Looking for a simple step-by-step guide on how to style a bed with all the layers? Here is an easy breakdown of which layers come first and how to arrange them all.

Styling a bed can be an overwhelming task. With all of the layers and the textures and colors, it can really seem like a lot. I use to stress over how to style beds in my home as well as clients, until I learned the basics and the overall point of it.

The bed is the main point of a bedroom, hence the name lol. Therefore, the bed is a really impactful way to tell the story of the room and create a space with intention and purpose. A bed is a place we go for rest, peace, and sleep. It should be soft, tranquil, inviting and comfy. There are many different ways to achieve this, and I’m going to share with you how to style a bed properly.

This post is all about how to style a bed.

Steps to Style a Bed:

The Layers

Just to be clear, I never bring any of the layers above where the pillows go. So at the head of the bed, I always stop the layers or fold them about 1-2 feet below so they stop underneath the pillows if you were looking at the bed from a birds-eye view.

1. Sheets

When choosing sheets, you want to be considerate of the fact that this method of layering a bed allows the sheets to be seen a bit. I’d steer clear of anything that doesn’t match the overall color scheme you’re going for. From some angles, you can see the sheets, so make sure they complement the duvet or pillows. In my opinion, you’re usually safe with a white, ivory or light grey. However, if you strategically incorporate a color, that totally works too.

I always recommend getting sheets over 400 thread count, as they are usually the softest. the 600’s are my personal favorite. Anything too high is not really going to be that soft because the thread count is the measurement of horizontal and vertical threads that are in one-square-inch of the sheet. Some companies that use a higher “thread count” are actually using a very poor quality fabric, which defeats the purpose of the thread count. In addition, sometimes super-high thread counts mean the sheets will be less breathable and stiffer because there are so many vertical and horizontal threads tightly woven in just one inch.

The best fabrics to buy sheets in are Egyptian, pima or supima cotton, with the latter being the highest of quality. These kinds of cotton work well with moisture throughout the night and offer a super soft, breathable and comfortable experience. Also, you’ll want to look for either a sateen, percale or combed cotton as far as the weave of the sheet. Lastly, sheets coming from Italy or France are going to be much higher quality than those coming from China. Even if the thread count is lower.

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2. Quilt/Coverlet

This is optional, but it does add an extra layer and texture to the bed. I personally love the way it looks when bedspreads include this layer. Not to mention, if one person is a hot sleeper, this is a great way to have a light blanket and heavier blanket option.

The quilt or coverlet goes on top of the flat sheet. I recommend folding the flat sheet over the top of the quilt about 5 inches. Every fold back that you can do, adds an extra layer, which is good. The more layers the better in my opinion. I also recommend tucking the sheets and quilt all the way around, under the mattress for a more clean and crisp look.

3. Duvet

I’m a big fan of duvets. I think they’re such great quality and make your bed look and feel so full and fluffy and soft. I also love that they help to regulate your body temperature throughout the night and that you can swap out the duvet cover over time. They’re totally worth the investment, and definitely essential to a full and cozy bed.

Always make sure you fully fluff your duvet so when you make the bed it’s light and airy. I always recommend folding back the top of the duvet, so you can see a few inches of the quilt underneath. You can simply fold it back once, or do a double fold, which is my favorite. (More layers the better!) I like to pull the duvet back towards the foot of the bed, then fold it back over on top of that fold back towards the head of the bed. This creates a really cozy and layered look.

4. Throw blanket

I love adding texture, style and color with a throw blanket at the foot of the bed. This is a great way to complete the story you’re trying to tell with your bedding. If you want the room to have a soft and warm feel, try a soft cashmere or knit. If you’re looking for a more luxe vibe, add a faux fur throw. For an earthy and organic feel, try a linen or waffle throw. You can have lots of fun with the throw blanket.

Also, if you really want to spice it up, you can add a quilt or coverlet at the foot of the bed and then a throw blanket on top of it for yet ANOTHER layer.

The Pillows

1. Base Pillows

You’re always going to have your base pillows, which are the pillows you sleep with. This are good to be used to elevate the pillows in the back. You can definitely use these and kind of hide them under the other pillows, or you can store them away in a bench or closet when not in use.

2. Accent Pillows

There are many ways to arrange pillows on a bed. Some people love lots and lots of pillows for a super full look. Others like a simple and clean look with minimal accent pillows. It’s really up to you. You can have fun with pillows, and much like the throw, be very intentional with what message you’re trying to give in the overall vibe of the room. Consider the texture, size, shape and color of the pillows you’re choosing.

*Pro Tip: For pillow covers, always buy an insert one size up from the cover for a more full look.

This post was all about how to style a bed!

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