
There’s something I really, really cannot stand about specific ‘kids’ bedding ranges – and that’s twee.
Cartoon characters? Shudder. Pastel shades of ‘gender-appropriate’ duvet sets? Not for me thanks. And cutesy flowers / dinosaurs / pirates? No way hosay.
I love clashing print and pattern, simple repeat prints such as polka dots, clouds, stripes or stars do it for me.
But it gets really frustrating and I’ve actually spent the past four and a half years wishing I could design my own sophisticated kids interiors collection because I’ve got SOME REALLY GOOD IDEAS!
This post comes courtesy of reader Bethan, who’s emailed me for help with bed-linen suggestions for her toddler son who has just gone into his first bed. Like me, she hates anything with characters on it, but loves the look of the Scandi-inspired kids collections you see on Instagram and expensive interior websites.
The top trick I’ve learned? Don’t restrict yourself to ‘toddler’ or ‘kids’ ranges – look at adult sets for single beds. I’ve found some brilliant designs at TK Maxx for Lila which tick all my style must-haves, but they’re really designed for grown-ups.

And my go-to destinations? H&M is amazing for children’s bedding, plus super cheap. I’ve just bought Charlie the star print one I’m featuring here.
Ikea’s collections are great value, but the kids designs this season seem to have gone mad for a primary colour mash-up which is a bit much I found. There are some great designs in their adult range though.
Despite the cost, I have to admit loving this set by Beau Loves at This Modern Life – the monochrome / neon orange print is really striking and is a cool design for a little boy’s room.
This lovely Breton stripe design from The Little White Company is a great, simple design that will work as a neutral base for other prints and colours – plus it’s so sophisticated it will last for years. And this chevron/gingham combo from Aspace is also a really stylish design, but probably a bit more than you would want to pay.
For an original, retro Scandi print, you can’t really beat Farg & Form’s cloud print design (also in main shot at the top). But again, a little on the pricey side, unless you consider it an investment and opt for the single size rather than cot bed. Price per use and all that.
However, it is such a classic design, you might notice a couple of homages below which come in at a fraction of the cost.
So this post is for Bethan – and for anyone else who struggles to find bed-linen that doesn’t make you want to cry.
Here are five MMM-approved kids duvet sets from the high street.





Comments ( 10 )
Bethan
Fantastic, thanks Erica!
Erica
Glad you like! Thanks for getting in touch
Lucy Mitchell
So true – what is it with Pirates? I have four sons and have managed to avoid them so far, but its been hard work! Also Primark have not bad big patchworky pillows that are ok – the boys ones are stars and stripey.
Erica
Oooh I will check them out – have bought a couple of cushions there before and they’ve looked great!
Paula Fleetwood
Couldn’t agree more! Don’t know why girls bedding needs to be pink or covered with fairies of princesses.
Managed to find a lovely white and grey star print/spot set for my little girl’s cot bed and she’s now got a grey patterned set from IKEA for her ‘big girl’ bed. Like to keep it simple and add colourful accessories.
Erica
Me too Paula…plus, lasts a bit longer then too!!
melissa
You nailed it: the only decent bedding to be found that doesn’t have a hefty price tag is in the non-children bedding section. I have never understood why it’s so hard to find nice bedding for children that isn’t garish.
I just saw this at M&S and the pattern is lovely (&surprisingly cheap). The blush and duck egg were particularly gorgeous but any of the colors lend themselves to pairing with a blanket or wool throw of another color or pattern. http://www.marksandspencer.com/star-circle-bedset/p/p22281544.
Erica
Oooh that’s a good spot – I really like that one Mel.
Carolin
Love these, in particular no 2, 3 and 4. It doesn’t have to be pink and sparkly all the time, right? I also picked up a great chevron patterned bedding set for Amy in Tesco. £.3.47 in the sale and it was also from the “grown-up range”.
Erica
Chevrons are a great idea Carolin – plus, bargain!!