Fall is the season that tempts us to linger in bed—with winter not far behind. As daylight fades and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing better than the thought of a warm, inviting bed waiting at home, promising restful nights and lazy mornings when you have the time. But how do you create the perfect bed?
“You want your bed to greet you as you enter the room,” says Patrick Williams, founder of Berdoulat. “It’s about finding the right mix of carefully chosen fabrics and colors with a relaxed, effortless vibe.”
Vogue asked top interior designers for their advice on what works, what doesn’t, and how to make your bed truly inviting this season.
Skip the Duvet—But Layer Up
The idea of a bed without a duvet might seem extreme, but Heidi Caillier believes it’s worth a try. “I don’t use duvets or comforters,” she says. “I find them lumpy and uncomfortable to sleep under.”
Her solution is layering: begin with a crisp fitted sheet, then add warmth and texture with quilts and blankets in coordinating colors and patterns. “It feels more curated and less perfect,” she explains—resulting in a bed that looks both beautiful and comfortably lived-in.
If you’re not ready to give up your duvet, layering is still key. Katie Monkhouse keeps it simple with one large lumbar pillow and a throw at the foot of the bed. “This combination usually makes the bed feel stylish yet welcoming,” she notes.
Williams also recommends mixing patterns: “A bed with only solid-colored bedding can feel a bit stark. I love layering different textures and tones. There’s a lovely surprise when you slip under a neutral ochre linen set and discover a pink and blue striped sheet underneath.”
Don’t forget the foundation. For hotel-level comfort, Charlotte and Angus Buchanan of Buchanan Studio suggest starting with a high-quality mattress and a feather, down, or cashmere topper that’s two to three inches thick for a cloud-like feel.
Pillow Arrangements
While some prefer a bed piled with pillows, others like to keep it minimal. Most experts agree that too many pillows can look cluttered. For a double bed, Caillier typically uses four sleeping pillows stacked in pairs, with one decorative pillow in front. “I prefer smaller pillows and really dislike large European ones,” she says.
For decorative cushions, Monkhouse suggests a long lumbar cushion or two 20x20cm pillows with a small lumbar. “Try pulling the top blanket up over the sleeping pillows and placing the long lumbar in front for a clean, minimalist look,” she advises.
Quilts and Eiderdowns Are In
Quilts, bedspreads, and eiderdowns are great for layering, warmth, and style. “American designers have always loved the English country look—layered, cozy, and nostalgic—and eiderdowns and quilts fit that perfectly,” says Cinny Aumonier. “The combination of down and detailed stitching gives quilts a plump, sculptural quality that makes the bed stand out.” Her modern wide-stripe designs are bold without being overly fussy, and Toast’s patchwork quilts are also popular.
“I love some of the quilts from John Derian and…”Nickey Kehoe and I always use a quilted one from Parachute Home,” says Caillier. “I’m also a fan of vintage pieces—I’m constantly on the lookout for unique bedding sources. The more mixed and layered the bed looks, the better.”
Want to add some drama? Take inspiration from a Belgravia bedroom designed by Buchanan Studio. Consider framing the bed with a fabric canopy or curtains, like the serene room above by Buchanan. “We aimed to soften the strict symmetry of the master bedroom and introduce a feeling of calm and sensuality,” the designers explain. “By adding curtains on a large curved pole, they form a cozy nook when closed and still provide a sheltered, private atmosphere when open.” Though the installation wasn’t straightforward, the result brings such peace and comfort that it was well worth the effort.
A fabric canopy is a bit easier to set up but just as impressive. Tori Murphy launched her popular striped canopies to add texture and warmth to bedrooms. “For a similar look, simply hang a curtain rail behind your bed—above the headboard if you have one—and drape your chosen fabric over it. It creates a stunning visual and is surprisingly simple to do,” she notes. Even basic cotton or linen can make your space feel more tranquil.
If you’re looking for something more luxurious, a four-poster bed might be the answer. Williams designed the Berdoulat Gable Four Poster to feel more relaxed than traditional styles. He balanced the richness of silky walnut with a touch of grandeur and a simple, understated vibe, making it suitable for both spacious and compact rooms.
What should you avoid? Experts unanimously advise against overcomplicating things. “Too many decorative details can make a bed look cluttered and artificial,” says Monkhouse. Williams agrees: “I don’t care for beds that are so dressed up you have to remove a mountain of cushions just to get in.” He suggests using blankets, quilts, and cushions that are functional, not just for display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about making the perfect bed with answers inspired by interior designers
Beginner Foundational Questions
1 Why does a perfectly made bed even matter
A wellmade bed instantly makes your entire bedroom look more polished clean and inviting Its a simple act of selfcare that sets a positive tone for your day and helps you sleep better at night in a tidy organized space
2 Whats the most important first step
Starting with a clean foundation Always begin with a freshly washed fitted sheet A smooth crisp base is nonnegotiable for a bed that looks and feels luxurious
3 Whats the secret to getting hospital corners right
Its all about tucking not stuffing Lift the hanging sheet straight up then tuck the hanging fabric at the foot of the bed neatly under the mattress Finally drop the top part down and tuck in the side flap It creates a clean tailored look
4 How many pillows should I use
Designers often use a layering approach A good rule of thumb is two sleeping pillows two sham pillows and one or two decorative accent pillows in front for style
5 I hate a flat look How can I add dimension
Add a textured throw blanket folded at the foot of the bed You can also mix different pillow sizes and fabrics to create visual interest and a cozy layered feel
Advanced Styling Questions
6 Whats the difference between a duvet a comforter and a quilt
Duvet A soft insert that goes inside a removable cover Its versatile and easy to wash
Comforter A single thick quilted blanket that doesnt need a cover
Quilt A thinner decorative bedspread often made with pieced fabric great for adding pattern or as an extra layer
7 My duvet always slides around inside the cover How do I fix this
Use duvet clips Before stuffing turn the duvet cover inside out and clip the corners to the corresponding corners of your