3 Ways To Make a Perfectly Imperfect Bed

One of my favorite ways to start the day is by making my bed. I love a beautifully made bed, and there are lots of reasons why it’s actually important to make your bed. For example, it can help to reduce stress levels, create a feeling of accomplishment and control, and encourage other healthy morning habits.

Of course, some mornings I’m really busy and rushing out the door, or I don’t feel like fussing with it. But you don’t always have to make your bed with military precision! Even with just a few minutes to spare, you can tidy up your sleep space in a way that feels comfortable and inviting. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make a perfectly imperfect bed.

The Basics

Whether you like to make your bed like you’re staying at a hotel or just tossing a comforter over it in the morning, there are a few basic foundation pieces that are essential to restful sleep and having a well-made bed. Once you’ve got these basics down, not only will you sleep better, you’ll also have the essentials you need to make and dress your bed differently every day if you want to.

Here are the basic ingredients of a well-made bed:

• A fitted sheet
• A flat sheet
• A medium weight blanket
• 2-4 pillows and pillowcases
• 1 duvet or comforter
• Optional: Decorative pillows and throw blanket

Full Turn Down

One of my favorite ways to make the bed – which also happens to be super easy! – is a full turn down. It’s especially nice in the changing seasons when you want all the layers on the bed, but don’t want your bed to look too hot and stuffy.

Here’s how to do it. Once you’ve got your top sheet folded over your blanket and tucked in, you just need to fold your duvet or comforter into thirds down to the end of the bed. You can leave it untucked or tucked in if you have a beautiful bed frame that you want to show off. Next, just add in any decorative pillows or a throw blanket if you’d like, and you’re finished!

This look is easy, but also looks nicely finished and shows off your fun and beautiful bedding. Plus it makes it easy to climb right in after a long day!

Cover It Up

This is truly one of the easiest ways to make your bed, especially if you are in a hurry but want your bed to look effortless. Start with your sheets and blanket and fold the top sheet over your blanket and tuck the sheets and blanket in. (If you are really in a hurry you can just leave them untucked.)

Next, take your comforter or duvet and simply pull it all the way up to your headboard. Make sure it’s pulled nice and straight and even on both sides of the bed. Stack your sleeping pillows on top, and add in a few decorative pillows to finish the look.

Et voila, you are finished! There is no reason not to make your bed every day when it’s this easy! Having fun colored or patterned bedding definitely makes this look more complete, but even all-white bedding will look really crisp and fresh like this.

Mix and Match

Another easy way to get that perfectly imperfect look is by mixing and matching your bedding. You can add texture and interest to your bed by choosing mismatched but coordinated pillowcases or a different color blanket from your sheets, and then adding in some fun decorative pillows.

Bold graphic prints look great with a small quilted pattern and solid colored sheets. Stripes, a bold graphic, a small pattern and a solid will always work well together in the right color combination.

Bed Making Dos and Don’ts

DO use a high-performance mattress and pillows. A good mattress for your needs and preferences is so important to the quality of your sleep.

DON’T pick a style that doesn’t match the rest of your bedroom. Use bedding that complements the décor you already have.

DO invest in quality bed linens. If you want your bed linens to feel good to sleep in for years to come, it’s worth investing in quality pieces that will wear well.

DON’T be afraid to mix colors and textures. Your bed definitely doesn’t have to be a perfectly matched set. Instead, layer different fabrics and colors that work harmoniously together.

DO wash your sheets regularly. Not only does it will help remove dust mites and kill any bacteria, nothing feels better than crisp, clean sheets!

Remember, an imperfectly made bed is far better than coming home at the end of a long day to an unmade bed.

Don’t set unrealistic exceptions for how your bed should look each day, give one of these looks a try and I guarantee you will feel better and sleep better with an imperfectly, perfect bed!