How to Layer a Bed Like an Interior Decorator
Steal our professional tips to create an inviting room.
There’s something about a bed covered in blankets and pillows that gives the bedroom a cozy feel. But if you don’t know how to properly layer a bed, it can quickly become a cluster of items that takes away from the aesthetic you’re trying to create. Luckily, with our tips and tricks, you’ll learn how to layer a bed like an interior decorator, so you can feel confident creating a visually appealing bedding design.
Step 1: Start With Sheets
Sheets are the first layer when styling your bed. Not only do they protect your mattress, they also create a comfortable foundation and add personal style. Most sheet sets include a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases.
Place the fitted sheet over your mattress and your mattress pad or mattress topper if you have one. The flat sheet is optional and best left to your personal preference. If you are adding in the flat sheet, place it seam-side up so the decorative side is showing when you fold it back then tuck it under the mattress for a tidy look.
Tip!
Bed skirts are a decorative piece you can include in your bedding to keep the layering going below the mattress. Bed skirts are used to cover the gap between your bedding and the open floor beneath. If you plan on adding a bed skirt, you should place it beneath your mattress before adding your sheets.
Next, lay the duvet or comforter down on top of your fitted sheet and flat sheet (if you're using one). This is the primary layer that will add warmth. Duvets can be used interchangeably with comforters – people typically pick one or the other as the top bedding layer.
Duvets are thicker and heavier than comforters. They are made of a duvet cover and an insert that slides into the cover to serve as the filling. There are many different duvet cover styles available to fit your room’s aesthetic.
Unlike duvets, comforters do not require an insert. Comforters are lighter than duvets but still come in many styles. You can always pair a quilt with your comforter to double up on warmth.
You will be folding this element back, like in the picture above, so if your duvet or comforter has two sides, lay it face down on the bed to reveal the decorative underside when this layer is pulled back.
Tip!
For more info on the different bedding essentials, read Basic Parts of Bedding You Need to Know.
Step 3: Place Your Quilt or Coverlet Down
Now you can place your quilt or coverlet on top of the other pieces. Quilts and coverlets serve as both extra layers of warmth and decorative elements. Quilts are slightly thicker than coverlets, so if you want extra warmth, a quilt is the better option. To really add a flourish, opt for one with texture or a bright pattern to contrast against your duvet or comforter. You can either fold it up to place over the middle of the bed for an extra full look or drape it over the other layers.
Start by pulling back your quilt or coverlet around 4" to 8" and the duvet or comforter about 4" to 6". Once your duvet or comforter has been pulled back, you can peel back the flat sheet. Each layer should be staggered so you’re showing off the colors and patterns of each piece of your bedding.
Now that the foundation has been built, it’s time to start layering your pillows. There are several ways you can style your pillows, but a basic way is to start with your sleeping pillows along the back of your headboard. Next, add your euro shams to play with height before placing your pillow shams in front of them. Finally, lay your decorative pillows in front as the last layer. Pillowcases typically match the sheets and the shams match the duvet cover or comforter. Choose euro shams and throw pillows that use colors in the bedding to create a harmonious look.
To really ramp up your bed layering, place a bed runner or a throw blanket at the bottom of the bed. A bed runner is strictly decorative, while a throw blanket can be both a stylish and practical addition since you can also use it for extra warmth. If you’re going with a throw blanket, you can lay it over the bed as you would a runner (folded and running along the bottom part of the bed) or drape it over a bottom corner for a more casual approach.
