Dusen Dusen Review: Bold, Colorful Homewares to Energize Your Space

If your home decor is feeling a little blah these days, it might be time to kick things up a notch with Dusen Dusen. This Brooklyn-based lifestyle brand has made a name for itself with vibrant, eye-catching prints splashed across everything from bedding to beach towels. Dusen Dusen is not for the color-averse – their shameless embrace of bold graphics and clashing hues has earned them a cult following among fashion-forward millennials who want their homes to reflect their unique personal style.

As a self-proclaimed maximalist, I‘ve been drawn to Dusen Dusen‘s unapologetically fun aesthetic for years. I love how a single statement piece, like their bestselling Bars Beach Towel or Lime Stripe Bathrobe, can instantly energize a room and spark joy. At the same time, I recognize that Dusen Dusen‘s loud look isn‘t for everyone, and their prices definitely veer towards the high end.

In this comprehensive Dusen Dusen review, I‘ll take a closer look at the brand‘s story, most popular products, customer feedback, and more to help you decide if their homewares are worth the splurge. Get ready for a deep dive into Dusen Dusen‘s colorful world!

The Story Behind Dusen Dusen

First, let‘s rewind to Dusen Dusen‘s origin story. The brand was founded in 2010 by Ellen Van Dusen, a Tufts graduate with a degree in psychology and an eye for offbeat prints. Van Dusen initially launched Dusen Dusen as a womenswear line, using her own textile designs to create clothing and accessories with a retro-meets-modern vibe.

Interestingly, Van Dusen‘s love of vibrant patterns stems from a lifelong fascination with neuroscience and the way our brains process visual stimuli. In an interview with Vogue, she explained: "I‘m really interested in how your brain reacts to design and geometric pattern. I like taking these classic prints and switching up the colors so your eyes have to adjust."

Van Dusen‘s family background also played a role in shaping her design sensibilities – her parents are both architects, and she spent much of her childhood poring over their collection of design books. This early exposure to the world of shapes, lines, and colors laid the foundation for Van Dusen‘s quirky-cool creations.

In 2015, after several successful years in the fashion world, Van Dusen expanded into the home category with a collection of bedding, towels, textiles, and more. The timing was perfect – maximalism was just starting to have a major moment in the design world, and Dusen Dusen‘s jubilant prints felt fresh and exciting.

Since then, Dusen Dusen has continued to build a loyal fanbase among design aficionados, with frequent shoutouts in publications like Architectural Digest, Domino, Refinery29, and Elle Decor. The brand has also collaborated with major names like Uniqlo, Keds, and Paperless Post on special capsule collections.

Dusen Dusen Products Review

So what exactly does Dusen Dusen offer in the home department? The brand‘s current lineup spans several core categories:

• Bedding: Duvet covers, quilts, sheets, and pillows in an array of peppy prints
• Towels: Plush, oversized beach and bath towels featuring signature Dusen Dusen patterns
• Robes: Colorblocked, kimono-style robes made from soft cotton terry
• Decor: Printed throw blankets, pillows, and artful objects like vases and catchalls
• Furniture: A curated selection of sofas, rugs, coffee tables, and other pieces designed to play well with Dusen Dusen textiles
• Tabletop: Quirky printed table linens, coasters, and kitchen accessories

No matter the category, each Dusen Dusen creation bears Ellen Van Dusen‘s distinctive stamp – think: squiggly lines, irregularly shaped dots, and geometric forms in head-turning color combinations. And while the prints may be playful, the quality is no joke. The brand partners with top-notch manufacturers around the world (largely in Portugal and India) to ensure their products look and feel as luxurious as their prices suggest.

OK, now that you‘ve got the lay of the Dusen Dusen land, let‘s zoom in on a few popular products worth checking out:

Bars Beach Towel Review

If you buy one thing from Dusen Dusen, make it the Bars Beach Towel. Beloved by bloggers and beachgoers alike, this 100% cotton terry towel is generously sized (measuring 37" x 70"), ultra-plush, and comes in a striking gradient print of navy, aqua, and marigold that looks straight out of a Slim Aarons photograph. Bonus: It‘s Oeko-Tex certified, meaning it‘s made without any harmful chemicals.

Personally, I think $85 is a reasonable price to pay for a quality beach towel that doesn‘t skimp on style or square footage. And judging by the rave reviews, I‘m not alone – the Bars Beach Towel has garnered accolades for its "perfect weight," "beautiful colors," and "super soft" feel.

The only downside? As with all Dusen Dusen products, the Bars Beach Towel is prone to selling out, especially during peak summer months. If you‘ve got your eye on this one, I recommend scooping it up stat.

Magenta Green Towel Review

Prefer to make a splash in your bathroom? Check out Dusen Dusen‘s Magenta Green Bath Towel. Made in Portugal from 100% cotton, this eye-popping towel features a half-magenta, half-kelly green color scheme with contrasting trim in the center.

At 30" x 54", the Magenta Green Bath Towel is slightly smaller than the average bath sheet, but still plenty big enough to wrap around your body post-shower. And like the Bars Beach Towel, it‘s Oeko-Tex certified and garners glowing praise for its luxurious, weighty feel.

Priced at $48, the Magenta Green Bath Towel isn‘t exactly a bargain. But if you‘re looking for a conversation-starting addition to your bathroom that doesn‘t compromise on quality, it‘s definitely worth considering. Mix and match a few to create a chromatically charged towel set, or go solo for a bold pop of pattern.

Lime Stripe Bathrobe Review

Dusen Dusen‘s Lime Stripe Bathrobe is what cozy weekend dreams are made of. Cut from plush cotton terry in a boxy, slightly oversized silhouette, this kimono-style robe features bold lime green, burgundy, and white stripes with contrasting trim at the cuffs and pockets.

Comfort-wise, reviewers rave about the Lime Stripe Bathrobe‘s soft, substantial feel and just-right weight (light enough for summer, but still cozy enough for chilly evenings). The only nit to pick is the price – at $132, this robe is definitely a splurge. But if you‘re looking to treat yourself (or a lucky loved one) to a cheery and chic loungewear staple, you‘d be hard-pressed to find a more perfect pick.

One styling tip: While the Lime Stripe Bathrobe makes a statement on its own, you can amp up the maximalist effect by pairing it with Dusen Dusen‘s matching Lime Stripe Bath Towel or Magenta Green Bath Towel. Go bold or go home, right?

Cool Stripe Coverlet Review

For a subtler take on Dusen Dusen‘s signature stripes, consider the Cool Stripe Coverlet. Available in three sizes (Twin, Queen, and King), this 100% cotton bedding features a surprisingly understated palette of sage, marigold, dove gray, and ivory in interlocking geometric shapes.

What I love about the Cool Stripe Coverlet is how it adds just the right amount of graphic oomph to a bedroom without feeling overwhelming. The muted colors play well with a variety of decor styles (from boho to midcentury modern), and the lightweight cotton construction makes it a great layering piece for year-round use.

Quality-wise, the Cool Stripe Coverlet is nicely constructed, with a soft hand feel and a fluidly stitched pattern that looks more expensive than its $172-$220 price tag would suggest. Matching shams are also available in standard ($98) and king ($114) sizes.

My only word of caution? As with all Dusen Dusen bedding, the Cool Stripe Coverlet is on the pricier side. If you‘re decorating on a budget, you might want to start with a less expensive accent (like a throw pillow or tea towel) before committing to a whole new duvet set.

What Customers Are Saying

Of course, you don‘t have to just take my word for it – let‘s see what real Dusen Dusen customers have to say. While the brand‘s website doesn‘t currently feature customer reviews, I was able to track down feedback on a few other reputable retailers‘ sites.

On Nordstrom, the Lime Stripe Bathrobe has an impressive 4.1 out of 5 star rating, with reviewers calling out the "super thick" material, "perfect" wrap style, and "cheerful" colors. One particularly enthusiastic customer gushed: "Beautiful robe. Good quality. Happy stripes out of the shower."

Meanwhile, on Urban Outfitters, the Everybody Tissue Box Cover (a sculptural ceramic tissue box featuring Dusen Dusen‘s signature print) has earned a cult following for its "radical post-modern design." As one reviewer put it: "If you‘re into [Dusen Dusen‘s aesthetic], then what are you doing reading the reviews? Just purchase it already!"

To be fair, I did come across a few less-than-perfect reviews in my research. Some Nordstrom customers reported issues with fraying on the Lime Stripe Bathrobe, while others felt the colors looked duller in person. But overall, the vast majority of Dusen Dusen reviews I found were positive, with customers praising the brand‘s unique designs, high-quality materials, and fun-loving spirit.

Is Dusen Dusen Worth It?

So, is Dusen Dusen worth the investment? In my opinion, it depends on your personal style and budget. There‘s no denying that Dusen Dusen‘s products are on the pricier side – we‘re talking $50+ for a single hand towel, $100+ for a throw blanket, and $200+ for a queen-size duvet cover. If you‘re decorating on a tight budget, those prices can be tough to stomach.

That said, I do think Dusen Dusen offers good value for the money in terms of quality, craftsmanship, and sheer originality. This is not a brand that cuts corners or churns out cookie-cutter designs – each product feels thoughtfully considered and built to last.

Dusen Dusen is also a great choice for anyone who wants to incorporate more color and pattern into their space without going full-on maximalist. While the brand‘s signature prints are definitely bold, they‘re not so in-your-face that they‘ll overwhelm a room. Start with a few strategic pops (like a printed pillow or a vibrant bath towel) and build up from there.

Personally, what I love most about Dusen Dusen is the sense of joy and playfulness that permeates every design. In a world where minimalism and neutrals tend to dominate, there‘s something refreshing about a brand that unabashedly celebrates color, pattern, and quirk. Dusen Dusen‘s products are the perfect pick-me-up on a gloomy day – they just make you smile.

Of course, Dusen Dusen isn‘t the only game in town when it comes to colorful, pattern-happy home decor. If you‘re looking for similar vibes at a lower price point, you might check out Jungalow, Society6, or Anthropologie‘s in-house collection. But if you‘re willing to splurge on something special, Dusen Dusen is definitely worth a look.

The Final Verdict

After taking a deep dive into all things Dusen Dusen, I‘m more convinced than ever that this brand is the real deal. With its cheerful prints, premium-quality materials, and commitment to sustainable manufacturing, Dusen Dusen ticks all the boxes for me when it comes to responsible, feel-good home decor.

Yes, the prices are steep, but I think the value is there in terms of craftsmanship, originality, and sheer joy factor. Dusen Dusen‘s products are the kind of treasures you‘ll reach for again and again, whether you‘re headed to the beach or just hanging around the house.

I also love that Dusen Dusen offers such a wide range of products, from investment pieces like sofas and rugs to easy entry points like hand towels and throw pillows. No matter your budget or decorating style, there‘s a Dusen Dusen product that can help you inject some personality into your space.

Ultimately, what sets Dusen Dusen apart for me is the sense of unabashed exuberance that comes through in every design. These products are like a mood-boosting shot of Vitamin D for your home – they just make you feel good. And in today‘s world, who couldn‘t use a little more of that?

So go ahead and treat yourself (or a color-loving friend) to a little Dusen Dusen pick-me-up. With its winning combination of quality, sustainability, and quirky-cool style, this is one splurge you definitely won‘t regret.