Six steps to make your bed neatly
Making a bed is a skill which takes time to perfect – hotel staff have plenty of practice, which is why the bed always looks so pristine when you stay away from home. Follow our instructions and incorporate making your bed into your morning routine, and you too can have a beautiful bed:
- Opt for convenience: A fitted sheet makes it much easier to get a neat finish on the bed. Tuck it in carefully all the way around the mattress, and ensure it is smooth and wrinkle-free.
- Choose whether to use a top sheet: A top sheet is optional with a duvet. If you use one, spread it evenly with the patterned side facing down, so the pattern shows when you fold the top back over your covers.
- Add your layers: If you’re not going for a duvet, you’ll need to have a blanket or two for warmth. Lay these over the top sheet before you do any tucking in. Align the top of your blankets with the top of the mattress, and then fold back the top section leaving room for the pillows.
- Tuck the corners: For hospital corners, tuck the sheet under the foot of the mattress. At one corner, lift the loose side edge diagonally to form a fold, tuck the lower hanging section beneath the mattress, then lower the lifted edge and tuck it in. Repeat on the other side. Leave enough room to move your feet comfortably.
- Position the duvet: Finally, add your duvet or quilt, placing it evenly on the bed and smoothing down to get rid of any wrinkles
- Finishing touches: Plump your pillows, and lay them flat on the bed for a modern, classy finish. Add any little extras like a throw or scatter cushions to make your bed look exactly the way you like it.
Tips for Keeping Your Bed Neat
1) If the care label allows ironing, iron bed linen on a suitable ironing board before putting it on the bed. Do not iron directly on the mattress. Use the temperature and steam settings stated for the fabric.
2) Choose bed linen that fits your bed. This is a surprisingly common mistake, but a fitted sheet that doesn’t fit is a recipe for wrinkles!
3) For a fuss-free look and to save time making the bed each day, opt for just a fitted sheet, duvet and the pillows you use to sleep with, nothing more. Scatter cushions, bolsters, throws and other accessories look lovely when done well, but only add to the chaos if you don’t have the time to spend arranging them properly.
How to Dress a Sleigh or Four-Poster Bed
On a sleigh or four-poster bed, arrange the covers so they sit neatly around the frame and leave the detailing visible. Check the drop at each side and tuck only where you can reach comfortably; get help if a heavy mattress needs lifting. Keep bedding clear of storage drawers. For more ideas, see our guides to styling a sleigh bed and dressing a four-poster bed.
Keeping your bed looking tip-top can be extremely satisfying. However, always be sure to make sure you regularly clean your bed and mattress, rather than just looking neat and tidy.
Explore Solid Wood Beds in Person
Revival Beds handcrafts solid wood beds and bedroom furniture in Nottinghamshire. Book a showroom visit to see the beds and finishes in person.
