How To Style A Cozy Bed Layer By Layer (Like A Pro)

Have you ever wondered how you can style a cozy bed layer by layer like a design pro? I’m sure most of us where taught how to make our bed as a kid. For me, whenever I spent the night with my aunt, I was expected to make my bed, and tuck the corners. I thought I had this bed making thing all down. That is, until HGTV, Pinterest and Instagram came into the picture. Then I started seeing professionally decorated beds. Layer after layer of gorgeous, cozy looking, fluffy covers and throw pillows. It took me awhile, but I’ve finally broken down the steps to layering your bed like a pro. And I can’t wait to share them with you. But, before we get started, go ahead and join my FREE Decorating Made Easy Challenge. You’ll learn the tricks to easily decorate your home, even if you don’t have an eye for design. Now let’s get started.

How To Style A Cozy Bed Layer By Layer (Like A Pro)

Even though I’m going to break down all the layers you can add to your bed, I also want you to know that many of these layers are optional. For example, you may want to skip the tray on top of the bed. I have a tray on my guest bed. But most of the time, I don’t sit a tray on my bed every day. And during the warmer summer months, you might decide that you don’t want to add the extra layers of duvet on your bed. And that’s perfectly OK. Because your home should be a reflection of you, your family and how you want to live. I’m simply sharing all of these layers so you know what you can do if you choose to.

Step 1 to layering your bed like a pro: Start with the right sheets

Fitted sheets are the first item to go on your bed. And you can get them anywhere from a discount store for a few dollars to a high-end furniture store for several hundred dollars. Either way you go, I have a few tips about purchasing linen. First, make sure you get the correct sizing for your particular mattress. Most of us know that we should buy a king sheet set for our king size mattress. But many of us forget that the mattress we sleep on has a depth. That is, until we wash our sheets and realize they’re ill-fitting. If you can’t seem to keep the corners of your fitted sheets down over your mattress, your mattress is probably over 14 inches. Which means its probably time you start looking for “deep pocket” fitted sheets that are especially made for taller mattresses.

The flat sheet will most likely come as part of the set along with the fitted sheet. My second tip here is if you like to fold the flat sheet over the quilt (your next layer) than place your flat sheet face down when making the bed. This way, when you roll the flat sheet over the quilt layer, you see the finished side when folded.

Step 2 to layering your bed like a pro: Add a Quilt, Bedspread or Coverlet

Let’s start by going over the difference between each of these. A quilt is a bed cover that has the top, middle and bottom layers quilted together in an ornate or decorative pattern. A bedspread is a single layer cover that’s used to cover the entire bed, from the headboard all the way down to the floor. A coverlet is very similar, but is smaller than a bedspread. A coverlet is sized to cover the top of the bed and hand just past the box springs, so it doesn’t actually touch the floor.

Choose either of these as the next layer you add above the flat sheet.

If you want your bed to look like the beds in upscale luxury hotel rooms, stick with a white bedspread, quilt or coverlet and then follow with a white duvet cover.

Step 3 to layering your bed like a pro: Add the duvet cover and insert

Above the bed cover (quilt, bedspread, or coverlet) comes the duvet. When I first heard above a duvet, I thought it was what we typically see when we look at the bed. But that’s the duvet cover. A duvet is a plain white fill that goes inside the duvet cover. Duvet covers can come in a variety of colors and patterns and can also have a zip, button, or tie closer to secure the duvet insert in place.

Step 4 to layering your bed like a pro: Add a secondary duvet cover (with or without duvet insert) blanket or coverlet

This step might be optional when it comes to making your bed on a daily basis, but it’s certainly a “must do” if you want to uber-comfy, super-luxe layered look. This secondary duvet doesn’t have to be a thick as the first. So, you can simply use a duvet cover and skip the actual insert.

To style your bed, you’ll fold this extra covering at the foot of your bed. Or for a twist, you can lay the blanket just shy of being the middle of the bed.

Step 5 to layering your bed like a pro: Add pillows

Adding pillows to your bed is the next step in layering. You’ll be able to choose from many different sizes including euro, standard size, and decorative throw pillows. For a coordinated look when selecting euro & decorative pillows, plan to have them match your comforter or duvet. Your standard pillowcases should match your sheets.

A basic design is to place your euro pillows towards the back of the bed, closest to the headboard. Then add in your standard pillows, followed by your more decorative pillows up front.

If you’re looking for a fool-proof step by step guide to show you can confidently style your pillows, make sure to grab my Bedroom Styling Guide.

Step 6 to layering your bed like a pro: Drape a textured blanket across the bottom corner of the bed

One of the last steps to layering your bed is to drape a throw blanket across the bed. The step is totally optional but ads a touch of luxuriousness and coziness. This throw blanket is one that you can grab as you sit in the chair next to your bed and read a book. Or it’s one that you can pull up around you as you sit in bed or snuggle up while binge watching one of your favorite TV shows.

There are plenty options here in terms of styling the throw blanket. You can go for a faux fir textured look or take this as an opportunity to bring more color into your bedroom.

Step 7 to layering your bed like a pro: Sit a tray on top of the bed

The final step to layering your bed like a pro is to place tray full of goodies on top of your bed. This makes the bed so inviting because the tray will have everything you need. Treat yourself (or your guests) by adding fresh flowers, a good book, and picture frame or a mug ready to fill with hot cocoa, tea, or coffee.

How To Style A Cozy Bed Layer By Layer (Like A Pro)

I just broke down the steps to styling a cozy bed, layer by layer, like a design pro. I’m pretty sure you learned a thing or two even if you’ve been making your bed for years. So, even though HGTV, Pinterest and Instagram have been showing us image after image of professionally decorated beds, now you can create your own. Because who doesn’t want their own comfy, cozy and stylish bed ready to relax in? If you’re ready to take the next step to creating a bedroom you love, then go ahead and join my FREE Decorating Made Easy Challenge. You’ll learn the tricks to easily decorate your home, even if you don’t have an eye for design.

And please, take a few minutes and leave a comment below and let me know how these tips have helped you.

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