You might be well acquainted with the term ‘tablescaping’, where you dress your dining table in luxurious textiles, your best crockery and miscellaneous decorations; but have you heard of ‘bedscaping’?

Simply put, bedscaping is the process of accessorising the focal point of your sleep space – the bed – using a mix of sumptuous sheets, a myriad of cushions, and tactile throws. But where should you begin? Interiors experts share their best bed styling tips to help you create the safe haven you need at the end of a long day…

Any good styling needs to have a great base and that applies to your bed, too – literally. From foam and springs to latex and hybrid solutions, there is so much choice when it comes to picking the right mattress, so make sure to visit showrooms and simulate a snooze while you’re there, so you get a real feel for it before you buy.

Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV, advises looking at high-quality basics, such as mattress protectors and soft, breathable sheets – which leads me to one of the key elements to successfully styling your bed.

Bed linen

Bedding plays an important role in the look and feel of your bed. Opt for natural materials, such as cotton and linen, that are hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and hard-wearing. “When it comes to dressing your bed, for that upmarket hotel-esque feel, opt for high-quality, breathable sheets in neutral tones – think crisp white or soft greys. Go for a high thread count for a smooth, deluxe feel, and layer your bed with plush duvets, and decorative throws,” advises Sam Greig, senior designer at Swoon.

The duvet

Next on the list: the duvet. You might not think it can make a big difference when styling your bed since it’s covered – well, think again. Holly Ambrose, interior designer at Roomes Furniture & Interiors, recommends a king-size duvet on a double bed or a super king-size duvet on a king bed. Why? “This creates an elegant overlap at the edges, enhancing the bed’s rich and luxurious appearance,” she says. Clever!

When it comes to practicalities, it’s preferable for your duvet to match the season. “A winter duvet should have a tog over 10 to keep you feeling delightfully snug, and summer calls for a duvet between 1 and 7 tog to keep you cool but covered. An all-rounder of a 10-tog duvet should keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, if space or budget doesn’t allow seasonal duvets,” explains Georgia Metcalfe, founder of French Bedroom.

Layering is key

Layering is one of the most important aspects of styling a bed. It’s the fusion of the right colours, patterns and textures that can ultimately make or break your final look. “Layering different textures and colours will make the bed cosier, more welcoming, whilst adding visual interest, so bring in tactile throws in woven wools, linen or cotton,” explain Emily and Jonathan Attwood, founders of Scooms.

In terms of the fabrics you choose, it’s a great idea to have separate materials for different seasons. “In winter, choose chunky knit throws, sumptuous velvets or faux fur to create a rich, snuggly feel. During summer, natural fabrics like linen and cotton are key to staying cool, whilst still giving you the option of another layer for chillier nights,” says Georgia.

If your mantra is ‘the more cushions, the better’ – guilty over here – then this is your excuse to go all-out. However, as a general guideline to layering cushions, Holly advises starting with two large square cushions (approximately 55cm) at the back, followed by slightly smaller ones (around 45cm), and finishing with a bolster cushion in the middle. “This symmetrical arrangement adds depth and interest to your bedroom design through layered textures,” she explains.

What’s more, Debbie says king-size pillows are best for king beds, while standard or queen pillows work well for smaller beds. “Include plenty of accent pillows in different shapes, sizes, and textures to add interest. You can also mix patterns and colours that tie in with your room’s decor,” she adds.

“Dress the foot of the bed with a large bedspread in a colour that complements the cushions, then add a throw draped casually across, for a relaxed, yet refined look,” says Holly.

Colour schemes

Finding a colour palette when styling your bed depends heavily on the aesthetic you wish to achieve. Do you want to feel like you’re staying at a moody boutique hotel or lost in a maximalist paradise? Love the cottagecore look or want to have a neutral nook where you can retreat at the end of the day?

So, before you jump into purchasing new bed linen, and an abundance of cushions and throws, craft moodboards and narrow down the look you want to achieve.

“Neutral tones are perfect for creating a serene atmosphere in a bedroom or, for those who prefer more of a statement, bold colours such as navy or dark green will give a more dramatic look. To add depth, try mixing patterns like stripes, florals, and geometrics but take care to balance bold patterns with solids to avoid overwhelming the space,” explains Debbie.

Ready to get creative and take your bed styling skills to the next level?

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