There is nothing more I love than looking at a boldly colored bedroom. But for myself, I want calm, I want soft neutrals, I want lightness. I need to rest in there after all! However, I don’t want only soft neutrals. I’ve been jokingly referring to my bedroom in its current state as the “50 shades of beige” room because of what I already owned/what I’ve brought in, baby, it’s A LOT of beige and cream. I knew I would never keep it like that, but figuring out the best way to add in color and pattern has been a journey (with an Italian MCM vibe, no less). Now, a very simple way that I want to add in some variety is through a “bed blanket”. Now, using a bed blanket on the bottom half of a bed isn’t a new trend. But what has gotten more popular recently are boldly patterned ones that almost have a vintage feel to them. So I’m going to take you on a little journey on what I think my best options are to create a calm but “eclectic” bedding combo, which is heavily dependent on my end-of-bed blanket (Oh, and you also get to see my new rug!!!). Then I’ll take you through some more options in case you are in the market too, but we have different styles. But first, let’s get clear on the sizing of a bed blanket:
Or if you want just a larger than average throw blanket it should be around:
Now, onto what I’m considering. But first, here is a little peek of my bed for more context.
left: velvet is clarke & clarke in “honey” and linen is kravet basics x thom filicia in sweeting – ivory | right: farren bench, green check fabric is gaston y daniela, and linen is kravet basics
I love both my bed and bench so freaking much. Buildlane and Kravet have truly made my dreams come true with this bed. And I am still pinching myself that I have a Katy Skelton piece of furniture.
Ok, now let’s really make these pieces shine together with some proper bedding…
Green Pillow | Shearling Lumbar Pillow | Striped Duvet (similar + similar) | Sheet Set | Rug (vintage) | Velvet Quilt
First off, THAT’S MY “NEW” VINTAGE RUG! I originally was using one of our Rugs USA rugs (Starke in Beige). I loved the rug in general, but it never felt perfect. Then, for our third drop, that never happened (see here for the story), we were designing this incredible blue one that I was hoping would get to me in time for the shoot. That rug clearly never came to fruition, but my obsession with a blue rug remained. So when I found it light gray blue beauty with the rust border and tassels, it had to be mine. As you can see this color palette is expanding, and it all needs to be balanced. Not a problem, right??
In my possession, I have the rug (clearly), that perfect green patterned pillow, the striped duvet, and light mint colored sheets (I had to buy 3 versions to find the right tone). I wanted mint sheets because mint is used in the chicest way in French and Italian designs. And remember, I’m going for eclectic/slightly unexpected. I like that the linen duvet cover breaks up the color on either end of the bed but still has those thin rusty stripes to talk to the rug’s border color, the gold velvet on the bed, and in the green pillow. Speaking of the end of the bed, I really love this velvet quilt from Lulu and Georgia. The color is rich, the texture is interesting, and it’s a big pop. Also, it’s large, it can drape over the end of the bed enough to put a break in between the cream linen bedding/bed frame and the cream linen bench seat.
Green Pillow | Shearling Lumbar Pillow | Striped Duvet (similar + similar) | Sheet Set | Rug (vintage) | Large Throw Blanket
But is that blue velvet “too much”? Will it draw all the attention to that end of the bed? Well, this unbelievably beautiful large throw could be another option. The colors are stunning and obviously work with the rug and duvet (and potential lumbar pillow), and I love the print. I just don’t think it’s as big as I want it to be on its own. Maybe as an accent throw?? It’s not exactly an affordable piece, so I’d have to be VERY sure.
Green Pillow | Shearling Lumbar Pillow | Striped Duvet (similar + similar) | Sheet Set | Rug (vintage) | Oversized Throw Blanket
Here’s a totally different vibe that’s gives me a more airy look and feel. That big blanket is currently on clearance and $50 which is also very tempting. It’s warm without being bold, and works with the lumbar pillow. I’m just not sure about the stripes on stripes with the duvet. I think they are different enough in scale and would have a different orientation. So maaaybe.
Green Pillow | Shearling Lumbar Pillow | Striped Duvet (similar + similar) | Sheet Set | Rug (vintage) | Velvet Quilt | Bedspread
Here can you see me emptying out my life savings. I brought back the L&G quilt and for some dimension and the Soho Home bedspread for pattern. Honestly, this is all too expensive (and maybe too much heavy bedding for Los Angeles), but I had to add it because it was too pretty not to. Moving on…
Green Pillow | Shearling Lumbar Pillow | Striped Duvet (similar + similar) | Sheet Set | Rug (vintage) | Velvet Quilt | Large Throw Blanket
Now this feels like a real contender. I definitely love the velvet and how it will break up the creams, but I also love the idea of adding a patterned throw on top of it for more interest (or having the throw over the bench). I just may need to find a throw with more green in it though:) A lot is going on with this, but knowing how simple the walls and curtains will be, I’m pretty here for it.
Now let’s get into some patterned, bed blanket/throw options for all of you!
1. Check Wool Blanket | 2. Chipperfield Lambswool Block Throw | 3. Coastal Plaid Alpaca Throw
Here we have a variety of sizes based on the look you’re going for. The Zara Home one is a little larger than a standard throw and the pattern is so good. The stunner in the middle is from the same brand as the one on Emily bed in the mountain house and definitely big enough to be a full bed blanket. Then the Anthropologie blanket is a standard throw size and would be so pretty as an accent.
1. Claudius Throw | 2. Apex Throw | 3. Camila Throw
I wish Soho Home was more affordable because what they sell is SO GOOD. The colors of #1 are awesome. The other two are also larger throws. I love the tonal blue pattern because it’s both fun and quiet. The rust one is also so pretty and really versatile style-wise.
1. Pattern #2 Throw in Greens | 2. Khasa Throw | 3. Tatami Throw in Navy Blue
If you want a great throw blanket, Happy Habitat is such a great place to start. The patterns are bold, and the colors are awesome. These are standard throw sizes, but wow, do they pack a punch. The beautiful Bole Road blanket is an actual bed blanket, and I can’t get over how stunning it is. Maybe I should actually consider it for my bed!
1. Isadora Cotton Woven Throw Blanket | 2. Suzani Cotton Handmade Floral Bedspread | 3. Stillwater Floral Quilt
This is where “the trend of it all” is really popping off – vintage-inspired florals. The Anthro blanket is a standard throw, but my god, those colors are so pretty. I really think we are going to be seeing a huge resurgence of Suzani fabrics (embroidered textiles from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian countries) in 2025. They are so beautiful, and you can find bedspreads like #2 on Etsy from the actual makers. Then lastly, I’m sure you recognize the Schoolhouse quilt on the right. Emily has it in the green and blue colorway (among other quilts of theirs) and raves about it.
1. Olmo Alpaca Bed Blanket | 2. Kori Brown Wool and Silk Throw Blanket
I know bright colors aren’t easy for everyone, so here are two really great blankets – the one on the left is a large bed blanket in almost a modern plaid, and the cute throw on the right is a standard size.
1. Cotton Velvet Quilt | 2. Velvet Quilt
I’ve kinda become obsessed with the idea of a velvet end-of-bed quilt (in case you couldn’t tell from my options above). But finding ones that look like they don’t look cheap but are still affordable isn’t easy. This one from Quince looks great. If they had a blue, I would probably choose this one. I was really impressed with the curtain panel I tried (the color didn’t end up working), so it gave me trust in their other home products. If you have more of a budget, I love love love Citta. I am kicking myself that I didn’t buy the color I was looking at because now it’s no longer available. The quality is so good.
1. Classic Cotton Velvet Tack Stitch Quilt | 2. Shadow Toffee Velvet Full/Queen Quilt
If you want a warmer-toned velvet, how pretty are these? That one from West Elm is the prettiest color (very similar to the velvet on my headboard) and a nice mid-range price. The one from CB2 is also awesome, and the simple, lined texture is a little unique for velvet quilts. Either of these are perfect if you want a super soft but warm bedroom with a little more color than beige.
1. Pine Green Pembroke Stripe Wool Throw | 2. Dreamweave Waffle Bed Blanket
Had to end with a simple stripe. If patterns overwhelm you, but you want color, #1 is a standard size throw that comes in more than this green (even though I love the green, a lot:)). The Brooklinen blanket comes in a couple of bed sizes, and that stripe is a perfect subtle nod to a little pattern. This blanket also comes in fun, solid colors.
1. Wool-Blend Bedspread | 2. Aleah Stripe Throw
Finally, our warm-toned stripes. Well, H&M really showed up with this $75 “bedspread”. I think it’s probably going to work best with a twin or full-sized bed, but could be a nice accent blanket for a queen or king. And for even more color and fun, I LOVE the mustard and pink combo on the right. It’s a large throw and would add a lot of fun as an accent to your bed.
This is where I leave you. Caitlin and I WILL be done with our rooms in a matter of weeks. We know it’s taken forever, but since they aren’t heavily gifted, these things unfortunately take more time. But get excited because we are in the home stretch!
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Mountain House Primary Bedroom
Giddy with anticipation of your room reveals! And although we want instant gratificaiton of seeing a room makeover, I appreciate the real life timeline of choices and purchases. On a personal note, now I’m torn after seeing some of these bed blankets….. a bed blanket for the bedroom or curtains for the living & dining. Decisions, decisions (and budget/budget) : )