There is so much more to your bed than just being a place to relax and sleep in. Since you spend about one-third of the day in bed, it should be an intimate and beautiful sanctuary where you can unwind and rejuvenate after a long day. In addition, beautiful bedding enhances your sleep as well as your mood. The challenge is creating enticing, much envied looks that you see in magazines, Pinterest and showroom floors.

Here are some tips to help you create your dream bed…

LAYERED COMFORT

Dressing up your bed is all about layers. However, your bed should be a balance between fashionable and cozy. Choose a great base for your bed by buying the best mattress you can afford. If not, you can update an old mattress by adding pillow toppers or a feather bed to make it feel like new.

THE SHEET SET

Sheets can be easily changed at any time, so have fun with this. The sheet set generally includes pillowcases, a fitted sheet and flat sheet. You can choose solid colors, or coordinating patterns with the rest of your bedding.

ALL COVERED UP

There are several options for bed covers. One thing to keep in mind when selecting your bed cover is the type of sleeper you are and the weather if it makes a difference. Summer months in Hawaii gets very, very hot! A quilt can be used as a bed cover, or an additional layer for warmth. It is made with three layers with a middle layer being thin cotton lining. Quilts are usually designed and sewn together with many pieces of cloth, although modern quilts can be solid colors. A coverlet, or comforter, is large enough to cover the whole mattress, sometimes hanging low enough to cover the boxspring and bedframe. It also has three layers- a woven top, a layer filled of material including polyester batting down feathers, wool or silk, and a final backing. A duvet cover is constructed shorter than a coverlet. It is designed for smaller mattresses (European), or for platform beds. It is like a giant pillow case as you can fill it with cushion in cooler months. If you wanted to, you can use it entirely as a single covering for your bed. If you’re in the mood for a DIY project, you can create your own duvet by stitching two different fabrics back to back!

PILLOW TALK

Selecting the right bed pillows is very important as it gives that luxury of making a bed much more inviting.  They serve a functional purpose and make fabulous accent pieces. The pillows do the most talking, telling you to come on over!

Is there a science behind arranging pillows for aesthetic purposes?  See the visual below created by Marissa Waddell Interiors for ideas on how to arrange your pillows:

    

 

Rule of thumb in pillow sizes is from back to front it should be biggest to smallest. Vary the sizes of the decorative pillows in sizes, colors and textures, while keeping the overall look from getting too busy. Highlight the decorative pillows either by choosing a different color/texture from the sheet set, or pull colors from around the room to create a cohesive look, but at the same time giving them a decorative purpose.

COLOR STORY & PATTERN PLAY

Play up the color schemes with bright colors and patterns either for a casual or boho look. For a fluffy, I’m-sleeping-in-the clouds feel, go with all white in various textures.  You can also offset this with a highly patterned coverlet for an artistic feel. For a modern room choose color palettes in shades of grays and whites, with strong accents of color such as red and violet.  Textured decorative pillows (neckrolls, bolster and boudoir) can bring a bit of whimsy.  Think faux fur, embroideries, appliques, burlap, etc.  Pops of color and texture on your bed add layers and personality to a sleek and monotonous room.

FINISHING TOUCHES

For a final touch, add a throw to your bed spread. You can simply fold the throw blanket, just lay it over your bed or drape the throw on the bottom corner.

Another thing to remember is to dress up your bed like you would dress yourself!  Let it be an expression of you!