How to Make a Bed (the Right Way)

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Many of us were taught to make our bed every morning, but not everyone knows the proper way to make a bed. What order do all of the blankets and sheets go in? How should you tuck in the corners of the sheets? While making a bed properly isn’t that complicated, there are a few key steps and details you need to know. Continue reading to learn how to make a bed the right way.

Tools & Materials

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN

The steps outlined below will help you learn how to make your bed perfectly. However, even a well-made bed won’t be comfortable without the right foundation. If your mattress is old or dated, it may be time to consider an upgrade.

STEP 1: Put on the bed skirt or dust ruffle under the mattress.

Before adding any sheets or blankets to the mattress, you’ll want to start by putting the bed skirt or dust ruffle under the mattress. To do this, take the mattress off of the bed frame or box spring and lean it against a wall. Then, place the bed skirt over the frame or box spring. Some bed skirts have a flat design and will cover the entire frame, while others have elastic sides to wrap around the box spring or frame. Once the bed skirt is in place, place the mattress on top of it.

STEP 2: Put on the mattress topper (optional).

Introducing a mattress topper to your bed can provide a more plush and comfortable sleep surface. Mattress toppers are commonly made from memory foam or latex, two materials known for their ability to conform to the individual shape of each sleeper and alleviate pressure point pain. If you have an old or worn-down mattress, a mattress topper offers an economical way to help extend its lifespan.

To place the mattress topper on your bed, roll it out over the mattress. Then, check that the edges and corners of the topper are aligned with the edges and corners of your mattress.

STEP 3: Add the mattress protector (optional).

Next, you should add your mattress protector if you have one before putting on any sheets or blankets. As the name implies, mattress protectors work to protect mattresses against stains, spills, and everyday wear and tear. They can also help prevent dust, mites, and more from getting into your mattress, allowing you to breathe more easily as you rest.

Most mattress protectors have elastic sides and wrap around all four sides and corners of the mattress. Make sure that the mattress protector you plan to use is sized appropriately for your mattress. When putting on the mattress pad, take a few moments to confirm that it’s aligned and all four corners are taut.

STEP 4: Put on the fitted sheet.

It’s now time to go over how to put sheets on a bed, starting with the fitted sheet. Fitted sheets are specifically designed for use with mattresses of a given size, such as twin, full, queen, or king, so it is important to confirm that you are using the correct size. Like most mattress protectors, fitted sheets have elastic edges and should fit snugly over the mattress.

To put a fitted sheet over your mattress, begin by laying the sheet out with the short edges along the top and bottom of the mattress, and the longer edges along the sides of the mattress. Begin by stretching one of the elastic corners over the corresponding corner of the mattress, then work your way around the mattress to stretch the other corners around the remaining mattress corners. If one corner of your mattress is more difficult to reach, you may want to start with that side first. Then, check to ensure that the seams on each corner of the sheet are properly aligned, snug, and not bunching up.

STEP 5: Add the flat sheet and make hospital corners (optional).

Flat sheets come next for most beds. However, if you prefer not to sleep with a flat sheet, this is an optional step that you can skip. If you want to know how to make a bed like a hotel, part of the secret lies in how the flat sheet is arranged. Hotels use hospital corners to ensure the flat sheet and the rest of the bedding is neat and attractive.

To put a flat sheet on your bed, begin by laying it across the bed with the patterned side facing down towards the flat sheet. Adjust the sides of the sheet to make sure it is centered over the mattress and that the top of the sheet lines up with the top of the mattress.

Now you can form your hospital corners. To create crisp hospital corners, tuck the bottom end of the flat sheet under the foot of the mattress. Then, move to one side of the mattress, and grab the sheet that is hanging over the side of the bed (about 1 to 2 feet from the base of the bed). Fold the sheet up over the mattress, making a 45-degree angle. Then, tuck in any part of the sheet that is still hanging lower than the corner of the mattress. Finally, tuck the corner of the sheet that is still on the mattress in. Repeat these steps for the other side of the bed.

STEP 6: Add a lightweight blanket (optional).

Some individuals prefer to sleep with a lightweight blanket over their flat sheet, rather than a heavy comforter or duvet. Having a lighter blanket can add just a little extra warmth on a warm summer night when a heavier comforter isn’t necessary. Those who get hot at night may favor a lighter weight blanket year-round, as well.

If you would like to add a blanket when making your bed, lay it out over the flat sheet, pulling it up about six inches away from the head of the bed. Follow the steps outlined above to tuck the blanket in under the mattress and make hospital corners.

STEP 7: Place the comforter or duvet insert with cover over the flat sheet.

After putting the flat sheet (and/or blanket) on top of the fitted sheet, the next step when making the bed is to add either a comforter or a duvet insert with a duvet cover. While there are some similarities between the two, there are also a few differences between a duvet and a comforter. The main distinction is that a comforter is like a quilted blanket, while a duvet consists of two parts: a duvet insert and a duvet cover.

The duvet insert goes inside the duvet cover as a pillow goes in a pillowcase. Taking time to make sure the insert is properly lined up inside the cover will ensure a crisp and clean finished product. You can insert the duvet traditionally or with a clever duvet cover hack, in which you start with the duvet cover inside out on the bed, place the insert over the cover, and roll the cover over the insert to perfectly encase the insert.

Whether you use a comforter or duvet, lay the bedding over the flat sheet or light blanket. Leave approximately 6 inches between the top of the duvet cover or comforter and the head of the bed. Make sure to center the duvet or comforter over the mattress.

Grab the end of the top sheet and fold it and the duvet/comforter down so you can see the pattern or color on the inside of the flat sheet.

STEP 8: Add the pillows.

When making up a bed, you’ll also need to add your pillows for sleeping. Place each pillow in a clean pillow case. Then, squeeze the two sides of each pillow together to fluff them up. Ensure the pillow cases look smooth before laying them at the head of the bed, above the folded top sheet and comforter or duvet.

STEP 9: Add the final touches with throw pillows and a throw blanket.

When considering bed-making ideas, add throw pillows and a throw blanket to add a little flair. Lean decorative pillows against the other pillows at the head of the bed, and the throw blanket can be folded in half and laid over the bottom of the bed.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to properly make a bed can help get you off to the right start every morning. Once you get your bed set up, be sure to take a step back and congratulate yourself on a job well-done.