Most people who search for how to layer a bed like a designer are just trying to make their bed look soft, full, and pulled together.
You might feel confused about how to layer a bed when your efforts still leave it looking flat, messy, or not quite right.
Sometimes the pillows feel too stiff, or maybe they end up slumping down no matter how nicely you arrange them in the morning.
It can be tricky figuring out which throw to use, where to fold it, or if you even need one at all.
You may struggle to pair colors that look balanced or calming without feeling too plain or mismatched in your bedroom.
There’s also the question of how many pieces are too many, and whether your bed feels cozy or just overdone.
And when you try to fix things, it might still not feel like the layered designer look you imagined in your head.
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Layering bedding is an art and takes a little guidance on how to start getting that plush look you see in magazines.
Arranging pillows, layering the blankets, and making sure you have the right sheet sets are all key parts of a beautifully layered bed.
So, use my bed layering guide below to create a dreamy and cozy bed for your own bedroom.
What Bedding Essentials Do You Need
Before you start layering your bed like a designer, you will need to get all the bedding pieces first.
There are so many different pieces so check out this on the different bedding layers explained so you know what all the pieces are.
From a top sheet to a duvet and coverlet, there are a lot of pieces you will need on hand.
It will also depend on the season so use my guide on how to layer a bed for summer and how to layer a bed for winter.
Where To Shop For Bedding
There are a few main stores that are my go-to source for the best bedding. They carry quality sheets and will last a long time.
These are some of my favorite bedding pieces to use for layering a bed. They are easy to mix and match to get a unique look for your room.
More Bedroom Design Ideas + Inspiration
How To Layer A Bed Like A Designer Guide
1. Begin with a fitted sheet
Starting with luxe sheets are a must to the basis of your layered bed. I look for sheets that have a soft silky feel and are made from Egyptian cotton.
The first step is to cover your mattress with a fitted sheet that is freshly laundered.
I love fitted sheets that have deep pockets so they fit snug and fully over the edges of the mattress.
Generally, I like to use white sheets because they look crisp, are easy to bleach to get clean and go with every bedding set.
Fluff it in the dryer for 10 minutes with a damp cloth thrown in to get them wrinkle-free and crisp and some wool dryer balls with a little lemongrass essential oil on them.
2. Add a top sheet
Next, add the top sheet.
Lay it on the bed upside down and pull it as far up to the top of the bed as you can. Then when you fold it over the duvet, you will see the pretty edge of the sheet.
Fold in the ends at the bottom of the bed under the mattress.
Tip:
Now is the time to press your sheets if they are still wrinkled from the dryer. I like to use a hand steamer and once the bed is made it makes it easier to press out the wrinkles.
3. Add a duvet
The next piece of bedding I add is a duvet over the top of the fitted sheet.
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I typically use a plain white duvet cover for the duvet fill or simply layer another flat sheet over the top of the duvet.
In the cooler months, this is where I would switch and use a lightweight coverlet which can be cooler than a duvet cover.
4. Layer a second duvet at the bottom of the bed
This is my biggest trick to making a bed look full and fluffy, which is to add a second duvet cover to a bed. If you are struggling with this part of the process, I recommend my guide on how to layer a bed with a duvet to help you out.
This is when I use a patterned bedding set to add color and visual impact.
If it is double patterned like this one, then you can fold it 1/3 of the way over the end of the top of it to expose and show the pattern play.
Make sure when you fold it over the end of the bed that it falls below the mattress and covers the other duvet ends.
Tip:
If your duvet starts to look a little flat, just shake it with both hands to fluff it back up.
5. Add a coverlet loosely across the middle
The next step is to add a coverlet to the middle section of the bed.
This is another designer trick to making a bed look full and cozy.
I typically just gather it together loosely and drape it over the middle section over the bed, right on top of the exposed portion of the 1st duvet and over a little bit of the 2nd duvet.
During the winter, guests love having the option to have multiple blankets on their bed and this is a beautiful way to add it to the bed.
6. Add euro shams
Add coordinating euro shams to the back of the headboard that match the duvet at the end of the bed.
This pulls the design of the bedding through and adds more pattern to the bed.
For a king and queen-sized bed, use 3 euro shams. and for a twin-sized bed use 1-3 shams. These are my typical euro sham fillers and they really are soft yet fill out the sham so it doesn’t look to lose.
7. Layer in standard pillows
This is next where I layer in my sleeping pillows. They are standard sham size and generally, because I use all white sheets, they fit perfectly into the bed color scheme and pillow combos.
My favorite standard pillowfills are these ones. They are soft yet hypoallergenic and not full of feathers poking into your head when you are sleeping.
I place them right in front of the euro shams and fluff them really good before you lay them down.
One way to make your bed more inviting and cozy is by learning how to layer bed pillows to perfectly complement your personal comfort and style preferences.
8. Use decorative pillows
Now is the fun part layering in your decorative pillows.
I get asked a lot how many pillows are too many and if you ask my husband he would say they all are! LOL!
I love to add a stripe or smaller print that ties the bed color scheme together.
On a king/queen-sized bed I use 2-3 pillows here and then one throw pillow in the front.
Have fun with this because this is where you can add your personality in.
9. Drape a throw blanket on the end of the bed
The last thing I add is a lightweight throw blanket.
Having a blanket at the end of the bed makes it is easy to grab and curl up in a reading chair with or pull over the top of you while laying in bed.
Sometimes I even have a little basket in the corner of the room with a few extra ones rolled up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sheets do designers use when layering a bed?
Designers often start with crisp, breathable cotton sheets because they feel soft and help everything stay smooth and neat underneath. White or neutral-toned sheets are popular since they create a clean, calm base that works with any other layers on the bed.
Do I need both a quilt and comforter to layer a bed like a designer?
You don’t have to use both, but having a quilt and comforter adds more depth and makes the bed feel cozy without looking flat or bare. A lightweight quilt under a comforter can bring that designer-style fullness without feeling too warm.
How do you make a bed look full and fluffy like a designer bed?
Use inserts that are slightly larger than the covers, especially for duvets and pillows, so everything looks plump and cozy instead of flat. Fluff each layer daily with a gentle shake and smooth it all out so the bed feels fresh and inviting.
Is there a simple way to layer a bed like a designer for everyday use?
Yes, start with good-quality sheets, add a light quilt, fold a comforter at the foot, then finish with a few cozy pillows or a throw. Keeping it simple makes the bed easy to fix each morning while still looking pulled together and stylish.
What colors work best when layering a bed like a designer?
Soft neutrals like white, beige, and gray are great for layering because they mix well with bolder accents without feeling too busy. You can add color with a throw or pillows in muted tones like dusty blue, olive green, or terracotta.
Combining different layers of bedding not only makes the bed look full and inviting but also creates a warm and cozy haven for a restful sleep.
Learning how to layer your bed for warmth and comfort will make your bedroom feel like a sanctuary!
*Photography by Audrie Dollins
