My top tip for bedding
My go-to bedding advice for my design clients might surprise you; it’s technically the wrong advice but it’s a total game changer and takes the bed from looking average to totally luxe. It’s something the pros do time and time again, but never talk about.
What is it?
It’s inaccurate sizing. Yes, that’s right. I recommend the wrong size! My best advice for bedding is to go up a size when you can. So if you are using a queen mattress, purchase a duvet or quilt in king size. If you are in a king, go up to a California King. And if you are in a California King, consider having a custom coverlet made with fabric you purchase by the yard. You can even have your local tailor join two twin solid (no pattern) coverlets together.
Why do this? It allows you to have the coverlet fully drape over all of the mattress. With mattresses being thicker than ever these days do to pillow-tops and extra toppers, purchasing bedding true to size almost always results in a duvet that doesn’t quite fit. Having the extra footage will save your sanity. Trust me!
So if you are a lazy bed maker, and don’t feel like fussing and tucking each morning, the added length will make your bed look great, even simply draped over the frame.
If you are using the underneath of your bed for storage, consider matching the skirt to your duvet so everything blends together nicely for a clean look.
If you have a wood or upholstered bed frame, it will be so much easier to tuck in the edges of your cover when you have a bit extra to work with. Especially after it has been through the dryer!
For pillows, I recommend purchasing inserts that are one size bigger. This will make the pillows feel nice and full. Always go with a down or down alternative insert so you can get that nice karate chop down the center and ensure the corners are filled out (polyester doesn’t really fill out the corners like feathers do)
The other benefit of having the extra length on the cover is that you can create an inviting turn-down or even fold it over the pillows you use for actual sleeping. This will make extra shams unnecessary (and then you can enjoy a few more minutes of sleep with all that time you are saving from all that stuffing!).
If you are using decorative throw pillows, you can place them over the folded portion and no one will ever know. It’s a sham! Get it?
