How to Layer and Style a Bed
A simple and beautiful way to layer and style any bed in your house. An easy step by step tutorial that can accomplish that designer look.
One of my absolute favorite parts of decorating a bedroom is when I get to layer and style a bed. It may sound silly, but it’s such a work of art to mix and match the perfect bedding and pillows to get the look you want.
Sheets, pillows, bedskirts, coverlets, duvets, throws, the list can go on and on. You don’t have to overthink it, or overdo it. Keep it simple, invest in good quality, and make it work for you.
There are so many different ways people make their bed, but I thought I would show you how I do it in particular, in case you wanted to change things up a bit!
Layer One: Bed Skirt/Bed Sheets
I love a good clean, white bed skirt. If you have a bed that you store things under, or you just want a more cozy look, I would definitely add a bed skirt. This is not where you want to spend all your money. A cheap one will do just fine!
Quality bed sheets on the other hand, are a game changer. And I wrote an entire blog post about how to pick the perfect ones here. For us, bed sheets are worth the investment every time.
Layer Two: Quilt or Coverlet
We love using quilts or coverlets as our main cover at night. They are warm enough for winter, and cool enough for summer. And personally I prefer this look over a super thick comforter any day.
These are thin enough to layer even more on top, and they look great as the base cover in your bed design. I like to keep it more of a neutral color, and bring in other colors with throws or pillows.
Layer Three: Folded Duvet
My love for duvets runs deep, even though they are sometimes a pain to put together. For this particular look, I used a white linen duvet and doubled up on the insert to make it a little more fluffy.
In our guest room the duvet is used as the main cover, but in this room we fold it in half and it sits at the end of our bed. It is the most cozy cover ever, and I love to use it when I pop in for a quick nap, or to watch a movie without messing up the rest of the bed.
Layer Four: Colored Quilt or Throw Blanket
This is more of the design layer. I use a colorful quilt or throw blanket to go with whatever design I am wanting. In this space I wanted to keep it all within the same color scheme, so I went with a quilted green color I love.
This layer is for texture, color, pattern, whatever you want to dress up the design and make it more interesting.
Layer Five: Pillows
My rule of thumb usually for a queen bed like ours: two solid colored standard pillows stacked on each side, two solid colored euro shams or larger throw pillows, and then either two patterned or color regular sized throw pillows or a lumbar pillow.
Again, there are so many different variations that people use on their own bed. This is just how I like to do it. And I love having a little wicker basket at the end of our bed to stack all the pillows we don’t use every night.
There really is no right or wrong way to layer and style a bed. Do what makes sense for your lifestyle, and what works for your wants and needs.
This is just a little guide to go by if you want to add a little extra to the way it looks! I hope it helped!
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Can you tell me what you put in the duvet cover? I tried a comforter and it’s too thick.
I put a duvet insert inside the duvet cover. I’ve also used a down feathered comforter for a fluffier look. You can get them pretty much anywhere, mine are from Ikea. Hope this helps!
Is the quilt a smaller size than the bed size? I have a king and am thinking a queen will give me that same look.
All of my covers are queen and my bed is queen. I think it would be fine to use a queen on a king if it’s just for that folded up look at the bottom of the bed 🙂
Hi Ashley! Where did you find your bed skirt? I have a similar bed frame and cannot seem to find a split bed skirt that isn’t ruffled. Thanks so much!
Hi there! Sorry it seems my links weren’t working right! I fixed it so the direct link to mine is above. Its Casaluna from Target!
Are the links you have below your post the actual items you used because both the quilt and the bed skirt seem different. They appear to be very heavy and stiff.
Hi! Where can I find the blue/green blanket folded on top of the bed? I love it!
this is the casaluna brand quilt from target, you can shop online as well on targets site
I’m so glad you’re back! You were always one of my favorites – not over the top. Just pretty, doable and homey.
Your master bedroom looks so cozy! I’ve changed mine up a bit as the season has changed. Love your inspiration!