• a set of bedsheets and pillowcases
• trims such as ribbon, braid, lace, cord, etc.
• thread to match the trim color
• sewing machine or needle and thread

Such a simple treatment can spruce up plain solid color sheets. Buy inexpensive black sheets and add rich velvet or tapestry ribbon for a medieval look. Flat black lace on dark red sheets is evocative of Victorian bordellos. Even white sheets can become elegant with the addition of hunter green satin looped trim from the upholstery department.

Experiment with where to place the trim -- at the very edge of the sheet, at the hem seam, or somewhere in between. Add several layers of trim -- such as narrow braid at the edge of a wide ribbon -- or add different trims in stripes parallel with the edge of the sheet.