How To Make Your Bed Like A Designer – Blanket Layering Guide

Design Guides

March 27, 2024

There’s making a bed, and then there’s styling a bed. Making a bed involves tossing a comforter over your sheets and throwing a couple pillows at the head of the bed. Styling a bed involves layering blankets and pillows in a particular way to create an inviting and voluminous bed. Last month I shared my favorite bed pillow layouts and pattern combinations and today I’m going to cover the blanket side of things. More specifically, how to make a bed, how to layer blankets, and how to style your bed like a designer.

Rustic castle bedroom with wood armoire. — Image Source: Inigo | Photographer: Elliot Sheppard

In order to keep things simple, I’m sharing one style I love. But keep in mind there are many ways to style a bed.

How To Make & Style A Bed Using Layers

How to make a bed like an interior designer. What type of sheets you should use.

STEP 1: PUT ON WHITE SHEETS

I prefer a set of white or cream sheets. It’s a classic look that always feels fresh and clean. There’s a time and place for patterned or colored sheets (i.e. a kids room), but I always gravitate towards white sheets for an adult bedroom. It allows you to add any color or pattern that you want for the additional bedding layers.

Fold the top sheet down just below the sleeping pillows.

MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE SHEETS

How to make a bed like a designer. Bed blanket tips.

STEP 2: ADD A BED BLANKET

A bed blanket is essentially a lightweight cotton blanket used for added warmth and comfort. A blanket with texture is my personal preference. Layer the bed blanket over the sheets and fold the top down just below the top sheet to show the layers.

A BED BLANKET AS SOFT AS A CLOUD

How to layer bedding like an interior designer. My go-to duvet cover.

STEP 3: ADD A COMFORTER

I always opt for a duvet insert with a duvet cover. The two criteria I have for every duvet cover is that it must be linen and it must be either white or cream. The texture of linen is unmatched and the neutral color makes it a staple that can work with any bedding color or pattern.

Fold the duvet down once to show a peek of the bed blanket beneath.

MY FAVORITE (& AFFORDABLE) DUVET COVER

Making a bed with a kantha quilt. How to make a bed like a designer.

STEP 4. DRAPE A KANTHA QUILT ON TOP

When choosing your bedding, you can use all solid colors as long as each blanket features a new texture. OR you can use patterns as a way of adding layers of interest. For a pop of pattern, layer a Kantha quilt over top of the duvet. A Kantha quilt is a patchwork quilt made with rags or leftover fabrics. This beautiful type of blanket is originated in Bangladesh and eastern regions of India.

Drape the kantha quilt over the duvet. Then fold the duvet cover down roughly 16″ over the Kantha quilt to reveal the bed blanket below. As shown in the graphic above.

NOTE: If you prefer a more simple approach to bed layering, skip this step and move onto step 5.

THE PRETTIEST KANTHA QUILT

STEP 5: TOSS ON A THROW BLANKET

To finish the look, drape a throw blanket over top of the Kantha quilt at the foot of the bed. While this blanket can be used as an added layer of warmth, it’s typically only used for decorative purposes. You can drape the blanket to look rippled and “unkept”, or you can neatly fold it.

Look for a throw blanket that is the same (or close) width as your duvet to avoid it looking too short.

THIS ONE IS MY PICK