The Art of Bed Making
Bed Making Basics
The Well-Made Bed
Making your bed each morning is a small act that can set a positive tone for your entire day. It’s a simple way to create a sense of order and accomplishment. A neatly made bed not only makes your room look cleaner but can also improve your sleep quality by creating a more inviting and relaxing environment to return to at night.
Let’s walk through the basic components and the right way to assemble them for a perfectly made bed.
The Layers of Comfort
A standard bed is built in layers, each with a specific purpose. Understanding these layers is the first step to making your bed properly. From the bottom up, you have:
- Mattress
- Mattress Protector
- Fitted Sheet
- Flat Sheet
- Blanket or Comforter
- Pillows
Putting It All Together
With the components clear, let's assemble them. Start with a bare mattress.
Step 1: The Mattress Protector This layer is crucial for protecting your mattress from spills and allergens. It usually fits just like a fitted sheet. Stretch it over each corner of the mattress, making sure it lies flat and smooth.
Step 2: The Fitted Sheet Next is the fitted sheet. The key to a wrinkle-free surface is to put it on correctly. Start by hooking one corner, then move to the corner diagonally opposite it. This stretches the sheet evenly. Finish by securing the remaining two corners. Pull the elastic edges so they are tucked well under the mattress.
Step 3: The Flat Sheet Lay the flat sheet on top, with the finished side (the softer, more decorative side) facing down. You want the top edge to be aligned with the head of the mattress. The bottom and sides will hang over. Smooth out any wrinkles.
Tuck the bottom edge of the sheet tightly under the foot of the mattress. Now, for the corners. To create a neat "hospital corner," grab the hanging side fabric about a foot from the end of the bed. Lift it up to form a 45-degree angle with the mattress corner, and lay it on top of the bed. Tuck the hanging fabric below this fold under the mattress. Finally, bring the folded piece down and tuck it neatly under the mattress as well. Repeat on the other side.
Step 4: Blankets and Comforters Lay your blanket or comforter on top of the flat sheet. Make sure it's spread evenly, with an equal amount hanging over both sides. Pull it up to the head of the bed. Now, fold the top edge of the flat sheet down over the comforter, creating a clean, finished band of about six inches.
Step 5: Pillows Give your pillows a good fluff to distribute the filling evenly. Place them neatly at the head of the bed, on top of the sheets and comforter. For a basic setup, two pillows lying flat are perfectly fine.
Ready to test your knowledge?
When initially placing the flat sheet on the mattress, which direction should the finished (softer, more decorative) side face?
What is the first piece of fabric you tuck under the mattress when creating a hospital corner?
And that's it. With just a few minutes of practice each day, this simple routine will become a quick and satisfying habit.