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Let’s face it—there are few things better than jumping into a nice, cozy bed after a long day. But in order to do so, you need to know how to style a bed first. Turns out, there’s an art form to making your bed that’ll make it look and feel luxurious.
With the help of an expert, we put together your go-to guide for how to style a bed, below.
Meet the Expert
- Jennifer Adams is an interior designer, bedding expert, and founder and CEO of Jennifer Adams Home.
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What You’ll Need
Mattress and Pillow Protectors
A mattress protector or cover is similar to a fitted sheet but is typically more durable and provides protection from spills, stains, debris, and more. Not only do they keep mattresses clean, but some offer an added layer of comfort with cooling features or a plush layer.
Pillow protectors are similar. They can both also extend the longevity of mattresses and pillows.
Bed Sheets
Bed sheets (fitted sheets and flat sheets) are the first few layers of a bed that keep your mattress clean and make it more comfortable. With different materials, bed sheets can help regulate your temperature, keeping you cool during the summer and warm during the winter.
“For styling a bed, sheets are foundational and can elevate your bed into a 5-star hotel experience,” Jennifer Adams, interior designer, bedding expert, and founder and CEO of Jennifer Adams Home, says.
Quilts
A quilt is a lightweight blanket that’s typically made of layers of fabric stitched together. They can be both decorative and functional and be used as an accent piece on a bed or for extra warmth.
Comforter or Duvet
A comforter is a thick and insulated blanket that’s often sewn or quilted to keep its filling in place. A duvet is similar to a comforter, but is designed to be an insert and used with a duvet cover. Both comforters and duvets are thicker than quilts, providing a nice loft, and adding more warmth.
Duvet Cover
A duvet cover is almost like a pillowcase, but for duvet inserts. It’s a fabric envelope that typically closes on one side with buttons, ties, or a zipper. It helps protect the duvet and can be removed, so it’s easy to clean.
They also expand your design options, colors, and patterns, so you can personalize and switch up your bedroom decor for different seasons or looks, according to Adams.
Pillows
A bed isn’t complete without a set of pillows to rest your head on. They support your neck and spine and make sleeping much more comfortable.
Pillowcases and Shams
You can’t have pillows without pillowcases to go with them. They’re another bedding essential that offers protection and offers different design options.
Pillow Covers/Shams
Pillow covers or bed shams are essentially decorative pillowcases. They’re almost a middle ground between a pillow and a throw pillow, adding visual interest to a bed with a standard pillow.
Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are decorative pillows that are considered accent pieces to a bed. They come in different shapes and sizes, can be mixed and matched, and can also be paired with throw pillow covers to change up their look.
Throw pillows can also be supportive and act as extra cushioning when you lounge on your bed.
How to Style a Bed Like a Pro
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01
of 05Add Mattress and Pillow Protectors
Penkanya / Getty Images
Since your mattress and pillows are usually investment pieces, it’s important to protect them. Add your mattress protector first. Then, put pillow protectors on your pillows and set them aside.
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02
of 05Lay Down a Set of Sheets
Fiordaliso / Getty Images
Lay down your fitted sheet, aligning each corner of the sheets to the corner of the bed and tucking in all sides to get rid of any wrinkles or bunching. Then, layer on a flat sheet. Fold down the top quarter of the flat sheet to one-third of the sheet, Adams says.
Next, create hospital corners, a method used by not just hospitals but also hotels to secure the sheets on the bed.
- Tuck the flat sheet under the foot of the bed.
- Take a corner of the sheet and pull it up so it lays on the bed in a triangular shape.
- Tuck the portion of the sheet hanging off of the bed under the mattress.
- Pull the corner of the sheet down and tuck it under the mattress.
- Repeat on the other side of the bed.
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03
of 05Layer on the Bed Toppers
The order in which you add your bed toppers can depend on your sleeping preference or the season. After the flat sheet, you can add a quilt to the bed, then a comforter or duvet.
“Fold the duvet [or comforter] into thirds, so it comes to rest at the bottom of the bed,” Adams says. “This creates an inviting look by using layers that have different heights.”
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04
of 05Position the Pillows
Yuliya Starikova / Getty Images
Once the sheets and bed toppers are settled, it’s time to arrange your pillows. Lay the pillows you sleep on propped up against the headboard. If you use shams, add them next. You can also lay your sleeping pillows flat and stack the shams on top of them, or prop the shams against the flat pillows.
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05
of 05Add in Accents
Finally, you can add your decorative pieces to bring the whole bed together, including throw pillows or throw blankets. Throw blankets or quilts used for decoration can be folded and draped over the foot of the bed.