Image Credit: Piglet in Bed
The art of making a bed: insider tips to create the perfect sleep space
Making a bed is one of those chores we all know how to do, or least we think we do.
Tightly tucked corners, a vigorous shake of the duvet, pillows plumped to within an inch of their lives.
It’s one of those skills we’re taught from childhood.
But somehow, despite our neatly fluffed efforts, our made beds don’t quite match up to those found in a boutique hotel.
Why does their version look so invitingly rumpled, so perfectly put-together, while ours just… doesn’t?
Turns out, there’s actually an art to bed-making that’s less about precision, and more about curation.
It’s not necessarily about striving for perfection, but understanding the small, considered details that elevate the everyday.
We spoke to interior experts to decode exactly how to recreate that elusive five-star feel at home, from the, surprisingly controversial, concept of “happy pillows” (that softly lifted, ever-so-slightly smiling hotel trick) to the great show-cushion conundrum – how many is too many?
Because while some swear by symmetry and structure, others lean into a more relaxed, lived-in look – crumpled linen, artfully undone layers and a bed that invites you to sink straight in.
It’s about finding that sweet spot between styled and snuggly.
And yes, there are some “rules” to follow, but they’re far easier to implement (and far more fun) than you might expect.
Night, night!
The art of making a bed
Let’s face it, no one loves making the bed, but turns out there are some good reasons for wrestling with that duvet.
A recent National Sleep Foundation poll revealed that bedmakers are 19% more likely to experience good night’s rest, while a further survey found that 89% of Brits feel satisfied after making their bed each morning.
“Making your bed takes only a matter of minutes but transforms the whole room – and honestly, how you feel in it,” explains Jessica Hanley, founder of Piglet in Bed.
“That small act of pulling things together is genuinely good for your mood and sets the tone for the whole day.
“And it doesn’t need to be perfect – we’d actively encourage a relaxed, lived-in look over anything too neat or fussy.”
When it comes to the best bedding combinations to use, Jessica says getting the basics right ensures everything else falls into place.
“A fitted sheet that really fits, a flat sheet, and a breathable duvet,” she explains.
“We’re big believers in the flat sheet as it adds softness, a bit of contrast, and keeps your duvet fresher for longer.”
Once you’ve got the foundations sorted, Jessica says it’s just about the little touches that make it feel cosy and like home.
How many pillows and cushions is too many pillows and cushions?
While some like a bed well-piled in the pillow department, others prefer to keep it minimal.
“I love pillows and cushions and anything made of textiles that I can add to my bed,” says Molly Freshwater, co-founder and creative director at Secret Linen Store.
“But I would say if it feels like too many, it probably is.
“Cushions and pillows are for dressing and for comfort, so make sure you have enough to sit in bed and sip tea with the papers on a Saturday, but not so many cushions that it takes 27 minutes to remove them at bedtime.”
When it comes to the magic pillow number Jessica says a good starting point is four – two at the back and two in front.
“Go for natural fillings like wool or feather if you can,” she advises.
“They’re breathable, wonderfully fluffy, and so much better for a comfortable night’s sleep than synthetic alternatives.”
As for decorative cushions Jessica says one or two decorative cushions is usually just right.
“Though some people love more, and that’s completely fine too,” she continues.
“When mixing patterns, the secret is colour: keep your tones in the same family and you can happily layer stripes, florals and ginghams together.”
Do our pillows need to be happy?
You may have heard the term “happy pillows” doing the rounds – that softly lifted, slightly smiling shape that seems to be a staple of every well-styled hotel bed, but where did it actually come from?
“This is a simple little trick used by hotels and can look super,” explains Molly.
“It’s just that gentle lift at the corners that gives them a soft, smiley shape.
“But if I’m honest, I’m more of a relaxed, pile-the-pillows-up kind of bed dresser.
“I’m all for smiles, just not with pillows.”
The art of the unmade bed
While once it was all about crisp corners and pulled-tight perfection, more recently there has been a shift towards beds that feel a little more relaxed, a touch undone, and all the more inviting for it.
“I’m a massive fan of relaxed bedding,” says Molly.
“I think the trend towards 100% linen in recent years has helped with this.
“We all have busy lives, and relaxed to me is easy care, simple dressing, and not taking your bed too seriously.
“I do think you can have a relaxed approach with smarter bedding too.
“Mix linen with sateen luxury bedding, don’t worry about symmetry, and try a relaxed approach to a smarter bed.”
Jessica agrees many of us are turning away from the stiff, hotel-perfect bed towards something that feels more relaxed and lived-in.
“Linen leans into this beautifully,” she says.
“The natural crinkle is part of the charm.
“A slightly undone bed is far more inviting than one that is perfectly tucked in.”
Bedding for a better night’s sleep
Beyond how it looks, the bedding you choose has an important role to play in how well you snooze.
Jessica says natural, breathable fabrics like linen and washed cotton really do make a difference to your ZZZs.
“They keep you at a comfortable temperature and only get softer with time,” she explains.
“Wash your bedding every week or two [more in summer] to keep things feeling fresh, and adjust with the seasons: lighter layers in summer, something cosier come winter.”
According to Jessica we should be looking for fitted sheets with strong elastic and a deep fit to help it stay put and everything look a little bit neater.
Sizing up your flat sheet is a brilliant trick too. “A king-size on a double drapes beautifully over the sides, and is handy for hiding whatever’s lurking under the bed,” Jessica adds.
Duvets 2.0
Believe it or not the duvet is the unsung hero of the whole bed-making setup.
Getting the weight, warmth and quality just right can make the difference between a good night’s sleep and a great one.
While Molly says the duvet you opt for can be a matter of personal taste, it can be beneficial to have a couple of options to switch it up with the seasons.
“A lighter tog for warmer months and something a bit warmer for winter usually works well,” she explains.
“A good duvet should feel light but still warm, and evenly filled so there are no cold spots.
“Tog is a measure of warmth, the higher the number, the warmer it is, so opt for lower togs in the summer,” Molly continues.
“An all-seasons duvet gives you two options that toggle together, so you have three duvets in one. Win win.”
Your mattress is important too
Of course, it’s not just about what you can see – the mattress beneath it all is just as important, shaping not only how the bed looks, but how it feels to sleep in.
“A good mattress is all about support and comfort and natural materials are always best where you can,” explains Jessica.
“If yours isn’t quite right, a good topper can genuinely transform how a bed feels, adding that soft, squishy layer and helping your mattress last longer, too.”
Dress to impress
According to Molly throws are simple way to make a bed feel finished and well dressed.
“They add texture and softness,” she explains.
“We love to drape, fold, cover the whole bed, and flop on them.”
Molly suggests investing in a natural cotton throw, which can serve as a duvet in the summer (with a flat sheet).
“You can also take it to the park for a picnic,” she adds.
Jessica says people are ditching perfectly matched sets and instead are opting for something a little more personal, mixing colours, patterns and textures in ways that reflect their own taste.
“Warmer, softer tones are really popular right now: dusty pinks, muted greens and butter yellow is everywhere this season – we’re a little obsessed with it,” she continues.
Fabric headboards are another way to bring in more colour, pattern or texture and make a bedroom feel more welcoming.
“Modern four-posters in natural wood are beautiful too, without feeling too grand or imposing,” Jessica adds.
“But what makes a bed truly special is more about how you dress it than the frame itself.”
Bedside table-scaping
It’s worth giving a little attention to your bedside area because a thoughtfully styled table can make the whole space feel calmer, more considered, and ready for rest.
“Sleep well knowing that your bedside is uncluttered and organised,” says Molly.
“A book, some water… and an alarm clock so that your phone can stay away and switched off.”
But the most important thing to include, she advises, is a lamp with a soft bulb so that the big light can stay off.
“Now I just need to practice what I preach and get myself an alarm clock.”
One final note…
“Don’t overthink it,” warns Jessica.
“The loveliest beds feel personal and cosy rather than styled to perfection,” she explains.
“Fold your flat sheet back over the duvet for an effortlessly layered look, stick to a loose colour palette, mix your textures, and let things look a little undone.”
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