Our Top Tips for Styling Your Bed Like the Pros

This article originally appeared on Schoolhouse, a Portland-based company in the Food52 family of brands.

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A well-made bed is more than just a place to sleep, it's a sanctuary of comfort and relaxation, a place most of us look forward to crawling into at the end of a long day. That said, we know that bed styling isn't always as easy as it looks. If you've ever wondered how our stylists manage to create such inviting, perfectly-coordinated beds, you're in luck. Below, we'll walk you through the steps of making a visually stunning and ultra-inviting bed that looks like it was styled by the pros.

1. Start With Sheets

Never underestimate the power of a good set of sheets. First things first, it's important to choose high-quality, breathable fabrics like 100% cotton, percale, or linen. These materials not only feel luxurious against your skin, but can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. When it comes to what color or pattern is right for your space, we recommend choosing hues that complement your overall bedroom aesthetic. Crisp whites provide a classic, hotel-like appearance, while patterns are a great way to add a touch of personality.

2. Choose a Duvet

We think of a duvet as the centerpiece of your bed, providing warmth, comfort, and color. When selecting a duvet it's a good idea to choose something neutral that will easily complement a variety of colors and patterns. We especially love a simple linen duvet cover in a solid color so that you can easily layer on patterned quilts, coverlets, or throws without clashing.

3. Layer Up

Add a layer of comfort and style to your bed with quilts, coverlets, and throws. Delicate enough to be used in tandem with other bedding, and perfect for adding texture, these lightweight layers are ideal if you want to create a photo-ready, polished look.

4. Add a Finishing Touch

Lastly, throw pillows are the finishing touch that will tie the whole look together. It's not only a great way to introduce complementary or contrasting colors and patterns to your bed, but perfect for introducing different textures like velvet or silk for added visual interest.