How to make a bed

How to Properly Make a Bed

Sarah Aguirre is a housekeeping expert with over 20 years of experience cleaning residentially and commercially. Over that time, she has been writing about tips and tricks for housekeeping and organizing a home for national publications.

The Spruce / Lucianna McIntosh

It seems so easy to leave your bed a jumbled mess when you wake up—after all, you’re only going to mess it up again later. Making the bed has become one of those chores that very few people bother with, but a properly made bed can have a dramatic impact on the way a room looks and feels. Not only does it help the room appear less cluttered and chaotic, but it also sets the stage nicely for your night’s rest. After all, it’s so much nicer to slip into a bed with smooth, crisp sheets rather than one with rumpled sheets and a balled-up blanket.

What You’ll Need

Materials

Instructions

Gather Your Linens

Choose bed linens that are comfortable and beautiful to you. If you like the way a bed skirt makes your room look, by all means, grab your favorite. If you’re more minimalist in your approach, that’s fine too. A bed that is made, however simply, is still a major improvement over a mass of pillows and blankets. It’s always a good idea to have at least one extra set of sheets and pillowcases so you’re never without a fresh set when it’s time to strip the bed.

Remove Used Linens

Take off the used linens currently on your bed and put them in the laundry if they’re ready for a wash. Shake out any mattress pads, pillow protectors, and comforters that don’t need to be laundered to free them of lint, hair, or stray socks. If you use a bed skirt and it needs to be laundered, remove and replace it. If the mattress looks dirty, take the time to clean it.

Put On Bottom Sheet

If your bottom sheet is fitted, simply slip the corner pockets onto the ends of the bed and adjust the fitted sheet around the perimeter of the mattress, atop the mattress pad.

If your bottom sheet is flat, create hospital corners. Arrange the sheet so that approximately 12 inches hang beyond the edge of the bed on both sides and the bottom evenly. Tuck in the sheet snugly at the foot of the bed. At each bottom corner, lift up the loose sheet at the side, and place the flap on top of the mattress. Tuck in the sheet right at the corner, then lay the flap down so the fold forms a 45-degree angle away from the mattress corner. Tuck in the bottom edge of the angle, and continue tucking along the entire side of the bed. Repeat on the opposite side.

Add a Top Sheet

Place the top sheet evenly on the bed. At the top of the bed, you can leave some excess sheet to fold back over the blanket or you can arrange the sheet so that the top edge is even with the edge of the mattress.

Tuck in the sheet at the foot of the bed and at each bottom corner using hospital corners, leaving most of each side untucked so it is easier to get into the bed. If this is a guest bed that is rarely used (or you’re a stickler about folding under), you can tuck the top sheet into the sides completely. Just remember your comforter, quilt, or duvet will likely cover up the little bit of sheet hanging down.

Add a Blanket, Comforter, or Duvet

Spread your chosen blanket, comforter, or duvet evenly over the top of the bed, smoothing the edges as you go. The top edge of the blanket should be even with or slightly below the top edge of the bed. Fold any excess top sheet back over the edge of the blanket, if desired.

Position Your Pillows

Place the pillows in your desired configuration. When placing pillows under the blanket, fold the top sheet down over the blanket, place the pillows flat atop the bottom sheet at the head of the bed, then fold the top sheet and blanket over the pillows towards the head of the bed. Alternatively, you can place the pillows upright against the headboard or wall at the head of the bed. Do whatever gives your bed the look you love. You can also finish with a few decorative throw pillows if you desire.

Tips for Making a Bed

Make a ritual of it. The more often you make your bed, the faster it will go. Many people find that making their bed every day becomes a welcome ritual, signifying order at the start of a new day.

Wash your bedding routinely. You should plan to wash your sheets and pillowcases once a week, and your mattress pad every few weeks (or at least once a month).

Use a mattress pad. They’re useful for adding a bit of comfort and protecting your mattress from sweat and other contaminants. Bonus: A mattress pad is much easier to clean than a mattress.

How to Make a Nice Cozy Bed

This article was co-authored by Robert Rybarski. Robert Rybarski is an Organizational Specialist and Co-Owner of Conquering Clutter, a business that customizes closets, garages, and plantation shutters to ensure organized homes and lifestyles. Robert has over 23 years of consulting and sales experience in the organization industry. His business is based in Southern California.

There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 40,383 times.

A nice cozy bed can create warmth and a nice place to chill and hang out in at home. Even if you share a bedroom, this is your little home, and making it cozy may just be the type of thing you like. Carry on reading to learn how to get a cozy bed, to chill on.

How to Make a Bed Step by Step

Last Updated on Jul 12, 2022

Who doesn’t admire a perfectly made bed? Like the ones photographed in Vogue, beautifully accessorized that it makes you want to jump into them. Do you want to have a bed that is perfect? Knowing how to make a bed like a pro can win you many compliments and hearts. If you are someone who wants a picture-perfect bed, then this article is for you. Read on to know how you can make a bed step by step, what tips you need to keep in mind, and much more.

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Layers of a Bed

Starting with the basics, everyone who wants to learn how to make a bed should know these parts of the bed by heart. Well, it’s not hard to make your bedding. You just need to know the layers of the bed and how to place them. Some of the layers could be optional, so you can always skip them if you do not wish to try that.

Let’s dig in to understand the different layers and what it means when someone says layering a bed.

Bed Skirt

While you might not be familiar with the idea of bed skirts as to who they are, the point is, they add beauty and elegance to your bed. Plus, they are great for concealing storage boxes and anything under the bed.

Mattress

Everyone knows the point of a mattress on a bed, right? So, once you are done with a bed skirt, you should think of finding a comfortable mattress as that is the essential part of a bed.

Mattress Protector

A protector adds a layer on the mattress thereby, adding an extra supporting layer. It is removable bedding that sits on the top of the mattress, and its main job is to protect the mattress from dust, bed bugs, mites, and molds.

Another plus point of a mattress protector is, it makes cleaning easy and hassle-free, protects the mattresses from spillage, and protects against normal wear and tear.

Fitted Sheet

There are two types of bed sheets that are most commonly used.

Also known as the bottom sheet, fitted sheets have elastic on the bottom, and it is responsible for keeping the mattress protector and mattress together. Although a mattress protector has elastic support, a fitted sheet adds another layer and protects the mattress.

Flat Sheet

Everyone knows that sheets cover the mattress and add a layer of comfort to the bed. It can happen that some mattresses are not that comfortable to sleep without a sheet. The important point here would be to find a sheet that fits the mattress. You can either tuck the sheet or leave it hanging.

Duvet

A duvet or comforter is something that people prefer to include in their bedding. You can use them to add an extra layer of comfort to your bed. In comparison, both are different, but with a duvet, you get a cover as well.

Pillows

You might think how pillows are a layer in bedding? Well, to be honest, pillows are the ones that catch the attention of the bed. And to be specific, there are many different types of pillows you can choose to decorate your bed like,

All these can be used in a combination of 2-2, 4-1, 4-2, 2-2-1, etc. These add elegance and comfort to bed, and you’ll find these kinds of pillow settings in luxurious resorts and hotels.

Throw Blanket

You can complete the bedding by adding a throw blanket on the top. These are perfect for keeping you warm when it gets cold, and you are looking for something light, not heavy. Most beds have a throw blanket for those who do not need something heavy. These can also be used as decorative items in the room when not in use.

How to Make a Bed

Now that we have explored the different components of a bed, it’s time to know the ‘how to’ part. Let’s explore the ways to make a bed. All of these layers need to be perfect to give your bed that amazing look.

While you might fret about getting a hotel-like look and feel, you can learn the accurate ways to make a bed in no time.

1. Starting with Bed Skirts

Starting with the basics, if you don’t know how to skirt your bed, then you can learn it in the following simple ways.

How to put on a bed skirt:

2. Use a Mattress protector

Although these might not be as glamorous as bedsheets or throw blankets, they protect the bed.

How to add a mattress protector:

3. Put on a Fitted sheet

These come in handy as they keep the bedding together. So you can relax that too much layering will not disturb your bedding. Working with these fitted sheets will be easy as they have elastic covers.

How to put a fitted sheet:

4. Put on a Flat sheet

As most of the bedding is tucked in or strapped on, these sheets can be very handy when it comes to cover the bedding. If you are using a fitted sheet, then you should place a flat sheet to give your bedding a presentable look.

How to use a flat sheet:

5. Add Duvet

We know the importance of a duvet in bedding. These can add real value to your bedding while making it comfortable.

How to put a Duvet:

6. Use Pillows

Pillows are the most comfortable and important part of the bed. Your pillows speak a lot about you. Using heavy pillows like memory foam could make a great pillow base. It also gives an option when it aligns with smaller pillows.

How to place pillows:

7. End with Throw blanket

Making your own bedding should be exhausting. Last but not least, complete your bed by adding a final finishing touch. Now there are ways to use a throw blanket. Let’s explore those.

How to use a throw blanket:

How to Make Your Bed the Right Way – 8 Simple Steps

You’ve probably been making your bed for decades, but have you been doing it right?

For example, do you know the three steps involved in making hospital corners? And why are they called that anyway? We’ll get to that. In the meantime, can tell you that making a bed isn’t rocket science, but there are some crucial steps to keep in mind to ensure you get the best and most comfortable night of sleep possible.

If you wake up with your sheets tangled up around your feet, then you’ll benefit from this guide about how to make your bed. Because no one likes tangled sheets!

Layers of a Bed

Base Layers

There are two optional layers that you may want to include:

Bottom Sheet

The bottom sheet is often fitted with elastic at the edges or all around. Fitted sheets are often the bane of people’s existence when it comes to folding, but they’re important for providing you with a clean and comfortable sleeping surface.

Top Sheet

The next layer is the top sheet. The color and pattern will usually match the fitted sheet unless you decided to purchase each piece individually so that you can mix and match.

Blanket

Blankets are optional depending on the season and your personal preferences. You may choose to place the blanket between the top sheet and the top layer, or you may want to leave the blanket folded at the end of the bed or store it in a basket. The choice is yours.

Top Layer

The top layer is a comforter, duvet or quilt. Duvet covers are becoming a popular choice because they’re easier to take care of. A comforter or heavy quilt would have to be professionally cleaned, while a duvet cover can go in the washing machine and then cover a quilt easily.

Pillows

Interior designers recommend following the rule of odd numbers. This means putting either three, five or seven pillows on the bed. Since you technically need only one or two pillows for sleeping, have a sanitary storage place (not the floor) to store pillows when they’re not in use. A basket by the bedside table or a trunk are both ideal.

How to Make Your Own Bed

Clear the Bed

Start with a clean surface. Place pillows, duvets, quilts, blankets and the top sheet aside. Avoid putting them on the floor. Instead, drape them over a chair or another piece of furniture.

Put the Fitted Sheet

Identify which side of the sheet is long and which is shorter. Starting with the long end, fit one corner over the top edge by the head of the bed, and then extend it lengthwise on the same side to the foot. Continue traveling clockwise until all four corners are securely fitted on the mattress. Smooth out any wrinkles, and make sure the elastic fits snugly on the corners.

Sometimes, it can be a challenge to determine which part of the sheet is longer than the other. If you get striped sheets, it becomes a heck of a lot easier. All you have to do is make sure the stripes are vertically oriented, and you’ll automatically have your fitted sheet in the right position.

Put the Top Sheet

Drape it over the mattress and make sure that both sides of the bed have an equal amount of material hanging down. One thing people tend to forget is to put the finished side down. That way, when you fold the sheet over for display, the pattern or finished stitching become visible.

Tuck the sheet under the mattress at the foot of the bed and along the sides. We recommend using hospital corners, which we’ll explain below.

Make Hospital Corners

The term “hospital corners” originates from the way hospital beds are made, but the term is also used in the hotel industry and the military. It’s widely viewed as the best way to make a bed. The end effect is crisp and luxurious, even though the name has none of those qualities.

Here’s how to do it in five easy steps:

Place the Duvet or Comforter

If you’re using a comforter or duvet only, this part is easy. All you have to do is place it on the top of the sheets or blanket and make sure that it’s placed in the center with about six inches of space at the head to allow it to fold over. If you have a duvet cover, then it can be tricky to get the quilt or comforter to fit cleanly into the fabric cover.

One way is to turn the cover inside out and reach your arms inside to grasp each corner. Still holding on the inside corners of the duvet cover grab two corners of your comforter or quilt. Hold on tight and shake the comforter until the cover goes right-side out. You may have to make some minor adjustments and smooth out a few lumps, but this process is the easiest way to do it.

Fold the Top Sheet and Duvet Down

You’ve got everything in place, and the next step is to fold down the top sheet, so you can see the finished edge. Since duvets are thick, you won’t be folding those. That’s why you left a six-inch gap between the edge of the duvet and the head of the bed.

Fluff the Pillows

Pillows can flatten or become misshapen, but to have a stylish bedroom, you want them fluffed and in their best form. The best way to fluff a pillow is to grab each side and then press together toward the middle. It’s hard to explain, so think of like playing the accordion.

If you have a long and narrow accent pillow, place it on the mattress and karate chop it in the middle. It sounds like a violent act, but no one gets harmed, and it gives the pillow extra fluff and a bit of texture to complete the look of your bedroom sanctuary.

Add Finishing Touches

You might notice that only two pillows can make it look unfinished. Some people like to double the number of pillows, so they stack on top of each other. Or opt for Euro pillow shams, which are square.

If you’d like to duplicate the look of a five-star hotel, consider folding a blanket in thirds and placing it at the end or foot. This technique could also work with your duvet. Instead of folding it with your top sheet, pull it down toward the foot of in a tri-fold, allowing the pattern to remain visible.

Healthy Bed Habits

Fix Your Bed Every Morning

A lot of information has been published recently about the benefits of making your bed every morning. It boosts happiness levels and gives you a feeling of accomplishment. Most of us face challenges and complex tasks throughout the day. By accomplishing the feat of bed-making, and doing it well, you’ll be able to cross something off your list and hopefully maintain that momentum all day.

Wash Your Beddings every 1 to 2 Weeks

You should wash your sheets regularly, but it doesn’t have to be daily or even weekly. Some people can get by with washing them once every two weeks as long as they’re not smelly. Items that don’t touch your skin directly like duvet covers could be washed as little as once per quarter.

Simplify Duvet Layering

We shared a procedure above about the best way to put a cover over a duvet. We firmly believe that having a cover makes life much easier than having to find industrial-sized washers or professional (and expensive) dry cleaners to make your bedding look new.

If you’re still struggling to put the cover over your duvet, enlist the help of a friend to make the job easier.

Use a Mattress Pad

The mattress pad goes directly over the mattress and underneath the fitted sheet. If you tend to sleep hot or have a mattress that’s no longer comfortable, look for a functional cover with cooling or support properties. Otherwise, we recommend a basic cotton pad that will shield your valuable mattress from sweat stains, bodily fluids, and spilled drinks.

Stains on a mattress could void a warranty and are also unsightly to look at when you’re changing your sheets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I make a hotel style bed?

Crisp white cotton sheets are the first step to duplicating the look and feel of a hotel experience. We also recommend using hospital corners for your top sheet. Then fold your duvet down in thirds so that the white sheet is on prominent display.

Finally, add a bunch of pillows. Follow the rule of odd numbers, adding two to four standard pillows, two Euro pillows, and a small accent pillow.

How should I make a bed with a footboard?

The process is the same, but you’ll have to navigate the boundaries of the footboard. If your arms and hands are too wide to fit in the spacing, you may have to lift your mattress in order to tuck the sheets properly.

What can I add to make it more comfy?

A functional mattress pad is our first tip to make it more comfortable. Extra pillows and soft blankets also work wonders and recreate the feeling of a sanctuary.

How can I layer a bed with a quilt?

Yes, definitely! The only limits here are your imagination. If the weather is cold, an additional quilt can keep you warm. Or, if you’d prefer to use it as an accent piece, fold it in thirds and lay it at the foot.

What are the benefits of making your bed every day?

Making your bed every day is an ideal way to begin the morning. You get to start the day having accomplished a task, and you can carry that momentum and positive feeling with you all day. And, when it’s time to go to sleep, there’s nothing more inviting than a crisp, well-made bed to make you feel snug as a bug in a rug.

Conclusion

We know it’s a little thing, but considering how much of our lives we spend sleeping, we think that having a well-made bed deserves more attention. How many nights have you crawled into bed, negotiating twisted sheets and misplaced pillows? Instead, wouldn’t you like to experience crawling under covers that are crisp, cool and tightly tucked? It might help you sleep better. Let us know if it does!

Sleep Advisor

Our team covers as many areas of expertise as we do time zones, but none of us started here as a so-called expert on sleep. What we do share is a willingness to ask questions (lots of them), seek experts, and dig deep into conventional wisdom to see if maybe there might be a better path towards healthy living. We apply what we learn not only to our company culture, but also how we deliver information to our over 12.7M readers.

Sleep research is changing all the time, and we are 100% dedicated to keeping up with breakthroughs and innovations. You live better if you sleep better. Whatever has brought you here, we wish you luck on your journey towards better rest.

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There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to better health and better rest, but no one has time to sleep, let alone figure out how to upgrade the sleep they’re getting.

From figuring out how to buy a mattress online, suggesting ones that are good for different needs and body types, or breaking down the newest science behind technology and wellness breakthroughs, Sleep Advisor has you covered.

How to Make a Bed Like a Professional, According to Bedding Experts

It’s as easy as getting yourself dressed.

Making a bed the proper way is a lifelong skill that everyone should know. First off, there’s no better way to start your day because it leaves you feeling accomplished and ready for anything. Plus, coming home to a nicely-made bed is perfect for decompressing and helping you relax.

Making your bed is essentially the same as getting yourself dressed. You start with something underneath (like a mattress pad or protector) then layer on the basics – i.e. the sheets, pillows and comforter. Lastly, you can accessorize with decorative pillows and a throw.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tests bedding of all kinds, from mattresses to duvets, so we know a little something about making a bed the right way. Here are our expert tips for making your bed, from time-saving tricks to insider secrets that make it look luxurious.

Step 1: Protect and cover your mattress

You won’t need to put it on every time you make your bed, but using a mattress protector can help extend the life of your mattress by preventing stains from spills and damage from wear and tear. It’s also a good idea to use pillow protectors so you won’t need to wash your pillows as often. These protectors are especially important for anyone with allergies because the fabric blocks household allergens from settling into your pillows and mattress.

You can also add a mattress pad (which goes on like a fitted sheet) or a mattress topper (which sits on top of the bed) to increase the comfort or support of your mattress. And if you want to use a bed skirt for decorative purposes, you’ll need to place it underneath the mattress first.