HOW TO MAKE A BED LIKE A PRO–5 MUST-HAVES!

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5 MUST HAVES TO MAKE A GOOD BED

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I keep this running list entitled “Things My Mom Was Right About Afterall” (that I rolled my eyes at at the time) and near the top of that list is: make your bed everyday. Ok, maybe not every.day. But more often that not. A beautifully made bed can make the chaos of life seem more managable. And having the right pieces on your bed can make this chore a delight.

1.Comfortable Sheets

Think about what this means for you. Do you like your sheets to be crisp and cool on your body, or do you want soft and warm sheets? This will determine what type of material you will opt for. After years of fixating on thread count – the TPI, or threads per inch that characterize a fabric’s roughness or smoothness – I realized that it was equally important to look at the type of fabric the sheets were made of. I opt for a classic, cotton percale (brushed cotton) sheet set because I like my sheets to feel crisp and cool.

For those that want a more silky, and warming sheet set, opt for sateen, like this set from Design Within Reach designed by Judy White Studio.

2. Pillows

There is a lot of personal preference when it comes to pillow selection. But whether you are investing in a good-quality down pillow, or want a more affordable and more easily-washable polyester fill option, there are some great choices out there.

My personal fav down pillow is this one:

The Company Store Supreme White Goose Down Pillow

 

If you aren’t down for real feather fill check out this great alternative:

Pottery Barn Hydro-Cool Down-Alternative

For those who like to have a pillow behind them for reading in bed, I would opt for a couple Euro-size pillows at the back of the bed. It not only looks great to have a little height variation – but they are also so cozy for sitting upright in bed.

Nordstrom Feather-Filled Euro Pillow Insert

 

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A FEW PRO PILLOW TIPS:

• When making a bed in a guest room, put a couple firmness choices on the bed – some medium pillows for the two back pillows and then two soft pillows in front.
• Add more variation to your bed by opting for pillow shams – that typically have a border all around –  for the back pillows, and having standard cases for the front.
  

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3A. Duvet Insert 

People always ask me about the difference between a duvet and a quilt. The duvet is the insert (usually feather or a down alternate) that goes inside a cover that you purchase separately. Invest in a great quality insert–it is what makes your bed cozy and plush. PLUS you can always swap out the cover when you are ready to change up the look of your bedroom. One of the secrets to a great bed is that you actually need the duvet and the quilt (keep reading to item #4!)

Warm Duvet Insert: Brooklinen All-Season Duvet – warmer than their lightweight duvet, this will keep you warm and snug all year round. But you may want to opt for a lighter option in the summer.

Lightweight Duvet Insert: The Company Store LaCrosse Down Comforter – select desired weight. I think their light weight is the perfect level of warm and cozy for those who like to sleep in a cooler bed.

Down-Alternative Duvet Insert: Pottery Barn HydroCool Ultra Plush Down Alternative Duvet Insert

3B. Duvet Cover 

For the Duvet cover itself, I usually opt for something very neutral like a solid white or gray or a duvet with a hotel stripe on it. This allows a great neutral base to start from meaning we can go a wild with the pattern or color on less expensive items like quilts or pillows.

 

 

4. Quilt or Throw

The quilt is where you can to add a different texture and/or pattern to the bed. Usually we do something with daring texture, color or pattern and use it folded at the foot of the bed. It is a great contrast to our suggested classic white base bedding.

 

5. Accent Pillow

Opt for two or three accent cushions. One of our favorite combos is a long lumbar pillow in front of two square cushions. Since throw pillows are generally not expensive they are a chance for you can bring in a bit of risk into your design through pattern, color or texture.

 

Ready for some support creating the perfect space for your well made bed? We work locally with clients in Marquette, MI and virtually with clients around the world!