{Tricks of the Trade} How to Make a Bed

Posted by Lindsay on Jan 4, 2010 in Bedroom, Featured Articles, Tricks of the Trade | 1 comment

Although we didn’t specifically learn about ‘how to make a bed’ and similar decor tips in design school, I’ve found that there is an art to ‘finishing’ a project or room, which can be helpful when you just can’t pinpoint why your space might not look quite right.  And when you are constantly scouring your glossy shelter magazines and favorite design blogs and websites for inspiration (like a professional interior designer is doing), you start to notice a couple of similarities and ‘tricks-of-the-trade’ that can help give your space that designer look.  So today we’ll start where we all start our day: in bed.  All we have to do is break down the various ways that our favorite catalogs do it to give ourselves a few rules – because a well made bed should always be the focal point of your bedroom!

Rule #1: Only use fabrics and prints that you love.  Sorry Grandma…your pink flowery quilt is nice, but let’s save it for the linen closet when guests stay overnight, and let the master suite coordinate for an updated and calming space. Unless you’re going for ‘Granny Chic,’ but that’s your preference…just don’t add it in because it’s warm!  Find a suitable replacement…

Now I’m not saying go buy a ‘Bed-In-A-Bag’ set…just carefully look at the various prints and colors that you are using.  Ruthlessly edit your rooms and only use fabrics and prints that you REALLY love and don’t settle for a mismatched bedding set that doesn’t fit your style.

Rule #2: Start with a neutral base.  White or off-white sheets will always feel fresh and updated.  I also never understood why anyone would iron their sheets – until now! – , but a well made bed always looks better with crisp sheets.  Subtle stripes can add some interesting pattern, but I’ve found that most beautiful beds have a solid sheet and the patterns are in the shams and blankets.

There are exceptions to this rule that can look nice, but the easiest way to make up a pretty bed is to start with simple, solid sheets in a light color.  White and off-white are no fail, though.  Thread count is up to you…I’m sure higher is wonderful, but I have never had the please of sleeping in expensive sheets!

Rule #3: Tuck it in tight.  Ironed sheets, folded down over the matelasse (aka quilted blanket), tucked in tight under the mattress.  And then a big, fluffy duvet (down comforter) is folded back even more – even at the foot of the bed to show off the sheet and matelasse.  In the summer you can switch out the down comforter for a lighter throw blanket.  Cable knit throws are nice.

An ironed duvet cover also helps finish the bed.  Imagine if that cover was wrinkly – it would not have the same effect!

Rule #4: You CAN have too many pillows.  Keep the pillows to 5; 2 sleeping pillows, 2 pillows with shams and 1 bolster or accent pillow.  This depends on the size of your bed, but scale is key here.  King size beds need king sized pillows, and twin size beds need standard sized pillows (stick to 3 on a twin – 1 sleeping, 1 with a sham, and 1 accent).

Rule #5: When matchy-matchy works.  If you check out the photos, they’re pretty consistent with this pattern; sleeping pillows match the sheets, and the pillow shams match the duvet cover.  The accent pillow can be a new pattern or a new color, or to stay on the safe side, it can match the shams and duvet.

Exception to Rule #5: You can also match the shams to the matelasse (not to the duvet).

Or to the duvet AND the the blanket (below).  But this works because the sheets match the duvet (which also match the matelasse.

Rule #6: Straight skirts only.  No dust ruffles here!  Box pleated or straight is the way to go these days.  More pleats (every couple inches) for a more formal bedroom, less pleats for a more masculine or contemporary room.

Color and pattern are up to you, but they normally match the shams/duvet matchiness!  But it might be a good way to add some extra interest (match the accent pillow?)

What about you?  Do you have any tips on making a pretty bed?  Any good (and inexpensive) sources?  Please share!

{images via Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and PB Teen}