5 Tips for Blending Modern and Traditional Bedding

Blending modern and traditional bedding might seem daunting or counterintuitive. However, learning to balance these two styles will ensure a well-rounded design capable of enduring the ebb and flow of trends. These 5 tips for blending bedding styles will leave you feeling confident and ready to mix things up.

5 Tips for Blending Modern and Traditional Bedding

Garnet Hill graciously sponsored this post featuring their latest bedding collection, but all opinions and tips are mine. I was more than happy to partner with Garnet Hill because this collection of vintage-inspired bedding that puts a modern twist on traditional bedding pieces didn’t just speak to me…it sang to me! 

Everything from this collection is heirloom quality and is rich with character and enduring colors. In other words, these are the bedding pieces that get passed down because they’re so beautiful and full of timeless charm. 

One of my most recent DIY projects was reupholstering our master bed frame. I shared the process on Instagram stories and saved it as a highlight if you’re interested in seeing how I created the skirt portion. After this bedding arrived, I was even more excited about the fabric I chose for the bed frame, and I got to work finishing the headboard. I have plans to tweak it a bit more, and there are some big changes coming to our bedroom in the next few months. For now though, I’m basking in the beauty of our new Garnet Hill bedding from their latest bedding collection and the feeling of warmth and completeness it brings to this space.

Click through to see our new bedding and the finished bed frame.

Tip 1 | Start With Stripes

Striped bedding is neither modern nor traditional. It’s classic, making it the perfect foundation for mixing styles on a bed. It’s also a chameleon pattern that reads differently depending on the other bedding pieces. I chose to use the Oatmeal Bengal Striped Relaxed-Linen pillow shams and duvet cover for a subtle pop of pattern, but there’s a stripe style and color for everyone. It’s that capsule layer that can remain on your bed throughout each season, beautifully complimenting any other pieces that may come or go. Whether you choose striped sheets and shams that give a peek of pattern or a striped duvet that adds interest, you can’t go wrong if you start with stripes. 

Tip 2 | Rethink Traditional Patterns

A lot of people are afraid to incorporate pattern into their design because selecting the right patterns can be intimidating. I’ve found a way around that lack of confidence. Use modern interpretations of traditional patterns. In Noelle’s room, I used an updated block print quilt. And in Hannah’s room, the wallpapered ceiling pulls in pattern but is fresh and subdued. In our bedroom, I knew I wanted plaid for the fall and winter months. So, when I saw the Heritage Softest Wool Blanket in Caramel, I knew it was perfect. It feels timeless and traditional, like a plaid blanket my great-grandchildren would love to have decades from now. And yet, it feels fresh and updated at the same time. This is my favorite piece on the bed. The quality is amazing and it really is the softest wool blanket. 

Tip 3 | Add a Touch of Lace

I don’t normally gravitate toward intricate details like lace. However, when I saw the Bryant Crochet Washed-Percale sheets, I decided to give lace a chance. And I’m so glad I went for it because as it turns out, that little lace detail adds so much character. And you know how I feel about character…must have it. Details really do matter when you’re blending modern and traditional styles. You need to strike a balance, and something as small as a tiny lace border can lend just the right traditional touch to modern bedding. 

Tip 4 | Alternate Modern and Traditional Layers

When blending modern and traditional bedding, it’s important to alternate your layers. I started with traditional, lace-trimmed sheets. Then, I layered on a classic, striped duvet, added a modern Dream Quilt, and finished our bed off with an updated traditional plaid blanket. I followed suit with the pillows as well. This allows your eyes to experience that all-important balance of modern and traditional. It will also prevent the feeling that something’s “off” or “missing”. Alternating layers makes a bed feel complete. 

Tip 5 | Use Modern Versions of Traditional Colors

All-white or neutral bedding is classic and beautiful, but color is where it’s at for me. So many people are gravitating toward rich, warm colors again after a very long run of popularity for neutrals. It’s exciting to see a return to color, but for a lot of people, color is as intimidating as pattern. Fortunately though, we have a plethora of updated options to help us reintroduce color confidently. I chose to transition our bedroom to a fall palette that’s primarily rust, caramel, and oatmeal, with hints of olive and chestnut brown. Traditionally, the bedding options out there might have been red rather than rust, hunter green rather than olive, and beige or peach rather than oatmeal and caramel. Selecting bedding colors that are soothing and muted, and layering them in with foundational neutrals is the key to using traditional color in a modern way.  

I hope you love Garnet Hill’s latest bedding collection as much as I do! I’m still swooning over all the colors and details. And, I have a wish list going for the pieces I would love to have for our bedroom and the girls’ bedrooms. 

Little by little, our master bedroom is coming together, and I couldn’t be happier with it’s latest look. These rich fall colors are such a welcome sight at the end of each day, and I’m already excited to style this bedding for Christmas! 

What’s your favorite piece from Garnet Hill’s latest bedding collection? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section below. 

Until next time,

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