How to Make the Perfect Bed: Creating a Sanctuary for Sleep

It’s chilly outside – and what better place to warm up than your own cozy bed.

Your bed is truly the core of your bedroom and should be beautiful, stylish – and inviting. To make your bed a sanctuary for peaceful rest, keep in mind the following:

  • Quality counts. Always purchase top quality bedding, in particular high thread count, 100 percent Egyptian or Supima cotton sheets. Most linen from Italy is superb. Invest in high quality down pillows, standard and European-style pillow shams, duvets, blankets and more.

    Purchase top quality bedding, in particular high thread count, 100 percent Egyptian or Supima cotton sheets.
  • Comfort is key. Top your bed with ultra soft covers such as a down, or even eiderdown, comforter.
  • Color sets the mood. For bedding, use varying fabrics and textures in an array of hues to create interest and an inviting feel.
Start with a fabric you really love and choose colors based on that fabric to create a palette.
  • Play with pillows. Place standard shams (20” by 26”) closest to the headboard, and then add a pair of European shams. For king-size beds, use three Euro shams (26” by 26”). Top off with fun, decorative pillows for a pop of color and texture. Embroidery is a wonderful touch.
Embroidery adds a beautiful touch to pillows and bedding.
  • Blankets. For added comfort, as well as another layer of interest, add a plush folded quilt or blanket at the foot of the bed.
  • Don’t forget the mattress. A comfortable mattress and sturdy box spring are critical – as is a quality mattress pad. For the ultimate sleeping experience, purchase a mattress and box spring set from The Ritz-Carlton.
  • Height matters. Ideally, your bed should not be too high or too low. The mattress and box spring should top out at 28 inches high and be no lower than 25 inches.
Shop for fun, decorative pillows for a pop of color and texture.
  • Handsome headboards. Make your headboard a focal point of your room. Headboards come in all shapes and sizes and can be upholstered in fabric or made of wood or metal and even serve as storage space or bookshelves. 
  • The foot of the bed matters too. Finish the look of your bed by placing an elegant bench, small sofa or a storage trunk at the foot.
Finish the look of your bed by placing an elegant bench, small sofa or a storage trunk at the foot.

However you adorn your bed – let it be an expression of your own personality and style since you will certainly spend a lot of time there. As with most design projects, start with a fabric you really love and choose colors based on that fabric to create a palette. This fabric doesn’t have to dominate the room, and you don’t need to choose the predominate color in the fabric – just the ones you like the best.

Have fun and let me know how it goes.