The Art Of Layering: Creating A Luxurious Bed With Linens

Creating a stylish and comfortable bed is an art. Layering your bed linens is a great way to make your bed look inviting and feel cosy. It's also a way to express your personal style and taste. The key to layering your bed is to start with a comfortable base and add layers of linens, pillows, throws and quilts to create a plush and inviting space.

Choose the right sheets

The right bed sheets can make the difference between a good night's sleep and a night spent tossing and turning. When choosing the right sheets, consider the following:

Material

The material of your sheets will determine how they feel, their breathability, and durability. Cotton is one of the most popular materials for sheets due to its durability, breathability, and softness. However, there are different varieties of cotton, such as Egyptian cotton and Pima/Supima cotton, which are known for their long staples or fibres. These types of cotton are less likely to pill and lead to a softer, more durable sheet. Other materials to consider include bamboo, Tencel, polyester, silk, and linen. Each material has its own unique properties, so it's important to consider what you value most in your sheets, such as softness, breathability, or ease of care.

Weave or Knit Style

The weave or knit style refers to the form of construction used to make the fibre into a cloth. Common weave styles include percale, which is characterised by a crisp, smooth feel and a matte appearance, and sateen, which has a lustrous sheen, soft and smooth feel, and beautiful drape. The same material can feel different depending on the weave or knit style, so it's important to consider both factors when choosing your sheets.

Thread Count

Thread count is the number of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch. While a higher thread count is often associated with higher quality, it is not always an indication of quality. Instead, consider the style of the sheet, as different styles have different ideal thread counts. For example, good-quality percale sheets usually have a thread count of 180 to 300, while sateen sheets typically range from 300 to 600.

Fit

It's important to choose sheets that fit your mattress size, including the pocket depth. Fitted sheets can vary in pocket depth, so make sure to measure your mattress and select sheets with a pocket that is a few inches larger than the height of your bed.

Colour and Pattern

If you have a specific aesthetic or interior design vision in mind, consider the colour and pattern of your sheets. Most bedding brands offer classic white sheets, as well as neutral options like grey, cream, or beige. Others may offer pastel colours or mass appeal shades, while some brands carry bold colours or patterns.

Price

Sheets can vary widely in price depending on the materials, quality of construction, brand, and other factors. It's important to set a budget before you start shopping to narrow down your options. For queen-size sheets, prices can range from $50 to $300.

Find the perfect quilt

A quilt is a functional and fashionable bedding layer that can add warmth and a pop of colour to your bed. When choosing a quilt, there are a few things to consider.

First, decide on the purpose of your quilt. Is it for a baby, to be used as a wall hanging, or as a bedspread? This will help determine the type of fabric and size of the quilt. If you're looking for a baby quilt, for example, you might opt for a soft and cosy fabric like flannel or fleece. For a bedspread, a lightweight cotton or linen fabric would be a better choice.

Next, select a colour scheme that you love and that complements the rest of your bedding. You can create a cohesive design by limiting your palette to three or four colours. If you're feeling adventurous, don't be afraid to experiment with bright colours or neutral tones to create a bold or calming effect.

The pattern of the quilt is another important factor. If you're using a pre-designed pattern, choose fabrics that match. If you're creating your own pattern, consider the types of fabric that will work best. You can also opt for a patchwork quilt, which is made by stitching together different fabrics to create a unique design.

When it comes to fabric, cotton is the most popular and versatile choice for quilting. It's easy to work with, comes in various colours and prints, and is lightweight and breathable. Flannel and fleece are also good options, especially if you want to add a cosy feel to your bed.

Finally, consider the weight and warmth of the quilt. If you're looking for a year-round quilt, opt for something lightweight that can be layered with a comforter during winter. For a quilt to use only in the warmer months, a summer-weight quilt or a lightweight cotton quilt would be ideal.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect quilt to suit your style and comfort needs.

Select the right comforter

When it comes to selecting the right comforter, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the weight and temperature of the comforter are important. Comforters come in various weights, from lightweight to heavy, so choose one that suits your preferred sleeping temperature. If you tend to sleep warm, opt for a lightweight comforter, while a heavier option will be better if you're a cold sleeper.

Secondly, consider the materials of both the comforter's cover and filling. The cover should be durable, easy to clean, and suitable for your temperature preferences. Cotton is a versatile option, as it's breathable and works for hot and cold sleepers depending on the weave. For hot sleepers, eucalyptus or bamboo are excellent choices as they are cooling and moisture-wicking. Polyester, or microfiber, is a more affordable option but may require more frequent washing.

For the filling, you can choose from down, down alternative, or plant-based options. Down, made from duck or goose plumage, provides excellent breathability, warmth, and insulation while being lightweight. However, it can be more expensive and challenging to wash. Down alternative, usually made from synthetic polyester, is a more budget-friendly and hypoallergenic option but may not be as breathable. Plant-based fills like eucalyptus or bamboo are excellent for hot sleepers as they are highly moisture-wicking and breathable, and they are also eco-friendly.

Additionally, pay attention to the fill power, which measures the amount of space the down takes up. A higher fill power indicates a warmer comforter, so if you want extra warmth, choose a fill power of 600 or higher.

Lastly, consider the construction of the comforter. Look for a baffle-box construction, which has internal fabric walls to keep the fill spread out evenly. Also, opt for a higher thread count, preferably 300 or more, for the outer fabric to ensure durability.

Pick a duvet cover that reflects your style

Picking a duvet cover that reflects your style is an important step in layering your bed. Duvet covers are available in a wide range of fabrics, colours, and patterns, and can be easily switched out to match the season or your changing tastes.

When choosing a duvet cover, consider the fabric. Cotton is the most common material for duvet covers and is easy to maintain, soft, and comfortable. A cotton percale weave will be cool and crisp, while a sateen weave will give a silkier, smoother finish. For a breathable and luxurious option, silk is a good choice, especially in humid climates. Polyester and cotton-poly blends are resistant to wrinkling and fading and are a more affordable option. Keep in mind that polyester is less breathable and may be too warm for some sleepers.

In addition to fabric, thread count is another factor to consider when choosing a duvet cover. While a higher thread count usually indicates a softer and more durable fabric, this is not always the case. Long-staple cotton, for example, may have a lower thread count but can still offer superior softness and breathability.

When it comes to style, a duvet cover is a great way to add a pop of colour, texture, or pattern to your bed. If you prefer solid-coloured sheets, you can experiment with a striped or subtly patterned duvet cover. For a bolder look, try a duvet cover in a bright floral pattern or a classic stripe. You can also play with different textures by layering a crisp percale sheet with a shiny velvet duvet cover.

Finally, don't forget to measure your duvet insert before purchasing a cover. The cover should be an inch or two smaller than the duvet itself for a snug fit. Also, look for internal corner ties to keep the duvet insert in place and a closure that is well-concealed and secure, such as a zipper or buttons.

Add a blanket or throw

Adding a blanket or throw is the final touch to layering your bed linens. Throws are a necessity, providing extra warmth and a stylish flourish. They can be draped casually across the middle of the bed or folded neatly at the end. They are also versatile, working just as well on a couch as on a bed.

Throws come in a variety of fabrics, patterns, colours, and styles, so it is easy to find one that suits your taste. When choosing a throw, consider your bedroom's colour scheme and style, as well as the look you want to achieve. Throws can complement or enhance the existing decor, and they are a great way to introduce a new texture to your bed layers. For instance, you could go for faux fur if you want an extra touch of luxury.

If you want a throw to cover your bed like a bedspread, you will need to choose a larger size. However, if you are looking for a throw to drape stylishly, the size is less important. You can also roll up your throw and place it on an armchair to serve as an extra cushion.

Frequently asked questions