The simplest way of styling your bed
Design: Time & Place Interiors / Photo: Gloria Kilbourne
If you travel frequently or work a rigorous schedule, you know how good it feels to get back home, especially into a serene, relaxing bedroom, at the end of a long day. But an unmade bed won’t be an appealing greeting upon arrival… it’s a sad sight, even if no one else is looking.
That said, your bedding doesn’t need to be overly fussy to look great. Here’s what you’ll need to put together a bed that looks both attractive and inviting to climb into:
1) Good linens: Indulge in the best quality sheets you can afford. They’re a luxury you’ll enjoy every day. Thread count is over-rated, but always use natural fibers like good percale cotton.
Linen is another great choice for its breathability and casual elegance that can be left naturally wrinkled for a lived-in look.
2) Coverlet… with an optional blanket: Pair a simple matelasse bed cover with a blanket folded neatly at the bottom of the bed, or tossed casually across it, in a contrast texture like alpaca or mohair.
Don’t want to bother with too many layers? A single coverlet, flowing down over the bed frame, is sleek and sexy. (Bonus tip: tuck the coverlet under the bottom edge of your sleeping pillows, for what I call a “uni-boob” look.)
Even simpler: A wrinkled linen duvet cover, with matching sheets, is casual but classy.
3) Throw pillows: You don’t need to recreate a department store-like bedding display with a mountain of cushions. One long lumber pillow, or a couple of 20x12 inch pillows, are all you really need.
For dimension, pick a sham in beautiful texture like South American alpaca, Italian-weave cashmere, or Indian silk. Unless you’re allergic, go for down/feather inserts: these should be two inches larger than the sham, to avoid a droopy look.
4) Floor coverings: An area rug or a runner at the foot of the bed will up the cozy factor of the bedroom; plus, you’ll wake up to softness under your feet. For extra character, I recommend vintage wool rugs that were made by artisans in Persia, Morocco, Central Asia, or Sweden.
Always avoid synthetics that emit hazardous chemicals. And never go too small in size — that makes a room look awkward.
For your inspiration, here’s a roundup of stylish and cozy bed design ideas from the Time & Place portfolio and other designers. And, when you’re ready for the next bedroom decorating step, check out my other posts on bedroom design:
Bedside Manner: Creative nightstand ideas you haven't thought of (yet)
I paired a Portuguese coverlet paired with a set of Peruvian alpaca cushions and called it a day. Design: Time & Place Interiors
An empty linen duvet creates flow, which an ethnic throw blanket and a Moroccan rug create structure in a Brooklyn 1890s townhouse bedroom. Design: TBo with Hovey Design / Photo: Jonathan Hökklo
A serene Bed-Stuy guest bedroom in monochromatic pink tones envelops the senses. To avoid monotony, pull in a range of hues and textures. Design: Shapeless Studio / Photo: Kate Sears
Fluffy neutral textures make this bed temptingly nap-worthy. Design: Olivia Stutz / Photo Sean Litchfield
Serenity through Zara Home linen bedding, a Carpathian wool blanket, and a Moroccan runner rug. Design: Nikki Amodio / Photo: Joyelle West
Pillows by Thomas O’Brien and a mohair throw by Spanish textile fabricator Mantas Ezcaray bring out the colors of the Persian Afshar rug in a guest bedroom. Design: Time & Place Interiors / Photo: Gloria Kilbourne
Layered throw blanket textiles in contrasting patterns but similar color palettes add interest. Design: Julie Hillman / Photo: Simon Upton
Perfection through textures: A wool throw on the bed, a sheepskin draping a leather campaign chair, and a Moroccan rug. Design: Lisa Jones / Photo: Richard Round-Turner
Rustic small batch bed linens made by artisans in Gujarat, India create a feeling of relaxation and integrity. Design: Hollie Bowden / Photo: Genevieve Lutkin Studio
An eclectic Hamptons guest bedroom has matching upholstered headboard and window treatments, an artisan quilt, and a vintage Persian rug. Design: Patrick McGrath / Stephen Kent Johnson
Sometimes a beautiful linen coverlet is all you need, like this one in a Hudson Valley cabin. Design: Post Company / Photo: Adrian Gout
Ready to get your perfect bedroom set up?
Time & Place Interiors crafts home environments that feel both relaxing and personalized. Founder Ksenya Malina’s specialty is pairing handmade artisan designs with vintage heirlooms to create layered, elegant comfort. Use the link below to schedule a free 20-minute information call with Ksenya to talk through your design needs:
