Best Bed Linen Colour Combos for Summer

Like ogres and like onions (but not like cakes) — that’s a Shrek reference, for the uninitiated — the best beds come with layers to them.

Yes, there’s the literal sense. Bed frame, mattress, mattress protector, flat sheet, fitted sheet, quilt cover and quilt, topped off with a pillow and maybe a few cushions, a blanket and a throw.

But in this Life + Style article, we’re talking about tonal layers — the bedroom colour palette you choose for all those different items, that create a look and an aesthetic all of their own.

And when it comes to bedding colour schemes, you've got a few to choose from.

Starting with the classic monochrome; a single colour or hue throughout. Then there’s two-toned, which as the number suggests, is made up of two different colours.

And finally, there’s the trio, where you choose three different colours to style on your bed. It may be more challenging to pull off (but is more exciting!) — but with hard work, comes great reward.

That’s the simplest way to explain it, in words at least. But, if you follow any homewares or interior styling accounts on Insta or TikTok (including us, we hope), then you’ve definitely seen this trend in action already. There’s a reason publications like Homes & Gardens called it one of the “biggest bedroom trends” of the past couple of years; Your Home and Garden said the key to bedroom interiors was to “layer, layer and layer some more.”

And if you have gone down that rabbit hole, then you’ve probably come across some cotton percale bedding — like our new Bayley Washed Percale Collection.

Although we do love cotton percale year-round, it’s airy feel and breathability make it a perfect match for summer. Trend forecasting company WGSN have reported that people are searching more and more for seasonal-appropriate bedding, seeing searches for “cool bedding” growing 9% from 2022-2023, with “percale fabric” a breakout term in related topics.

Yes, there’s the feel of it (did we mention that Bayley is garment washed for extra softness? Hence the name washed percale), but one reason people love cotton percale as part of their bedding colour combinations is that it’s perfect for showcasing colour. Yes, we know that usually, no one likes a show-off, but in this case, we love. Its smooth weave lets colours shine — especially when it comes to a colour blocking moment — and the matte finish shows off how relaxed the fibre (and the styling) is.

But you didn’t come all this way just to hear us talk about how great washed cotton percale is (but seriously, take our word for it). You want to know how to coordinate bedding colours, and the best colour combos you should be styling on your bed this summer.

And best of all, you can already mix and match these shades with your existing bedding faves; it could be as simple as bringing in a new colour of pillowcases to make your bedding feel brand new again.

Soft in more ways than one, this combo brings together two of our favourite fibres — cotton and Belgian flax linen. Between the garment washed finish on the Bayley Quilt Cover, and the butter-soft handle of the Abbotson Linen sheets, this is a match made in textile heaven.

Flax provides a soothing neutral base to this look, while the gentle shade of rose pink brings a pop of playful colour. Perfect for summer.

On the cooler side of the colour spectrum, we have white and snow pea — one of our favourite colours of the season. Nothing says “fresh” quite like crisp white bedding paired with a cool minty green. If you want to wake up feeling rejuvenated every morning, this one’s for you.

And for bonus points, the Reilly Stripe Sheet Set adds a fun stripey surprise when you pull back the covers.

Love the stripes, but after something a bit deeper in tone? Why not try deep sea and carbon.

With its dark blue hue, the Bayley Quilt Cover in deep sea brings a cosiness to your space. Darker colours absorb light, which can make a space feel intimate and mellow. Pair it with the Abbotson Ticking Stripe sheets in carbon for a neutral base with a twist — a perfect introduction to styling dark colours (and prints) in the bedroom.

Okay, one is more of a print than a colour, but it’s a pairing we love too much to leave out.

A light, rose pink is wonderful for a summer bed, bringing to mind thoughts of blooming flowers (roses, if you will). Take this concept even further by pairing with delicate florals in a contrasting colourway, with a light neutral base to keep things feeling light.

An adorable pairing with just a hint of nostalgia — a combination much-loved by cottagecore fans everywhere.

A common misconception about minimalist bedroom styling is that every layer has to be white. On the contrary, introducing pieces of colour can bring depth to a minimalist bedroom while maintaining that coveted aesthetic.

For an elevated bedroom look, try pairing the Bayley Quilt Cover in white with a shade like mocha. A warm neutral with a touch of richness, our Hotel Luxury Sheet Set not only looks luxe, but feels it.

Like the silkiest cappuccino or a chocolate truffle, mocha pairs perfectly with something fresh and crisp, to keep things from getting too decadent (if there is such a thing).

We’re revisiting our deep sea shade, and this time we’re pairing it with Abbotson Linen in the shade silver. When we think summer, we think beach, and this cool-toned combination feels like falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing — mediative and calm. What could be more perfect for a bedroom colour scheme?

Think of this pairing as a sophisticated update on the classic navy and white, or the nocturnal counterpart to coastal-inspired sky blue and white.

There’s no rule that says neutral shades have to be paired with other neutrals. One of the most fun things you can do with a neutral like white is offset it with bright colour — like one of our faves, the citrus-inspired yuzu.

A lively yellow, yuzu epitomises summer bedroom styling. And despite being a total showstopper on its own, this shade pairs perfectly with neutrals. Especially when it's cleverly styled between white bedding — acting as an accent, and not as the main event.