Have you ever stepped into a well-decorated bedroom and felt like the whole room was giving you one big hug?

That cosy feeling is the result of well-chosen fabrics and colour.

When it comes to bedrooms, cosy is the word. Achieving the subtle balance of comfort and class can be a challenge for anyone tackling the job of designing a room. Luckily, there is a vast array of fabric styles and patterns that make the job a little easier. In fact, selecting fabrics for your bedroom can even be a fun and rewarding experience where your creativity can shine.

Where to Start?

A great idea usually starts in your brain, but when selecting fabrics it actually starts in your fingers. That's right, the feel of each individual fabric is what you really need to focus on. The first selection to narrow down is the type of fiber you want to drape your bed in. There is a temptation to stick with the traditional cotton sheet. While cotton sheets will always be a good choice based on their durability and comfort, there are other options. Linen sheets, for instance, provide a more lightweight sleeping experience. For colder climates, flannel sheets or jersey sheets can do an excellent job of insulating your bed from the cold. Don't be afraid to get a feel for fabrics that seem exotic or that you have never used before. Luxurious fabrics such as cashmere can be an excellent way to add some flair to your bedroom by incorporating a throw blanket.

Thread Count Counts

If you are shopping with your fingers instead of your brain, as you should always be when fabric shopping, make sure to keep track of thread counts and the way varying counts feel on your fingers. Higher thread counts certainly do have a more substantial and comforting texture.

Playful Patterns or Subtle Shades?

Once you have finished shopping with your fingers, it's time to begin shopping with your eyes and begin selecting the colours and patterns for your dream room. In recent years, trends towards monochrome themes have picked up. This means decorating a room from top to bottom in fabrics which are all one colour, such as white or black. This option can be a simple way to make a room look pulled together. If you crave patterns, a good question to narrow down is if you prefer nature or chic. A nature theme will rely on colours that mimic those found in nature, such as soft sea blues or yellows with variances like natural sunlight has. For a chic look, you can choose bold colours and graphics that have a more modernist approach to them.

Remember, when shopping for bedroom fabrics, shop with your fingers and your eyes in order to make your heart happy with a place to call home!

Patrick is blogging for Warren Evans retailers or ethically sourced, hand built beds. Follow these links for resources on beds, bedrooms and guest bedrooms.