How to "Dress" your Bed

Pretty much every project we work on - we design and "make" the beds for our clients. Here are some tips on How to Dress your Bed like a Designer.

#1 - MATTRESS PAD

We use a mattress pad on all of our beds. This obviously protects your mattress from staining from spills, sweating, etc. and provides extra longevity to your mattress. We love cushioned pads made from 100% cotton or bamboo fibers. If you desire extra plushiness utilize a mattress topper over your mattress pad.

#2 - SHEETING

Who doesn't like crawling into a bed with nice, comfortable, clean sheets? Start with the sheet type you like best; crisp cotton percale, smooth satin-like sateen, cool bamboo or the most luxurious silk sheets. Use a fitted sheet over mattress pad/topper and then a flat sheet on top.

#3 - BLANKETS

If it is winter and you are in a cold climate, we recommend adding a blanket over your flat sheet. We prefer knitted cotton, but there are so many great options to choose from. Blanket size should match your bed size of course!

#5 - MAIN BED COVER

For this we usually choose a Coverlet, Comforter or Duvet with Insert. Its all about your preference. Coverlets are the lightest weight and most easily washable. Comforters have an internal layer of batting so they take a bit longer to launder and dry. Duvets are easily washable but can be a bit labor intensive putting in the filler insert and taking it out (sometimes a 2 person job). Before purchasing your review main cover fiber content and determine if it is washable or dry clean only. Typically, most cottons are washable. Some polyesters are washable, others are dry clean only. Linens are generally dry clean only. So take this into account when making your bedding purchases.

#6 - FOOT OF BED

As designers, we don't like a "flat" looking bed. We tend to "layer" the bed to give it that rich, luxurious look. So we typically will fold a quilt, coverlet, comforter or duvet with insert at the foot of the bed OR we will fabricate or purchase a "bed scarf" for the foot of the bed. A bed scarf is just a small fabric blanket (like used in hotels).

#7 - PILLOWS AT THE HEADBOARD

No bed is complete without pillows. At the Headboard on a King Bed, we will typically put (3) Euro Pillows (square pillows either 26" x 26" or 27" x 27") against the bed headboard. Then we will add the sleeping pillows (in pillowcases) and finish off with (2) King Shams. These sleeping pillows and shams can either be stacked horizontally or vertically (whichever is your preference).

#8 - ACCENT PILLOWS

People either love or hate accent pillows. We generally tend to at least have (1) on the bed for added color, texture or pattern. On a King bed we like bolsters or lumbar pillows that have a length of 36". If your pillows are more in the 15" length range, then use (2). Or you can delete the bolster & lumbar accent add another 21" x 21" square pillow in front of each King Sham. The use of pillows adds to the "layering" effect. However some people find it to be too many pillows and don't like taking them off each evening and putting them on the bed everyday. Do what fits your lifestyle. If you want plush & lush - then go for it. If you want simple and straightforward - forgo the accent pillows.

Happy Bed Designing !