A better way of thinking of making your bed every morning as just a chore is using it as an opportunity to start your day on a positive note—one that leads to your space being instantly tidy! Mastering the art of bedmaking will make your bedroom look better and enhance your overall well-being. Whether you’re new to making your bed, want to learn the basics, or are looking for advanced tips to improve your technique, we’ll take you through it with a comprehensive guide to perfectly making your bed every day.
Understanding the Basics of Bed Making
Before we dive into all the details surrounding bedmaking, getting a handle on the basics is vital. The primary goal is to make your bed look neat and clean, as this can influence your mood and the feeling of your room. Making your bed look like it has stepped off the brochure of a five-star hotel provides a sense of accomplishment and makes you feel productive first thing in the morning. By smoothing out your sheets, neatly arranging your pillows, and ensuring your comforter or duvet is evenly spread out, you’ve already laid the foundation for more advanced techniques to turn your bed into a snuggly heaven.
First, it’s important to recognize that the perfect bed is made up of different layers. When it comes to bedding, it’s always a good idea to use a mattress protector, and then you can add a fitted sheet, top sheet, a comforter or duvet, and blankets. Each layer serves its own purpose. From protecting your mattress to providing warmth, arranging these layers will affect your comfort and how your made-up bed makes your room look. For example, tightly tucking in your sheets creates the crisp, hotel-like look and feel we mentioned earlier. On the other hand, using a more relaxed tuck can make your bed look cozy and inviting.
Knowing what material your sheets, duvet covers, and blankets are made of also makes all the difference. More delicate fabrics wrinkle more easily, so they may need to be steamed or ironed more gently, whereas heavier fabrics might need to be ironed at a higher heat. These bed-making basics are not just about how good your bed will look but also about extending the life of your bedding through proper care.
Choosing the Right Bedding Materials
The type of bedding you choose will affect not only the style of your bed but also how comfortable it will be. Known for being breathable and soft, cotton sheets have long been a popular choice and are great for both winter and summer. Cotton sheets also come in a variety of thread counts, which affects their feel and durability. If you really feel the cold in the winter months, flannel will provide extra warmth and a soft feel, making your bed feel like a snug retreat.
When selecting a comforter, consider the filling. Down provides extra warmth and is light, but on the other hand, synthetic fillings are a better choice for people who suffer from allergies—and they are also easier to wash. The material used on the outside of your comforter is also important for look and feel. Options range from cotton and polyester to more luxurious fabrics like satin and silk.
Pillows play an important role in how your bed looks when it’s made. On top of this, choosing the right ones can also provide a good night’s sleep. When it comes to fillings, options vary from down and memory foam to synthetic fibers, with each offering different levels of support and comfort. The pillowcases you choose will also add a decorative touch while protecting your pillows from oil buildup and dirt. Choose a material that complements both your design choices and needs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Bed
To start making your bed, strip all bedding except the mattress protector off your bed. If you’re using a fitted sheet, stretch it over the mattress while making sure it fits snugly. If it has elasticated edges, make sure they are tucked well under the mattress to prevent your sheet from slipping up. Then, make sure it looks smooth and devoid of wrinkles.
Next, place your top sheet over the fitted sheet. One end should have a larger hem, which should be put at the head of the bed face down. In doing so, when you next put on the duvet or comforter, the decorative hem will show when you tuck the bottom end over it. The next step is to make “hospital corners” to secure your flat sheet to the mattress, which will also provide your mattress with a smooth, tidy, and tailored appearance. Then, place your blanket or duvet on top, making sure to align it with the top sheet. You can decide whether to tuck in or leave the edges loose—it’s completely up to you!
Finish off making your bed by putting the pillowcases on your pillows and fluffing each one. To make your bed look even more polished, put your pillows on top of the duvet against your headboard. If you’d like, layer your standard pillows with decorative ones or a continental so your bed looks more inviting and plush. A final smoothing of the comforter or duvet and a second gentle fluffing of the pillows will ensure your bed looks professionally made.
Advanced Techniques and Daily Tips
If you’re keen to improve your bed-making skills, there are a few advanced folding techniques like military and hospital corners to ensure a super-tight fit that stops your sheets from coming loose. Adding a bed skirt to your bed frame can hide any storage boxes you keep under your bed and make your bed appear even fancier.
Ensuring your bedding stays in good condition is also important to improve its longevity. Regularly washing your sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases once a week and comforters according to the manufacturer’s instructions makes sure things aren’t just hygienically clean but also keep your bed looking and feeling fresh. To keep your bedding from wearing out, make sure to have several sheets to rotate and flip (if required) and rotate your mattress every couple of months.
Keep your bedding as simple as possible so that making your bed every day doesn’t feel like a chore. To do so, keep the number of pillows and decorative items on your bed to a minimum and choose duvet covers that can be easily removed and washed. This should help build good habits that help you start your day on the right foot.
Mastering the art of bed making is not just about making sure your bedroom looks good but crafting a sanctuary that is comfortable and encourages relaxation. By understanding the basics of making the perfect bed, choosing the right material, and following our detailed step-by-step guide, you can transform your bed into the focal point of your bedroom. With the advanced tips above and through daily upkeep, your bed will be a space for a good night’s sleep while also being a source of joy in your daily routine.