How To Style a Bed Like a Pro

Sometimes we must cascade down into the bed’s welcoming embrace after a long and tiring day. On other days, we might’ve already spent a few hours unwinding with tea and a good book. Either way, it’s no secret that the quality of rest you get at night will set you up for the waking hours ahead.

Achieving a deep, relaxing sleep moves beyond the bounds of ergonomically designed bedding. Rising with the sun and feeling like a god or goddess as you step out of a lush sanctuary can secure the tone of your energy for the day.

A well-styled bed enhances more than sleep alone. Rather, it brings luxury and sophistication with you beyond the bedroom walls. In this article, we’ll cover the essentials of bed styling with expert insights so you can enjoy brighter days ahead.

Bed Styling: The Basics

There are countless ways to style your bed into a luscious sleeping quarters. But trying to tackle everything at once can turn a vision from opulent to overwhelming. First, let’s cover the key elements of bed styling — and comfort — and then delve into how you can put it all together.

Select Your Sheets

Sheets are the fabric that hold the highest point of contact with your body at night, so opt for lovely bedding that feels cozy and soft to the touch. The two central ideas lending to practical sheet selection are the size and the quantity.

Before purchasing new bed sheets, measure the bed’s width, length, and depth to ensure a snug fit. That way, loose fabrics won’t interfere with the comfort of your sleep. You can get around a loosely fitted sheet by adding a mattress topper for extra opulence and dimension. You may also buy an extra set so that when you refresh your sheets, you can remake the bed immediately.

Does Thread Count Matter?

Thread count indicates the quantity of yarns, but not necessarily the quality. In certain fabrics, such as breathable cotton, a thread count of 500 may feel more supple than a thread count of 150, although this is likely only true if the craftsmanship, fiber quality, and weave are identical. So, remember that a fabric’s thread count can indicate its softness and durability, though it’s not the only thing you should pay attention to.

Comfy Sheet Fabrics

You can go wild choosing fabric for your bed linen. Not only does the textile impact the feel of bed linens against your skin, but reflective or textured fabrics create visual depth to your bed styling.

Flannel sheets are a warm option for wintertime, while cotton and linen make light and durable summer alternatives. Silk is hypoallergenic and soft for an extra smooth slumber, whereas Egyptian cotton is praised for its durability and flexibility.

Choose the Right Duvet

A duvet cover’s style sets the canvas for the bed – plus, it keeps you snug and warm at night. Whether you love a modern, natural look or want to get expressive with patterns and colors, take care to match the rest of your bedding to the duvet. Here are a few things to think about:

Do You Prefer Complementary or Contrasting Colors?

The color of your duvet can make a loud statement or render a subdued and understated vibe in the bedroom. A complimentary duvet cover will meld with the existing color palette of the space, subtly reflecting the hues and tones of the bedroom’s color scheme. Whereas, contrasting colors can add a pop of brightness that highlights your bed as the focal point of the bedroom and invites more vivid energy.

Consider Weight and Thickness

A duvet inner provides extra warmth and protection while you sleep. Wool and feather inners are lightweight and cushy while offering sound insulation for your body as you sleep. You can also find weighted duvets to amplify the snug factor.

Consider changing your duvet inner to something lighter and thinner for the summer months to allow for breathability. Fine woolen inners are great summer options as they’re airy while still providing decent covering.

Add Interest With Pillows

Layers, layers, and more layers! In the world of interior design, it’s often said that pillows create the nucleus of the bed. In practical terms, pillows support your neck and head as you rest, so good pillows will significantly improve your sleep quality. There are plenty of pillow types to choose from; Just keep comfort and style top of mind as you do.

Choosing the Right Pillow

Considering the shape and firmness that best supports your neck is a priority for sleeping pillows. For a king bed, either king-size or square European pillows offer lofty coverage, leaving a spacious area to rest your head.

A pillow sham is the same size as a standard pillow, typically positioned in front of your sleeping pillows to add dimension to the pillow design. As for decorative pillows and cushions, the world is your oyster! They come in various shapes and sizes, firmness, colors, and fabric textures — all of which can combine to create visual interest atop your bed. Your creativity is the limit here.

Nautical themed bed with blue and cream pillows.Layering pillows with patterns and shapes adds texture and interest to the bed.

How To Style Pillows

Arrange pillows strategically to build a focal point. Start with your sleeping pillows against the headboard. Then, layer shams, decorative pillows, or cushions in front of them. Overlay different textures, shapes, and sizes for added appeal.

There are plenty of pillow arrangements you can outsource when styling your bed, though one common setup is two sleeping pillows, two sham pillows, and an accent pillow or two to build interest.

Finish With a Throw Blanket

Complete the look with a throw blanket at the foot of the bed. For a relaxed style, drape or scrunch the throw. To achieve a prim, finished aesthetic, fold the blanket and place it horizontally or diagonally across the end of the bed.

When selecting a throw blanket, keep your creativity at hand. Circular or rectangular throws will produce different feels, as will the blanket’s texture, weave, and color. Throws can maintain consistency within the room by reflecting colors or textures from your bed skirt, furniture, walls, or table lamp.

Bed Styling Ideas for Every Aesthetic

Now that we’ve covered the essentials of bed styling, it’s time to explore the creative aspect: composition. Your bed’s design should reflect the energy and vibe of your home, helping to guide your choices as you curate new pieces for your cozy retreat.

Here are some aesthetic ideas to inspire a beautifully styled bed:

Minimalist Elegance

If you’re drawn to a minimalist aesthetic, the goal is to create a serene, clutter-free space where you can unwind. Opt for crisp white bedding and a neutral color palette to keep the look clean and simple. A single accent pillow in a subtle shade can add a touch of personality without overwhelming the space.

A neatly folded throw blanket at the foot of the bed provides a finishing touch. Even in a minimalist setting, you can introduce visual interest by choosing a throw in a slightly different shade—either a few tones darker or lighter than the rest of your bedding.

Bohemian Chic

To achieve a bohemian-inspired bed, embrace an eclectic mix of layers and textures. Start with a duvet or sheets featuring an eye-catching pattern, and don’t be afraid to mix and match your bedding for a more dynamic look.

Add character with a collection of vibrant throw pillows and a throw blanket adorned with fringe or tassels. While you’ll want to be intentional with your accent pieces, the key to this style is creating a space that feels inviting, cozy, and effortlessly stylish.

White and blue bed with layered pillows and geometric patterns.Scandinavian design emphasizes neutral colors and loud patterns

Scandinavian Simplicity

Channel the philosophy of hygge design into the bedroom with a minimalist yet cozy approach. Incorporate neutral bedding such as soft pastels or grays, and layer with chunky knit throws and loud geometric patterns.

Beyond the bed, you can incorporate a Scandinavian feel by perfecting your master bedroom layout. Hygge design focuses on functionality and flow. Try removing unnecessary furniture and clutter to create an open-space feel.

Eclectic Vibes

If your dreams are louder than life, why not spatter them across your bed? For vibrant bed styling, opt for a rich base color in the duvet then build your color palette across the pillows and throw.
Think bold patterns and prints for your sheets, matched with captivating shapes and textures in the accent cushions. To add extra flair, mix up your pillow shams with animal prints, velvet, or faux fur.

Transform Your Bedroom Into a Restful Retreat

Creating a serene and inviting bedroom begins with a thoughtfully styled bed, but it doesn’t stop there. To truly transform your sleeping space into a tranquil retreat, consider these additional tips to enhance the beauty of your bedroom and cultivate a sense of calm.

  • Create a Feature Wall: Introduce an accent wall to harmonize your bedroom with the rest of your home. Whether you choose a solid color or a pattern, the right wall treatment can beautifully complement your bed and anchor the room’s design.
  • Bring in Greenery: Incorporate fresh plants or soft flowers to infuse your bedroom with a grounded, natural vibe. Greenery not only connects you to the outdoors, especially if your bedroom overlooks nature, but also breathes life into spaces lacking a direct view.
  • Optimize Airflow: A well-ventilated bedroom is key to a restful sleep. Consider placing a quiet fan or slightly opening a window to encourage gentle air circulation, keeping the room fresh and enhancing your sleep quality.
  • Soften the Lighting: Harsh lighting can disrupt the soothing atmosphere of your bedroom. Opt for warm-colored bulbs and use a table lamp with a soft diffuser to create a cozy, inviting glow that transitions smoothly from day to night.
  • Consult an Interior Designer: To fully realize your vision of a personalized sanctuary, consider working with an interior designer. A professional can help you achieve the perfect balance of style and comfort, optimizing your space while ensuring it resonates with the overall aesthetic of your home.

Decorating Den Interior Designs: Anything but Sleepy Bedrooms

The bedroom is a space where you take a respite after a long day and recharge your energy for the next. This makes it one of the most critical areas in the house to get right. With that in mind, there’s certainly a lot of moving parts to coordinate.

With the help of Decorating Den Interiors’ professional decorators, you can transform your master bedroom into a rejuvenating asylum that’ll have you sleeping on cloud nine. Our experts can offer fresh ideas, insights, and tips for making the most out of your space

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