How to Layer Bedding

The Proper Way to Dress a Bed Starts With Layers

Ever visited a fancy hotel or charming bed and breakfast and wonder how they made the bed feel so luxurious and special with multiple layers of bedding? Now we share with you a few tips on how to layer bedding for warmth, comfort and pampering bliss!

Getting Started With Layering Bedding

Start from the mattress and build our way up. First, a mattress cover is the base layer that protects your mattress. It’s the super basic thing that is never seen, but good to have under all your bedding. Next, choose a sheet set in your color palette, or use the designer trick of using a base layer in crisp white. It serves as the perfect canvas for all your other bedding and earns the “plays well with others” award every time. Bonus–it is the easiest color to care for and is easy to get it sparkling white. Why else would hotels everywhere use it!

Layering a Bed Like a Designer with Pattern to Solid Bedding

Get This Look: Sonoma Piece Dyed Oversized Quilt, Sonoma Piece Dyed Sham, Embroidered Sentiment Pillow, Harvest Tufted Pillow

Beautifully Made Bed with Solid to Pattern Bedding

Make a Bed Warm and Cozy

Warm hues and snuggle-worthy fabrics make layering in cooler weather a treat. After you have your sheets in place, add a mid-weight blanket layer in a super soft fabric. Top that layer with an oversized quilt in a complementary solid color. Add your first set of pillows in their pillowcases, then on top of those, add shams to another layer of pillows. Now top your bed with a comforter in a duvet cover. Here is a great place to add pattern and color. You can choose to spread your comforter over the entire bed, or fold it in thirds at the foot of the bed. Finally, give a dramatic toss to a throw blanket in a pretty seasonal hue to add a bit of texture. Finish with a smattering of decorative accent pillows.

Also, don’t forget to wash your comforter regularly. This easy-to-forget chore takes some planning. For some important tips, read our article on how to wash a comforter at home.

Warm Weather Bedding Layers

Take a layering approach when the weather is warm, but choose lighter fabrics and play with layering solid colors with your spring and summer patterns. After you have put sheets on your bed, layer on a lightweight woven blanket. Next, layer one solid-color quilt on top of another color. You can choose to peel back one layer, or if you like a warmer night’s sleep, keep both layers on. Top with matching shams and a variety of decorative pillows. For a final touch, it is nice to have a pretty, soft throw draped across the foot of the bed. It is inviting for guests to feel cozy and throw it on while napping.

Looking for even more ideas to decorate your bedrooms? We have even more bedding inspiration here.