English A guide to styling your bed
A perfectly made bed can dramatically impact the look of your bedroom and create an inviting environment for the best night’s sleep. We look at the art of bed styling, from protecting your mattress to adding dress cushions.
Start with the foundation
The first step to styling your bed starts with the foundation. Whether you have a mattress or a full bed set, we recommend using a mattress protector made from natural materials. It’ll further elevate the quality of your sleep, whilst protecting your mattress. It’s easier to clean than a mattress or topper and will help keep your Savoir bed lasting longer. We advise washing your mattress protector every 2-3 weeks and keeping a spare in the linen cupboard so you always have a fresh replacement on hand.
Choose your linens
Your choice of bed linens depends on how you like your sheets to feel. The finest hotels opt for percale sheets in a minimum of a 300-thread-count, because of their crisp, cool feel and breathability. Hotels also tend to favour Egyptian cotton over other kinds of cotton because its premium quality fibres make sheets long-lasting. Bed linen gets washed frequently in hotels, so this is an important marker. If you prefer a smoother, silkier feel to your sheets, sateen bed linens may be a better option. They are also easier to iron, so no wonder it’s the fabric of choice for yacht owners.
When it comes to sheet size, choose the one that matches your bed size for fitted sheets, duvet covers and top sheets. For pillows and pillowcases, King size is best for Super King beds (King in the US) and larger. Standard pillows and pillowcases are best for 150cm wide (60″) or smaller beds.
How to style a bed: high-quality bed linens elevate the look and feel of your bedroom
Double up your sheets
After your mattress protector, add a fitted or flat sheet. If you have a topper, you will need a deep fitted sheet to ensure it covers both your mattress and topper. The best hotels use flat sheets and usually double them up, with a larger one underneath. Two sheets will give your bed a smoother look. If you decide to go for flat sheets, whoever makes the bed will need to create neat ‘hospital’ corners. You can also use a flat sheet with a fitted sheet on top if you prefer.
Duvet comfort
Siberian down offers the most sublime comfort and warmth when it comes to pillows and duvets. However, choose a silk, hemp, linen, or cashmere duvet if you want to create a more streamlined look with less volume. Their fibres sit together, giving the duvet a flatter appearance. Before adding your chosen duvet cover, flip the duvet and shake it out to ensure the filling is evenly distributed.
Choose a large size if you like extra overhang or sleep with a partner who likes to steal the duvet. Otherwise, select the size that matches your bed.
Pillow protectors
Add pillow protectors before your pillowcases. They don’t change the look, but they do provide an extra layer of protection to the pillow. Pillows can become dirty quite quickly as they come into contact with oils, skin creams, hair products and skin cells, so it’s best to keep them as clean as possible. Savoir pillow protectors are made from tightly woven cotton to protect against dust mites and incorporate a concealed zip. Plain pillowcases also work as an alternative, but the double openings from using two pillowcases tend to create an unsightly ridge.
How to style a bed: pairing Oxford-style pillowcases with Cambridge creates a chic yet understated look
Mix and match styling
When it comes to bed styling, the size of your pillow in relation to your bed is important here. Opt for King size pillows if you have a Super King bed (US King) or larger, and standard-size pillows if you have a King size bed (US Queen) or smaller. As for style, it’s down to personal preference or the look you prefer, but generally, Cambridge pillowcases and duvet covers give a more contemporary aesthetic, whereas Oxford conveys classic luxury. Try mixing two Oxfords with two Cambridge pillowcases if a relaxed look is appealing.
Dressing your bed
The final stage of bed styling involves adding cushions and throws. These can inject colour into your bedroom scheme and significantly elevate the overall look. We tend to mix contrasting textures and colours for a refined, yet understated aesthetic. If you’re not sure where to start, begin by looking at different textures and delicate patterns in a similar colour to your bed. Velvet, horsehair and silk are all great textural fabrics. Created in varying tones of the same colour, they’ll complement the design of your bed without clashing.
We tend to mix contrasting textures and colours for a refined, yet understated aesthetic.
If your taste is more on the daring side, experiment with bold patterns and prints that contrast the colour of your bed. You can match those colours to other elements in your bedroom, like your curtains or wallpaper. This will create an exciting and eye-catching look.
Our Chrissy bed in cream leather has been dressed with our Trellis bed linens, accentuated with an Oxford finish. The bed was then brought to life with distinctively printed cushions from Liberty. The intricate prints add an exotic touch and complement the delicate texture of the leather upholstery. Our Lenoir bed, on the right, has also been dressed in our trademark Trellis bed linens, however, we opted for the Cambridge-style finish here. Its modern look beautifully contrasts the classic and extravagant style of the headboard. Adorned with an array of colourful pillows, made from the same fabric as the bed, which create a noteworthy, textural finish.
Our Chrissy and Lenoir designs
To browse our bed linen and bedding range, you can visit us online or contact your nearest showroom. For further advice on how to style a bed, read our bed linen buying guide.
