How To Make A Bed The Right Way

Tips For Making Your Bed

We generally have accepted rules and etiquette for table manners and other areas of life, so why not for bed making? There is the ‘any way will do’ method of just tossing blankets on to sheets, hoping for the best. Then there is the expert advice that prescribes that things be done in a specific order. Here is a series of steps to help you do things in as orderly and professional manner as possible, outside of a 5-star hotel.

1. Linens

You should first gather together all the relevant linens so that you’re ready to prepare the bed from scratch. If you’re a ‘purist’ then you’ll want nothing but the bed frames and headboard to be exposed. Whether you’re making a single or a queen-size bed, the mattress needs to be rotated on a regular basis so that it doesn’t start to sag in just one area of it. Even the mattress topper needs to be flipped over and every few months properly cleaned and washed, depending on whether it’s made from memory foam or down.

2. Bottoms Up

First, start by tucking in the bottom sheet, tucking in the corners to your satisfaction, so that it is completely aligned and balanced. If it is not naturally curved and elasticated, then arrange it so that there is a 12-inch overhang on either side of the mattress. Then, fold in the sheet at the bed’s foot. You need to then raise the loose sheet on the four corners, before tucking each in so that the folds all have a 45° angle. The bottom edge should be folded in so that each corner looks exactly the same.

3. Top Down

The top sheet is next; it needs to be placed smoothly on the bottom sheet, leaving enough of it so that it can be folded back over the blanket (of course in summer you might not need a blanket). Each corner should be tucked in, following the ‘hospital corner’ technique. You obviously need to leave the sides open so that you can actually get into the bed! If you want to tuck them in because it’s a guest room that is rarely used, go ahead. In any case, your blanket, duvet, or quilt is likely to conceal nearly all of the sides so it will have that smart, uniform appearance in the end.

4. The Third Step

Now apply your blanket, duvet, or quilt as carefully as you would lay a piece of cold ham on a flat slice of freshly cut bread; the top sheet should appear from underneath it. The goal will always be for the sheet to complement the blanket, and not for the blanket to smother and swallow up the sheet.

5. Pillow Positioning

It’s time to insert the pillows into the structure of the bed. They should smoothly slot beneath the blanket, so as to appear as two attractive mounds beneath a warm, inviting blanket ocean. Everything should be submerged beneath the blanket so that there is a gradual rise upward to the headboard.

6. Other Tips

Gradually, over time, you will develop other little touches, according to personal likes and dislikes. Making your bed can become a ritual, something therapeutic that can be surprisingly relaxing. If you’re welcoming guests you might want to add a tastefully placed rose or a sprig of sweet-smelling herbs, even wildflowers. It should, ideally, be almost like entering a hotel room; a beautifully laid out bed is quite a mind-calming thing to behold.

7. Keep It Clean

Your pillowcases need to be washed weekly, or a mattress pad once or twice per month. The build-up of invisible dust mites is occurring all the time and can have a significant impact on allergies, asthma, and other ailments. A mattress topper is especially desirable because it provides a firmer sleeping experience and can be transferred to any similarly sized bed. A foam-based topper will mold itself to the unique shape of any person’s physique, so your guest is more likely to have a refreshing night’s kip.

Overall, your bed is worth investing time and money in; you spend about a third of your life on it, so give it the love and attention it deserves. Ensure that your sheets are clean and well aired and that you always have spare sheets and a range of pillows. Your choice of pillow will depend on which style of sleeper you’re catering for, ie. side, front, or back sleeper. Memory foam pillows will cater to every conceivable head shape and sleeping style, so are a worthwhile investment. You will need to wash the pillowcases regularly, due to the prevalence of head lice, oils, dirt, sweat, wax, bed bugs, dust mites, germs, etc. If you’re splashing out, invest in a silk pillowcase. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic and much better for your skin and general health, not to mention – your precious hair!

Sources:

How to Make Up the Ideal Bed – Sleep.org
How to Make Your Bed – Instructables Living