The Pros and Cons of

White Bedding 

“Should I get white bedding?” If you're asking yourself this question, Pottery Barn is here to help you decide! White bedding can be incredibly inviting and chic, but it's important to style it the way you like and care for it correctly. Here’s how to make the choice that’s right for you.

The Beauty of White Bedding 

When it comes to inviting serenity, white bedding does a wonderful job. There's a reason why so many luxury hotels feature white sheeting – the style is classic, and it has a tidy feel that's irresistibly inviting. White bedding is also extremely versatile. It works with any decor style, from modern minimalism to ornate traditionalism. You can mix and match white bedding with other colors, too – a white sheet set can form a foundation for a rotating collection of blankets, quilts and comforters. 

If you like to switch up your top-layer bedding with the seasons, white sheets are a great anchor. The opposite is also true – you can pair a collection of white quilts, comforters and blankets with a rotating selection of printed or colorful sheets in a variety of different seasonal fabrics, including flannel and linen. Keeping things simple with white bedding sets the tone for your room, and you can keep that tone cozy by opting to build a bed with layers of white pieces in different textures. For example, a velvety-soft ivory quilt layered on top of crisp white cotton percale sheets provides a smooth base and plush top that’s incredibly inviting. Materials such as matelassé and jacquard are great choices for monochromatic texture that brings in subtle pattern without interrupting your all-white palette. 

Taking Proper Care

Discoloration is of the biggest potential drawback of a white bedding setup. Though white sheets and duvets do require a bit of extra thoughtfulness in the laundry room, it’s not a big chore to keep your white bedding fresh and clean. You can start by taking care to avoid stains, but if having a mug of tea in bed is one of your favorite indulgences, don't give it up. Just be sure to immediately wash your white bedding if you do happen to spill something on it. 

When you wash your white bedding, use a formulated detergent that's made especially for white fabrics and wash your sheets regularly to prevent discoloration. If you want to give them a bit of a brightness refresh, avoid using bleach. While bleach does clean brights, it can also cause white fabrics to take on a yellowish tint. Instead of bleach, opt for a natural solution by making a soak with warm water, distilled white vinegar, fresh-squeezed and strained lemon juice, and baking soda. You can periodically soak your white bedding pieces in this mixture and then launder like normal to keep them as bright and clean as possible. White bedding does require some special care, but it's still a breeze to keep clean. Diligence and an effective technique can make it easy to maintain the pristine look that you love so much.