I'm a minimalist who loves simple white bedding – but this new trend for adding hidden pattern has me quietly breaking my neutral ways

Beds in 2025 have secrets. Look closely at the chicest of bed set-ups, and you’ll catch the detail interior obsessives are suddenly treating with newfound reverence: the fitted sheet.

‘Sheeting is the most hidden layer of the bed, which makes it the perfect place to try something new, like a patterned fitted sheet,’ says Amy Hoban, Chief Creative Officer at Parachute – whose new yarn-dyed striped sheeting was made for this exact, unsuspecting move. ‘Turn down your top sheet to show it off, or keep it discreet beneath your top-of-bed pieces. It’s a little wink under the covers that feels playful and personal, yet serene on the surface.’

According to textile expert and Pure Parima founder Parima Ijaz, this bedding trend is a visual loophole for both ends of the style spectrum (minimal vs maximal), and the appeal is in the reveal. ‘Because a fitted sheet that is patterned is typically hidden underneath, the print only shows up when it is folded over or the bed is unmade, revealing the “surprise” look that is only noticeable when exposed. Some may choose this look over showcasing the entire duvet cover or comforter as patterned because it is a bit less harsh on the eye. This strategy allows for the use of color and prints without committing to an entirely new look.’

So what is it, really – minimalism in disguise, or maximalism in denial? Maybe both. Either way, I am on board. As someone who has tested some of the world's best bed sheets and is also a minimalist who's always looking to add a touch of pattern and color to their home, this trend is right up my street. So I have put together some bedding formulas that leverage the quiet power of the surprise sheet.

Moody monochrome

Some avoid pattern for fear of teetering into twee, but monochrome makes patterns decidedly contemporary and cool. The trick is choosing a tone that’s serene enough for sleep. A red-on-red combo, for instance, might look striking, but it won’t exactly lull you into slumber.

Parachute’s Dusk range makes for an elevated sleep-friendly framework. ‘For the blue fans, our Dusk Stripe Percale Sheeting is a great option mixed with our Brushed Cotton Duvet Cover in Dusk and add a few darker touches with our new Organic Keys Jacquard Coverlet and Bolster Pillow,’ says Amy. That midnight palette keeps it moody and tonal, like the bedding equivalent of a smoky eye.

Effortlessly earthy

The bedroom gets called a sanctuary for a reason, and spa tones like sage and beige make a strong case for why. Start with a sage-and-beige printed fitted sheet as your foundation, then layer on a chocolatey brown duvet and soft grey or beige shams to round it out – per the advice of Pure Parima’s Parima Ijaz.

‘This creates a natural, calming look with a combination of earth tones that contrast with each other in a cohesive way,’ she says. Echo the nod to naturals with perfectly imperfect materials elsewhere, such as ceramic lighting, woven baskets, or a visible wood grain.

Pattern-on-pattern

Pattern mixing gets a bad rap – usually from people who never quite learned how to do it. But according to Denver-based interior designer Laura Medicus, the fitted sheet is merely the gateway.

‘I love putting a plaid and floral together,’ she says. ‘The trick is balance: try using a pattern with structure, like checks or stripes, paired with an organic and more freeform pattern. Keep at least one color that’s the same from both to get a styled look’ – aka intentional chaos.

For this look, start with a deep blue and green plaid fitted sheet as the base layer. Then add a flat sheet and duvet cover in a bold floral print that echoes the green from the plaid. ‘A deep blue and green plaid would look fantastic with a dramatic floral that has touches of a similar green,’ Laura explains. ‘This is a look that’s warm and inviting with a touch of charm.’

So you want to freestyle your own bedding formula, but how do you make a patterned fitted sheet feel curated, not chaotic?

‘The main idea is to have the fitted sheet and the rest of the bedding share something in common by anchoring the pattern with a shared tone,’ advises Parima Ijaz. ‘Pick one color from the fitted sheet’s pattern and echo it in either the duvet, pillow shams, or even a throw at the foot of the bed. This creates a visual “through line” so the sheet feels intentional rather than random.’

And it doesn’t have to stop at the mattress. ‘You can even tie it back to the room decor by matching it with a lamp, rug, or wall art in the same color family for a cohesive whole,' she continues. It’s about telling a full story, not just one conversation.