You have your 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 bedhead cushion, your pillows, and quality bed linen. That's it.
How to do it:
- Make your bed with fitted and flat sheets
- Add your sleeping pillows (two for a double, three or four for queen/king)
- Position the bedhead cushion behind your pillows
- 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. The Layered Look
If minimalism feels too sparse, add a few decorative cushions in front. The trick is restraint. Two or three cushions maximum.
How to do it:
- Start with your bedhead cushion at the back
- Add your sleeping pillows
- Place two decorative cushions in front, slightly overlapping
- Optional: add a lumbar cushion for the third layer
Colour tips:
- Pick cushions that are slightly lighter or darker than your bedhead
- One textured cushion (like bouclé) adds interest without clashing
- Avoid matching everything exactly. A bit of contrast looks more natural.
Best for: Larger beds, styled bedroom photos, anyone who enjoys the bed-making ritual.
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 bedhead cushion and makes the bed feel more "finished."
How to do it:
- Style your 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 bedheads, 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 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 won't tell you: your bed doesn't need to look Instagram-ready every day.
The quick daily version:
- Pull up your doona
- Lean your bedhead cushion against the wall
- Done in 30 seconds
The bedhead cushion still frames the bed and looks intentional even without decorative cushions or perfectly tucked sheets. This is how most of us actually live.
Colour Combinations That Work
Natural linen bedhead + white sheets + oatmeal throw Classic and warm. Works in any bedroom.
Stone linen bedhead + charcoal sheets + cream cushions More contrast, modern feel.
Ecru bouclé bedhead + white linen + natural wood tones Textured and inviting. Great for coastal or Scandi-inspired rooms.
Ivory bouclé bedhead + soft pink accents + brass fixtures Feminine but not overwhelming.
What to Avoid
Too many cushions. If making your bed takes longer than five minutes, you've overdone it.
Matching everything. Your bedhead, sheets, cushions, and throw shouldn't all be the same colour. It looks flat.
Fighting your bedroom's natural light. Dark bedheads can make dim rooms feel smaller. If your room doesn't get much natural light, stick to lighter tones.
Ignoring scale. A king bed needs a king-sized bedhead cushion. Using a smaller size looks awkward.
Ready to Style Your Bedroom?
Our linen bedhead cushions come in Natural, Stone, and White. For texture, try our bouclé bedhead cushions in Ivory, Ecru, or Umber.
Both are machine-washable and lovingly crafted in South Australia. Pick your size (King, Queen, or Double) and we'll ship it free anywhere in Australia.
