Breaking down all the components for layering a big cozy bed, from sheets to quilts and all the fluff in between. Let’s create a charming bed together!
It’s fun to style the kids’ bouncy house! Err, I mean, big wrinkly bed. Think about it, the more blankets and pillows, the softer the landing, right? Anyway, I wanted to share a glimpse into my specific bed-styling. I love textures and ruffles, and pops of vintage linens. Below you will find a break down of all the layers of my farm-cottage bed as well as my personal shopping favorites. So “jump” down below and start making that bed!
What are the layers of a farm-cottage bed?
Sheets:
Sheets are the first component and arguably the most important. I prefer white linens, simply because they can be bleached. I love a scalloped or lace-edge detail, but generally basic white sheets are no-fail. For patterned versions, my go-to is floral, gingham-check, or ticking stripe. For material and thread-count, I normally stick with 400 thread count, cotton percale or sateen. (p.s. I NEVER iron sheets. Ain’t nobody got time for that…wrinkles are technically texture. haha)
Some of my fav sheets:
Base quilt:
The base quilt is one area I would splurge. I keep this piece on our bed all year round. It is the work-horse of the bedding line-up. Be sure to choose a neutral color and pattern so you can use it forever and style it with any decor or array of colors. (I’ve had our current quilt for almost 10 years! So think longevity.)
This component is all about texture. Look at various stitching patterns; a diamond stitch is my personal favorite. White, natural, light gray or ivory are perfect color choices.
Base Quilt Favorites:
Duvet Insert:
A duvet insert is the ultimate cozy accessory. I prefer down-filled because it stays cool, while providing weight. A basic comforter or down-alternative version makes great less-expensive alternatives! No one sees the duvet insert. It’s all about the cover.
Most home decor stores and catalogs will double the duvet insert inside the duvet cover to make it look extra plush and cozy. So don’t be fooled when your bed doesn’t look as fluffy as theirs. Literally no one could sleep in their bed without an air-conditioned mattress. Insert sweating emoji here.
You may want to try out a few options to determine which weight is best for you. They come in various fill amounts for different climates.
Two great Duvet Insert options:
Duvet cover:
Think of the duvet cover as a giant washable pillowcase for your comforter/duvet insert. This component is going to start adding color and personality. I have used both solid and patterned duvet cover options in the past. If you chose patterned sheets, I would select a solid duvet (exceptions can be made here, but as a general rule*). If you have solid sheets, your options are endless. Your duvet cover choice will also reflect later steps!
Duvet covers are another great seasonal piece. You could do a spring and summer version/ a fall and winter version very easily.
Look at details such as how the duvet insert attaches, (some tie in, others do not). Look at seam details and material quality. Some duvets will button across the bottom to enclose the insert; others will zip. Some duvets are double-sided; others are not. So think about how the duvet design may effect the overall look and feel of your bed.
Some of my Favorite Duvet Covers:
Vintage element:
To add a touch of charm, I love styling a vintage quilt at the foot of our bed. I do change this piece up seasonally. Most of my vintage/seasonal quilts are a double-size, folded across the bottom of our king bed (so you can easily size down here). A king bed doesn’t require a king size quilt. Think of the quilt as more of a large decorative throw blanket.
If you opted to use a patterned duvet cover, select a quilt that varies in pattern scale, uses similar or complementary colors. OR simply use a solid blanket or throw. Just add something folded at the foot of your bed, (in case a mid-day nap is in order!).
Thrift this piece, or ask your grandmother for something. Using a sentimental quilt here is my favorite element to add charm in a bedroom. This wedding ring quilt belonged to my husband’s “Mee-maw.”
Pillows: Euros and Shams
I like to match my Euro shams to my base quilt and my shams to my duvet cover. Is that being too specific? But any combination is correct. Just duplicate details of your bedding within your pillows. Use a similar color or texture or pattern. Make them flow, even if they aren’t a 100% match.
Decorative Pillow:
I add one decorative pillow to finish the space. Don’t use so many pillows they mound like a mountain in the corner of your bedroom every night. Instead, just use one standard pillow with a vintage pillowcase. Or use your favorite throw pillow. Just one. Just your favorite. And leave it at that.
Recapping my “Current” formula for layering a cozy farm-cottage bed:
Solid White Sheets + Solid Neutral Quilt with matching Euro shams + Duvet insert with Textured Duvet Cover and matching shams + Vintage Quilt + One decorative Pillow. Got all that?
One other tidbit of advice, don’t buy those bed-in-a-bag things! Curate, girl! Mix and match and create something unique. I guarantee it will be way better than something straight off the store shelf.
I will link my exact bedding products here. And as always, feel free to reach out to me via Instagram!
I’d love to hear how you style your cozy farm-cottage bed, aka the kids’ bouncy house!
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Thankyou for the hints on how to style a bed. Its useful to me