A cozy bedroom starts with a beautiful and inviting bed. Your bed welcomes you at the end of a long day when you’re ready to relax and unwind and the colors and style set the mood. If you’ve struggled with how to make a bed both comfy and pretty at the same time the following tips will help!
After all, if you've invested in the best bed your budget will allow for, it's only right to do it justice with a little layering and styling for that cozy yet polished hotel feel.
But a good bed-making routine doesn't just keep your bedding looking its best, it is also important for your health and wellbeing.
Karin Sun, Founder of Crane & Canopy says: 'Making your bed each morning creates a stress-free sleep environment to enjoy in the evening, but it also helps keep harmful allergens at bay, and keeps dirt, dust, and pet dander from settling under your sheets – guaranteeing a more sanitary sleeping space. Moreover, a made bed reduces the appearance of clutter and makes your bedroom look and feel more organized.'
So it isn't just about making it look pretty for guests – it is an important part of your sleep health, too. Find out how to make a bed, styling it for not just those Insta moments, but for a healthy daily habit.
How to make a bed step by step
Making your bed goes further than just throwing the duvet over the entire thing and putting in that little extra effort really pays off. It doesn't take long to layer your bed properly and a bed well made will set off your bedroom decor instantly also.
1. Start with a good foundation
A cozy bed starts with a quality foundation so it is very much worth investing in the best mattress you can afford. On average, mattresses last anywhere from seven to ten years so if yours is older than that, you may want to consider looking into a new one. We spend a third of our lives sleeping so making sure you have a mattress that meets your needs should be a priority!
2. Mattress pads are a must
Mattress pads are a must as they perform double duties, they help protect your mattress from stains and they also add extra cushion to your mattress. Look for a high-quality mattress pad at places like Downlite Bedding. It’s like sleeping on a cloud and you’ll be so glad you made the investment!
3. Cover those box springs
If you have a platform bed, you don’t have to worry about a bed skirt. But if you have a box spring, hiding it is a must when going for visual appeal. There are different colors and styles of bed skirts to match any taste and Amazon is a great place to find the perfect bed skirt. Whether you want one with ruffles or straight lines, one that matches your bedding or just a simple white, bed skirts give your bed a finished look when used over your box springs.
4. Don't skimp on the sheets
Cheap, stiff sheets are a bit like laying on sandpaper so again, it's worth picking up the best bed sheets you can. Sheets should feel soft and lived in without looking shabby. Organic cotton is a great choice for soft and cozy sheets. If you’re looking for high-end sheets that will last but still have a cozy feel, Boll and Branch is a great choice and they have multiple options to choose from.
Keep yours looking great in and out of the closet by learning how to fold a fitted sheet properly.
5. Down comforter or quilt
Now that you’ve got your bases covered, it’s time for the pretty fluff! A down comforter with a duvet in the winter when it’s cold is so nice to crawl under at the end of the day! During the heat of summer, a light quilt works really nice since it’s not as heavy.
I suggest going neutral on the comforter or quilt and adding color with some fun throw pillows and blankets. This way you can easily change out pillows with the seasons or if you just want a different look without having to buy all new bedding. When I was searching for new bedding, I decided to go with a gray duvet with matching pillow cases from Amazon. It was beautiful, affordable, and neutral so I can mix and match other colors whenever I want a new look!
6. All the pillows
Pillows are the icing on the cake of a beautiful bed. I like to start by stacking euro pillows in the back against the headboard. It helps create height and establishes a focal point. I suggest purchasing euro pillow inserts and covers, that way if you want a different look, you just have to purchase new covers which saves money! I found my navy blue euro covers and inserts on Amazon.
Next, layer pillows with the cases from your sheets and matching quilt or comforter set. If you’re in need of new sleeping pillows, Downlite Bedding is a great place to look for those, too! If your sheet pillow cases aren’t decorative you may opt to store them in a basket by your bed for easy access when you need them later.
Now you’re ready for some pretty throw pillows! Sometimes matching throw pillows come with your bedding set, but mine didn’t so I found some nice blue pillows at Target to match my euro pillows. I chose blue to go with my neutral gray comforter for a pop of color and also because blue is a soothing and relaxing color. Choose colors that make you look forward to being in your room, colors that feel inviting to you. I recommend choosing assorted sizes to add interest!
I also picked up these color block pillows from Target and this lumbar design also.
7. Don't forget the throw blankets
The finishing touch to layering a beautiful and cozy bed is adding a blanket or two. In the winter I like to place a large blanket at the end of the bed in case we get cold during the night. In the summer months, a light throw blanket is perfect to have on hand just in case. Not only are they practical but it’s another chance for you to add some color and coziness to your bedding!
