How to Style Your Bed Like a Pro and Why It’s Important

How to Style Your Bed Like a Designer (and Why It Matters)

There’s something undeniably soothing about a perfectly made bed. It’s the quiet luxury that greets you at the end of a long day—the crispness of tucked sheets, the layers of pillows, the subtle promise of rest. We may resist the daily ritual of making the bed, but the reward is undeniable.

Think about travel: after a long day of exploring, walking, or shopping, isn’t the most memorable moment returning to a turned-down bed that feels more indulgent than a five-course meal? Compare that to walking into a hotel room where you’ve refused housekeeping service—rumpled sheets, pillows in disarray. The difference is night and day.

It’s no wonder that the ritual of making your bed has been praised by leaders, authors, and even the military. Admiral William H. McRaven, in his bestselling book Make Your Bed, calls it the small habit that sets the tone for a productive day. In design, we see it similarly: a made bed is about more than neatness. It’s about creating a foundation of comfort, order, and well-being.

As with any aspect of interior design, there’s no single “right” way to style a bed. Each one should reflect the personality of the homeowner and the mood of the room. Still, there are key components that distinguish a casually made bed from one that feels professionally styled. Here’s how to layer with intention.

The Building Blocks of a Designer Bed

Euro Shams
These large, square pillows are propped against the headboard and serve as the backdrop. They immediately add height and structure to the bed.

Standard Shams
Styled in front of the Euros, these shams often coordinate with the duvet and add another layer of texture and polish.

Standard Cases
Simpler and often made from sheet fabric, standard pillowcases are about function as much as form. They layer beautifully when paired with shams.

Accent Pillows
Small-scale pillows add personality—sometimes called “throws,” they’re the details that inject color, pattern, or whimsy.

Lumbar Pillows
A long lumbar pillow can replace multiple accents for a cleaner, more streamlined look. It’s often my go-to choice for a sophisticated, tailored finish.

Flat Sheet
Though traditional, many clients prefer to forgo a flat sheet for simplicity. Either way, it can be styled neatly for a layered effect or tucked away for a modern, European approach.

Comforter or Duvet
The comforter provides warmth and plushness, while a duvet and cover add flexibility. In summer, the duvet might live at the foot of the bed as a lighter layer. In winter, it takes center stage.

Fitted Sheet
A staple in every set, fitted sheets are about practicality—keeping everything smooth and in place.

Boxspring Cover
Often overlooked, this finishing touch keeps the foundation neat and protected, while elevating the overall presentation of the bed.

The secret to a beautifully styled bed is layering. Each piece builds upon the last to create volume, texture, and dimension. The fewer pillows you use, the more casual and relaxed the look becomes. Add more, and the bed feels formal and dressed. Neither approach is wrong—it’s simply about aligning the look with the mood of the room.

Above all, styling a bed is about how it makes you feel. It’s not only the centerpiece of your bedroom, but also a small ritual that boosts your mood and anchors your day. A professionally styled bed is more than just inviting—it’s a statement of comfort, care, and intentional living.