Bedding trends: Cool covers and chic sheets to check out this season

Whether you need to replace frayed out sheets, or simply want to refresh the look of your bedroom in minutes by updating the duvet cover for a season, it makes sense to invest in new sheets that will look good and feel amazing. After all, you'll be spending thousands of hours in them just this year alone.

According to Tamara Robbins Griffith, HomeSense Design Expert, there are a number of overlapping trends that you should look out for this spring when it comes to bedding. "We're seeing two major trends. One is a move towards natural materials like linen, and lots of textures such as pin-tucking, tassels, and detailed edging," says Robbins Griffith. "The other trend is [toward] bold colours like ochre, and strong geometric patterns."

And you might want to have more than one set of sheets on hand. "It's nice to have two sets per bed so that you can rotate while one set is being laundered," says Robbins Griffith, who will also break up sheets sets from Homesense to create a relaxed, mix-and-match look. "If you buy two or three sets that complement each other, you can then combine the pillow cases, top and bottom sheet to create an eclectic but harmonious look."

Of course, mixing your new purchases with existing sheets can create the same eclectic vibe, too, if you're not quite ready to part with your decade-old, plain cotton bedding just yet.

Here are four of the season's key bedding trends, and where to find them.

Gem palette

White, neutrals and pastel sheets aren't going anywhere, but there are also a lot of vibrant shades being offered right now in the bedding department, including muted jewel tones such as purple and teal. Most eye-catching? The bright, rich yellows that land somewhere in between ochre and buttercup.

H&M's lesser-known home department offer trending colours at a great price. This purple set from their Conscious collection is made with a prewashed, woven organic cotton fabric.

Washed Cotton Duvet Cover Set, $34.99, hm.com

Made in India, these 100% organic cotton sheets and pillowcases feel extra soft thanks to a garment-wash finish, which is done after each piece has been cut and sewn.

Garment Washed Teal Cotton Sheet Sets, from $169 (on sale from $89.97), cb2.com

Taking fashion's lead, shades of yellow are trending in home decor. At Zara Home, you can find the brand's 500 thread count cotton bedding in a vibrant golden colour.

500 Thread Count Sateen Flat Sheet, from $69.90, zarahome.com

Natural linens

Cotton may be the de facto choice when it comes to bedding, but other natural fabrics such as linen, silk and bamboo are growing in popularity. Bonus: because most linen bedding is meant to look a bit wrinkled and "lived in", there's no real need to iron or steam your sheets, if you might normally do that.

This luxurious, washed-linen duvet is fully lined in a soft cotton, so you won't have to worry about any scratchiness under the covers.

Vandyck Premium Pure Linen Duvet Cover Set, from $350, simons.ca

H&M's plain, washed linen sheets are available in a variety of sizes; the fitted sheet starts at $59.99 and is currently available in white and pale grey.   

Washed Linen Fitted Sheet, $59.99, hm.com

Good lines

Wide stripes, bold borders and grid patterns such as checks are popular looks this season, appearing in both colourful, high-contrast combinations and more muted, neutral palettes. These pieces can easily be matched with plain bed linens, floral prints and more without losing their impact.     

This classic navy comforter-and-sham set pairs well with the season's popular checked sheets, but could also be mixed with plain white or blue bed sheets.

Nautica Aport 3-Piece Striped Comforter Set, from $199.99, thebay.com

The wide blue and white striping here looks more modern than nautical. This 300 thread count, 100% cotton duvet cover from Zara comes in a few bright colourways.

300 Thread Count Sateen Duvet Cover, from $89.90, zarahome.com

Bohemian rhapsody

Textured fabric duvet covers. Sheets with 3D embroidery or colourful trim. Pillow cases with tassels and other embellished edging. More is more in the case of one of the top bedding trends right now.

This cotton duvet cover's unique, artistic embellishments are dip-dyed and hand knotted.

Embellished Eula Duvet Cover, from about $305 CAD (on sale from about $244 CAD), anthropologie.com

Available in both white and "winter peach", this cotton set features an oversized, textural floral pattern created using a tufted embroidery method.

Margot Tufted Floral Comforter Snooze Set, from $224, urbanoutfitters.com

The stitched folds on this EQ3 duvet set is reminiscent of shibori-style pleating. The cotton features a 210 thread count.

Moncton Duvet Set, from $129.99, eq3.com

Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.