Hotel Bedding: Why It's Almost Always White

Most hotels use white bedding, a seemingly simple choice that raises the question: Why white instead of colorful or patterned linens?

This wasn't always the norm. Until the 1990s, hotels favored colorful linens, thinking they added charm. Then Westin hotels switched to all-white bedding, and the change had a big impact. Guests believed rooms had been renovated, even though only the bedding had changed. White bedding made rooms look cleaner and more modern. Other hotels quickly adopted the trend.

Today, white linens are standard in 80% of hotels, according to the German Hospitality Association (HOGA). White symbolizes cleanliness, hygiene, and purity, qualities essential in a hotel. When guests see spotless white sheets, they feel reassured the bed is fresh and clean. White also creates a calming, peaceful environment, helping guests unwind after long days.

White bedding is not only appealing but also practical. It's easy to clean, allowing hotels to wash linens in large quantities without colors fading or bleeding. It can be bleached to remove stains and is more durable, lasting through repeated laundering, which reduces costs. This longevity makes it a cost-effective choice for hotels with high linen turnover.

While white bedding might seem plain on its own, it serves as a versatile canvas that can be easily enhanced with decorative accents. Hotels often add pops of color and texture through accessories like decorative pillows, throws, or bed runners that reflect the hotel's unique style or branding.

These accents allow hotels to introduce warmth, elegance, or a touch of luxury to the room without compromising the clean, polished look of the white linens. By keeping the bedding simple, hotels can more easily adapt the overall design of the room to suit different themes or seasons while maintaining a sense of uniformity and sophistication.

White bedding's popularity is unlikely to fade. It offers timeless appeal, balancing cleanliness and comfort with practicality. Hotels benefit from easier maintenance, and guests enjoy a consistent sense of freshness and relaxation. White bedding remains a reliable, strategic choice in hospitality.