There are about a hundred different ways to style a bed that all look fabulous (so definitely don’t take this as the end all be all) but there are some elements they all have in common: layers, materials, and nice pillows. Here is a guide to outline how I style a bed for clients after months of trying different combinations on my own bed (which I think may have driven my husband crazy, haha).

The bed is the main focal point of the bedroom and is easily dressed up/down with the addition/subtraction of pillows, quilts and/or blankets. Adding layers to your bedding makes it more visually appealing and invites you to come rest, but too much can look frumpy or overwhelming. Its important to find a balance!

1. Use natural materials for the sheets: cotton, linen, bamboo. Each has properties that are pros and cons, just find the one that works for you! The fitted sheet on first, with the top sheet on upside down so when you fold over the top of the sheet you can see the pattern clearly. If you’re using solid colored sheets, it doesn’t matter whether the top sheet is upside down or not.

2. A lightweight blanket that complements the duvet or comforter you have should go on next – tuck the sides under the mattress. Fold the top of it down with the top sheet (like they do at hotels).

3. Your duvet or comforter should go on top. Fold it down about 1/3 of the way so it hits about halfway down the bed. This will make your bed and comforter look billowy and cozy.

4. You can add a small throw blanket at the foot of the bed to add another layer of visual interest and to provide some added warmth if you tend to get chilly at night.

5. Against the headboard, place the Euro Pillows.

6. In front of these, place the sleeping pillows. For a queen bed, you should use 2-4, for a king bed use 4-6.

7. In front of the sleeping pillows, place any decorative throw pillows. One or two decorative pillows is fine – no need to go overboard!

Now, keep in mind - just having pillows isn't enough. Think about hotels – the pillows are always plump and fluffy (and inviting). Something a lot of us are guilty of (yours truly included) is not replacing our pillows frequently enough, and then regulating our old flat, worn out pillows to the guest room. (Did you know that pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years or when they stop providing support?) Guest room pillows usually last 2+ years depending on how frequently you have guests, while your master bedroom pillows will generally have to be replaced closer to the yearly mark.

Hopefully this gives you a starting point for bed styling - there are lots of ways to mix this up, particularly pillow placement, so just mix it up until you find a solution you love. At the end of the day, you want your bed to be a cozy, inviting spot that you are excited to crawl into at the end of the night - and as long as you have that, then you have succeeded!