Make a bed fit for a luxury hotel with our step-by-step guide
Our new Mayfair Luxury Cotton Sateen bed linen features 300 thread count cotton sateen, for a super-smooth finish. Woven from a slightly thicker yarn than you may find on the high street, this collection is premium quality. The ultra-durable Mayfair collection has also been designed to withstand regular commercial laundering. Buy each component - open hem duvet cover, flat sheet and pillowcases - separately to create your dream bedroom scheme
You can transform each room in your hotel (and home) in an instant with a beautifully-made bed - from the mattress topper and flat sheet to the pillowcases and throw blanket, these must-have details will set the tone for each bedroom. This way, you can easily achieve hotel-quality style, which will make all the difference for guests who have come to expect a professional finish.
According to a study carried out by the National Sleep Federation, 71% of participants claimed to sleep better on freshly laundered sheets. It's also thought that daily bed making at home can improve mood and boost productivity. It only takes a matter of minutes to make a bed like a professional housekeeper for a beautiful focal point in any bedroom.
Why make the effort?
Find out below how to make your bed like a professional to create an aesthetically pleasing environment, which will ultimately give you or your guests a better night's sleep
Making a bed every day is ideal for creating an organised, calm space which enhances overall wellbeing and improves sleep quality. And one way to learn how to make a bed professionally is to look at the process in terms of layers - start with a clear bed and work from the bottom to the top. The finer details, such as creating hospital corners and arranging your pillows, all help to produce a hotel look. It may only take five minutes to do, but you can transform a bedroom in an instant.
Start with a clear bed
It's best to begin with a completely clear bed - just the bed frame and mattress. So, remove pillows, protectors and pillowcases, the duvet and duvet cover, flat or fitted sheet, mattress protector, cushions and throw. Check the mattress and vacuum this first if it needs a refresh (and is synthetic) or wipe with a soft brush if it has a natural filling (cotton, bamboo, wool, silk etc).
Now you're working with a clear (and clean) bed, lay out your bed linen in the order you'll be using it - housekeepers recommend this method to make your bed as this helps to maintain the flow with a seamless transition.
Working with foundation layers from the bottom up
Our new Pro Max Mattress Encasement Collection has been designed to cover the entire mattress and is sealed with our patented Zip-N-Click zipper closure. So, you can benefit from maximum bed bug, waterproof and allergy protection, to give guests a comfortable night's sleep
Layering your look will be key so begin with your mattress topper or encasement. Good quality mattress toppers/protectors are vital as they help to prevent shifting when sleeping and protect your mattress from moisture.
If you're looking for the ultimate luxury and hygiene solution from a mattress topper, an encasement will be perfect. This type will fully cover the entire mattress and prevent bed bugs, allergies; it should be waterproof, too. Or Quilted mattress protectors will add comfort for guests - think breathable textiles for hygienic sleeping conditions.
How to make your bed with a fitted sheet
If you prefer to make a bed with fitted sheets, hold up the sheet and find the two shorter sides. Then align these with the width of the bed. Secure the first corner (try one of the top corners first) then stretch the elastic pocket over the corner of the mattress. Tuck the fitted sheet corner underneath, so it is secure then work diagonally across on the opposite (bottom of the bed) corner. This helps to prevent sheets from pinging off, as you work your way around the bed. You may need to lift the mattress slightly to make sure the elasticated bottom of the fitted sheet is a snug fit.
Apply the same method above to the other two corners of the mattress, so the fitted sheet feels taut. Then smooth out any wrinkles with your hands. The fitted sheet is then firmly in place - this will prevent any shifting during sleep and provides an immaculate finish.
How to make a bed with hospital corners using a flat sheet
Our step-by-step guide shows you how to add a professional touch to a bedroom and fold flat sheets the right way to make your beds with hospital corners
If you want your beds to look flawless like a luxury hotel, hospital corners with flat sheets are crucial. This technique keeps your bed linen in position, and therefore in pristine condition, all night long, leaving every bed looking flawless. With a little practice, you can achieve amazing results with hospital corners using a flat sheet on a firm mattress.
Our step-by step guide to hospital corners
Hospital corners are easy to master once you get the hang of how to fold your flat sheet across all four corners of your bed
Follow our hospital corners guide:
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Start with placing your flat sheet evenly on all sides with the fabric hanging loosely over the bed - the large hem end should be at the head of your bed.
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Tuck in the bottom of the sheet under the mattress at the foot of the bed then pick a corner to work on.
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Pick up the bottom of the flat sheet at the foot corner and lift it up with one hand about 16 inches from the bed. You'll see a triangular fold below the mattress which you need to tuck in.
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Then, using your free hand to hold the corner in place, simply fold the top drape over - this should form a 45 degree angle, which creates a triangular fold in the flat sheet.
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Tuck the sheet underneath the mattress to create a crisp hospital corner and a clean, sharp edge without any loose fabric.
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Follow this process on all four corners of your bed for a professional finish.
Positioning your duvet
Once you have put the cover on your duvet, simply lay this over your bed and check that it is hanging equally on each side and at the foot of the bed. This is all about symmetry so you can produce a more structured look. Don't forget to smooth out wrinkles with your hand or even use a steamer for VIP guests for a professional finish.
Tuck the bottom edge for a touch of finesse
Don't forget to tuck the bottom edge of the duvet cover under the mattress (and above the bed frame) for a streamlined look to create a hotel-standard finish.
Make your bed with pillows
Our Tencel Jersey Waterproof Pillow Protectors with zip feature a waterproof PU backing. Made from 100% Lyocell (plus the backing), this design comes in standard and large sizes
A beautifully dressed bed should always start with protectors - your mattress topper should already be in place now, so don't forget to shield your pillows from moisture, allergens and dust, too. Protectors are ideal to prolong the life of your pillows; an absolute must for the hospitality industry. Choose 300 thread count cotton sateen pillowcases, which will feel super-soft and are designed for industrial laundering.
Our new Mayfair luxury cotton sateen pillowcases offer a 300 high thread count. Designed to feel super smooth, these offer superior quality with a robustness to withstand frequent industrial laundering
Fluffing sleeping pillows
The best way to make a start is to fluff your pillows (we recommend two pillows per person). Simply hold your pillow at each end then gently push them together and pull them apart. This is a great way to restore their loft as this helps to redistribute the filling. Then position your sleeping pillows in front of the headboard and place the seams (openings) inwards for a seamless finish.
Adding finishing touches
Throw blankets
Our Lisbon Cotton Herringbone Blanket and Throw will complete your hotel look at the foot of the bed and it comes in different colours to suit any design scheme in a hotel or home. Showcased here in navy, these 100% cotton washable throws are super-soft with a subtle herringbone pattern
A throw or blanket will help to add a cosy element to your room, regardless of bed size, and may encourage guests to sleep for longer. A blanket will instantly layer the look with texture for a boutique-hotel finish.
Choosing the right tone and texture
Natural fibres always make a good choice if you're looking for a luxury finish. Think cotton, wool and cashmere as these will all feel super-soft but they also add warmth to a design and a beautiful drape. Hotel bed linen tends to be white, so pick colours which either contrast or complement this, from soft pastels to modern neutral tones.
Size matters
Lay your throw on top of the bed to add more depth to your design. This can also help to protect the bed linen and instantly create an aesthetically pleasing finish. Check out our Lisbon throw in Fuchsia Pink
Make sure that the size of your throw works with the size of your bed. A small version on a king-size bed may look out of proportion while a very large version could overwhelm a single bed, for example. You'll find a variety of throw blankets come in different sizes to cater for all bed sizes, from standard (130 x 180cm) to extra large (250 x 250cm).
Arranging your throw
For a luxury hotel finish, simply fold your throw neatly into thirds. Then position it horizontally across the foot of the bed. Make sure this covers one third of your bed for an elegant touch to your bed and accessorise further with cushions.
Be creative with cushions
You can mix or match your cushions and throws for a co-ordinated look and a beautifully made bed. Here, we have created a cohesive finish with our Lisbon throw and matching bespoke cushion in Olive Green and Ivory
Add more structure, softness and an element of luxury to your bed making with cushions. Lambswool and cotton are premium-quality fabrics, which instantly offer a chic, timeless hotel feel. Choose calming shades, such as pastels, for your decorative pillows to add a soothing colour palette to any luxury bedroom.
Simply position a cushion in front of each pair of pillows for a balanced look. Then don't forget to use the 'karate chop' method for a designer finish. Once you've fluffed your throw pillow, position it upright and give it a gentle chop downwards across the centre of the cushion top. You'll see an indentation for a plush look, which will make a big difference if you want to achieve a hotel-style finish.
Bed making finesse
Hotel habits, from fluffing pillows and positioning cushions to smoothing bed linen and creating hospital corners, all contribute to creating a more polished finish in a bedroom. Whether you're a professional housekeeper or you're looking for a luxurious finish at home, with some thoughtful styling and our expert advice you can now transform your bedrooms into restful retreats.
