How to Layer Bedding Like a Pro: Step-by-Step Guide for a Luxurious Bed Setup
Creating a well-styled bed is more than just tossing on a few blankets and pillows. Thoughtfully layered bedding can make your bedroom look luxurious, inviting, and effortlessly put together. Here, we’ll walk you through the art of layering bedding—from sheets to shams—using Thomasville’s beautiful bedding collections. Get ready to transform your bed into a cozy masterpiece with these professional tips!
Step 1: Start with the Foundation – High-Quality Sheets
The base layer of any luxurious bed is a set of soft, quality sheets. Start by choosing a fitted sheet that snugly fits your mattress, followed by a coordinating flat sheet. For a cohesive look, select sheets in colors that complement the rest of your bedding. If you’re going for a timeless style, Thomasville’s Classic White Collection offers premium white sheets that add a crisp, clean base. Alternatively, opt for subtle patterns or pastel tones for a hint of personality without overwhelming the look.
Pro Tip: For a tailored touch, make sure the flat sheet is tucked neatly under the mattress. If you love a hotel-like, tucked-in look, try the “hospital corner” fold for a polished edge.
Step 2: Add a Lightweight Quilt or Coverlet
Next, layer on a lightweight quilt or coverlet. This layer adds both visual interest and a cozy layer without adding too much warmth. Thomasville’s Meadow Collection offers elegant coverlets in subtle colors and patterns that work beautifully for this layer. If you want to add a touch of texture, opt for a matelassé coverlet, like those in Thomasville’s Basketry Collection, which brings depth and sophistication.
Drape the quilt or coverlet evenly over the bed, pulling it just shy of the top so that the top sheet peeks out for a touch of contrast.
Step 3: The Main Layer – Comforter or Duvet
Now, it’s time to add the comforter or duvet, the centerpiece of the bed’s warmth and texture. If you’re aiming for a plush, hotel-like look, go for a duvet insert with a cover in a soft, coordinating color. The Alexandra Bedspread Collection from Thomasville, with its smoke blue and cream damask pattern, is a beautiful choice for a classic, elevated bed setup.
To make the comforter layer visually appealing, fold it down about a third of the way from the top of the bed, revealing the layers beneath.
Pro Tip: For colder months, add an extra blanket or a quilt underneath the comforter for added warmth and texture.
Step 4: Layer in Euro Shams and Standard Pillows
Pillows add dimension and a sense of luxury to any bed. Start with two or three Euro shams (26×26 inches) against the headboard. These larger pillows create a full, supportive backdrop for smaller pillows. Choose Euro shams in a color or pattern that complements your duvet or quilt—such as the soft, floral tones in the Queensland Autumn Collection or the bold, vintage-inspired Vintage Indigo Collection.
In front of the Euro shams, place your standard sleeping pillows encased in coordinating pillowcases. For an elegant look, use pillowcases with subtle trims or textures.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a streamlined, modern aesthetic, use fewer pillows and stick to solid-colored shams for a more minimal, cohesive look.
Step 5: Add Decorative Pillows for Flair
Now comes the fun part—decorative pillows! Mix and match sizes, shapes, and patterns for visual interest, placing them in front of your sleeping pillows. A mix of square and lumbar pillows, like those in Thomasville’s Birdsong Collection, can bring a touch of color and playfulness to your bed without overwhelming it.
Opt for pillows in contrasting textures to add depth, such as pairing a velvet pillow with a linen sham. For example, you could place a 20” square pillow in a bold floral or geometric print in front, followed by a smaller lumbar pillow to add a layered, inviting effect.
Step 6: Finish with a Throw or Foot Scarf
To complete your bed’s layered look, drape a soft throw or foot scarf across the end of the bed. This extra layer adds a sense of coziness and is practical for chilly nights. A woven or knitted throw brings warmth and texture, while a foot scarf—like the pieces in Thomasville’s Hampstead Collection—offers a touch of style that complements the rest of the bedding.
Pro Tip: Drape the throw casually for a relaxed, welcoming feel, or fold it neatly across the foot of the bed for a more structured look.
Final Touches and Tips
- Color Coordination: Aim for a cohesive color palette that complements your room’s decor. Neutrals, pastels, or soft earth tones work beautifully together and can be accented with bolder pillows or throws.
- Layering Textures: Mixing fabrics like linen, velvet, cotton, and knit helps create a visually appealing, touchable look.
- Consider Seasonal Layers: In warmer months, consider skipping the duvet or using a lighter quilt, while in cooler months, layering on a thicker comforter or adding a wool blanket can increase warmth.
Creating a luxurious bed is all about combining layers of comfort, color, and texture. With Thomasville’s wide selection of bedding collections, from timeless classics to bold statement pieces, you have everything you need to achieve a professional, layered look. Experiment with different arrangements, colors, and textures to find a style that reflects your personality and makes your bedroom feel like a sanctuary. Happy layering!
