When decorating the rooms of our homes, we choose a specific style like country, contemporary, transitional or traditional. Regardless of the style we have chosen for our homes, what about applying the same principle to the bedding we select? Since each style evokes a very distinctive mood, you can change the look and style of your bed as your frame of mind dictates, much more easily than you can buy new furniture and repaint the walls. Particularly now that we are heading into the winter months, making the bed as cozy and inviting as possible is a great way to cut down your heating bill while giving your bedroom a little makeover.

 Country Style Bedding

The style most closely associated with warmth and comfort, country style says “homey” and “welcome.” The appeal of dressing a bed in country style bedding is its ultimate charm. Pillow shams and bed skirts will have ruffles more often than not. The materials of choice for sheets are cottons, linens and natural fiber blends, while wool is popular for throws and blankets. Ginghams, plaids, stripes and floral patterns are standard fare for country style bedding. Patchwork designs are a common motif for quilts, comforters and duvets. Top sheets, bed skirts and pillow shams can have scalloped borders for added pastoral charm. The best part of country style bedding is its variety; from the earth tones and bolder shades and patterns of rustic elegance to the pastels and florals of whimsical country cottage, there is sure to be a combination of bed linens that will complement your décor, whether it’s country style or not.

 Contemporary Style Bedding

Contemporary style is a reflection of the current trends. It’s noted its clean lines, uncomplicated profiles and the use of simple geometric forms. Comforters and duvets with geometric patterns are a familiar theme. Color palettes include neutrals and contrasting colors. Bold colors are often applied as accents and layering textures is a common method of creating visual interest in contemporary style interior design; ideal principles for dressing a bed so that it will be a welcome place to retreat to after a busy day. Pillow shams and bed skirts typically have a tailored or pleated border. Sheets are made from cotton/polyester blends. Contemporary style bedding embraces a range of themes from Asian motifs to landscapes created by utilizing stylized negative space.

 Transitional Style Bedding

Blending elements of traditional and contemporary styles, transitional style has an eclectic look and feel that is sophisticated and trendy yet simple and uncomplicated at the same time. This is largely due its soothing neutral and earth tone palettes, an emphasis on uncluttered detail and a less formal approach to the use of color and shape. Fabrics for bedding are typically a mix natural fibers and blends, from cottons to textured chenilles. Because of its eclectic nature, transitional style bedding possesses a casual elegance that is ideal when mixing and matching with other decorating styles.

 Traditional Style Bedding

While traditional style bedding can be stately, formal and downright impressive, it can be very comforting in a bedroom environment, lending the décor a sense of historical tradition and timelessness. Inspired by the fashions, trends and social customs of the past, traditional bedding is rich in its use of color and bold in its design, maximizing classical motifs such as shell, scroll and flora motifs. Bedding fabrics can be as opulent and extraordinary as damasks and silks, but sheets, shams, bed skirts and pillowcases are typically made of cotton with high thread counts. Due to its distinctly ornate appearance, traditional style bedding has a luxurious look and feel that is perfect for keeping the chill of winter away.