A well-made bed starts with the right essentials. This is everything you need to make your bed and style it like a pro.
There's nothing quite like slipping into a perfectly made bed at the end of a long day. You already know about the extended psychological benefits of making your bed each day. But for the sake of this exercise, we will concentrate on optimizing the look and feel of your bed, what you need, and how to achieve that hotel bed perfection at home.
A well-made bed starts with the right essentials. Here’s what you’ll need to make a perfect bed and style it like a pro:
- A good mattress protector. Think of it as underwear for your bed. A protector does exactly that: it protects your costly mattress from sweat, spilt drinks…anything. Trust me; you don't want to sleep commando on your mattress. There are plenty of options out there. I avoid the "waterproof" versions, as they make me feel a bit hot and sweaty. A nice cotton one should do the trick. Get at least one per mattress.
A word about sheets: you should iron them. I know, I know, but hear me out. You may have noticed their crisp, smooth sheets if you've ever stayed at a luxury hotel. That's because they iron them. Ironing your sheets makes them feel softer and more comfortable. PRO TIP: If you use Wool Dryer Balls and softly fold your sheets immediately after they're done in the dryer, you won't have to do as much ironing. You only need to iron the pillowcases and the top sheet- just a little.
- Fitted sheet. I usually get my fitted sheets when buying a new set. But then I like to get extra flat/top sheets to use as a base as hotels do. DID YOU KNOW: African American inventor Bertha Berman invented the "fitted sheet" in the late fifties, which we all know today. Very little can be found about her online, but she is the undoubted patent holder for putting elasticated corners on a sheet. Whether you choose fitted or flat, you need a sheet to cover the mattress protector. *PRO TIP: I buy sheet sets once a year and then supplement them with additional Flat or Top Sheets to use instead of a fitted sheet.
- Top sheet. Don't skip the top sheet (also called a "flat" sheet). I know there is a fashion for European-style duvets that stand in for traditional top + bottom sheets and bedspreads, but they are a false economy. Some people think a duvet set makes it easier to make their beds in the morning. Wrong! All that European convenience comes back to bite you every week when you have to change the duvet cover. PRO TIP: It takes at least twice as long to wrestle a duvet out of its cover and replace it with a fresh one as it does to use a top sheet. Lay it over the mattress evenly. Place it face down so the patterned side will show when folded back. Fold the top 18 inches back and tuck in the sides with hospital corners for a crisp finish. Now, give it a little spritz of Linen Spray before you add the blanket.
Be mindful that duvet covers are generally smaller than traditional bedspreads, so don't fall to the floor on the sides of the bed. PRO TIP: If you buy a "duvet cover", you can always pair it with a top sheet and use it as a bedspread. Better.
- Duvet: If you have reliable indoor heating, I recommend a Down Alternative duvet because they are cheaper, easier to launder and keep their shape better than a goose down duvet. Get a lightweight one to layer with additional blankets and a bedspread.
- Blanket: Personal taste will dictate the material here. Wool or cotton are both great options. PRO TIP: Try to choose a blanket with minimal texture to ensure a smooth finish under your bedspread. Place it over the duvet in the winter and use it alone in warmer months.
- Bedspread or quilt. PRO TIP: You can use a "duvet cover" as a bedspread, but it needs to be one size up from your bed size. For example, if your bed is a Double, get a Queen-Size duvet cover, etc.). It also needs to be thick enough to smooth over the bumps of your duvet for a more polished look.
- Pillows. I don't like to get too tricky with cooling gel or Memory Foam pillows. I prefer decent-quality down alternative pillows to the more expensive down-filled ones. They're easier to wash, and I don't feel bad when I have to swap them for new ones. PRO TIP: You should clean your pillows every couple of months and change your pillows every two years (!). We prefer a firmer pillow in our house, but I like to have one firm pillow and a softer one underneath for guest rooms.
PRO TIP: You should always place two pillows per head per bed (so two pillows on a single bed and four pillows on a double bed, etc.), and please use the right size pillow for your bed! I can't tell you how often I've seen a sumptuous king-size bed made up of a pair of standard pillows. It looks wrong.
- Pillow Protectors. Another non-negotiable. Just like mattress protectors, pillow protectors are underwear for your pillows. Even if you wash and refresh them every couple of years, you need to change the protectors at least every other time you change the sheets because we all sweat and shed skin cells every night. PRO TIP: Instead of buying so-called "pillow protectors", get a simple, inexpensive pair of 100% cotton pillowcases with an envelope closure, never a zipper! Zipper closures tear up your pillowcases and cause much damage in the wash.
- Pillowcases. There are two schools of thought about pillowcases. Some people see them as a purely functional cover to sleep on; others regard pillowcases as a statement for the bed. I agree with both! That is why I always use two pillows per bed, per head (see "Pillows" above). I always buy matching sets and pair a more straightforward design to sleep on with a more decorative pillowcase to sit in front. PRO TIP: Do not confuse "pillowcases" with "Pillow shams." Shams are purely decorative covers for pillows that often appear with those dreadful “Bed in a Bag” sets. They are ruffled and/or quilted and not intended to be slept on. I try to avoid shams altogether.
- Decorative Pillows/Cushions. I was tempted to say "pillow" as in ONE Decorative pillow, not plural. Nothing looks more amateurish than a circus (what is the collective noun for throw pillows?) of cushions on a bed. I currently anchor a single long body pillow in front of my sleeping pillows, but I've also done three European squares and a small lumbar. Four extra pillows are my limit, but you do you. PRO TIP: Make sure you have a small sofa or bedroom bench to hold said pillows while you sleep, or they will end up on the floor.
Caring for Your Bedding: Must-Have Products
Proper care when laundering your bedding is essential. Here are some must-have products to help you achieve a professional finish.
A good liquid Laundry Soap gently cleans your sheets while preserving fabric softness. It is handy for stain removal and soaking "dry-clean only" bedding.
Laundry Sheets. Eco-friendly and convenient for every day fresh, clean linens.
Stain Remover is essential for tackling spills or makeup stains. For best results, use it with a Laundry Brush.
Wool Wash is specially formulated for delicate fabrics like wool blankets.
Wool Dryer Balls. Reduces drying time and keeps sheets soft and fluffy.
Laundry Fragrance. Use Dryer Balls for the next level of luxurious fragrance.
Room & Linen Spray. A final touch to keep your bedding smelling amazing.
Making your bed doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it can be a daily ritual that sets the tone for a peaceful and restful night. Investing in high-quality bedding and caring for it properly ensures a comfortable and luxurious sleep experience every night.
Nice to have -the Importance of a Well-Equipped Nightstand. A generous nightstand can enhance your bedtime experience by keeping essentials within reach. These are my must-haves for my bedtime ritual:
A good reading light – Soft, warm lighting helps create a cosy and relaxing ambience for bedtime reading.
A ceramic tray – Perfect for holding my nightly hot cup of tea.
Having a well-thought-out nightstand setup ensures that everything you need for a restful night is within arm’s reach, helping you unwind and settle in comfortably.
Good night!
Xx, mlk
