Fall is the season that tempts us to spend more time 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 cozy nights and leisurely mornings when you have the time. But how do you create the perfect bed?
“You want your bed to welcome you as soon as you enter the room,” says Patrick Williams, founder of Berdoulat. “I think it’s about finding the right balance between carefully chosen fabrics and colors and a relaxed, effortless look.”
Here, Vogue asks top interior designers for their advice on what works, what doesn’t, and how to make your bed truly special.
How to Style a Bed, According to Interior Designers
Skip the Duvet—Try Layering Instead
Giving up your duvet might sound 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 different colors and patterns. “It feels more collected and less perfect,” she explains, creating a bed that looks both beautiful and comfortably lived-in.
If you’re not ready to part with your duvet, layering is still a great approach. 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 inviting,” she says.
Williams also recommends mixing patterns: “A bed with only one color can feel a bit stark. I love layering different textures and tones. There’s something delightful about discovering, for example, a pink and blue striped sheet under a neutral linen set.”
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 2–3 inches thick for a cloud-like feel.
Pillow Arrangements
While some prefer lots of pillows, others like to keep things minimal. Most experts agree that too many pillows don’t look good. For a double bed, Caillier usually uses four sleeping pillows (two on each side, stacked) with one decorative pillow in front. “I prefer smaller pillows and really don’t like large European ones,” she notes.
For decorative cushions, a long lumbar cushion or two 20x20cm pillows with a small lumbar work well, says Monkhouse. “Try pulling the top blanket over the sleeping pillows and placing the long lumbar in front for a clean, minimal look.”
Quilts and Eiderdowns Are a Must
Quilts and eiderdowns are excellent for adding warmth, texture, and style to your bed.Quilts, bedspreads, and eiderdowns are currently in style. “American designers have always loved English country style and that layered, cozy, slightly nostalgic look, and eiderdowns and quilts fit right in,” says Cinny Aumonier. “The mix of down and detailed stitching gives a plump, sculptural quality that makes the bed stand out.” Cinny’s design features a modern wide stripe, making it bold without being overly ornate, while Toast’s patchwork quilts are also a hit.
“I adore some of the quilts from John Derian and Nickey Kehoe and use a quilted one from Parachute Home regularly,” says Caillier. “I also love vintage pieces—I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting bedding sources. The more mismatched the layers on a bed, the better.”
– Quince: Airy gauze box quilt, $130
– Toast: Color block patchwork quilt, $575
– Parachute: Linen box quilt, $329
– Schoolhouse x Rachel Murray: Windmill quilt, $299
A bedroom in Belgravia designed by Buchanan Studio.
Photo: Christopher Horwood
For a touch of drama, try framing the bed with a fabric canopy or curtains, as seen in the serene room above by Buchanan. “We wanted to soften the symmetry of a perfectly balanced master bedroom and add a sense of calm and sensuality, so we installed curtains on an oversized curved pole. When closed, they create a room within a room, and when open, they still offer a cozy, private nook,” the designers explain. Though the installation wasn’t simple, the result brings a peaceful, snug atmosphere that was well worth the effort.
A fabric canopy is easier to set up but just as impactful. Tori Murphy created her bestselling striped canopies to add texture and warmth to bedrooms. “A simple way to achieve a similar look is to hang a curtain rail behind your bed—above the headboard if you have one—and drape your chosen fabric from it. It looks striking and is surprisingly easy to do,” she says. Even plain cotton or linen can bring a sense of tranquility to your space.
If you’re looking for something more luxurious, a four-poster bed might be the answer. Williams designed the Berdoulat Gable Four Poster to be more relaxed than traditional options, balancing the richness of silky walnut with a grand yet humble feel. “This bed works equally well in a spacious room or a smaller, simpler space,” he notes.
– Urban Outfitters: Adair canopy headboard, $119
– Crate & Barrel: Coveteur canopy bed, $2,299
– West Elm: Pierce & Ward stripe curtain, $258
– Pottery Barn: Elinor Mughal blackout curtain, $259
What not to do? Every expert agrees: “Don’t overcomplicate it. Too many decorative elements can make a bed look fussy and staged,” says Monkhouse. Williams concurs: “I dislike overly dressed beds where you have to remove piles of cushions just to get in.” He recommends using blankets, quilts, and cushions that are functional, not just for show.
And don’t forget the basics:
– Brooklinen: Classic Core sheet set, $199
– Coyuchi: Crinkled sheet set, $168
– Parachute: Linen sheet set, $399
– Boll & Branch: Signature hemmed sheet set, $339 (Nordstrom)
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a helpful and clear list of FAQs about arranging your bed like a pro
Beginner Foundational Questions
Q What does it mean to arrange your bed like a pro
A It means creating a bed that looks polished inviting and luxurious just like in a highend hotel It involves using specific layers and techniques for both style and comfort
Q Whats the most important first step
A Start with a clean fitted sheet thats pulled taut with no wrinkles This is your foundationif its messy everything on top will be too
Q Whats the correct order for putting on bed layers
A The standard pro order is 1 Fitted Sheet 2 Flat Sheet 3 Blanket or Duvet 4 Pillows 5 Decorative Shams or Pillows
Q Why should I use a flat sheet if I have a duvet
A A flat sheet protects your duvet cover from body oils and sweat meaning you can wash the sheet weekly instead of the entire duvet cover It also adds an extra layer of comfort
Technique Styling Questions
Q How do I get that crisp hotel fold at the top of the bed
A Fold the top of your flat sheet and duvet down about 1216 inches over your blanket This creates a clean layered look and showcases your nice sheets
Q Whats the best way to arrange pillows
A Start with your standard sleeping pillows against the headboard Then layer smaller decorative pillows in front of them finishing with a single accent pillow or lumbar pillow in the very front
Q How can I make my bed look fuller and more luxurious
A Use a downalternative duvet insert that is one size larger than your duvet cover This prevents it from looking flat and gives it a plush cloudlike feel
Q Should I tuck in the sides of the sheets and duvet
A For a sleek tailored look yes Tuck the flat sheet and duvet neatly under the mattress on the sides and at the