How to make your bed like an interior designer − what to buy and where to shop

Your bedspread is an integral part of your bedroom design. Whether you opt for silky sateen or crisp percale, a comforter or a duvet insert, with or without a top sheet makes a big difference to the look and feel of your bedroom.

I asked an expert panel of interior designers how they make their beds in the morning. I also asked for their recommendations of the best places to buy bedding, ranging from specialist sleep stores to luxury design houses. I'll outline their design philosophies so that you can choose the style that works for you.

Whether you favor muted minimalism or 'more-is-more', these interior designers can show you how to make a bed that's fit for a luxury hotel and help you bring your bedroom ideas to life.

How to make your bed like an interior designer

Common consensus among my expert panel is that the best bedding is worth the extra spend. 'My biggest piece of advice when choosing bedding is to never skimp on quality,' says Kathy Kuo, award-winning interior designer and founder of Kathy Kuo Home. 'You spend so much time in your bed and it should be a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. It's beyond worth it to go with the best luxury bed sheets and duvets made sustainably with your sleep health in mind.'

1. Less is more – for a minimalist look

'I'm a believer in the "less is more" philosophy, especially when it comes to bedding,' says Kshama Shah, principal interior designer at the House of Design. 'That's why I usually skip the top sheet – it's often more of a nuisance than a necessity, ending up tangled at the foot of the bed or completely kicked off by the morning.'

'In terms of bed sheet types, I have a soft spot for cotton percale, cotton sateen, and linen,' Shah continues. 'Cotton percale is crisp and cool, perfect for those who love that fresh-sheet feeling every night. Cotton sateen, on the other hand, offers a silky-smooth touch that feels incredibly luxurious against the skin. Then there's linen – the ultimate in relaxed sophistication. Its natural texture adds a touch of effortless elegance to any bedroom.'

'I like to keep a neutral base for my bedding,' says Shah: 'think soft creams or warm ivories. These colors create a serene and versatile canvas, allowing for pops of personality through accent colors. I'm drawn to rich, saturated tones of deep blue, vibrant red, earthy mustards, and muted olives. These hues add depth and warmth, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere. To achieve this look, I turn to a few of my favorite bedding brands: Rifle Paper Co., Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and Anthropologie.'

2. More is more – for a layered, maximalist look

Sarah Latham, principal interior designer at Latham Interiors, uses a combination of flat sheets and fitted sheets to create a sumptuous bedspread for her clients. Latham explains that 'a top sheet is a nice separation for clients between their comforter or their duvet and their fitted sheet, and it can make a bed look more finished.'

Latham reflects that 'cotton sateen or cotton percale seem to be the biggest crowd pleasers when specifying for our clients. Linen or silk provide different qualities but require the user to be aware of the care more intently than cotton.' Before you buy, it's worth learning how to wash bed sheets according to their care instructions.

'You can never go wrong with white sheeting,' says Latham. 'The best white bed sheets are easy to launder and offer a fresh, clean base for your bedspread. We typically add the more decorative elements with duvet covers, shams, or throw pillows, and customize those elements to the client's needs.'

3. Effortless elegance

'I love creating bedrooms that feel like a luxurious retreat, and the right bedding is key,' says Jessika Gatewood, owner and principal designer at Gatewood Designs. 'I typically skip the top sheet for a more effortless, European-style bed and prefer a duvet with a cover for easy cleaning and a plush, inviting look.'

'I favor the best linen sheets for their breathability and relaxed elegance, though cotton percale is great for a crisp, hotel-like feel,' Gatewood continues. 'My go-to bedding brands include Parachute, Brooklinen, and Boll & Branch for their quality and timeless appeal. When it comes to color and pattern, I gravitate toward soft, earthy tones, such as warm whites, taupes, and muted grays, often layering subtle textures or stripes to add depth without overwhelming the space.'

4. Make it personal

Kelly Sutherland, founder and CEO of Kelly Sutherland Designs, 'has a lifelong obsession with seeking out "the perfect bed". Here is my go-to formula: fitted sheet; top sheet; seasonal matelassé or quilt; fluffy duvet folded at the end; sleeping pillows; decorative shams; and an option to add one more decorative bolster pillow.'

'It's important to note that we are no longer doing three shams: two is plenty,' says Sutherland. 'Even though we live in climate-controlled homes, switching out your matelassé or quilt for something airer in the spring and more textured in the fall feels so refreshing.'

'Now, there are exceptions to this formula,' Sutherland cautions. 'Children's beds, for example, need simplification. For this one little boy's room, we used one sleeping pillow and one ready-made sham that we had appliquéd with his initials. We skipped the duvet cover altogether and opted for an easy throw at the foot of the bed. While style matters, the priority is setting up a child for success when making their bed independently.'

5. Create a calming atmosphere

'When it comes to bedding, I always prioritize comfort, quality, and timeless style,' says Laura Lubin, principal designer of Ellerslie Interiors. 'In terms of bedding materials, high-quality linen is my top choice for its relaxed, breathable feel. Linen ages beautifully and adds a sense of understated luxury to any space. I also love cotton percale for its crisp, cool touch, especially in the warmer months. It gives a hotel-like feel, and I love how it feels against the skin.'

'As for duvets vs comforters, I'm a fan of duvets paired with a high-quality cover,' Lubin says. 'They provide just the right amount of coziness and allow for easy washing and changing of linens. I tend to skip the top sheet as I prefer a minimalist approach − especially when I use soft, oversized duvet covers that can be tucked in neatly.'

Lubin heads to Matouk to buy the best bedding: 'Their fabrics are exceptional, with a timeless quality that stands the test of time. Their collections offer a perfect balance of luxurious materials and design simplicity.'

'I lean towards neutral tones − think whites, soft grays, and muted beige − that evoke calmness and serenity. I also appreciate subtle prints, such as delicate stripes or small geometric patterns, for a touch of visual interest without overpowering the space. On occasion, I'll incorporate a soft, earthy tone, such as deep sage or terracotta, to add warmth and depth to the bedding ensemble.'

'Ultimately, the goal is to create a serene and luxurious retreat, where the materials and colors come together in perfect harmony, ensuring the bedding enhances the overall aesthetic of the room while providing ultimate comfort.'

6. Get the hotel look at home

I asked Kevie Murphy, principal designer at K.A. Murphy Interiors, how to make a bed that's worthy of a luxury hotel.

'I always keep the top bedding white and crisp,' says Murphy: 'clean, classic, and completely washable. I'm a big fan of cotton percale: it's breathable and gets softer with every wash. It's perfect for layering and always a staple in luxury hotels for that reason. For flexibility, ease of care, and that perfect hotel-style fluff, I'd go for a duvet over a comforter every time. Duvets let you swap covers with the seasons and adjust warmth with different inserts. Plus, they just look sharper.'

Murphy's favorite bedding brands include Frette, John Robshaw, Yves Delorme, Boll & Branch, Matouk, and D. Porthault: 'each brings something special, but all deliver on quality and feel.' If you want to know more about which bedding do luxury hotels use, you can consult our expert explainer.

7. Mix and match

'When it comes to patterns and colors, I'm all about variety,' says Meghan Jay, residential designer for Meghan Jay Design, and known for her colorful, characterful style. 'I firmly believe that matching bedding sets are a thing of the past. While it's easy to grab a co-ordinated set, you miss an opportunity to bring personality a room.'

'Several brands now offer customizable mix-and-match sets,' Jay continues. 'I love shopping at Piglet in Bed, as they have a "Build a Bundle" feature where you can pick individual pieces and see how they look together on a bed. It's such a fun way to design a unique, personalized look. I particularly love all of their gingham and striped bedding.'

Jay also enjoys mixing fabrics: 'I typically pair a cool, relaxed linen fitted sheet with a crisp cotton percale duvet cover and shams to keep the bed feeling fresh and neatly made.'

8. All about the accents

I asked Sarah Henry, Managing and Creative Director of La Manufacture Cogolin, to tell me more about the finishing touches that tie a bed together. Sarah believes passionately in the power of a throw pillow to break up a plain white bedspread.

Henry describes La Manufacture Cogolin's cushion collection: 'Patterns hand-woven on 19th century Jacquard looms are sewn back-to-back with the brand's fabrics, bringing together old and new.' The best throw pillows add depth and dimension to your space: it's a great place to add a pop of personality with bursts of bright color.

'I always say that there's no one right answer as to the 'best' bedding materials,' says Kathy Kuo. 'Whether you like percale, silk, satin, linen, or flannel all depends on your personal preference, the climate you live in, the season, and your design style.'

If you'd like a little help selecting the best bedding, I also explore my non-negotiable bed sheet buying rules.