Out of all the spaces in the house, the bedroom might be the one that reflects our personalities most. With this in mind, learning how to style a bed can make all the difference between a peaceful sleep and waking up feeling groggy and uninspired. After all, it’s normal for the place we go to rest and recharge every day to reflect our character so it truly feels like a haven.
While the process of understanding how your individualism meshes well with bedding—think duvet covers, sheets, and more—it doesn’t have to be a giant feat to conquer. Below, we consulted interior designers from the AD PRO Directory to weigh in on how to style your bedrooms like a pro while making your space feel unique and practical. For those who recently moved into their first home and need tips to those looking to reinvigorate their space, these tips can help you reflect your aesthetic and create a beautiful bed with ease.
Start off with a bed skirt
While it’s not always a must, a bed skirt is a great place to start when styling a bed—and it can instantly elevate the vibe of a bedroom. “Usually, I use custom bed skirts to fit a bedroom’s energy, but opting for a neutral, colorful option can round out the bed tidily,” says Miami-based designer Alex Tate of Mr. Alex Tate Design.
Bed skirts are known for their ability to add a bit of daintiness that doesn’t age or distract from the bed or room. Consider them your duvet’s inconspicuous, appealing costar. This design element comes in various shapes, patterns, and fabrics for the perfect effect of refinement and privacy for under-bed storage.
Layer with breathable sheets
Make your bed with a complete sheet set—including a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pair of pillowcases—made of breathable cotton materials. “Choosing a percale or linen [set is] perfect for every season and will feel breezy while sleeping,” says Meg Lonergan, founder of Houston-based design firm Meg Lonergan Interiors. Tate “prefers Williams Sonoma percale because of its texture and durability,” as you can typically find sets in a 200 thread count or greater that gets softer after each wash. As another option, the designers recommend smooth sateen for a more polished look and feel.
Once you’ve made your choice fabric-wise, select the design that speaks to your bedroom’s style. “Sometimes, nothing beats a crisp, plain white sheet, but for more eccentric bedroom dwellers, an embroidered or printed sheet set can go a long way,” Lonergan says.
Add personality with duvets
For most bedrooms, duvet covers are where your personality can really shine through. “The duvet cover and duvet is where you get to have fun—it’s not about the most expensive choice, but the ones that make the most sense for the space,” Tate says. Whether you’re into cottagecore-inspired gingham designs, dizzying stripes, or clean color blocking, use the duvet cover as your touch of variance within your bedding scheme. Being based in Miami and having worked with several clients from across the country, Tate suggests using a medium-weight duvet insert, as it offers a nice feel and temperature balance throughout the night.
Customize with pillows
The next step is to include layers of pillows. And while you can stack everything from fluffy down pillows to statement lumbar pillows, make sure you don’t overdo it. “It’s important to have pillows on your bed, but they must be beautiful and functional,” Tate says.