You've probably heard a million times about the task of making the bed from your mother, but making the bed every morning is a must. The bedroom will look neater and more organized, and being on a neat bed sheet will look much more attractive at bedtime. Making a bed may sound like a simple task, but making a neat and proper bed actually takes a bit of skill. So, start with Step 1 below to find out how to make the perfect bed.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Making the Bed
Step 1. Clean the bed
The first thing to do is to clean the bed, be it after getting up in the morning or after washing the sheets.
- Remove the duvet (warming blanket containing bird feather, wool, silk, or synthetic material)/blanket, outer sheets and pillows and set them aside (preferably not on the floor).
- You can leave the inner sheets (sheets that have elastic corners) on the bed.
Step 2. Install the inner sheets
If the inner sheets are not already on the bed, you will need to install them. Do this by inserting the elastic ends of the sheets in the corners of the mattress.
- Make sure the sheets are tucked into the corners of the mattress – you'll need to lift the mattress slightly to do this.
- Make sure the inner sheets fit neatly on top of the mattress, without any creases or wrinkles.
Step 3. Attach the outer sheets
Next, take the outer sheets and lay them on top of the inner sheets. Remember, the side of the sheet with the large hem should be above the bed and the hem should be level with the head of the mattress.
- If the sheet is patterned, the patterned side should be facing downwards (so you can see the pattern when the top of the sheet is turned over).
- Make sure that the outer sheets fit neatly on top of the mattress, with the same long sides attached to either side of the bed.
Step 4. Create a hospital corner
The term “hospital corner” refers to the specific way of folding the ends of the outer sheets tightly under the mattress. This is the most difficult step in making your bed, but it will also make your bed look very tidy.
- To create a hospital corner, insert the outer end of the sheet between the mattress and the box spring at the foot of the bed. Don't just put it in, make sure it's installed neatly and there are no wrinkles.
- On one side, pick up some of the outer sheets about 40.6cm long from the foot of the bed. Lift and fold this section of the sheet over the mattress, so that it forms a 45-degree angle from the corner of the mattress.
- While holding this folded piece of sheets in place on the mattress, tuck the other sheet under the mattress on the side of the bed. Do this step as neatly as possible to get maximum results.
- Now, let the folded part of the sheet that sits on top of the mattress dangle down. If you prefer loose-fitting sheets like this, you can stop at this step. However, if you prefer to tuck the sheets tight, you can insert the section of the sheet that hangs neatly between the mattress and the box spring, parallel to the side of the bed.
- Repeat this step on the other side of the bed. For detailed step-by-step instructions and drawings on how to make a hospital corner, see this article.
Step 5. Place a duvet or comforter (a blanket that is thinner than the duvet) over the sheets
When the outer sheet is in place, you can lay a blanket, duvet or comforter on top.
- Make sure the duvet fits neatly over the bed, with the same length of sides dangling down each side of the bed.
- The top edge of the duvet/comforter/blanket is about 15.2 cm from the edge of the outer sheet which is located at the head of the bed.
Step 6. Fold the outer sheet and duvet down
Take the edge of the outer sheet located at the head of the bed and fold it neatly down over the edge of the duvet, blanket, or comforter. Notice if you can now see the pattern on the inside of the sheets?
- If you're using a light duvet or comforter, you can fold the duvet and sheets together, so that the seams of the sheets are no longer visible. Duvets are usually a little too thick to fold.
- If you like, you can tuck the edges of the blankets and folded sheets under the mattress to make the bed look very neat and firm. This is how to make a bed that is done in the military world.
Step 7. Firm the pillows
Take a pillow and compact it before placing it on the bed. To tamp it down, hold the pillow and squeeze the sides of the pillow together before removing it-it's like playing the accordion!
- Flatten the pillowcases and then place each pillow on your back at the head of the bed, to fill the space between the folds of the sheets on the duvet and the headboard.
- If you have more than two pillows (on a queen bed, which measures 160 cm x 200 cm), stack the two extra pillows on top of the other two.
Step 8. Add the finishing touches
Now your bed is almost done!
- To finish, provide a sitting pillow or decorative pillow and place it in a standing position at the head of the bed, leaning against the sleeping pillow as a support.
- If there's an extra blanket, patchwork or knitted blanket that you put on the bed for aesthetic purposes (or just in case it's cold!), then fold it neatly in half and spread it over only half of the bed.
Part 2 of 2: Keeping Good Habits
Step 1. Make your bed every morning
Making your bed every morning is a simple but rewarding habit.
- Just by taking two minutes to make your bed every morning, your bed will look tidier and feel more comfortable. And imagine how good it would be to be on clean sheets on a tidy bed every night!
- It may be hard to believe, but making your bed every day can really add to your happiness!
Step 2. Wash the sheets every 1 to 2 weeks
People are often unsure how often to wash their sheets. The answer? Every 1-2 weeks.
- While it's best to wash every 1-2 weeks, sheets can be used for up to a month continuously. However, if you smell an unpleasant odor in your bedroom, you know why.
- Duvets, comforters, blankets, or anything that doesn't come in direct contact with the body can be washed about once every three months.
Step 3. Learn the easiest way to attach a duvet cover
Anyone who uses a duvet knows that putting on a duvet cover can be very difficult. However, there is one trick you can use to simplify this process:
- Turn the inside of the duvet holster outward, then reach your arm inside the holster to grasp one end with one hand (like a sock puppet). Now, through the duvet cover, firmly grasp the top ends of the duvet – each end is held in one hand.
- Holding the edges tight, shake the duvet until the duvet cover flips over on its own. Then insert the bottom end of the duvet in and close or button the holster.
- Also, the best advice is to be patient and ask for help from a family member or friend!
Step 4. Use mattress pads
If you don't have one, we recommend buying mattress pads. Make sure the pillow is the correct size for the bed.
The mattress pad is placed on top of the mattress, but under the deep sheets. Mattress pads protect the mattress from getting dirty, while also adding an extra layer of comfort to the bed
Tips
- Make sure you clean your sheets to keep them clean, odor-free, and comfortable.
- If you have a queen bed, arranging pillows in the corners of the bed will make the room look bigger.
- Make sure that each side of the sheet fits evenly.
- Make your bed every day, or take off your sheets to get some fresh air, no matter what your "feeling" is when you wake up in the morning. This is a great way to get your morning in order and help you wake up faster.
- Make sure your sheets are firmly attached to the corners of the bed.
- Lastly, you can put a pillow at the top of the bed!
- Wash sheets, blankets, and pillowcases every Sunday. This will make the bed fresher, cleaner, and healthier to sleep on.
- For extra comfort, use a mattress protector made of memory foam (foam made of viscoelastic polyurethane).
- Wash sheets, blankets, and pillowcases every Sunday. This will help make your bed fresher, cleaner and healthier for sleeping.
- Layer the pillows for a nice touch.
- Give your bed the style you love. Whatever other people think doesn't matter, what matters is only what you think.
