How to Style a Bedhead Cushion (5 Looks That Actually Work)

You have your Arlem Bedhead Cushion. Now what? Here are five styling approaches that work in real Australian homes.

1. The Minimalist (Less Really Is More)

This is the easiest look to pull off. Just your Arlem Bedhead Cushion, the pillows you sleep on, and quality bed linen. That's it.

How to do it:

• Make your bed with fitted and flat sheets
• Add the pillows you sleep on
• Position the Arlem Bedhead Cushion behind them
• Done

The key here is good quality sheets. Cheap bedding shows more when there's nothing else to distract from it. Stick to linen, cotton, or a linen-cotton blend in neutral tones.

Best for: Small bedrooms, rental properties, anyone who hates making the bed.

2. Let the colourway do the work

If the bed feels too quiet, change the Arlem Bedhead Cushion, not a pile in front. A stripe or a ruffle is the interest. Meadow, Picnic, Oat Stripe. Sleeping pillows in front. That is the layer.

How to do it:

• Start with your Arlem Bedhead Cushion at the back
• Add the pillows you sleep on
• Done

Best for: Anyone who wants a bit of pattern without extra pieces to move every night.

3. The Throw Blanket Finish

A throw draped across the foot of the bed adds weight to the overall look. It balances the height of the Arlem Bedhead Cushion and makes the bed feel more finished.

How to do it:

• Style your Arlem Bedhead Cushion and pillows as usual
• Fold a throw rug into thirds lengthwise
• Drape it across the bottom third of the bed
• Let it hang over the edges slightly

Works especially well with: Linen throws on linen, chunky knit throws for winter, lightweight cotton for summer.

4. The Asymmetrical Approach

Not everything needs to be perfectly centred. An off-centre arrangement feels more relaxed and works well in bedrooms with side tables of different heights or wall art on one side.

How to do it:

• Position your Arlem Bedhead Cushion slightly off-centre
• Stack pillows more on one side
• Balance with a bedside lamp or plant on the lighter side

Best for: Bedrooms with asymmetrical features, anyone who finds perfect symmetry too formal.

5. The Functional Daily Look

Here's the secret most styling guides will not tell you: your bed doesn't need to look Instagram-ready every day.

The quick daily version:

• Pull up your doona
• Lean your Arlem Bedhead Cushion against the wall
• Done in 30 seconds

It still frames the bed and looks intentional, even without perfectly tucked sheets. This is how most of us actually live.

Colour combinations that work

Natural linen + white sheets + oatmeal throw Classic and warm. Works in any bedroom.

Oat Latte + cream sheets + warm wood Soft depth, without going dark.

Meadow + white linen + greenery A little pattern, still calm.

Picnic + botanical print + terracotta accents Warm and a bit more personality.

What to avoid

A pile of extra cushions. An Arlem Bedhead Cushion replaces that. Sleeping pillows in front, and you are done.

Matching everything. Your Bedhead Cushion, sheets, and throw should not all be the same colour. It looks flat.

Fighting your bedroom's natural light. Darker colourways can make dim rooms feel smaller. If your room doesn't get much natural light, stick to lighter tones.

Ignoring scale. Match the cushion size to the bed. A smaller size on a king looks awkward.

Ready to style your bedroom?

The linen range includes Natural, White, Meadow, and the rest of the colourways. See the full range.

Covers are removable. Cold gentle wash, then line dry in shade or tumble dry low. Designed in Adelaide. Free shipping Australia-wide.