How to Make a Bed

Making a bed seems simple—until you actually have to do it. Our tried-and-true method for how to make a bed guarantees a beautiful, balanced bed. We start with a number of bed layers—fitted sheet, flat sheet, blankets, and a duvet—then finish with a pile of decorative bed pillows. These steps work for any mattress size, whether you're looking to learn how to make a king-size bed or a twin.

Step 1: Place the Sheets

Lay the fitted sheet on your bed, aligning the corners of the sheet with the corners of the bed. Starting in one corner, tuck the bedsheet under the mattress. Move diagonally to the next corner and repeat tucking in the sheet. Repeat for the remaining two corners. Smooth out any gaps or bunches, and make sure the fitted sheet is pulled taut over the mattress. Then lay the flat sheet over the bed so it hangs evenly on both sides of the bed. Lay it face down so the decorative or patterned front will show when you fold it back.

Step 2: Tuck the Sheets

To make hospital corners, tuck in the flat sheet at the end of the bed. Then pick the sheet and place the edge on top of the bed, forming a triangle. Tuck the side corner beneath the mattress. Bring the piece resting on top of the bed over and tuck it in neatly, then tuck in the sheets on the side of the bed. Repeat on the other side.

Step 3: Put On the Blanket

Spread the coverlet or blanket across the entire bed. Then pull down the coverlet and top sheet about a pillow's width from the top of the bed.

Step 4: Spread Out the Duvet

Depending on your personal preference, you'll finish making your bed with a comforter, duvet, quilt, or other top bed covering. Spread out the duvet. Starting at the top of the bed, fold down the duvet into thirds across the end of the bed.

Step 5: Finalize with Bed Pillows

Add a flourish with our bedroom pillow ideas. Start with the standard pillow sets for beds. For a king or queen mattress, use four pillows. Add pillow shams to the back two pillows; the other two pillows should be purchased with your comfort and sleeping style in mind. Finally, add accent pillows in both solids and patterns for a pop of personality.

Bedding Styles

Casual & Comfortable

The primary focus of making a bed is ensuring that it's cozy, so the first focus should be on soft and comforting linens. Investing in higher thread count sheets and the perfect sleeping pillow are a guarantee of a better night's sleep. A soft duvet cover filled with a genuine or synthetic down keeps the covers cozy and warm.

Tailored & Textured

Anything goes these days when it comes to layering linens in a bedroom. Combine velvet with linen, lambs wool with cotton, and quilted or matelassé with wool for tangible softness. Mix in contemporary patterns that belong to a complementary color palette for added visual interest.

Pretty & Practical

Often the sleeping pillow is the plainest among the bedding. Placing it behind decorative shams allows the bed to be a stylish focal point by day and at night the sleeping pillow is readily available when it's time to turn down the covers. Layering a comfortable throw at the end of the bed brings style and adds greater warmth when necessary.

Cottage Chic

Cottage style is always a combination of casual, collected, and cozy. Get the look by gathering complementary patterns in soothing colors and layering the skirt, coverlet, and decorative pillows in a comforting collection.

Patterned & Playful

The bedroom is another opportunity in your home to decorate with pattern and color. Layer geometrics, florals, stripes, and solids in a playful manner that welcomes you each time you enter your bedroom.