Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room, why does your bed look like it just rolled out of a bad rom-com, while every bed on Pinterest screams, “I belong in a 5-star hotel”? So, we already covered why your bedroom doesn’t look social media perfect (nudge nudge you should read it). But what’s going on with the bed?
Well, your bed should ideally take center stage in your bedroom, right? This should literally be the main focal point because it’s the main purpose of your room, right? Well, it’s not your fault and yeah, it’s actually a lot harder to achieve than you might think. Besides, your bed setup just needs a major glow-up.
So, just go ahead and picture this: Cher from Clueless lounging on her bed, surrounded by fluffy layers, perfectly styled pillows, and bedding so plush it’s practically a hug. Okay, so now, imagine your bed, flat, sad, and giving off major “before” vibes. See the problem? Do you know those cheap motels that have really flat bedding? Yeah, we don’t want that.
But the truth is, making your bed look as dreamy as the ones in TikToks and Insta photos isn’t rocket science, actually, it’s all about strategy. And no, you don’t need to rob a bank or sell your soul to get it done. But where do you even start?
Comforter vs. Duvet—What’s the Difference?
Okay, so it’s time to clear up the confusion between comforters and duvets. If you’ve been calling them the same thing, no worries, most people do. But understanding the difference is key to picking the right bedding setup for that Pinterest-perfect look.
What is a Comforter?
Alright, so for starters, a comforter is something that’s slowly being faded out of bedding. But chances are high if you’re in North America, you’ve grown up using comforters. So, these are pre-filled, sewn shut, and ready to use straight out of the package. While it’s convenient, it’s not exactly versatile. Once a comforter flattens out (and trust me, it will), you’re stuck with it until you replace the whole thing.
What is a Duvet?
A duvet is basically a fancy insert that goes inside a removable cover. It’s plush, customizable, and always on trend. While you can’t change the cover of a comforter (you’re stuck with it), it’s not the same for a duvet. You can swap out the cover to match your mood (or your aesthetic), and the insert itself can be fluffed back to life whenever it starts looking flat.
The beauty is, no matter what you’re into, be it cute coquette ruffles, something a bit more preppy, or even if you’re going for a more cottagecore type of aesthetic for your space, it’s just way easier to make it happen with a duvet.
What’s the Verdict?
If you’re aiming for that picture-perfect vibe, a duvet is the way to go especially if you’re just wanting something that you can change up whenever you see fit.
What You Need to Know About Duvet Fillings
Now, you need to keep in mind that what’s inside your duvet is just as important as the cover itself. The right filling can make all the difference between a bed that looks flat and one that looks like a plush, cozy marshmallow. So, let’s break down the options:
Down is the Ultimate Fluff
Yes, for starters, down is the holy grail of duvet fillings. It’s soft, lightweight, and breathable, making it perfect for that “cloud-like” look. Plus, it has a natural loftiness that keeps your bed looking plump. If you want to wake up feeling like royalty, go for down.
A lot of people tend to stuff two or even three of these into their duvet cover in order to get that fluffy look. You can do that of course, but ideally, keep that for the winter unless you’re okay with sweating all night.
Down Alternative
But the down alternative is perfect for anyone with allergies or a tighter budget. While it’s not as fluffy as real down, it still offers a cozy feel and is easier to clean. You can easily put this in the washer and usually, it’s not an issue. Again, you can still layer your duvet cover-up if you want. Just don’t expect it to maintain its volume forever—it tends to flatten out faster.
Other Options (Feather and Synthetic Fill)
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Feather: Heavier and firmer than down, feathers are more affordable but lack that super soft feel. Plus you shouldn’t put it in the wash because wet feathers are hard to dry and they come with a super foul odor.
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Synthetic Fill: This is the budget choice. It’s not as breathable or fluffy, but it gets the job done if you’re just starting out.
You Need to Start with the Base Layers for a Fluffy Bed
So you should think of your base layers as the foundation of your bedding setup. Without them, your bed will never reach its full Pinterest-worthy potential. Basically, a good base sets the stage for all the fluffy magic.
Why a Mattress Protector is Non-Negotiable
No, seriously, you just shouldn’t negotiate about this whatsoever! A mattress protector isn’t just about keeping your mattress clean (although, let’s be honest, no one wants to deal with sweat stains). It also adds an extra layer of cushioning that makes your bed feel softer and cozier. Some even come padded for extra fluff.
The Importance of a Good-Fitted Sheet
Okay, this next one is super obvious, but it still deserves some attention. So, you can think of a fitted sheet as the foundation of your bedding. A bad one can make your entire bed look messy, while a great one keeps everything sleek and smooth. Ideally, look for deep-pocket sheets with reinforced elastic corners, no one has time for sheets that pop off in the middle of the night.
It’s All About Layering
So it was briefly mentioned once with the duvet and how you can overstuff them for a plump and fluffy look, but that’s not the only thing you should do if you want your bed to look like it came straight out of an ad.
Those beds are super layered up, even when you scroll and see influencers making their bed, well, they know how to layer up. If you want that magazine-worthy bed then you need to layer, one duvet cover and one pillow seriously won’t cut it. Each layer adds texture, depth, and warmth to your setup, making your bed look and feel extra luxurious.
Step 1: Start with a Quilt or Thin Blanket
Before you throw on your duvet, lay down a lightweight quilt or blanket. This adds texture and dimension to your bed while also giving you an extra layer of warmth. Plus, when you do that little 1/3 fold by the pillows, there’s a different design or color than what the duvet has and even that tricks the eye into making the bed look fluffier.
Step 2: Add an Oversized Duvet
For that luxurious, draped look, go one size up with your duvet. If you have a twin bed, try a twin XL duvet—it’ll hang over the edges and make your bed look way more plush. But for a lot of people, they swear by going up an extra size. So, if you’re sleeping on a twin bed, then you could even do a queen-size duvet cover (but keep in mind that the price increases with each size).
Step 3: Top It Off with a Throw Blanket
Yes, you can’t forget this one! A throw blanket is like the cherry on top. Fold it neatly at the foot of your bed or drape it casually for a more relaxed vibe.
🛏️Helpful Tip: Choose a throw with a chunky knit or fun texture to really level up the aesthetic.
Your Pillows Matter Just as Much
Yes, seriously! Pillows are the finishing touch that can take your bed from basic to breathtaking. But it’s not just about tossing on a few random cushions, and adding that cute little karate chop, actually, you need a mix of functional and decorative pillows to really nail the look.
Sleeping Pillows for Comfort
You spend hours on these, so make them count. Memory foam pillows (including those shredded memory foam pillows) are great for support, while down or gel-filled options are ideal for softness and fluffiness. But for a twin bed, 1-2 sleeping pillows are plenty, but honestly, it never hurts to just get one more for extra comfort.
Decorative Pillows for Style
Now decorative pillows are where you can have some fun. Just like your duvet cover, this is where that extra kick of your personality or aesthetic taste can come to life. Basically, it’s like the creme de le creme or whatever you want to call it. So, you should just try and stick to 2-3 for a twin bed to avoid overcrowding.
It helps to mix up the shapes—think square, lumbar, and maybe a trendy round pillow. Bonus points for different textures, like velvet or faux fur. Some people like to put plushies on their bed and that acts as a “throw” pillow too, and yeah, that’s fine, but don’t overcrowd your bed though. The same can be said for decorative pillows as well.
What’s Inside Matters Too: Pillow Stuffing Options
The fluff factor of your pillows depends on what’s inside:
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Down: These are Super fluffy and perfect for that “choppable” look ( a lot of people on social media will do a karate chop to their throw pillows).
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Polyester: It’s affordable but flattens quickly.
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Gel: This has a good balance of shape and softness.
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Shredded Foam: Now this is fluffy and supportive—ideal for sleeping and lounging.
🛏️Helpful Tip: Use pillow inserts that are slightly larger than the covers for maximum fluffiness.
How to Make Your Bed Look Luxurious
If you’ve ever swooned over Blair Waldorf’s dreamy Upper East Side bedroom, you already know what luxurious bedding looks like. Her bed is the definition of elegance—plush layers, perfect symmetry, and an effortless vibe that says, “I woke up like this.” I already have a plazacore blog post that talks about her bedroom if you want to recreate something like that.
But anyway, if you want to channel that same high-end energy, then it’s all about the details: symmetry, textures, and a little dramatic flair.
Symmetry is Everything
You need to understand that luxury starts with balance. Matching nightstands and identical lamps instantly frame your bed and make the space feel intentional. When it comes to pillows, symmetry is your bestie. Ideally, you should stack sleeping pillows neatly, layer larger decorative ones in the middle, and finish with smaller accents. Basically, think pillow pyramid perfection.
Texture Takes You to the Next Level
So this is mentioned literally in every single blog post on this website, and yeah, it still holds true even right now! Mixing textures is the secret to a rich, inviting bed! No, really, this one just can’t be stressed enough because of how true it actually is!
For example, you can pair silky sheets with a chunky knit blanket or a velvet throw. The contrast creates depth and makes your bed look as good as it feels. Don’t forget quality materials, and honesty, don’t go for anything cheap, Egyptian cotton or sateen sheets are worth every penny.
Small Details, Big Impact
What about those wrinkled sheets? Nope. Just take five minutes to iron them for that crisp, polished look. Okay, you don’t even need an iron, but even one of those tiny little steamers will work fine too. Plus, learn the art of the hospital tuck for sharp, professional corners, and fluff your duvet and pillows daily to keep them plump and inviting. Trust me, it’s the fluff for me.
Add a Touch of Drama
So, this one was mentioned earlier when I said you should pick a duvet that’s one size larger than your bed, so this one is getting a repeat. Go big with an oversized duvet for that cascading, “I live in luxury” vibe. Then, top it off with a bold throw blanket, something super fluffy.
FAQ
What is the best material I should use for the duvet cover?
If you want to feel like royalty every night, go for Egyptian cotton or sateen—silky, soft, and total luxury vibes. Do you want something cozy but still chic? Well, then it might be a good idea to get linen since it’s breathable and makes that effortlessly cool (literally and figuratively).
On a budget? Cotton percale is lightweight, crisp, and always a solid choice. Whatever you do, skip anything that feels scratchy, your skin deserves better.
When making my bed, should I fold my blankets?
Absolutely, yes. Folding a blanket at the foot of your bed is like putting a cherry on top of an already perfect sundae. It’s what takes your bed from “meh” to “oh, hello there!” Go for a clean fold if you want your bed to look straight out of a hotel catalog, or drape it casually.
But either way, don’t just toss your blankets like a pile of laundry. Your bed deserves better.
What can I do to make my bedding stop wrinkling?
Wrinkles are the enemy of luxury but don’t panic, we can fix this.
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Step 1: Ideally, you’ll want to steam or iron your sheets before putting them on your bed. Yes, it’s a little extra effort, but the payoff is worth it.
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Step 2: It helps to just spray a wrinkle-release spray (or mist your favorite fabric refresher) after making the bed. It’s like a magic wand for bedding.
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Step 3: Go for sateen or percale sheets if you’re serious about keeping wrinkles at bay. They’re naturally smoother and don’t crumple like your ex’s excuses.
🛏️Helpful Tip: Pull everything tight when making your bed—smooth sheets are the foundation of a wrinkle-free, Instagram-ready bed.
What can I do to make my bed smell nicer?
Want your bed to smell so good it feels like a hug from the heavens? Well, it’s pretty easy. Be sure to wash your bedding regularly—weekly is the goal here. Many people will use linen sprays, like clean cotton. Usually, one or two spritzes are enough for instant freshness. Some people swear by dryer sheets and dried lavender sachets under their fitted sheets, so you could try that. But of course, cracking a window and getting fresh air into the room could help, too.
🛏️Helpful Tip: Don’t forget to air out your mattress now and then. You just need to flip it, vacuum it, and let it breathe—it’s the least you can do for the thing holding you up all night.
