Painting your bedroom white may seem like the safest design decision you can make. After all, this color is beloved for its versatility and, crucially, its restful qualities. However, in all white's benefits, sleep experts say the impact it has on sleep depends significantly on the texture, and how it’s layered throughout the room. This is where we can take lessons from Katherine LaNasa's restful space.
The Pitt actress has perfected white bedroom ideas in her layered space, primarily seen through her shiplap-style wall.
Alongside using white paint, however, Katherine has brought her bedroom to life with expertly layered textures, including a faux fur rug and cotton bedding, featuring a gray stripe that interrupts the all-white palette. These details bring a warmth that, sleep experts say, is crucial to the color's success.
Shop the look
This reversible quilt is printed in white and blue, with thick stripes on one side and narrow little strips on the other. I recommend folding it over as you turn down your bed to add depth and dimension to your bedspread.
This artificial fur sheepskin rug is perfect for adding a bit of texture to your bedroom, just as Katherine demonstrates. Use it on the ground as a rug, or toss it over a chair or bench as a throw blanket.
A tactile celebration of craftsmanship, this cushion is rendered in finely woven cotton, framed with tailored piping, and finished with a wide embroidered handle for an textured, decorative flourish.
'White is one of the most versatile and impactful colours in bedroom design. It creates a sense of space, purity, and calm – qualities that help create a restful sleep environment. However, the impact it has on sleep depends heavily on the tone, texture, and how it’s layered throughout the room,' comments Alison Jones, a sleep expert from Sealy Posturepedic.
'Colour influences our nervous system by subtly affecting our mood and alertness. White – in its softer, warmer variations like ivory, bone, or antique white - can promote tranquillity and a sense of order, much needed when winding down at the end of the day. These tones help soothe the mind after a busy day, reducing mental clutter and helping to reduce stress levels before sleep.'
Crucially, however, as Alison explains, a bright white, in its purest, most clinical form, on every surface, can 'inadvertently create an overly stark environment' that feels less relaxing a consequently negatively impacts sleep quality.
'To counterbalance this, we recommend pairing white walls or bed sheets with layered textures, like linen, boucle, or natural wood [like Katherine's shiplap] and incorporating warm, ambient lighting. These elements ‘soften’ the sleep space visually and physically, making the room feel warmer and inviting, instead of bare,' Alison says.
'Whether you’re working towards a white palette or a more layered, multi-coloured design scheme, make sure your mattress choice helps to elevate the overall sense of calm and cohesion in your bedroom space.'
