I pride myself on being the kind of person who makes their bed every day. A little tidying up first thing in the morning makes me feel so much more put together, so it’s a ritual I never skip. However, every time I pull up the duvet and reset the pillows, I can’t help but feel like my bed falls a little… flat. I have all the basic components (sheets, pillows, duvet—check), but it doesn’t look nearly as fluffy, luxurious, or well-styled as the ones I often see on social media. So I decided to do some digging and determine the exact formula designers use for a perfectly styled bed. Ahead, I’m breaking it all down, layer by layer. Here are all the bedding essentials you need for the cozy, beautifully outfitted bed of your dreams.
1. A high-quality set of sheets
A high-quality set of sheets is the foundation for a well-styled bed. While it may be tempting to grab a cheap set of microfiber sheets and save your budget for more exciting purchases, splurging a bit more can really make a difference when it comes to sheets. I highly recommend investing in a set made of 100 percent cotton or linen for the best breathability, comfort, and overall look. Cotton is great for year-round use and comes in several different weaves (from crisp and cool percale to soft brushed flannel), while linen offers a more lived-in look and usually gets softer over time. However, both materials can be prone to wrinkles after washing. If a smooth look is important to you, a quick pass with an iron or steamer before making your bed can work wonders.
2. A fluffy duvet
If you haven’t yet made the switch from a comforter to a duvet insert and cover, allow me to convince you. Compared to a single-piece comforter, duvets are much easier to keep clean thanks to the removable cover (less bulk to shove into your washing machine). You can also easily switch up the look of your bedroom without worrying about where to store cumbersome spare comforters. Most duvet covers neatly fold up flat, so they’re easy to stash in a linen closet. A duvet insert and cover combo generally costs more than a comforter, but it’s key to a more “grown-up” bed.
To achieve that fluffy look, find a duvet insert with plenty of loft. Down is generally the fluffiest fill material, but it may not be the best fit for those with allergies. For a hypoallergenic option, go for one made with down alternative or wool (which is great for temperature regulation). You could even layer two duvet inserts inside your cover for an extra-plush look. Keep in mind, however, that more bulk will add more warmth, so if you’re a hot sleeper, you may want to stick to a more lightweight option.
3. An actual headboard
If you’re still rocking a basic metal bed frame with no headboard in sight, it’s time for an upgrade. A headboard is absolutely crucial to a polished look—your bedroom just isn’t finished without one. That could mean investing in a whole new bed with a headboard built in, or purchasing a separate headboard that can attach to your existing bed frame or the wall. Depending on the look you’re going for, a wood or metal headboard could be a great fit, but I prefer an upholstered design for added comfort and plushness.
4. At least four pillows
Here’s where things may start to get a little controversial. Why, you may ask, does one bed need so many pillows? The first two pillows are obviously for sleeping. For a full-size bed or larger, having one pillow on each side of the bed is standard (even if you generally don’t share your bed with anyone else). Since these are the pillows where you’ll actually rest your head, I recommend investing in the best-quality pillow your budget allows. Do some research to find the best option for your sleeping style. Side sleepers generally need a fairly lofty, firm pillow, while those who sleep on their back or stomach may want something a little softer.
The remaining two pillows serve both decorative and practical purposes. They provide a buffer between you and your headboard, which prevents your pillow from slipping into the gap and makes sitting up in bed more comfortable. These pillows also give your bed a more visually balanced look and a cozier feel. When it comes to the type of pillows to buy, you have a couple of options. You can purchase two more standard-sized pillows and stack them underneath your sleeping pillows for a clean, fuss-free look. To add some variety, you could also go with two Euro pillows, which are large and square-shaped. Lean these against your headboard and place your sleeping pillows in front.
5. A cozy quilt or blanket
This layer is admittedly optional, but it can add a lot to the overall look and feel of your bedroom. A quilt or throw blanket draped over the end of the bed provides a fun element of color and texture, not to mention an extra layer of coziness. This is a great opportunity to bring in some contrast through an accent color, a pattern, or an interesting texture like waffle-knit or gauze. Fold your blanket into thirds lengthwise and lay it neatly over the end of the bed, or simply ruffle it up a bit as you drape it across for a more relaxed look.
6. An odd number of decorative pillows
What I love about this layer is that it’s highly customizable depending on your budget and taste. Some designers go all out with three or more decorative pillows, while others opt for just one long lumbar style as a focal point. Either way, stick to odd-number groupings. It’s best for a more visually balanced, not too symmetrical look. Even bringing in just one throw pillow can make your entire bedroom feel more polished and complete.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
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