We like to think of making the bed as a kind of art form. An opportunity for self-expression and creativity to flourish. After all, a bedroom is more than simply a place to sleep. Personal, cozy, and filled with mementos, it’s where we can catch ourselves at day’s end and wake with ease in the morning. Like a slow exhale, an evening stretch—this room is here for us to retreat to, and uncover a bit of rest.
That’s why we’ve always loved bedding. All the hues, textures, patterns, and designs to choose from…just brimming with possibility. When each layer is carefully considered, the result can bring the whole room together while reflecting the details we love most. Essentially, a well-made bed makes it easy to delight in downtime.
We know there are a lot of bedding options to choose from, and it can be daunting at the start. So below, we’ll walk you through the steps of creating your own artful bed stack that’s both beautiful and comfortable.
To note: In the initial styling stages, it’s helpful to consider how you’d like your bedroom to feel. Relaxing and restorative. Energized and uplifting. Defining a handful of descriptive words will help guide your decision-making. They might lead you to go bold with color or keep things more neutral and muted. Make a mood board with inspirational phrases and photos—and let yourself have fun in the process.
01: Start with Sheet Sets
Light and lovely linens to lay a good foundation.
You’ll want to begin with the practical pieces that wrap around your mattress and sleeping pillows—simultaneously protecting and adding beauty to the bed. Most sheet sets come with the following: a fitted sheet, a flat (or top) sheet, and a pair of pillowcases. Suited for any season, our bed linens are crafted from 100% cotton for a breathable, comfortable sleep. Plus, this long-lasting fabric only gets softer with each wash.
Styling note: While sheets may be hidden by other layers, they are key to setting the tone. When choosing a color, we recommend considering hues that will complement other elements in the room, as well as the overall mood you’re going for. Whether a classic, crisp white or a creative pop of color, take time at the start to select a style that feels right for your space.
02: Layer on the Covers
Easy-going layers to mix and match.
Next, you can focus on adding textures that can create an effortless, lived-in look. That means layering on the covers! Depending on the level of warmth and coziness you want, there are a few tried-and-true choices: duvet covers, quilts, and coverlets. Here’s a breakdown of each one…
Duvet covers are crafted to fit a plush duvet insert snuggly inside. They provide a little extra comfort without preventing airflow (especially if the fabric cover is made from a linen cotton blend). Quilts are medium-weight toppers that are thinner than a duvet but still offer plenty of support. Woven with three layers—fabric, batting, fabric—they often have a decorative pattern or stitching that gives them a sense of nostalgia. Lastly, coverlets are an even lighter, and shorter, option without the batting of a traditional quilt. They’re versatile by nature and most commonly used as one of a few layers—either between the sheet and other covers or draped on top. Textured details make coverlets a beautiful design element for the bed.
Styling note: With covers, remember the fold and the foot of the bed. Folding down the duvet and top sheet gives the bed more dimension (while also making it easier to get in at night!). Similarly, by placing an extra quilt or coverlet at the foot of the bed, you’ll add more visual interest to an otherwise simple styling.
03: Place Your Pillows
Cozy pieces worth sinking into.
Now for the really fun part: pillows! Equal parts polished and inviting, these additions can solidify a bedroom’s style and over-arching appeal. Here’s a quick breakdown of the three main types for your bed.
Sleeping pillows, as the name suggests, are where you’ll rest your head. They’re usually covered with a basic pillowcase (from your sheet set bundle). Then you can stack a set of pillows and pillow shams in front. These have a more decorative edge and intricate texture. Lastly—and perhaps the most playful—throw pillows help dress up the bed and provide extra comfort. These come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from lumbar to oversized Euro pillows.
Styling note: Decorative pillows are a great way to experiment with pattern, texture, and color. From block print designs to detailed stitching, see how each piece can seamlessly complement, and accentuate, another. Psst, we recommend working with an odd number, 5 or so, of total pillows on your bed—for a more visually pleasing design.
04: Top It Off with Throws
Textures that tie it all together.
Lastly, for a delightful finishing touch, it’s time to pile on the throw blankets. With pretty detailing and ultra-soft materials, these can be an easy decorative layer for the foot of your bed. Something there to reach for when curling up to read a book or sip morning coffee. Depending on the season, you might prefer warm wool or light stonewashed cotton. Blankets come in a wide array of fabrics and weights, so we like to keep a few extras on hand to swap throughout the year.
Styling note: Try not to overthink the placement of a throw blanket. (Easier said than done, we know.) One of the things we love most about them is their relaxed nature, so when styling, we do our best to let them drape effortlessly—for a cozy, welcoming sight.
More Styling Inspiration
To continue learning how to style your bed like the pros, follow along with designer and stylist Hilary Walker in her Magnolia Workshop: The Fundamentals of Styling BedroomsOpens in new tab. Here, she keeps things simple and explains the basics of styling in a video series (for all our fellow visual learners).
“I feel like I could curl up in this bed and feel so rested and restored—and that’s really what I wanted...for it to feel like a place that we could retreat to.” — Hilary Walker
It’s clear—bedding can make the room. We hope this guide has inspired you to dream up new possibilities for your own space. To learn more about the specific options we currently offer, you can read Breaking Down Our Bedding Collection—or take a look around online and in person at Magnolia Home.
From bed frames to nightstands and dressers, we also have a curated collection of bedroom furniture to help create a sanctuary-like setting. With refined details and traditional styling, these pieces lend themselves to becoming a timeless retreat of your own making.
To restore us from today and ready us for tomorrow—here, a moment to yourself is a moment made new. Sweet dreams!
