How to Professionally Dress a Bed

If you want to achieve that crisp designer look that you find in the finest hotel bedrooms then the main focal point of your room should definitely be your bed! With these simple steps and tips, let me show you how to professionally dress your bed to not only look amazing but feel comfortable and cosy.

Items required

Oxford Pillowcase – Pillowcase 50cm x 75cm with a flat loose border around its edge.

Housewife Pillowcase - Standard 50cm x 75cm pillowcase in which the pillow fills the entire case.

Accent Cushions – Accent cushions in varying sizes and different patterns and colours.

Fitted Sheet – Sheet with elasticated edging to enclose around the form of your mattress.

Flat Sheet – Placed between your fitted sheet and duvet or can also be used as a bottom sheet.

Duvet Cover – Removable bed linen that can cover a down or synthetic duvet.

Throw – Used to add extra warmth and decoration and usually placed at the base of the bed.

Valance – If you have a box style, divan bed a valance will cover the unsightly base to create a more complimentary finish. (not needed on elevated bed frames)

Always ensure that you select the correct bedding items for the size of your bed, in the UK these are as follows:

Single:            Duvet - 200cm x 135cm

                        Fitted Sheet – 190cm x 91cm

Flat Sheet – 260cm x 180cm

Valance 190cm x 91cm

Double:          Duvet – 200cm x 200cm

Fitted Sheet – 190cm x 137cm

Flat Sheet – 260cm x 230cm

Valance – 190cm x 137cm

King:               Duvet – 220cm x 230cm

Fitted Sheet – 200cm x 152cm

Flat Sheet – 270cm x 260cm

Valance – 200cm x 152cm

Super King:    Duvet – 220cm x 260cm

Fitted Sheet – 200cm x 182cm

Flat Sheet – 270cm x 300cm

Valance – 200cm x 182cm

Technique

If you have a box style bed frame then your first step will be to place your frilled, plain or pleated valence neatly over the base of the bed ensuring that all corners and edges are in line.

Select a high quality mattress with the ergonomics and support required for your needs. If you are using an older mattress you could try adding a quilted or memory foam mattress topper for added comfort. Always add a mattress protector to keep your mattress as clean and fresh as possible.

Stretch your fitted sheet over your mattress pulling as taut as possible to avoid creases and slips. You can also use a flat sheet for this step but ensure that you tuck in all the edges and corners for a neat appearance.

Add your flat sheet in the next step, laying it flat upon the whole length of your mattress and tucking the side and bottom edges under the mattress while leaving the upper edge free.

Next fluff and plump your chosen duvet and then insert inside your duvet cover and use the pressed studs or buttons to enclose the open end. There are many techniques to successfully complete this step but this is my go to option - Youtube - How to put your duvet inside the cover. Place the duvet on top of the flat sheet and then neatly fold the top of the loose sheet edge down over the top of the mattress to form a neat upper border.

Place your synthetic or down pillows inside their relevant pillowcases (I use the same technique as the duvet). You should have one Oxford and one housewife pillowcase for a single bed and two of each for every other size.

Position the Oxford pillowcases at the rear of the arrangement and you could even try starching the loose outer frill for a professional hotel look. Place the Housewife pillowcases in front of the Oxford designs and then finish off with a selection of accent cushions arranged in a neat linear or central formation.

Lay your throw on top of the duvet and fold it from approx half way down the bed, allowing the top of the duvet cover and flat sheet to be seen.

For more tips and ideas on creating the perfect dressed bed, head over to our latest Pinterest Board - Pinterest - Bed Dressing