This Is the One Easy, Affordable Bedroom Swap Designers Say Will Make the Biggest Impact

Your bedroom is one of the most important areas in your home. Not only is it the place where you sleep and recharge every night, but it’s also the first space you see when you wake up in the morning. Luckily, whether you’re low on energy and funds — or just not prepared to take on total bedroom makeover — interior designers say there’s one simple but high-impact decor swap you can make to refresh your bedroom without spending a lot of money or time: switching out your current bedding for something in a fresh, seasonally appropriate material.

Since bed linens (including sheets, duvet covers, comforters, blankets, and throw pillows) come in an array of styles, colors, and fabrics, designer Emma Beryl, whose recent project is pictured above, says different combinations can really change the ambiance of your sleep space. “Your bed takes up so much surface area in your bedroom, so the bedding you use has a major impact on the tone of the space,” she explains. “It is a great place to express the mood you want to set, whether it be calm and serene with solid linen bedding or bright and cheerful with colorful prints.”

Interested in making this swap in your own bedroom but want a little direction on choosing linens and styling out the top of bed? These five designer tips will make switching up your bedding in an impactful way a breeze.

If you’re itching to bring a dash of drama into your bedroom, designer Cagney Krzywosinski of Hyphen & Co. says you can’t go wrong with colorful bedding. “A blanket, comforter, or duvet cover in a bold color and/or pattern can double as a focal point in a bedroom, especially if the rest of the space is neutral,” she explains. 

Incorporating colorful sheets and throws into your bedding can also make a big impact in a bedroom. “If you aren’t a fan of eye-catching bedspreads, bedsheets or throw pillows and blankets in a bright shade can create an unexpected pop of personality that’s a bit more subdued,” says designer Carneil Griffin of Griffin Direction Interiors. “This way, you can experiment with a fun, new color in your bedroom without having to rework your whole color palette.” 

If you’re looking for an easy way to make a tiny bedroom feel airier without having to call a contractor, Krzywosinski says to look no further than all-white bedding. “Since your bedding serves as one of the largest materials in a bedroom space, staying neutral with your bedding is the best way to make a small bedroom feel larger while lightening the space overall,” she explains.

To bring depth and dimension to an all-white setup, Griffin recommends layering in sheets, blankets, throws, and pillows made of materials that are both fresh and seasonally relevant. “Swap out more summery bed linens and throws for ones composed of denser materials and weaves like silk, wool, or cashmere in the winter,” he explains. “This way, you can create a textural, layered look for your bed that will keep you comfortable during the cold weather months.” 

Changing out the accent pillows and shams on your bed is another small bedding swap that can breathe new life into your bedroom in a matter of minutes. Whether you move pillows you already own around from room to room or just buy or DIY your own covers, designer Marie Flanigan says decorative bed pillows are a budget-friendly way to add a new color, pattern, or texture to your bedroom. “Something as simple as fresh shams can change the whole vibe of your bedroom and leave you feeling rejuvenated,” she explains. Try looking for a fun print or something with trim to add a bit of texture to your existing setup.

Introducing one decorative pillow in a commanding shape can also shake up your bedding scheme in a unique way. You can find circles, knots, and longer, more rectangular shapes. “I like to add an oversized lumbar pillow to elevate the overall bedding while also creating a clean line that is hard to achieve with multiple throw pillows,” designer Larisa Barton of Soeur Interiors says. 

If you don’t have or can’t swing purchasing a different comforter or duvet cover right now, Barton says incorporating a new throw blanket into your bedding is the next best thing. “A good-looking throw blanket can make a huge difference in the feel of a bedroom,” she says. “You can either make a statement by adding a throw in a contrasting color to the end of your bed or layer in one in an interesting texture or material such as wool or faux fur.” 

Okay, so this one isn’t exactly about linens, but it does involve fabric. If you’re feeling really inspired about shaking things up in your bedroom, designer Isabel Ladd says you can reupholster a lackluster headboard in new fabric. “To add a soft cozy layer to your bedroom, staple plushy batting and fabric to an existing wooden headboard,” she explains. “This can set a fresh tone for the bed while elevating the ambiance of the rest of the room.”