7 Steps to a Better Bed
Create a more comfortable and attractive sleep space with the right bed linens, coverings and pillows
We spend a third of our lives in bed, on average. So it makes sense to invest in our places of slumber. While buying a coordinated “bed in a bag” at the department store may be the easiest way to go, you deserve more. Coordinating super-soft linens and cozy quilts, and accessorizing them with accent pillows and throws, may seem daunting at first. But with these helpful tips, you can put together a proper bed yourself — one that is worth tucking into night after night.
1. Start with a neutral foundation. Be careful not to overdo it when layering colors and patterns. Remember that you want your bed to be a place where you relax, so stick to tranquil tones and subtle motifs. Interior designer Jennifer Stoner recommends keeping the quilt neutral or in a solid color and then accessorizing with decorative shams, accent pillows, a bed scarf or a throw. “Try to mix and match patterns and textures, instead of color, to create something that is more personal and unique,” Stoner says.
2. Forgo heavy layers. “A bed looks cozy with lots of layered pillows and a big fluffy duvet, but most of my clients are getting away from so much heavy layering, because it ends up on the floor,” Stoner says. Weighty down-filled duvets can make for cumbersome covers, and in lieu of the traditional bedspread, consider a washable quilt in a light fabric like cotton or linen. You’ll feel more comfortable and at ease tucked in a bed with a lighter bedding.
3. Change your bedding with the seasons. Much like you change your wardrobe with the season, you also should swap out your bedding. Think cozy fabrics like chenille in the winter and airy textiles like linen in the summer. Don’t worry — you don’t have to change bedding based on the weather’s every whim. “If you keep your main bedding pretty neutral, you can swap out accents,” Stoner says.
4. Choose single-ply sheets. “Americans have become obsessed with thread count, which is usually a red herring,” Stoner says. She recommends a single-ply 250-thread-count sheet over a double-ply 400-thread-count one, as single-ply threads are softer and last longer than double-ply threads.
5. Consider cotton and weave. While Egyptian cotton is the best, there are also pima and American upland cottons, which aren’t necessarily as delicate and durable. A percale weave is smooth and cool, while a sateen weave is silky and warm. For a more relaxed and lived-in look, try linen. Linen fabric will soften with washing over time, and it’ll also keep you cool on hot summer nights.
6. Invest in your pillow. Your pillow can make or break your sleep, so be sure to invest in one that sends you off into sleepy land rather than one that leaves you lying awake counting sheep. “There are so many different types of pillows, all tailored to your sleep position,” Stoner says. “Invest in one that keeps you aligned during the night and doesn’t wake you up with a stiff neck.”
7. Upholster your headboard. An upholstered headboard is reminiscent of a plush sofa. “It’s a lot more comfy to lean back and read in bed when your headboard has some cushioning,” Stoner says. If you are worried about wear and tear, consider commercial-grade and outdoor fabrics; they’re durable options that will stand the test of time. And to ensure a longer life span, Stoner recommends finishing fabrics with a stain guard.
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More
The Pros and Cons of Making Your Bed Every Day
11 Reasons to Love White Bedding
Find bedding in the Shop section
