Southampton - The caveman slept on fallen leaves, with an animal skin for warmth, a rock for a pillow, and probably a colony or two of local insects. Time marches on. Modern man (that would be us) can choose from inner spring mattresses, box springs, futons, foam rubber, waterbeds, air-beds, the adjustable bed and now, we have mattresses with "memory foam." Thou shall not want for choice of sleeping surface, but how should the surface be dressed?

Dressing up your bed can be simple. (homedecoratingco.com)

Just Another Fashion Opportunity
Along with the evolution of a sleeping surface has naturally come the development of better standards in bedding, along with the inevitable fashion statements.

The bed is the focal point of any bedroom and as such, seeks to maximize its impact as well as coordinate style and color to create an entire room composition.

It Looks Like A Decorator Did This
You have undoubtedly mastered the basics of sheets, pillowcases, sleeping pillows and some sort of cover for warmth. If you really want to streamline your bedclothes, use only pillows, a bottom sheet and a covered duvet. Making a bed doesn't get easier than that, although for some, the down comforter is too warm for sleeping comfort.

If however, you long for the "lux" of a really well made bed, dressing up your bed can be as simple as following a recipe. Assemble your ingredients, and place them accordingly.

 • Dust skirt or for bed frames that expose the box spring, a box spring mattress cover.
 • Mattress pad or a feather bed and cover
 • Fitted and flat sheets

Try combos or singles: blanket, quilt or coverlet. (marthasmithfinelinens.com)

Your choices:
 • A duvet and cover. A light weight blanket on top of the sheet but under the duvet is optional but a possible choice for those who like to sleep light in the warmer months.
 • Combo or singles: blanket, quilt or coverlet.
 • Two "European" 26" square pillow with shams (use three for a king size bed).
 • Two standard or king-size pillows (again, three standard pillows are a good idea for a king size bed).
 • Two neck rolls or one boudoir pillow.

There are no surprises regarding the basics of putting on the bottom sheet, dust skirt/box spring mattress cover to the bed with the top sheet over all, but there has been confusion for some with tucking, folding and/or what to leave hanging.

Fold the top sheet back by several inches and over the blanket/quilt/coverlet if you are using one or two of these.

Tuck the sheet and blanket (if you are using one) in tight, but let the quilt or coverlet hang straight. Make sure it's even and of equal length on both sides.

To add a duvet, fold it back to show the blanket or sheet.

Use no other pillows, or same pillow composition. (yenra.com)

Pillow Talk
There are variations on a theme here, but when in doubt, keep it simple.

Use two European pillows upright against the headboard or wall and stand two regular pillows upright in front of them. Add the two neck rolls or one lumbar pillow.

Use four regular pillows, two in two stacks, laying flat across the head of the bed. Use no other pillows, or same pillow composition but all four standing upright against wall or headboard.

That's A Lot Of Real Estate To Move Every Night
While a mix of interesting pillows on the bed is a wonderful final flourish, don't be so enthusiastic about your bed design that it takes you half an hour to take all the decorative pillows off. Even a king size bed only needs three or four.

If you aren't using a duvet, a throw across the bed can do wonders by adding texture and color to further develop your design scheme. It should be the full width of the bed and drape down at least a little bit on each side to avoid that overly casual "shmatte" look. The obvious advantage of convenient warmth when you want to cozy up with a book or watch TV is also a plus.

Use tones of the established color scheme. (artstyleonline.com)

Bedtime Story
It's fairly obvious that you will want to use the bedclothes as opportunities to reiterate the color scheme you have chosen for the rest of the room, but beware of making choices that are a little too interesting all together. While you can mix florals with stripes or checks for example, use tones of the established color scheme and play up the accent colors. A really loud color scheme will fail to convince that your bedroom is also your serene oasis for rest.
If you pull in a range of tones from light to dark and use all manner of fabric types ranging from burlap to silk and velvet, you will achieve a satisfying result.

It's good to remember that while you can have anything, you can't have everything - at least not all at once. Why don't you create a second set of bedclothes for a different season that speaks to a different mood and theme?

Rest Easy
A beautiful and comfortable bedroom that's just your style is the best possible place to wake in. If you start each day feeling everything is right in your world, the rest (of your life) will look easier. Carpe Diem!