How to make a bed the right way? |

abraham smithFebruary 12, 2023

0 0 7 minutes read

Q: How do I make a bed properly? I just stayed in a hotel where the bed was beautifully made every day and I want to recreate the look at home.

We get asked this simple question regularly H&G. Getting a bed right is the foundation of a bed as you see it in the finest hotels.

How you style your bed, like many aspects of interior design, is a personal choice. However, there are some tried and true, designer-approved methods that provide a chic and elegant finish.

Table of Contents

How to make a bed

blue bedroom with rattan cabinets by Mark Bolton

(Image credit: Mark Bolton)

1. Prepare the bed

If you’re making the bed from scratch and using freshly laundered linens, make sure the bed is ready by washing or shaking out mattress protectors, pillow protectors, or anything on the bed that might have lint or stray hairs on it. A handheld vacuum can sometimes make this job easier.

2. Place the bottom sheet

After removing all the fluff from the bed, it’s time to put your bottom sheet on.

“Nothing is more satisfying than a well-made bed,” says Marie Flanigan of Marie Flanigan Interiors (opens in new tab). “First, I start with a quality neutral bow. Choose a weave that suits your personal preferences. However, I do suggest investing in a good bed sheet as you will be using it on a daily basis.’

A fitted sheet is always the easiest option (always remember to measure the mattress height so you get the right bed depth before you buy). Simply tuck the appropriate corners over the corners of the bed, making sure it’s tucked in all the way around.

If you have a flat sheet instead of a fitted sheet, a hospital corner is the smartest way to attach it.

Arrange the sheet to line up with the mattress, leaving an equal amount hanging over each side of the bed and the floor (about 12 inches should be fine).

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Then tuck the sheet firmly into the bottom of the bed. Take a corner and lift the loose sheet in a triangular format and lay it on the bed. Tuck in the sheet that is stuck. Then bring the fold down so it forms a 45 degree angle, then tuck and continue tucking on the side. Then repeat the process on all corners.

You can use this method for your top sheet (if you use one), in which case you only need to edit the bottom two corners.

3. Add a Cover Page (Optional)

If you’re putting on a wrapper, now is the time to do it. Lay the sheet evenly on the bed so that it rests against the mattress. You can leave some excess sheet on top to fold over the comforter, or leave it flush with the edge of the mattress at the head of the bed (as above).

Tuck the sheet firmly at the bottom of the bed, and then proceed to make hospital nooks at the bottom corners. You can then choose to tuck the top sheet in tight (this is common in a less-used space like a guest room) or leave it slightly loose so it’s easier to get in, or if you’re a fan of the familiar – in the blick.

4. Lay down a comforter or duvet

Place your comforter evenly over the top sheet and continue to fold the excess piece of top sheet you left on top of the bed back over the comforter.

At this point, if you don’t use a top sheet, you can simply tuck a comforter or comforter evenly over the bottom sheet, and if you like the folded look, you can do the same with just the comforter.

You can also create a stylish look without folding back your duvet and taking it to the head of the bed before throwing your pillows over it.

place pillows

white bedroom with black paneling, photograph by Anna Stathaki

(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)

Now you can position your pillows on the bed in the style of your choice. There are a few options here, and there’s no wrong way, it’s just a matter of personal preference. Below we have listed some of our favourites:

1. Place pillows on bottom sheet

Gray vintage rug in Marie Flanigan's luxurious bedroom

(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors/Julie Soefer)

For that there are different possibilities:

Place your pillows directly on the bottom sheet over a folded-back duvet leaning against the headboard (with or without a top sheet).

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Place your pillows directly on top of the bottom sheet above the folded comforter stacked on top of each other. Again, you can create the look with or without a cover sheet.

2. Place pillows on a duvet

Yellow bedroom with alcove shelves next to the bed

(Image credit: Kitesgrove)

Place your pillows directly on a flat quilt/duvet propped against the headboard. You can either tuck your duvet in at the sides or leave it hanging.

Or place your pillows on a flat duvet/duvet placed one on top of the other. You can also use this option with or without a cover sheet.

Or you pull the duvet over the pillows. Cover about half of the pillow, and you can do this with or without a top sheet.

3. Introduce decorative pillows (optional)

Bedroom with printed rug and green four-poster bed, photograph by Polly Wreford

(Image credit: Polly Wreford)

To create a truly inviting, restful, and enveloping space, add decorative pillows for extra warmth. They are an important part of making a bed and can be an easy way to add color or pattern to your bedroom ideas.

Lumbar pillows are a great bedroom styling option. Place a longer one in front of your pillows or try adding two smaller ones, one on each side in front of your pillows.

“I like to keep it simple when it comes to pillows,” says Marie Flanigan. “Depending on the bed, I choose either two queen or two king sheets with a nice lumbar pillow in the front. I usually choose a lumbar pillow that is a different color or texture than the rest of the bed. With this minimal method, you don’t take off a stack of pillows every night.’

Add a ceiling layer

Bedroom of Elicyon

(Image credit: Elicyon)

1. Place a blanket over the end of the bed

Bedroom with statement bed frame

(Image credit: Future PLC)

A comforter at the end of the bed is optional but recommended for a well-finished look, especially for a guest bedroom.

You can create a relaxed look by draping a wool or cotton throw over the end of the bed. “Place a throw blanket over the bed for an extra layer,” says Marie Flanigan. “Draping is the keyword as this layer is only there to add depth to the bed. Changing your throw is also an easy seasonal adjustment throughout the year.’

2. Tuck in a quilted blanket

Bedroom with upholstered headboard and sculptural statement end table

(Image credit: Jon Day / Claudia Bryant)

For a sleeker look, use a quilted blanket or stiffer throw over the bed and tuck it around the duvet for extra hotel smart points.

You can also choose not to tuck it in but lay it out flat and neat for a more formal look than casual draping but less formal than tucking.

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3. Bring the blanket up to the pillows

Green bedroom with printed wallpaper, photograph by Chris Everard

(Image credit: Chris Everard)

Your throw blanket can sit at the bottom third of the bed or reach to the edge of the decorative pillows (as seen below) depending on the look and feel you want to achieve.

4. layer ceilings

Bedroom with gallery wall above the bed

(Image credit: Kitesgrove)

Finally, you can layer your blankets and throws on top of each other for an even cozier atmosphere. For a really warm and inviting look, try layering a draped wool throw over a thicker blanket (below).

frequently asked Questions

How do you lay a bed correctly?

Learning how to make a bed properly seems easy, but styling it with the right balance of color, texture and proportion is no easy task,” says Keren Richter of White Arrow.

“When it comes to bed sheets, depending on the style and aesthetic you want, percale bed linen adds a freshness and hotel feel. I also love linen for a more relaxed and casual look.

“In any case, it’s great to layer a mix of sleeper pillows, accent pillows, decorative pillows in different textures or patterns, a comforter and a quilt or throw over them. We use three euro shams, four stacked sleeping pads and a long bolster or two larger accent pillows for king beds. I also add something at the foot of the bed to bring in texture and color such as: B. patterned antique quilts or lush and nubbed throws.

Keren adds that mininalists can still enjoy a perfectly crafted bed, explaining, “I’ve also seen a trend towards duvets that hide the pillows and eliminate extra quilts and textures to create a clean and simplified line . This style is a more streamlined and vintage look, similar to what you would find in 1950’s and 1960’s homes.”

Do you need a mattress topper for your bed?

You don’t necessarily need a mattress topper on your bed, but it will add extra comfort while protecting your mattress from sweat and body fat. It is also much easier to take off and clean than cleaning the mattress itself.

A mattress pad is placed on top of the mattress and under the bottom sheet.

What is a top sheet and do I need to use one?

A top sheet is a large, flat sheet that sits between you and your comforter. It serves as a protective layer to keep your comforter or comforter cleaner for longer, but is not an essential part of a bedding set.

In warmer climates, many people use a top sheet instead of a duvet, and it can be used as an extra layer to stay warmer in winter. However, its main function is to protect your comforter or duvet from dirt and oils that our bodies shed at night.

Any cons? If you move around a lot at night, you can get tangled in your top sheet, which discourages many people from using it. They are also an additional item to wash when you wash your linens.

How often should I clean my linens?

As we remove dead skin cells that can attract dust mites and bed bugs, it is recommended that you wash your bedding at least every two weeks to maintain a hygienic and cozy sleeping space.

People suffering from allergies may want to increase the frequency.

abraham smithFebruary 12, 2023

0 0 7 minutes read