A Quick Guide to Making Your Bed

Growing up, I never used to make my bed. Why waste the effort when you’re just going to turn around (15 hours later, but still) and mess it up again? Fortunately, my mother’s prodding that I learn the skill and try to develop the habit has paid off. I now love to make my bed because it starts the day off right, it places my bedroom into an immediate semblance of order and peace, and it’s a pleasure to crawl into a freshly made bed at the end of a long day.

White bed with unusual headboard

If you’re wondering about how to make a fresh, neat bed, here is a quick guide on how to make your bed, complete with some variations so that you can create the inviting bedscape of your dreams.

Step 1: Place a bed skirt (a.k.a., bed ruffle, or valance) over the bed frame (optional).

White bed with unusual headboard
White bed with unusual headboard

For many people, a bed skirt is an excellent way to hide under-bed storage items and provide a polished look to the bed in general. Of course, not all bed skirts are created equal, and the style and color you choose will make all the difference in the overall style of your bed. Also, if you prefer to keep the bed legs exposed, don’t sweat it.

Step 2: Put on your box spring (if needed), mattress, and mattress pad.

White bed with unusual headboard

The mattress pad not only protects the mattress, but it can also provide a bit of cushioning, which is never a bad thing, right?

Step 3: Put the fitted sheet over the mattress pad.

White bed with unusual headboard

To do this easily, hook the top two corners of the sheet onto the top two corners of the mattress. Pull down and smooth the sheet out as you then hook first one, then the other bottom corner. As an alternative, you could place a flat sheet on the mattress pad and neatly tuck all corners and edges under the mattress for a crisp look.

Alternative 1a: Throw a flat sheet and duvet over the bed.

White bed with unusual headboard

This relaxed, welcoming method of bed making is not only efficient, but it also gives the entire bedroom a versatile and friendly vibe. Slightly rumpled, but no less chic, this is a great way to make the bed for a man or woman on the go.

Alternative 1b: Top the bed with a pile of pillows.

White bed with unusual headboard

Pillows are a beautiful way to bring style to the bed and showcase your personality. Whether they be crisp white-sheathed down pillows or a mix-and-match of shapes and sizes, the pillows at the top of your bed bespeak soft comfort.

Alternative 1c: Toss a throw blanket at the foot of your bed.

White bed with unusual headboard

This might not be necessary during the summer months, of course, but if you’re prone to napping or curling up with a good book, it’s always nice to have a throw blanket handy to keep yourself comfortable no matter what the weather. The precision (or lack thereof) with which you “toss” the blanket there says a lot about the overall vibe of your bedroom, too.

Alternative 2a: Tuck in the flat sheet to the bottom of the bed.

White bed with unusual headboard

Pull the sheet up smoothly toward the head of the bed, then fold down about 2/3 of the way up the bed. Tuck flat sheet under mattress all the way around. This will expose the top portion of your fitted sheet… so make sure it’s a good one.

Alternative 2b: Add on simple duvet, folded in half.

White bed with unusual headboard

This will expose not only the fitted sheet, but a portion (about a foot) of the top of the flat sheet as well. This is an excellent way to achieve a crisp, fresh-looking bed without looking completely hotel-ish.

Alternative 2c: Stack pillows at the head of the bed.

White bed with unusual headboard

The quantity and style of the pillows you choose is completely up to you, of course. Add as many, as elaborate, as few, or as simple pillows as makes you happy and comfortable.

Alternative 3: Fold, then tuck everything tight.

White bed with unusual headboard

From the flat sheet to the coverlet to the throw blanket at the foot of the bed, fold everything in layers and tuck around all sides. This is the ultimate in making a crisp, hotel-style bed and provides the best ultra-modern, clean-lined look.

I hope this article has given you some ideas about how to go about making your dream bed. We’d love to hear about your own tried-and-true bed-making tips.