One of my most asked questions as an interior decorator is how do I style a bed? It’s something that I think many people overthink and so avoid trying. Really, there is no right or wrong when it comes bed making. My motto when decorating your home in general, if you love it, it’s right! It is your home after all! Dress and layer up your bed as much as you like, or pair it back and keep it simple if you don’t have the time or energy put in the time to fully style it each day. For those who really are lost when it comes to what to use to dress your bed, thanks to Manchester Collection today I’ll be sharing my bed making 101 tips and tricks to consider to help it be more of a fun task rather than a chore.

Using the right products. Before we even start on the “pretties”, it’s important to spend a moment, and some dollars, on pieces like your mattress, quilt, pillows etc. We spend a third of our life in our beds so quality pieces are worth the investment! Quality bedding instantly adds softness and height to a bed, so if you can, buy the best you can afford. My go to for an always fluffy looking bed is a high loft quilt insert. Another tip for an extra cosy look, is to double your quilts (or layer a coverlet over your quilt). Especially cosy during the cooler months!

Upsizing to create an instant Luxe look. Often when using the correct sized bedding on a bed, the sides are still exposed. Upsizing to the next size up bedding (king bedding on a queen sized bed etc) covers the sides and gives the bed a lush, hotel style look. For people with king sized beds, it can often be hard to find on-trend and quality super king bedding to upsize to to achieve this look. But check out Manchester Collection who have some great super king options available.

Choosing the right quilt cover. The quilt set is the star of the show on a bed. And because it takes up the majority of the area, we want to select it first and then choose the other/smaller bedding pieces to accompany and compliment it. If choosing a quilt cover is an overwhelming task, consider the following:

• Start with a solid coloured quilt cover which is easier to style up and can usually be paired with numerous colour schemes and patterns.
• If you aren’t ready to commit to pattern just yet, consider a textured of quilted cover to add depth and interest.
• Go with a colour you love. Not just what is on trend or what you are seeing in catalogue and magazines.
• Take inspiration from other tones, textures and patterns in your room and repeat them in your quilt cover for cohesive look.
• If you like to change up your bedroom look often but don’t want to purchase lots of quilt covers, stick with a neutral set (white, black, grey, beige etc) so you can simply change up your cushions and/or throws to create a whole new bedding look.

Sheet selecting. When it comes to sheets, many of us usually choose white which is a smart and safe idea because as we all know, white goes with everything! But also because it provides a place where your eye can rest once you start layering on color, prints, and patterns, helping to break up other bedding elements used. A white or a solid coloured sheet works well if you are using a patterned quilt cover. Pattern on pattern can be a lot on a bed, especially for a space like a bedroom which calls from calm. But don’t let that discourage you from using pattern all together! Pair a patterned quilt cover with plain sheets that compliments the pattern, folding the top sheet back over the top of the quilt to break up the pattern. Or switch and add a bold patterned sheet to a plain quilt cover to jazz it up and add some interest in a more subtle way. Check out the range of Manchester Collection sheet sets here.

Stay tuned next week for part two of my bed making blog where I discuss how to select your layering pieces to accompany your quilt cover and finish your bed.

Manchester Collection bedding featured:

Oslo slate quilt cover. Available in queen/King/Super king.

Ivy white quilt cover set. Available in queen/King/Super king.