedding is the key to a great-looking bedroom with your own style.
If you’ve ever stared at a perfectly matched bed and thought “too… flat”—this post is definitely for you. Mismatch bedding is almost effortlessly, a layered look that feels both cozy, curated and personally designed.
And the best part? You don’t need a designer budget to pull it off.
I will walk you through cool ways to design a stylish bed without trying too hard. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your current bedroom design, I’ll show you how to combine duvet covers, pillows, throw blankets, and sheet sets in a way that feels elevated—not chaotic.
You’ll see how I pair bold patterns, muted textures, and neutral tones in unexpected combos to create a bed that feels totally custom.
Plus—I’m sharing my personal favorite picks (and some swoon-worthy inspiration photos!) to help you shop the look.
Ready to recreate the vibe? Click below to get the exact bedding I’m using—from dreamy duvets to linen layers and cozy quilt combos that make a serious statement.
Styling Tips for Mismatched Bedding
When done right, mismatch bedding feels intentional, cozy, and full of personality. The key is in the balance—layering colors, patterns, and textures to create a space that feels lived-in and luxe.
Here are my favorite mix and match bedding ideas to help you style a bed that’s anything but matchy-matchy:
1. Start with a Statement Duvet Cover
Your duvet is the visual anchor of your bed, so choose one that reflects your vibe. Whether it’s modern boho bedding with fringe and florals or a bold geometric print, this is where your bed gets its personality.
Choose a solid, striped/pattern or design.
Think seasonal, so:
- for fall and winter choose more darks, reds, browns, etc
- for Spring and summer choose lights, florals, and brighter colors
🛍️ Click here to shop my favorite duvet covers – from neutral linen to statement prints
2. Layer with Contrasting Sheets and Pillowcases
Say goodbye to boring white sheets! Add visual depth by mixing contrasting sheet sets—think stripes with florals or muted tones with rich hues. Don’t be afraid to pair cool colors with warm ones for a designer-level look.
💡 Pro tip: Have different solids and designs available and ready to go in your linen closet.
The key is to have them in colors that are found in multiple duvets or comforters you have.
💡 Pro tip: Keep one color consistent (like your pillowcases or fitted sheet) to avoid visual overload.
Check out this image below for what I mean by overload. For me, this is too many designs and colors together that just looks more messy than intentional.
3. Add Texture with Throws & Quilts
Texture is everything. Add a chunky knit throw, a tufted quilt, or a lightweight muslin blanket to layer the bed. The goal is to mix smooth, soft, and tactile textures to create a cozy bedroom vibe that invites you to crawl in.
👉 Click to see the throws and quilts I use for that effortless layered look
4. Mix Prints with a Purpose
Polka dots and florals? Yes. Plaid and stripes? Absolutely. Just keep your color palette cohesive to tie it all together. This is where the fun starts—think eclectic bedding with personality.
.
🎨 Not sure what prints go together? I’ve got inspo pics below that show you exactly how I style mine.
5. Don’t Forget the Euro Shams and Accent Pillows
These finishing touches give your bed dimension and that “styled by a designer” effect. Mix oversized euro pillows with smaller decorative ones in unique fabrics like velvet, boucle, or block-printed cotton.
🛒 Check out my curated collection of accent pillows that make a big impact
Take a look at Drew in his Lone Fox’s video “HOW TO STYLE A BED LIKE A DESIGNER! 🛏️ Budget Friendly + Easy to Recreate! (4 DIY Bed Ideas)” 👉
If interested in items he mentions, most of his links are no longer available or out of season, so I have searched for very similar items, here are those links:
**in process of updating this list! stay tuned!*
Bed 1 LINKS:
- Cream sheet set: https://amzn.to/3R7YFr1
- Frayed edge quilt:
- 26″ throw pillows –
- Waffle blanket: https://bit.ly/3kZmGRr
- Plaid pillow:
- Brown linen pillow: https://amzn.to/4i4JB8t
- Striped duvet cover: https://bit.ly/3kTehi7
- Black quilt:
- Quilted pillow shams:
- Vintage pillow:
- Oversized throw pillow: https://bit.ly/30PkXXY
- Brown waffle throw: https://amzn.to/30JJrl9
- Plum throw (similar):
- Printed pillow cases:
- Printed sheet set:
- Textured coverlet:
Bed 2 LINKS:
Bed 3 LINKS:
- 26″ throw pillows –
Bed 4 LINKS:
Bobby Berk’s Foolproof Formula – How To Mix and Match Bedding
If the idea of mixing patterns, colors, and textures gives you decision paralysis—don’t worry. Design expert Bobby Berk is known for transforming everyday spaces into stunning, layered looks with just a few key rules. And the best part? You can apply his foolproof mix-and-match method using bedding you already own.
- Start with a Color Anchor
- Balance Solids and Patterns
- Layer Textures, Not Just Prints
- Vary the Scale of Prints
- Don’t Forget the Odd Element
Here’s how to style your bed like a pro—without buying all new stuff (unless you want to, of course 😉).
1. Start with a Color Anchor
Bobby’s #1 rule? Pick a main color and build around it. Whether it’s a charcoal gray duvet or a blush pink sheet set, choose one piece to be your color anchor. From there, pull in two to three complementary shades—this keeps your bed feeling cohesive, not chaotic.
🎨 Pro tip: Neutrals (white, ivory, beige, gray) pair beautifully with just about any tone and make it easy to mix bold or muted colors.
2. Balance Solids and Patterns
This is where most people overthink it—but Bobby keeps it simple: For every pattern, include at least one solid. Got floral pillowcases? Pair them with a solid duvet. Striped sheets? Add a neutral quilt. This creates balance and gives the eye a place to rest.
🛏️ Try this combo: Striped pillowcases + solid duvet + floral throw = effortlessly layered.
3. Layer Textures, Not Just Prints
A polished bed isn’t just about color—it’s about texture. Think linen sheets with a velvet pillow, or a cotton duvet topped with a chunky knit throw. Mixing textures is Bobby’s secret sauce to making a space feel luxurious and lived-in.
🧺 Texture ideas to try:
- Waffle weave throw
- Linen duvet cover
- Quilted shams
- Brushed cotton sheets
4. Vary the Scale of Prints
If you want to mix multiple patterns (yes, you totally can!), use different scale prints. For example, combine a small floral with a large geometric, or thin stripes with wide plaid. This creates visual contrast without clashing.
👀 Bobby says: “It’s all about rhythm. Your eye wants a mix of bold and subtle.”
5. Don’t Forget the Odd Element
Bobby loves throwing in one unexpected element. A bold throw pillow in a different hue, a velvet bolster in a contrasting print, or even a quirky quilt passed down from grandma. That one “offbeat” piece adds interest and keeps the look from feeling too staged.
💡 Pro Style Tip: If it makes you smile, it belongs on your bed.
Ready to shop the look or style your own? Scroll down to see how I applied these tips using pieces I already owned—plus a few curated links to grab similar styles I love right now.
✨ Want to create your own mix? Use my checklist below to mix and match your own bedding in minutes!
Quick & Easy Checklist to Style Mismatch Bedding Like a Pro
Here’s a quick checklist to create your own mismatch bedding:
✅ Choose a color anchor (your main bedding piece) to guide your palette.
✅ Pick 2–3 complementary colors or neutrals to support your anchor.
✅ Combine patterns with at least one solid to balance the overall look.
✅ Layer textures: mix linen, cotton, velvet, knits, or quilts.
✅ Vary the scale of your prints – mix large patterns with small ones.
✅ Add one “odd element” for character (like a bold pillow or a unique quilt).
✅ Stick to 3–5 total bedding elements max to keep the look intentional.
✅ Don’t stress perfection – mismatch bedding is meant to be fun!
My Favorite Duvets:
Here are some of my personal favorite picks (and some swoon-worthy inspiration photos!) to help you shop the look.
My Favorite Sheet Sets:
My Favorite Blankets & Throws:
Examples on How to Style Mismatch Bedding
Here are examples I’ve put together on ways to style mismatch bedding using a duvet, sheets and blankets.
1. Texture Duvet Cover Set (Seersucker) with Zipper Closure in Khaki (Taupe)
OR Below is what I actually have on my bed right now!
And not everything has to match EXACTLY…. the blue’s aren’t exact, but the pillows are at the top with white, coral and other colors in between them and the throw.
Colors to match:
- Coral
- White
- Patterns
- Quilts
- Blue
- Teal
- Chartreuse
2. Summer Floral Duvet Cover (Hawaiian Tropical style)
Here’s a great example of having two (2) busy pieces with solids to create a balance.
I love this floral tropical duvet set for many reasons, especially since it’s a fun summer tropical look. There are many color combinations you can pull from this that make styling a bit easier because the colors are all right there to help.
Colors to match:
- Coral
- White
- Tan
- Teal
- Chartreuse
3. Striped Duvet
Here is an example of a lot of textures that work lovely together.
Colors to match:
- Coral
- White
- Tan
- Blue
- Teal
- Chartreuse
- Similar color in a pattern blanket
4. Royal Shimmer Duvet
Try this duvet for a darker, richer, or masculine tone along with whites or solid accents.
You might not be able to quite tell from this picture of the duvet, but it includes greens, golds, and browns.
Colors to match:
- Gold
- Rose Gold
- White
- Tan
5. Pinch Pleated Dark Gray Duvet
For another masculine duvet, you can counter it with a soft feminine throw or pillows to balance the energy, look and feel.
Colors to match:
- Stripes
- Patterns
- White
- Coral
- Tan
- Blue
- Teal
- Chartreuse
- Similar color in a pattern blanket
Colors to match:
- Stripes
- White
- Coral
- Tan
- Green
- Dark Blue
Other Bed Mismatch Inspiration Examples
~~ As always friends, take care, be kind to yourself and others, and always keep learning to be better and do better.
Items mentioned in this article:
*I sometimes use affiliate links on our site for items I use, recommend, and love. The links are free for you to use and it helps support my site by providing a commission for the recommendation. I greatly appreciate you clicking on any recommended links I provide.*
Items from this article:
Go directly to my full list on my Amazon storefront with ALL MY FAVORITE THINGS! >
Or go directly to my Home Bedding & Bedroom Decor ->
My Duvets:
Articles To Read Next:
