When you sleep on a properly made bed, it is heavenly. In this post, we will share with you some of the tips we have learned from Head Housekeepers running some of the most luxurious hotels around the world.
Before We Get to the Bed Linens
To protect the investment you’ve made in your mattress, you should always begin with a mattress pad. We recommend the waterproof, noiseless, motionless Lily Pads®. In addition to protecting your mattress from spills and other contaminants, the mattress pad provides an extra layer of cushioning. The mattress pad can be anchored to the mattress with either a skirt or anchor band. In this manner, it creates a soft and silky base on which to place the bottom sheet, eliminating the need for tugging.
Choosing the Bed Linens
First and foremost, sheets need to fit the bed so select the right size. For example, if you have a pillow-top mattress, make sure to look for deep pockets. Ill-fitting sheets will turn an otherwise simple task into a deplorable chore so starting off on the right foot is essential. High thread count linens are also wise since they not only feel lovely on your skin, but offers greater durability. There will be more on selecting your bed linens in future posts.
Comforter or Blanket
If you’ve never tried a down comforter, you don’t know what you’re missing. The choice of a down comforter depends in large part upon the temperature at which you like to sleep. We’ve addressed choosing the perfect down comforter in an earlier post. If you don’t favor down, there are down alternatives and blankets to meet your needs.
Making the Bed
There are a variety of ways to make a bed depending on the style of bed and the “Top of the Bed” products you have chosen. After the feather bed and mattress pad, the first bed linen placed on the bed will be the bottom sheet. In hotels, this is often a flat sheet since flat sheets are easier to wash and dry in commercial machines. At home, you will likely prefer a fitted sheet. If you choose to follow the American tradition of a bottom sheet, top sheet, and blanket, the next step is to place the top sheet. There is some debate about placing the top sheet face down, but this is necessary only if you like to fold back your sheet to display the decorative detail on the upper portion. Once you’ve settled the top sheet evenly, tuck the bottom and create hospital corners. They’re fairly hard to kick out when you’re sleeping, helping to keep the foot of the bedding firmly tucked in place. We’ll provide step-by step details of how to make a hospital corner in a future post.
Next, you’ll place the comforter or blanket centered on the bed. If you’ve chosen to follow the European model, you can dispense with the top sheet in which case this step will follow the placement of the bottom sheet. Finally, you’ll add sleeping pillows and any additional decorative touches you’ve chosen.
Upkeep
Making your bed every day may seem like a chore, but the beauty and calm provided by a well-made bed will be well worth the few minutes it takes each day.
Updated Links August 2, 2022
