How to Choose the Right Hand Block Printed Dohar for Your Bedroom Décor

he bedroom is your personal sanctuary, a space dedicated to relaxation, reflection, and restorative sleep. While the walls, furniture, and lighting set the stage, it’s the textiles, the sheets, cushions, and especially the dohar, that truly infuse it with comfort and character.

A dohar (meaning 'three layers' in Hindi) is a traditional Indian summer blanket, famed for its lightweight warmth and breathability. Unlike a heavy quilt or comforter, a quality dohar is typically made with two thin layers of soft cotton enclosing a sheet of flannel or cotton batting. But beyond its function, the hand block printed dohar is a vibrant piece of Indian artistry, capable of transforming your bedroom décor from mundane to magnificent.

Choosing the right one, however, involves more than just picking a pattern you like. It requires considering fabric, print style, colour harmony, and your existing interior design. Here is your essential guide to selecting the perfect hand block printed dohar to complete your bedroom oasis.

1. ? Prioritise Fabric and Comfort

The foundation of a good dohar is its fabric. Since it rests directly against your skin, comfort is paramount.

• 100% Cotton is Key: Look for dohars made from high-quality, long-staple cotton, such as cambric or mulmul (muslin). Mulmul, in particular, is renowned for its exceptional softness and feathery weight, making it ideal for warm climates or for people who prefer a very light covering.
• Thread Count: While often associated with sheets, a good thread count (usually between 140 and 200 for $\text{dohars}$ ) indicates a tighter, more durable, and softer weave.
• The Feel Test: If shopping in person, always touch the fabric. A quality hand block printed $\text{dohar}$ should feel incredibly soft, almost like butter, and have a beautiful, natural drape.

2. ? Understand the Art of Hand Block Printing

The print is the soul of the dohar, and knowing the different styles can help you make an informed choice. Hand block printing is a meticulous, centuries-old craft where artisans use carved wooden blocks to stamp the dye onto the fabric, layer by layer.

• Sanganeri Prints: Characterised by fine, intricate detailing, often featuring small, delicate floral or leaf motifs. These prints generally offer a softer, more subtle visual impact, perfect for traditional or vintage-inspired décor.
• Bagru Prints: Known for their distinctive use of natural, earth-based colours like deep reds, browns, and indigo. The motifs are often bolder and geometric. A Bagru print dohar provides a grounded, rustic, and slightly more bohemian feel.
• Indigo Prints: Not a style but a colour, indigo block printed dohars are immensely popular. The rich, deep blue is versatile and looks fantastic in coastal, modern, or traditional settings.

Pro Tip: Look for slight imperfections in the print. These are not flaws but signatures of genuine hand-craftsmanship, making each dohar uniquely yours.

3. ✨ Harmonise with Your Existing Décor

Your dohar shouldn’t exist in isolation; it must complement the existing elements in your room.

• Modern Minimalist: If your room features clean lines, neutral colours (grey, white, beige), and minimal clutter, opt for a dohar with a large, geometric print or a simple, repeating motif in a restricted colour palette (e.g., charcoal and white, or a single shade of olive green).
• Bohemian/Eclectic: For a room full of textures, plants, and travel finds, embrace the vibrancy! Choose a dohar with contrasting colours, dense floral patterns, or a Bagru print with earthy tones to enhance the relaxed, artistic vibe.
• Classic/Traditional: If your furniture is dark wood and your walls have a softer hue, a dohar with delicate Sanganeri florals in muted pastels (pale pink, seafoam green, soft yellow) will maintain an elegant, refined look.
• Coastal/Airy: Stick to shades of blue, white, and seafoam. A simple blue and white striped or geometric dohar will feel light, fresh, and perfectly suited to a breezy aesthetic.

4. ? The Power of Colour

Colour is the most immediate way a dohar influences the mood of a room.

• For a Calming Atmosphere: Choose dohars dominated by cool colours like blues, greens, or soft lavender. These colours are known to promote relaxation and tranquillity.
• For Warmth and Energy: If your room feels too cold, incorporate mustard yellow, terracotta, or deep reds through a Bagru print. These warm tones add a cosy, inviting feeling.
• The Contrast Rule: To make your dohar the focal point, choose a colour that dramatically contrasts with your bedding. For instance, a bright red dohar on white sheets makes a powerful statement. For a seamless look, select a dohar that shares one main accent colour with your existing throw pillows or rugs.

Choosing the right hand block printed dohar is an investment in both your comfort and your home’s aesthetic. By prioritising the softness of 100% cotton, understanding the character of Sanganeri or Bagru prints, and ensuring the colours harmonise with your existing décor, you will find a piece that is not just a blanket, but a beautiful, handcrafted work of art that completes your personal sanctuary.