How to Make a Bed in 6 Steps and Its Benefits

We’ve all had days where we skip out on making a clean, crisp bed. Whether you just forgot or you were rushing out of the house. It’s also possible you’re just someone who doesn’t like to make their bed. You might think making a bed is just another mindless task on your to-do list, but it can have a significant impact on your overall sleep hygiene.

Keeping a clean and tidy space motivates some sleepers to take on other responsibilities throughout the day. Adding bedroom organization to your list of priorities may be exactly what you need to improve your sleep and maybe even your mood.

Here, we’ll teach you how to make a bed like a pro. Later on, we’ll take a look at some of the potential benefits you may experience by establishing a new daily routine.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Neck Pain

Steps of Making a Bed

We’ve broken down the steps of making a bed into six easy parts. Some of these steps are optional, so you can simplify your bed-making routine as needed.

Make Bed Skirt the Perfect Length

Bed skirts are not a requirement for your bedding and bed frame. However, some people buy them to give their bed a sleek and decorative appearance, adding to their overall bedroom aesthetic. They may also be used to hide the frame’s legs, bed risers, or any under-bed boxes and clutter.

For example, using a bed skirt with an adjustable bed can give it more of a classical look, better hiding the base’s metal frame and mechanical parts.

Sleepers who own a bed skirt will want to make it the perfect length before adding:

• A mattress topper
• A mattress protector
• Sheets
• Blankets
• A comforter or duvet
• Their best pillows

Before placing your bed skirt on the mattress foundation, make sure it’s clean and wrinkle-free. Then, you’ll need to remove your mattress from your bed and follow these steps:

1. Lay your bed skirt over your box spring or foundation.
2. Next, line up the skirtless side with your headboard.
3. Carefully align the bed skirt with your bed frame, and make sure the fabric drapes heavenly on the sides of your bed.
4. Lastly, place your mattress over the bed skirt.

If you already have a decorative frame, such as an upholstered bed frame, you may feel less of a need for a bed skirt.

Add the Mattress Toppers or Mattress Pads

The optional next step is adding mattress toppers and pads onto your bed. They’re not necessary, but they can significantly improve a bed’s comfort. You can use a mattress pad for extra cushioning to make your bed feel cozier. They usually add a bit of height and thickness to your mattress, so be sure you have sheets large enough to fit over them.

To properly place your mattress topper on your bed, roll it out on top of your bed and make sure it is aligned with the edges of your mattress. You’ll also want to place a mattress protector over your bed, too, if you have one.

Mattress protectors help shield against dust mites, pests, and everyday wear and tear. They also come in handy if you spill liquids on your mattress by keeping moisture from seeping into the materials. Once you have placed these items on your bed, you’ll be ready to add your sheets.

If you have a heated mattress pad, you’ll want to set it up so it’s within easy reach of an electric outlet.

Put on the Fitted Sheet

It’s essential to purchase the correct size sheets. Sheets that are too big for your mattress size will more than likely slide off of your bed.

Sheets that are too small also tend to pop off, which can be pretty annoying, especially when you’re sleeping. They may even pop off while you’re putting the sheets on, which defeats the purpose of having a bed that looks nice.

To put on your fitted sheet, follow these steps:

1. Lay your fitted sheet flat on top of your mattress.
2. Pull one corner of the fitted sheet over the side of your mattress. It’s best to start with the corner that’s hardest to reach.
3. Check to make sure that your fitted sheet lines up with the top of the mattress.
4. Repeat this process on all four corners.

If you’re using sheets with an adjustable bed, you may want to look into elastic fasteners and such to help the sheets stay on as the bed moves. Otherwise, the sheets may slide off the mattress as it’s raised.

Alternatively, deep pocket sheets are less likely to slip off of a mattress for an adjustable bed.

All of this may sound like a lot of work, but tempting as it may be to fantasize forgoing them, we never recommend sleeping without sheets.

SEE ALSO: Best Adjustable Beds

Put on a Flat Sheet

Now you’ll want to layer your flat sheet on top of the fitted sheets. Most times, your flat sheet will come with your fitted sheet, so they should be the same color. You’ll also have the option to mix and match these sheets to your liking.

If you want to make your bed like a pro, you can fold the sides hospital style. Here’s how to do hospital corners like a pro:

1. Position a flat sheet over your mattress and make sure there is enough fabric to fold under your bed.
2. Lay your flat sheet on top of your fitted sheet with the seams facing down. Grab a piece of the top sheet at the foot of the bed and lift it at a 45 -degree angle.
3. Next, lay this piece on top of your mattress. The sheets at the foot of your bed should look similar to a triangular shape. Hold this piece, then take the extra fabric and tuck it underneath the mattress.
4. Let the triangle-shaped section down and fold any edges that hang underneath your bed.

Add Pillows

Adding pillows to your bed is pretty simple. Place your pillows into pillowcases or bed shams and lay them at the head of your bed in the space between your comforter and headboard. Then, fluff them and arrange them as needed.

Fluff your pillows by just squeezing them with your hands. You can wait until you have finished making the bed to add your throw pillows.

The most comfortable pillows should be extra comfy to keep you feeling relaxed while asleep. We recommend purchasing high-quality pillows because they are long-lasting and provide excellent support for your neck. It is common for quality pillows to cost at least $15-$25.

For a fresh feel, we suggest washing your pillowcases with your sheets every week. You can wash pillows too if they have a shredded feel like foam or down alternative. We suggest doing so every few months to keep them feeling fresh.

Place the Comforter or Duvet Cover on Your Bed

To finish making your bed, you’ll need to add your duvet or comforter. If you have a duvet, be sure to place it into a duvet cover before putting it on your mattress. Duvet covers come in various styles in designs, so using one can add a pop of color to your bedroom.

Once you’ve evened out all of your bedding, feel accessible to any finishing touches that make your bedroom feel unique to you. Make sure your bedding is even on all sides. This includes throwing pillows and blankets.

Alternatively, you may use an electric blanket on top of a thinner blanket as a final covering. For safety reasons, do not pair an electric blanket with a heated mattress pad. Use one or the other, not both.

Benefits of Making a Bed

It’s worth mentioning that you won’t have to follow all of these steps to make your bed every morning.

Some people will make their bed daily, with no issue. It may be a challenge for others, but there are a couple of benefits to making your bed. Most times, you’ll need to layer your flat sheet comforters and preposition your pillows.

Reduces Stress Levels

Your sleeping environment plays an essential role in your sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene includes anything distracting a sleeper, including noise, light, stress, and mess.

Sometimes a messy or unkempt space can have detrimental effects on a person’s sleep. It’s not uncommon for people to associate messes with stress or chaos. And it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to relax after a long day.

Keeping a tidy sleeping space with a neat bed may keep your space from feeling cluttered. Coming home to a bed that’s neatly made may keep you feeling calm once it’s time for bed. Ultimately, this can positively impact your sleep hygiene, resulting in more restorative rest.

Leads to Productivity

Many people believe making yourself better is about setting intentions to do other tasks that may come up during the day. If you can accomplish a task at the start of the day, it may make you feel more inclined to take on new things.

This feeling of accomplishment can also carry over to other tasks and keep you motivated. It could also improve your focus and enhance your organizational skills.

Adds to Bedroom Aesthetic

Keeping your bedroom tidy creates a pleasing bedroom aesthetic. If you’re big on keeping a space pleasing to your eye, making your bed every day is a good idea.

When your room looks good, you may feel better and take pride in your bedroom. Overall, this will create a better sleeping environment for you.

Remember, to keep your bed looking good, you’ll want to clean your mattress regularly, along with your assorted bedding. See our assorted laundry guides below:

• The Meaning Behind All Laundry Care Symbols
• How to Make Sheets White in 4 Steps
• How to Wash a Comforter
• How to Wash a Memory Foam Pillow
• How to Safely Wash an Electric Blanket

Tips for Making Your Bed Everyday

Making any lifestyle change can be a bit of a challenge when you’re first starting. It’ll take making small changes each day to create a new routine for yourself.

You might even want to utilize reminders to hold yourself accountable. Here are a few tips to help you stay motivated:

1. Link making your bed to activities you already do every day. Add making your bed to your morning routine. Just like you brush your teeth or take a shower each morning, add making your bed to your daily routine.
2. Try not to put it off. As we mentioned above, you won’t have to follow every step for making a bed daily. Most time, making a bed will take more than 5 minutes.
3. Set a reminder on your phone. Try setting a time each day and tell yourself that it’s just a simple task. This way, you can get it out of the way and move on to more critical tasks. Setting a reminder can also be a good idea if you forget.
4. Keep yourself accountable. Set the intention to make your bed every day and hold yourself responsible as if it was any other task. Again, you should just remind yourself this can be as simple as pulling up the covers.

Saving on New Mattress Accessories

If you need a new sheet set, pillows, blankets, toppers, or other elements that make up the perfect bed, you can save greatly on replacements by shopping the year’s big mattress sales:

• Best MLK Day Mattress Sales
• Best Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Best Sleep Awareness Week Mattress Sales
• Best Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• Best 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Best Columbus Day Mattress Sales
• Best Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Best Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Best Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

FAQs

How often should I wash my sheets?

Washing your sheets regularly will keep your bed feeling clean and keep smells or odors from developing. It’s best to wash your sheets every two weeks. Some people may prefer to wash their sheets once a week, but ultimately, the choice is yours.

How often should I wash my duvet and cover?

If you have a duvet insert, you will not need to wash it more than once or twice a year, but you will need to clean the cover regularly. We recommend washing your cover at least every two weeks. It’s usually a good idea to wash your comforter and sheets on the same day to make it easier for you to remember.

What kind type of pillows should I place on my bed?

Bed pillows are essential to making your bed feel extra comfy. It’s better to invest in a fluffy, supportive pillow that will last for years to come. This may mean shelling out $15 to $25 for quality pillows, but durable pillows do not wear out as quickly.

When looking for the perfect pillow, you should consider the fill type. Common pillow fills include memory foam, down, synthetic down, polyester fill, latex, cotton, and wool. Once you’ve picked the best pillow for your sleep needs, do some research on the quality of the materials to ensure you’re buying the best option.

Do I have to make my bed every day?

It’s completely fine not to make your bed every day. Some people believe that a ‘messy’ space can spark their creativity.

If sleeping in an unmade bed does not affect your sleep in any way, you might not need to change your routine. A messier room could be the thing that gets your creative juices flowing. However, for others, it can do the opposite.

Making your bed every day might keep you feeling motivated to conquer your daily tasks and duties. This could lead you to feel more productive each day and make better lifestyle choices, but the decision is yours to make.

Is it okay to sleep in an unmade bed?

Sleeping in an unmade bed is fine, but making your bed can make it easier to wind down and relax. Sometimes when your bedroom is messy, it can make you associate your bedroom with stress or chaos. Though this is not true for everyone, it’s worth trying to make your bed daily.

Conclusion

Though it is not a requirement to make your bed every day to enjoy the best mattress and bedding, we highly recommend attempting it. Making changes in your routine will take some time, but it can be very rewarding. Making your bed will only take a few minutes, and it can give you that extra boost to accomplish other tasks during the day.

Suppose you’re having trouble finding the motivation to make your bed. Try writing a note or a reminder for yourself. Then, once you have tackled this task, reward yourself! This way, you can feel driven to practice your routine every day.

Plus, you’ll be able to come home to a comfy bed after a long day, which could enhance your overall sleep. Even the most comfortable mattress can feel improved after you’ve made the bed.