Bed Layering – 7 Tips on How to Layer and Style the Perfect Bed

Bed layering is more than just a way to make your bed look inviting; it’s a crucial aspect of bedroom design that combines both comfort and aesthetics. This practice is about creating a bed that not only feels great to slip into but also looks thoughtfully put together, enhancing the overall ambiance of your bedroom.

Layering and styling a bed to create a cozy, inviting space that submerges you into a blissful sleep is effortless with our guide. Whether you want to style a king bed or a single bed, our guide gives you 7 tips on how to layer a bed to help you create a bed that oozes comfort.

Bed Layering

The bed is often the largest piece of furniture in the bedroom and naturally draws attention. How it’s layered and styled can set the tone for the entire room. Thoughtful bed layering with attractive bedding can transform a plain bed into a stunning centerpiece.

Layering different types of layered bedding, such as sheets, blankets, quilts, and throws, adds texture and depth to the room. This variety in textures enriches the visual interest and can make the space feel more inviting and comfortable.

It also offers an opportunity to play with colors. It allows for coordination with the room’s color scheme or provides a chance to introduce contrasting or accent colors. This can tie the room’s design together or add a pop of color to a more neutral palette.

If you’re looking for tips on how to layer a bed, read on…

Tip #1: Start With a Solid Foundation

Choosing the right mattress and mattress protector is fundamental to achieving both comfort and longevity in your bedding and is the base for layered bedding. Here’s how to make the best choices:

1. Understand Mattress Types: Innerspring, memory foam, latex, and hybrid all offer different levels of support and comfort. It is always best to try before you buy!
2. Consider Firmness Level: Firmness is subjective and depends on personal preference, body type, and sleeping position. Generally, side sleepers might prefer a softer mattress, back sleepers a medium firmness, and stomach sleepers a firmer surface.
3. Size Matters: Choose a size that fits your room and meets your needs. Consider the size of the bed frame and the number of people using the bed.
4. Read Reviews and Warranties: Research customer reviews and understand the warranty and return policies.

A mattress protector protects against spills, dust mites, allergens, and wear and tear, thereby extending the life of your mattress. You can choose from cotton, polyester, vinyl, and polyurethane, depending on your needs.

Make sure a mattress protector fits your mattress size. Consider protectors with elastic bands or fitted-sheet styles for easy removal and cleaning. A well-chosen mattress and protector not only contribute to a good night’s sleep but also play a key role in maintaining the hygiene and durability of your bedding.

Tip #2: Add a Bed Skirt

A bed skirt is the perfect way to begin when styling a bed. A bed skirt hides your bed boxes or any items stored under the bed for a neater aesthetic. It also adds a finished, polished look to the bed. It can complement the layered bedding and contribute to the room’s overall design and color scheme.

Explore the Bonjour Le Lin luxurious linen bedding range for beautiful options that set the tone for the style of your bed. Bed skirts come in various styles, colors, and patterns, allowing for creative expression. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a more traditional, ruffled design, there’s a bed skirt to suit every decor style.

Tip #3: Pick the Softest Sheets

Picking the softest sheets for a more serene night’s sleep is essential. Linen sheets are one of the most delicate materials that soften more over time. Linen is antifungal, antibacterial, and antiallergenic, so it won’t irritate your skin or damage your hair.

Other sheet materials include:

• Cotton: Known for its breathability and softness. Look for specific types like Egyptian or Pima cotton, which are high-quality, long-fiber cotton types known for their durability and softness.
• Silk: Silk sheets are luxurious, hypoallergenic, and great for temperature regulation. They are smooth and gentle on the skin but can be expensive and require special care.
• Bamboo: Soft, breathable, and sustainable, bamboo sheets are gaining popularity. They are moisture-wicking and good for hot sleepers.
• Blends: Cotton-polyester blends are common; they are affordable, durable, and require less ironing. However, they may not offer the same comfort as pure cotton.

Understanding Thread Count

Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. While a higher thread count often means a softer sheet, it’s not the only factor of quality.

Look for sheets with a thread count between 200 and 600. This range typically offers a good balance between durability, softness, and breathability.

Extremely high thread counts (800+) are often not significantly softer and can be less breathable. In some cases, manufacturers use thinner threads or multi-ply yarns to artificially inflate the thread count, which doesn’t necessarily enhance the quality.

How the sheets feel to you is more important than the thread count. Softness and comfort can also come from the quality of the fibers and the weave.

Always follow care instructions and consider shrinkage over time with fitted and flat sheets – it’s 3 to 5% with linen. Finally, matching the color of your sheet with your bed skirt creates a classic style.

Tip #4: Add a Duvet

Get lost in comfort with your duvet. Wrapping up in a duvet is the pinnacle of comfort, especially on a cold winter night, and is one of the most important factors when styling a bed. Options like down, feathers, wool, or silk provide excellent insulation and are known for their softness and comfort. Down is particularly prized for its warmth-to-weight ratio.

Warmth and Weight

• Seasonal Considerations: Choose a lighter duvet for summer and a heavier one for winter. Some duvets come in an ‘all-season’ variant, offering a combination that can be adjusted as per the season.
• Tog Rating: This measures the duvet’s ability to trap warm air. Ratings range from about 3 (lightweight) to 13.5 or more (winter weight). A tog rating of around 4.5 – 7.5 is usually suitable for summer, 9-10.5 for spring/autumn, and 12-13.5 for winter.
• Personal Preference: Consider if you tend to get hot or cold at night and choose a duvet that will keep you comfortable.
• Overhang Preference: Some people prefer a duvet that drapes over the sides of the bed for extra coverage, while others may choose a size that fits exactly on top of the mattress.

When it comes to duvet covers, choose colors and patterns that complement your existing bedroom decor. You can opt for neutral colors for versatility or select a design that makes a statement. Investing in a variety of duvet covers can help change the look of your room easily.

Duvet covers not only protect the duvet but also allow you to switch up the style of your bedding without having to buy a new duvet. Cotton and linen are the best materials – the thermoregulating properties of the materials keep you surrounded with a divine material for the best sleep.

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Tip #5: Top Your Duvet With a Bedspread or Throw

Don’t stop at a duvet: a linen bedspread or throw will adorn your bed effortlessly. A throw blanket is the lighter option, and choosing a throw depends on the room’s color scheme. Throws can either match the rest of the layered bedding or other soft furnishings like curtains or rugs.

Selecting Throw Blankets When Styling a Bed

• Material Matters: Choose a material that complements your needs. Wool and fleece are great for warmth, cotton offers breathability and is ideal for warmer months, and luxurious materials like cashmere or velvet add a touch of elegance.
• Size and Weight: Consider the size of the throw. It should be large enough to provide warmth but not so large that it overwhelms the bed. The weight should also be suitable for the intended use and season.
• Color and Pattern: Select colors and patterns that complement your existing bedding and room decor. Throws are a great way to introduce accent colors or interesting patterns without overpowering the room.
• Texture: Textured throws add depth and interest. Think chunky knits, plush fleece, or smooth silk for different tactile experiences.

Styling a Bed with Throw Blankets

• Layering: Place the throw blanket at the foot of the bed for a layered look. This placement is practical and aesthetically pleasing, offering easy access on cooler nights.
• Folding Techniques:
  • For a neat look, fold the throw in thirds or quarters and drape it across the foot of the bed.
  • For a more casual style, loosely drape the throw over a corner of the bed.
• Asymmetry for Interest: Positioning the throw off-center can create a more dynamic look. This works well with more casually draped throws.
• Combining Throws: If you have more than one throw, play with contrasting textures or colors. However, be careful not to clutter the bed; the throws should complement, not overwhelm.
• Seasonal Swaps: Change your throws with the seasons — lighter, brighter ones for spring and summer, and heavier, richer ones for autumn and winter.

A bedspread, especially if it’s wool or cotton padded, is the cozier and more indulgent option. A bedspread is a popular choice for people who want ultimate comfort. The thickness of a bedspread perhaps isn’t suitable for summer months, when you could layer with a throw instead.

Tip #6: Pick the Plushest Pillows

Decorative pillows are a fantastic way to add style and personality to your bedroom. They offer a quick and easy way to refresh the look of your room without a significant investment.

How to style a bed with decorative pillows:

• Varying Sizes: Combine different sizes and shapes of pillows to create depth and interest. Start with larger pillows at the back and layer with smaller sizes.
• Shapes: Mix square, rectangle, bolster, or even round pillows for a dynamic look.
• Complementary Colors: Choose colors that complement your bedding and room decor. This could mean picking up accent colors from your room or using a contrasting color for a bold statement.
• Patterns and Textures: Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. Stripes, florals, geometrics, and solid colors can all work together if they are in the same color family or have a unifying color. Adding different textures (velvet, silk, wool, etc.) can also add depth.
• Odd Numbers: Generally, an odd number of pillows is more visually appealing. Three or five pillows create a more effortless, less symmetrical look.
• Even Numbers: For a more traditional, symmetrical design, use an even number of pillows.
• Depth and Interest: Start with larger, solid-colored pillows as a base and layer smaller, decorative pillows in front. This creates a rich, inviting look.
• Mix Fabrics: Combining different fabrics can enhance the look of your pillows. For example, a mix of linen, velvet, and silk can provide a luxurious feel.
• Seasonal Changes: Consider changing pillow fabrics with the seasons — lighter fabrics like cotton or linen in the summer and richer textures like velvet or wool in the winter.

How many decorative pillows you have is your personal preference – too many can overpower the aesthetic of the rest of the bedding. Four decorative pillows will decorate your bed beautifully.

Tip #7: Finishing Touches

Adding small details such as canopies, or decorative items is a wonderful way to enhance the ambiance of your bedroom and give it a more polished and personalized look.

A canopy adds a dramatic focal point to the room and completes a bed layering look. It can be as simple as sheer draping or as elaborate as a solid frame draped with luxurious fabrics.

The material of the canopy can range from light and airy to rich and opulent, depending on the desired effect. Lighter materials add a whimsical, airy feel, while heavier fabrics provide a sense of grandeur. Canopies can be adapted to various styles, from romantic and bohemian to classic and elegant, depending on the fabric and design.

Finish off your bedroom with small decorative items such as vases, candles, fairy lights, picture frames, or artwork.

Make sure these accents are consistent with the room’s theme and color scheme to create a cohesive look and be mindful of balance and proportion. Too many small items can make the space feel cluttered, while too few might look sparse.

Finally, consider decorative elements that are also functional, like a beautiful lamp, a stylish alarm clock, or an elegant jewelry box. Indoor plants can help bring life to a room, improve air quality, and add a splash of color, especially in rooms with neutral color palettes.

Your bedroom is your sanctuary, and your bed is the centerpiece, so have fun with the process of bed layering. Experiment with different combinations until you find the look and feel that makes you happy and relaxed.

This is your personal space; make it a reflection of you and a place where you love to unwind and recharge. Layered bedding and styling a bed make it all the more inviting.

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