Your bedroom is one of the places you tend to spend most of your time when you want some peace and relaxation. That is why most of us put a lot of focus and energy into the design of our beds and make it the focal point of the bedroom. Have you ever looked at a home decor catalogue or walked into a home decor store and wish you could create an inviting bed just as the ones you are looking at what with fluffy pillows and perfectly folded quilts and different types of sheets?
When it comes to bedding, there are endless terms that you will be hit with from sham pillows to mattress padding, from coverlets to duvets and comforters.
And while it may take some time to fully master the perfect bedding, it is in fact easier and faster than you think to create a dreamy bed that you have been yearning for with just five easy steps. I call this “the anatomy of a bed”.
Step 01 : Base Layers
As with anything in life, having a good foundation is the best way to start prepping the bed before we start piling it with different types of pillows and throws on top.
We can start at the bottom of the bed by draping a bed skirt over the box spring to give an aesthetically pleasing look to the bed by hiding the underneath of the frame. To determine the length of the bed skirt, you will need to measure the depth from the floor to the top of the spring box. Then centre the bed skirt on the box spring so that the edges of the skirt are parallel to or are just lightly touching the floor.
It is advisable to choose a bed skirt that will complement the general colour scheme of your bedroom.
Then we can procced by using a mattress pad that will protect the bed and will also make it that much more comfortable. Since we never wash our mattresses, it is a must that we use a mattress pad to keep it clean and hygienic.
For ultimate comfort, using a Featherbed (a feather filled mattress topper) which sits on the mattress but beneath the mattress pad is an option. Though it is not a necessity to use a featherbed, it will definitely elevate the coziness and the comfort levels of a bed and will also provide that extra layer of support for body.
It is best to invest in a mattress cover to protect both the mattress and the mattress pad from any spills, dust or bed bugs. Same goes for the pillow protectors to keep the pillows long lasting and clean.
Step 02 : Fitted Sheet
When purchasing fitted sheets for your bed make sure to;
(a) ascertain the depth of the mattress by measuring from the very top of the mattress to the top of the box spring and adding a few inches more to that to arrive at the optimal size for your bed. If you are using a featherbed and/or a mattress protector, be sure to also add the depth of each of those to arrive at the depth of the mattress and;
(b) pay attention to the type of cotton, the origin of the weave and the thread count to ensure you purchase a quality sheet.
Stretch the fitted sheet over the four corners of the mattress and pull taut.
Step 03 : Flat Sheet (Top Sheet)
As with the fitted sheets, we must pay attention to the type of cotton, the origin of the weave and the thread count when purchasing an excellent quality flat sheet.
The flat sheet is laid between you and the blanket/duvet. Although using a flat sheet is optional, it is best to use it to keep the comforter free of oils and dirt.
Lay the flat sheet on top of the fitted sheet, making sure that it is even on both sides falling over the edges. The top of the flat sheet should align with the top edge of the mattress. If the sheets have a pattern, then the pattern side should lay face down. Then tuck the bottom edge under the mattress (you can create hospital corners for a crispier look) and tuck in the sides.
Step 04 : Blanket/ Duvet
Once the sheets are placed, you can layer blankets, comforters/duvets depending on your climate and preference. As we are in the tropics, we will in most circumstances only end up using a duvet inside an aesthetically pleasing cover that would complement the room colour scheme and overall design style.
Position the top of the duvet to align with the top of the mattress edge ensuring that the other three sides are evenly falling over the edges. Then proceed to fold the flat sheet and the duvet down together about 46 cm from the top of the bed (keeping space for pillows).This is when the beautiful patterns of the flat sheet (the reason to laying the pattern side facing down – step 03 above) would be visible.
For an even crispier and a cleaner look the bottom corners could be made into hospital corners and the side edges could be tucked into the mattress.
Step 05 : Pillows, pillows and more pillows
Start layering with pillows, starting with full sized pillows that you would be sleeping on. You can also place firmer pillows (such as memory foam) at the back to give some depth and add softer pillows up front to make the bed look soft and cosy.
You can cover your pillows with pillowcases that complement the duvet or the flat sheet. You could also use sham pillowcases for an elegant look which is always a winner.
You can select a few throw pillows in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures to add some dimension to the bed and also add a colourful throw to seal the catalogue look.
Kommentarer