If you really love pink and you want to go all out for your dorm room, then a monochrome look for your bedding is a great way to go! Using a monochrome approach to styling your pink bedding is easy, and it will transform your room into one even Elle Woods would be jealous of. But what exactly is monochrome? Monochrome is when something is made up of the same color, but uses differing shades of the color. Often referred to as monochromatic decorating when referring to monochrome in the way that we’ll be using it, using the same color but in different shades is the perfect way to incorporate your favorite color without it becoming boring. 

If you’re thinking about decorating your room with one color, you might have some concerns. Sometimes when you decorate with just one color you might worry that your space will seem bland and flat, or that your room might look boring. Adding in different shades of the same color and incorporating a monochromatic look can help add depth and dimension to your space. Another concern when thinking about using one color to decorate is that the color will become too much or that you might get tired of it. 

However, using a monochromatic approach allows you to incorporate your favorite color in the most obvious way without it looking bland or it becoming overwhelming, because there are different shades that can almost act as a whole new color palette. Monochromatic decorating adds depth to any space and can help you incorporate your favorite color in a fun way. If pink is your jam and you want to try your hand at a monochromatic approach to styling light pink bedding in your dorm room, keep reading for some easy steps to follow!

How to Get Started  

Monochrome is an easy styling approach to master and is a fun way to experiment with your favorite color. You might be wondering if pink is too crazy of a color to create a monochromatic look with, but the best thing about monochrome is that you can do it with any color and it always comes out great. Monochromatic decorating is easy and you’ll be an expert at it once you get the hang of the most important rule to remember when decorating monochromatically. And by rule, we mean a simple guideline that you can choose to (or not to) follow. After all, it is your space and you have the final say! 

The most important guideline to remember when you decide to decorate your dorm room's bedding  in a monochromatic fashion is to go in stages, or layers. The key to that perfect monochromatic look is layering. Layering refers to both the actual items you’ll be using to decorate your bed (in this case it would be things like your bedding, pillows, blankets, etc) as well as your shades of pink for your desired look. Layering on the different items will help create dimension to your bed, and layering your shades of pink will create depth to the color that you wouldn't get if you were to just use one shade of pink for your entire bedding set. To get the hang of layering for a monochromatic bedding look, use these steps below to help guide you!

Step 1: Pick Your Base Layer

The easiest way to begin incorporating a monochromatic approach to your pink bedding choices is by choosing a base color. In this case, your comforter will be your base and will be the shade of pink that is most noticeable and visible to you and your guests. This can be a light shade of pink, a darker shade, or you can even go all out and pick the brightest shade you can find. You can add a patterned comforter, but it is usually best to start with a solid shade as the base so that you can incorporate busier patterned accessories on top. However, if patterns are your thing then go for it and bring your vision to life! You can pick whatever shade or pattern base layer you want, and each can help create a different look. Click here to check out some cute bedding options from OCM that would be perfect for your base layer look.

Solid Base Color 

Sometimes the best base layer is a simple one. And what can be simpler than a solid pink? A solid pink base layer will allow you to incorporate more patterned layers on top without distracting from them. Since your base layer will most likely be the shade of pink most visible it is important to choose a shade that fits your taste and personality. 

A light pink base is a great way to start your monochromatic look, because it is almost a blank canvas for you to add your other layers to. Having a light pink base also gives you the opportunity to add brighter or darker shaded layers on top. If you choose a light pink base, just remember that your next layer should either be darker or brighter if you want to achieve that perfect monochrome look. 

A Patterned Approach 

If you’re more of a pattern type of person and you’d rather have a patterned comforter, then pick out your favorite patterned comforter and show it off to everyone! While patterns aren’t the typical choice for a base layer when doing a monochromatic look, it is definitely possible and will still look amazing on your bed. If you choose to do a patterned bedspread, consider adding more solid colored pieces on top so that your patterned bedding is the main focus and your bed won’t look too busy.

Choosing a patterned comforter with a large pattern can give you the patterned look you want without all the business as a bedding set with a smaller pattern. You can pick whatever pattern fits your personal style and preference, but florals are always a safe bet because they can offer different shades of pink within the pattern. 

A Changeable Base Layer

If you’re undecided about what your base layer color should be, consider a reversible comforter. Commitment is hard and if you’ve got issues with it (committing can be hard, we’re not judging), then a reversible comforter is the perfect way to go. There are two directions you can take with this approach. The first is a comforter that has a patterned side and a solid side. This will allow you to switch for whatever mood you’re feeling. The second direction you can take is a comforter with a different shade of pink on each side. This way you’ll never have to worry about choosing between a light base color or a dark one. 

Another upside to having a reversible comforter is that when you fold it over you get two shades of pink for the cost of one bedding set. This will add dimension to your bed without having to buy anything extra. Having a reversible comforter will also mean that you can change it depending on your mood or your current room theme. If you’re ever wanting to change your room without spending money, just simply flip your comforter over.

Step 2: Pick Your second Layer 

The next step after you find your perfect base layer is to pick a second layer. This sounds obvious, but picking your next layer has more to it than just simply adding some pillows. The key to a monochromatic look is the layers that you choose. The whole point of a monochromatic look is to incorporate different shades into your decor (or in this case, your bedding) while keeping within the same color. The second layer of your monochromatic look will include larger accessories (think blankets and throws). The second layer incorporates larger accessories so that you’ll have room for the smaller accessories later. 

Blankets and Throws

Blankets and throws are the two most obvious choices to consider when looking at adding your next layer on your bed. Blankets are great because they act as a decor item for your bed while also being a function piece that you can use during those colder months. You can incorporate a blanket in several ways, but folding it at the bottom of your bed is the most common and is always a safe option when deciding how to use it on your bed. Click here for the blankets and throws from OCM that are perfect for your room.

If you chose to go with a solid base colored comforter, then incorporating a patterned blanket is a fun way to spice up your bedding. The pattern can be anything you want, and can even incorporate a few other colors. Having a patterned layer over the original base layer is a better way to incorporate some pattern to your bed without it being too much. The pattern doesn’t have to be all pink either. While monochrome refers to the use of one color in different shades, it’s okay to break the rules a little. Besides, it’s your room; who’s going to stop you?

If you chose to use a patterned base layer (or if you want to stick with an all solid colored look), then a solid colored blanket is the way to go. If you choose a patterned base, the solid colored blanket will offset the pattern and make it less overwhelming. If you chose a solid base, then choose a solid blanket that is a different shade to keep it interesting. And if it’s a weighted blanket, then that’s a plus (who doesn’t need some extra comfort during finals?). 

Bed sheets

You might not consider bed sheets as a second layer when thinking about your bedding look, but it’s arguable that they’re one of the most important second layers you can add. Your comforter might be the main focus (your base layer), but your sheets are almost always visual to your guests (especially if you use the old turn-down system when making your bed). Once you have your base layer color or pattern, choose a set of sheets that are a different shade to really make your bed pop. For sheet options from OCM, click here.

If you went for a darker comforter or a patterned one, then light pink sheets are the best way to offset that base layer look. Light pink sheets are great for keeping it simple while still staying with the monochromatic theme. If you’re nervous about going full monochrome, light sheets are a great option because they’re pink but subtle.

Some people might not view rose gold as pink, but honestly who cares? Rose gold is trending and pairs well with any shade of pink. Another great way to use your sheets for dimension is to play around with different fabrics. While cotton is a classic choice, there are so many other fabric choices out there; give some a try! Besides, everyone deserves some luxury in their room, and what says luxury more than a set of satin sheets?

Step 3: Pick Your Final Accessories 

The last and final step to complete your monochrome dream bed is to choose your final layer: the accessories. Possibly the most exciting layer in any monochromatic look, your bed accessories can make or break your bed. When talking about choosing accessories, we’re talking about pillows and anything you might set upon your bed. The reason accessories are picked last is because you need the big picture of your bed made with your comforter, sheets, blankets, etc. before you can choose what accessories to incorporate. 

Pick Your Pillows

It’s no secret that girls love pillows. Go on any guy's TIkTok and somewhere on his page you’ll find a video of him complaining about the amount of pillows his girlfriend has on the bed. Well there’s a reason pillows are the most popular bedding accessory. Pillows can transform your bed from bland and boring to fresh and fabulous. Go with a pattern pillow, a solid one, or one with a quirky saying; the opportunities are endless. Click here to see OCM’s pillow options. 

Choosing a solid colored pillow like the one above is the easiest and safest way to add pink to your bed (plus, it’s fuzzy so double win). However, if you’ve gone with solid colors for the past two layers then a patterned pillow might be the way to go to take your bed up a step. Or, find a pillow with a saying that speaks to you and toss it on. Can’t decide? Add them all. Like we said, you can never have too many pillows. 

Wall Art

Yes, you read that right. While wall art might not technically be considered part of your bedding, it still plays an important role in your overall look. Dorms don’t often come with headboards, and no one wants a plain wall behind their bed. Wall art is a great way to pull your whole look together. Wall art is also where you can have the most fun, because there are so many options when it comes to choosing the perfect piece. Click here to see some wall art from OCM that’ll really make your room pop. 

When choosing your wall art, base it on the other two layers you’ve already chosen. If you’ve used solid choices for most of your layers, then a detailed art piece will really shine next to your solid colored bed look. Opposite of this, if you geared your approach toward a patterned look then simply wall art will look elegant next to your bed. Or, throw out both those rules and mix and match a collage of wall art that fits your personality! The decisions are all up to you. 

Whatever approach you consider to use when you decorate your bed, a monochromatic look is perfect for showing off your favorite color in a fashionable way. Follow these three steps if you choose to try your hand at monochromatic decorating to help get you started, and you’ll have the pink bedding of your dreams in no time. Or, completely ignore this whole article and incorporate pink however you want. Your room is your space away from home, so make it whatever you want. But if monochrome is what you really want, these tips can help you achieve it.

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