For today’s blog, it’s time for some pillow talk – we’re covering how to make your bed! Of course you know how to make your sleeping space look tidy, but perhaps you’re not exactly in the bed of your dreams when you call it a night. After today, you’ll be clued into all of your options when it comes to slumbering away in style!

First, take a moment to metaphorically slip into your most favorite pajamas, light a soothing candle, and imagine your dream bed: is there a top sheet tucking you in tight, or only a light duvet awaiting you? Does a coverlet layered with a quilt sound cozy, or are you imagining a full lineup of breathable linen?

Now that you have a vision in mind, let’s get started! First we’ll look at the building blocks of a great bed, and then we’ll look over some pretty inspo pictures!

base camp: sheets and pillowcases

Sheets and pillowcases are the layers closest to you, so they need to be comfortable! Classic choices are sateen or percale cotton, and for those who want ultimate breathability, linen. With so many material options when it comes to sheets and pillowcases, things can get overwhelming. To help you out, here’s a quick material overview:

Sateen cotton is the heaviest option of the three materials, with a trademark silkiness that adds a feeling of luxury. Due to its weight, it may not be ideal for hot sleepers.
Percale cotton sheets are lighter and breathable, carrying a classic soft but crisp feel – think of a button-down shirt!
Linen sheets are the most breathable option, and will get softer with each wash! Linen is a famously strong fiber, so consider these sheets a real investment for the future.

Some parting words of advice: the higher the thread count, the more dense (and luxe) the weave of the material! Quality sheets are splurge-worthy – try ordering a few pillow cases to use as samples before devoting yourself to a full set!

shop a few of our favorites here:

next stop: covers

Coverlets, duvet covers, and quilts are go-to cover options for a welcoming, cozy bed. You can use one alone, or layer a combination of them for ultimate warmth and design depth! As the largest scale component of your bed, your covers can make a bold statement with bright graphics, or bring a more neutral tone to your bedroom with solid colors or quieter hues – the choice is up to you! You have a lot of options when it comes to covers, so we’ve compiled another quick guide:

Coverlets are spreads that fall on the minimalist side in terms of thickness. They are usually sandwiched between the sheets and whichever topper – duvet or quilt – is in use, or used decoratively at the foot of a bed for added visual interest.
Quilts are go-to choices for warmer climates or perhaps a vintage-inspired look! They often feature unique stitching that offers subtle texture to a bed.
Duvet covers are European-inspired and can be filled with a variety of inserts, from goose or duck down to hypoallergenic microfiber.

As far as materials go, popular options are cotton, linen, wool, and various blends!

shop a few of our favorites here:

take it from the top: pillows!

I think I can speak for all of us when I say that pillows are my favorite part of a bed. There’s truly nothing like sinking your head into something soft and taking a deep breath after a long day, or the ability of a decorative pillow to really make a bed charming. Bed pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes for both practicality and your personal style! Crate and Barrel suggests layering them, from headboard forward, as follows: Euro, standard, sham, and any decorative cushion or bolster pillows you’d like to use. Did that list have you ready to count sheep? Snap to it so we can review:

Euro pillows are square-shaped and offer good support for reading while in bed. These really “fill” out a bed and offer maximum support!
Standard pillows are the rectangular pillow that probably came to mind when you thought of your bed! Their wide length is perfect for dozing off, with plenty of room for your head to nestle in for a deep sleep.
Shams are decorative pillows, and essential to a “made up” looking bed! These come in three variations: Euro, which is a square shape, Standard, which is rectangular, and King, an oversized take on the Standard. These can be layered for more depth.
Cushions (also called decorative or throw pillows) and bolsters (a long rectangular or round pillow) join shams in the decorative camp. These pillows are a good place to add different patterns and textures that might be overwhelming on a larger scale.

One last thing before we put the kibosh on pillows – let’s talk filler options! Available fill materials are just as varied as their size. With personal preference and needs (are you a side sleeper or do you tend to pancake?) in mind, you can choose between hypoallergenic microfiber, memory foam, or traditional goose and duck down.

shop a few of our favorites here:

Feeling inspired already? You’ve done the hard work of learning more about your options when it comes to bedding. Now for the fun part: transforming your bed into a personal getaway from the hustle and bustle of your daily life! We’ve included a few inspo pictures in this guide for you to enjoy – sweet dreams!

slumber in style

base camp: sheets and pillowcases

shop a few of our favorites here:

next stop: covers

shop a few of our favorites here:

take it from the top: pillows!

shop a few of our favorites here: