Making a bed might seem like a simple task, but there’s an art to creating a perfectly layered and inviting sleep space. From the foundational fitted sheet to the decorative throw pillows, each element plays a crucial role. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to achieve a bed that’s not only comfortable but also magazine-worthy.
Table of Contents
1. Bed Skirt
When it comes to bedroom decor, it’s the little details that make all the difference. One such detail that often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall look of the room is the bed skirt.
Why Use a Bed Skirt?
A bed skirt, also known as a valance, is not just a decorative piece. Its primary function is to hide the space beneath your bed. This space often becomes a storage spot for boxes, shoes, or other miscellaneous items. A bed skirt neatly conceals all of that, giving your bed a clean and polished look.
Choosing the Right Bed Skirt
When selecting a bed skirt, it’s essential to ensure that the edges are parallel to or just lightly touch the floor. This ensures that the skirt doesn’t drag on the floor or hang too high, exposing the under-bed space. Moreover, the colour and design of the bed skirt should either match or complement the colour scheme of your bedroom. Whether you prefer a ruffled, tailored, or pleated look, the right bed skirt can elevate the aesthetics of your room.
2. Mattress Topper and Pad
While a bed skirt adds to the visual appeal, the comfort of the bed is equally important. This is where the mattress topper and pad come into play.
The Role of a Mattress Topper
A mattress topper is an additional layer that sits on top of the mattress. Its primary purpose is to provide an extra layer of comfort. Whether you prefer memory foam, latex, or feather, a topper can significantly enhance the plushness of your bed. It moulds to your body, providing support where needed, and ensuring a good night’s sleep.
Why You Need a Mattress Pad
While a topper adds comfort, a mattress pad acts as a protective layer. It shields the mattress and the topper from spills, stains, and wear and tear. Moreover, it also adds a slight cushioning, enhancing the bed’s coziness. Some mattress pads come with waterproof features, ensuring that accidental spills don’t ruin your mattress. It’s a small investment that can significantly increase the lifespan of your mattress and topper.
3. Fitted Sheet
When setting up a bed, the first layer that comes into play is the fitted sheet. Often overlooked, this essential piece serves as the foundation for your bed linens and plays a crucial role in ensuring a comfortable sleep.
Why Use a Fitted Sheet?
The primary purpose of a fitted sheet is to protect the mattress pad. It acts as a barrier between the mattress and the sleeper, preventing direct contact with the mattress. This not only ensures a clean sleeping surface but also extends the life of the mattress by protecting it from body oils, sweat, and other potential stains.
Properly Setting Up a Fitted Sheet
Stretching a fitted sheet over the mattress might seem straightforward, but there’s a technique to it. It’s essential to ensure that the elastic edges of the sheet are tucked all the way under the mattress. This prevents the sheet from slipping off during the night, ensuring an uninterrupted sleep. Additionally, aligning the corners of the sheet with the corners of the mattress ensures a snug fit, eliminating any wrinkles or bunching.
4. Flat Sheet
Once the fitted sheet is in place, the next layer to consider is the flat sheet, also known as the “top sheet”.
The Role of a Flat Sheet
The flat sheet serves multiple purposes. Primarily, it acts as a barrier between the sleeper and the comforter or duvet. This ensures that the comforter remains clean, free from body oils and sweat, reducing the frequency of washing required. Additionally, during warmer months, a flat sheet can be used on its own, providing a light cover without the warmth of a comforter.
Perfectly Placing a Flat Sheet
Laying a flat sheet over the fitted sheet requires a bit of technique to achieve a polished look. Start by spreading the sheet evenly over the bed, aligning the top edge with the head of the bed. The sides and foot of the sheet should drape over the edges of the bed. Once in place, tuck the edges of the flat sheet underneath the mattress, ensuring neat corners at the foot of the bed. This tucking technique not only gives the bed a tidy appearance but also ensures the sheet stays in place throughout the night.
5. Blanket or Coverlet
After setting up the fitted and flat sheets, the next layer to consider is the blanket or coverlet. This layer serves both functional and aesthetic purposes in the bedding setup.
Why Use a Blanket or Coverlet?
A blanket or coverlet provides an additional layer of warmth, especially during cooler nights. Beyond just warmth, it also adds texture and colour to the bed, enhancing the overall bedroom decor. Whether you opt for a plush blanket or a decorative coverlet, this layer plays a pivotal role in the overall comfort and look of the bed.
Styling the Blanket or Coverlet
When draping a blanket or coverlet over the flat sheet, ensure it’s spread evenly across the bed. To add a touch of elegance, fold the top sheet and blanket down from the top of the bed. This creates a space for pillows and offers a decorative touch, showcasing the layers and textures of your bed linens.
6. Duvet or Comforter
Completing the bed layering is the duvet or comforter. This layer is not just about aesthetics; it’s primarily about warmth and comfort.
The Role of a Duvet or Comforter
A duvet or comforter is the thickest layer, designed to provide maximum warmth. Filled with materials like down, feathers, or synthetic fibres, it ensures a cozy and comfortable sleep, especially during colder months. Beyond warmth, a duvet or comforter also adds a luxurious feel to the bed, making it look plush and inviting.
Displaying the Duvet or Comforter
When placing a duvet or comforter on the bed, drape it over the blanket or coverlet. The key is to showcase the bed’s layers, so fold the duvet slightly down to reveal the blanket and sheets beneath. This layering technique not only highlights the textures and colours of your bed linens but also makes the bed look professionally styled.
7. Throw Pillows
One of the easiest ways to elevate the aesthetics of a bedroom is by introducing throw pillows. These decorative elements not only add comfort but also bring in colour, texture, and personality to the bed setup.
Styling with Throw Pillows
Begin by placing the full-sized pillows you sleep on. These serve as the base layer and provide a backdrop for the decorative pillows. Once the base is set, introduce decorative throw pillows of varying sizes, shapes, and designs. Whether you prefer a symmetrical arrangement or an eclectic mix, throw pillows can transform the look and feel of the bed. Remember, it’s not just about quantity; the key is to mix and match textures, patterns, and colours to create a cohesive look.
8. Throw Blanket
While throw pillows add depth and dimension, a throw blanket brings warmth and coziness to the bed. It’s the final layer that ties everything together.
Draping the Throw Blanket
There’s an art to placing a throw blanket. It shouldn’t look too structured or too messy. Drape it diagonally at the foot of the bed or fold it neatly, placing it across the width of the bed. The idea is to make the bed look inviting. Choose a throw blanket that complements the colour palette of the room. Whether it’s a chunky knit, a soft fleece, or a luxurious velvet, the throw blanket adds a touch of elegance and comfort to the bed setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a bed is more than just throwing sheets and blankets together. It’s about layering, coordinating colours, and paying attention to details. With the right techniques and a touch of creativity, you can transform your bed into a cozy, stylish, and inviting sanctuary. Sweet dreams!
