What are the four principles of bed making?

Making a bed properly is an important skill that everyone should learn. Not only does a well-made bed look neat and tidy, it can also help you sleep better at night. According to bedding experts, there are four key principles to follow when making a bed: preparing the bed, layering the linens, tucking in the sheets and bedding, and adding the finishing touches. By understanding and implementing these four principles, you can make your bed like a pro every morning.

Table of Contents

Principle 1: Preparing the Bed

The first step in bed making is preparing the bed for the fresh linens. Here are some tips for prepping your bed:

Strip off all old sheets, blankets, and pillowcases so you have a blank slate to work with.

Give the mattress a few minutes to air out before remaking the bed. This allows moisture and body heat to dissipate.
Check for any crumbs, dirt, or debris on the mattress and wipe clean if needed.
Straighten and smooth the surface of the mattress so there are no lumps or wrinkles.

Ensure mattress pad or mattress protector is securely in place, if using.
Fluff and arrange pillows into their desired daytime position against the headboard.

Properly preparing the bed provides a clean, smooth foundation for your fresh bed linens. It only takes a couple of minutes but makes a big difference in how tidy your bed will look.

Principle 2: Layering the Linens

The second principle of bed making focuses on layering the linens in the optimal order. Follow these tips for putting on sheets and bedding:

Place the fitted sheet on first by securing it around each corner of the mattress.
Smooth out any wrinkles and ensure the fitted sheet is taut across the mattress surface.

Put on a flat sheet next, with the printed or hemmed side facing down toward the mattress.
For a neat look, have the flat sheet hang down evenly on both sides of the bed.
Add a blanket or duvet on top, centering it on the bed.

Finish by placing the pillowcases on each pillow.

Layering the linens properly provides a smooth, wrinkle-free surface for sleeping. It also allows you to easily make the bed look neat and orderly.

Principle 3: Tucking in the Sheets and Bedding

Now comes the fun part – expertly tucking in the sheets and bedding to create a tight, wrinkle-free look. Follow these tips for mastering this crucial step:

Start with the fitted sheet by tucking any excess fabric tightly under the mattress.
Pull the flat sheet taut and tuck it beneath the mattress along the sides and foot of the bed.
For a duvet, straighten it out and secure the corners by tucking them under the mattress.

For a bedspread or blanket, pull it taut toward the foot of the bed and tuck the edges underneath the mattress.
Ensure blankets and bedding are smooth with no waves or wrinkles on top.

Taking the time to neatly tuck in the bed linens makes the bed look crisp, smooth, and orderly. It also keeps the sheets securely in place so they don’t become untucked during the night.

Principle 4: Adding the Finishing Touches

The final principle for making beds like a pro is embellishing with decorative finishing touches. Consider these ideas for giving your bed that designer flair:

Pile on some plush pillows against the headboard for a comfy lounging area.
Add a throw blanket at the foot of the bed for visual interest.

Accessorize with cute throw pillows to complement your decor.
Finish with a bedspread, quilt, or coverlet as your top layer for style.
For a hotel-worthy look, fold over the duvet neatly at the head of the bed.

The right decorative accents give your neatly made bed a luxurious, welcoming look. Have fun playing with different textures, colors, and layers to find your favorite finished style.

Tips for Making the Perfect Bed

Now that you know the four key principles of bed making, here are some extra tips and tricks to take your skills to the next level:

Invest in quality bed linens. Higher thread count sheets and smooth, wrinkle-resistant fabrics make it easier to achieve that smooth, tidy look when making the bed.

Square off the corners. For ultra-sharp hospital corners, use your hands to square off and tuck the fitted sheet corners under the mattress.
Try the burrito method. For smooth, wrinkle-free results, wrap the duvet or comforter around the bed like a burrito before unfolding and arranging on top.
Use bed suspenders. These elastic straps slip under the mattress to hold sheets in place and prevent them from popping loose during the night.

Make it a daily habit. Maintaining your lovely, crisp bedding is easier when you remake the bed first thing every morning.

With a little practice, you can consistently make a beautiful, welcoming bed that looks like it came straight out of a home decor magazine. Remember these four key principles: prepare the bed, layer the linens, tuck everything in neatly, and add decorative accents. Follow these steps and you’ll be a bed making pro!

The Benefits of a Well-Made Bed

Beyond just looking nice for guests, regularly making your bed offers some great benefits:

Improves your sleep quality. Tightly tucked sheets allow you to rest more comfortably without becoming twisted and tangled at night.
Enhances relaxation. A welcoming, orderly bed provides a serene spot to unwind at the end of a stressful day.
Boosts your mood. Making your bed is a small accomplishment to start the day on a positive note.

Reduces allergens. Smoothing sheets and blankets traps dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens within the bed layers.
Increases productivity. Accomplishing this simple daily task motivates you to keep achieving small wins throughout the day.

So go ahead – make your bed and feel the difference! Implementing a proper bed making routine offers perks that improve your life inside and outside the bedroom.

Common Bed Making Mistakes to Avoid

While bed making may seem straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that can prevent you from getting picture-perfect results. Be sure to avoid these pitfalls:

Not washing sheets frequently enough. To keep your bed fresh and allergen-free, launder sheets at least every other week.
Forgetting the mattress pad. Place a pad or protector beneath your bottom sheet to shield your mattress from wear and stains.

Rushing the process. Making a bed neatly takes time and care. Don’t hurry through it or you may leave wrinkles.
Loose sheet corners. Tuck fitted sheets deeply under the mattress to keep corners anchored firmly in place.
Messy pillow arrangement. Neatly stack pillows against the headboard for a tidy hotel look.

Watch out for these common bed making pitfalls that can sabotage your success! By being diligent and detail-oriented in your technique, you can get picture-perfect results every time.

Bed Making Techniques for Different Bed Styles

The exact techniques for making a bed beautifully may vary slightly depending on the type of bed you have. Here are some specialized tips for different bed frames and styles:

Making Beds with Headboards

Position pillows neatly against the headboard before making the bed.

Tuck the flat sheet and blankets behind the pillows to hide the edges.
For a luxurious look, lean pillows against the headboard at an angle.

Making Beds with Footboards

Tuck the bottoms of the flat sheet and blankets beneath the footboard.

Smooth out wrinkles along the foot of the bed for a streamlined look.
Use a bedskirt or valance to conceal the space beneath the footboard.

Making Platform Beds

Since platform beds sit lower, make sure fitted sheets are deeply tucked underneath.

Let the flat sheet and blankets drape evenly over the sides for a smooth look.
No box spring makes it easier to neatly tuck sheets beneath the mattress.

Making Beds with Footers

Tuck the flat sheet and blankets beneath the footers at the corners.

Pay attention to mitered corners to keep bedding taut and wrinkle-free.
Make hospital corners with the fitted sheet around each footer.

Tailor your technique to complement the specific frame, shape, and structure of your bed. With practice, you can achieve stunning, salon-worthy results on any bed style.

Bed Making Techniques for Different Sheet Sizes

Along with bed types, the size of sheets you use can impact the intricacies of the bed making process. Here are some tips for working with different sheet sizes:

Twin/Single Sheets

Tuck the flat sheet tightly and use hospital corners to prevent shifting.
Smaller beds show wrinkles more easily, so take time to smooth thoroughly.

Add colorful or patterned pillows to liven up the bed’s compact size.

Double/Full Sheets

With more surface area, focus on consistent smoothing to keep wrinkles away.
Tuck the sides and ends beneath the mattress to anchor the flat sheet.

Layer in some euro sham pillows for a polished hotel touch.

Queen Sheets

Use flat sheets with deep pockets to stay tucked on thicker mattresses.
Arrange shams in symmetrical rows for a classic, orderly look.

A bedskirt can elegantly conceal under-bed storage in the extra space.

King Sheets

Recruit help to avoid walking on the bed when making oversized king beds.
Add extra throw pillows throughout the expansive space.

Use an extra-long flat sheet to cover the additional surface area.

When making the bed, allow the sheet size to guide your strategy. Finesse your technique to get a tight, wrinkle-free look with any size bed linens.

Troubleshooting Common Bed Making Problems

Frustrated by being unable to get your bed looking neat and orderly? Use these troubleshooting tips to tackle the most common bed making predicaments:

Wrinkled, Lumpy Sheets

Wash and fully dry sheets to eliminate creases embedded in fabric.
Upgrade to higher thread count sheets made of wrinkle-resistant cotton.
Smooth slowly and methodically, pressing palm down firmly to flatten.

Fitted Sheet Popping Off Corners

Secure each corner of the fitted sheet around the mattress using hospital corners.
Check elastic is tight enough to grip mattress without slipping.
Use suspenders or sheet straps to hold the fitted sheet in place.

Sheets Untucking During the Night

Make sure flat sheet and blankets are securely tucked beneath mattress.
Use deeper pocket sheets to get a tighter fit around thicker mattresses.
Add a bed band to fasten sheets tightly across the center.

Don’t let frustrating bed making issues prevent you from achieving beautiful results! Try these handy troubleshooting tips to overcome any challenges.

FAQs About Bed Making Techniques

What is the proper order for making a bed?

The proper bed making order is:

Stripping off old sheets

Putting on mattress pad or protector
Placing fitted sheet on mattress
Putting flat sheet on top

Layering on duvet or blanket
Adding pillowcases
Folding over duvet or blankets

Arranging pillows at head
Adding any decorative elements

Should top or bottom sheet be tighter?

The fitted bottom sheet should be very tight, especially around corners. The top flat sheet can be slightly looser but still tucked in securely beneath the mattress.

How do you keep bed sheets tight?

To keep sheets tight:

Use deep pocket fitted sheets for thicker mattresses
Look for fitted sheets with elastic all around

Secure fitted sheet around mattress using hospital corners
Tuck in flat sheet tightly under mattress

How do hotels get sheets so tight?

Hotels get tight sheets by using:

Extra-deep pocket fitted sheets
Elasticized edges to grip mattress
Tucking sheets beneath mattress using hospital corners

Using mattress pads and toppers to create a taut surface

Should you make your bed every day?

It is recommended to make your bed every morning for the mental and physical benefits such as:

Starting your day feeling organized and accomplished

Keeping sheets and bedding cleaner and more hygienic
Improving sleep quality at night
Enhancing mood and reducing stress

Creating a pleasant living space

Conclusion

A beautifully made bed is achievable for anyone who follows the four key principles: preparing the base, properly layering linens, tightly tucking in bedding, and adding decorative accents. Keep these guidelines in mind along with specialized tips for your specific bed size and frame. With some practice and patience, you can learn how to make your bed like a five-star hotel. Say goodbye to messy, wrinkled beds and hello to a crisp, inviting oasis to relax in night after night.