A well-made bed can provide comfort and a sense of order, while an unkempt one can leave you feeling stressed and disorganized. Not everyone knows how to make the bed properly, but the good news is that it’s never too late to learn! In this article, we will cover 10 common bed-making mistakes and how to fix them to make your bed even cozier.
- Fitted Sheet Put on Incorrectly
Putting the fitted sheet on the mattress incorrectly can result in a lot of discomfort and wakeups throughout the night. If the corners aren't properly aligned, the sheet will keep slipping off, leaving you with a messy bed.
How to put on a fitted sheet properly
Fitted sheets are a tricky item of bedding as it’s difficult to know how to even start putting them on. Here’s a little hack: the corner of the fitted sheet that has a tag sewn to it on the inside always goes to the bottom right corner of your mattress, and that’s the corner you can start with. Plus, your sheet will then always be put in the same direction. First, make sure to align the corners of the fitted sheet with the corners of the mattress. Then, stretch the sides of the sheet over the sides of the mattress and tuck them under the mattress. Finally, tuck in the foot of the sheet.
- Wrong Type of Sheets
Cheap sheets or sheets made of a fabric that doesn’t suit your needs can be uncomfortable and may wear out quickly, requiring frequent replacement. To avoid this, invest in high-quality sheets and look at the pros and cons of different bedding fabrics.
Our pet-hair-resistant sheets, for example, are made with the highest-quality materials and designed to last.
- Top Layer Tucked Too Tightly
If you normally tuck your duvet or blanket around the sides of the mattress (that’s how hotel beds are often made), tucking it too tightly can make it difficult to get in and out of bed and rob you of the nice cozy feeling of being under a fluffy cover. To fix this, make sure to only tuck in the sides and foot of the fitted sheet and leave the top untucked. Then, smooth out the top sheet and duvet cover.
- Ironing Your Sheets
Should you iron your sheets? While your grandma might disapprove, the modern-day opinion is a definite no, you don’t need to iron sheets! Ironing sheets is time-consuming and unnecessary from the perspective of keeping your bed hygienic. If you’re too used to crisp wrinkle-free sheets but want to let go of the ironing chore, consider investing in wrinkle-resistant sheets or simply removing your sheets from the dryer while they're still warm and smoothing out any wrinkles before making your bed. Some people find ironing sheets quite therapeutic, so by all means, do it if you love it, but don’t feel bad if you don’t!
- Sharing Covers
While a big bed often comes with a big duvet or blanket, it doesn’t have to be this way. Your partner may toss and turn at night, or feel warmer or colder than you do. No need for any nighttime struggles! The solution is easy: invest in multiple covers. While it may seem like an unnecessary additional cost, the quality of your sleep is worth so much more in the long run than the price of an extra top layer for your bed.
- Sleeping With Just a Duvet
Sleeping with just a duvet can make you feel too hot and uncomfortable during the night. Using a duvet without a cover or flat sheet underneath also means that you’ll need to wash or dry-clean your duvet more often, which shortens its lifespan. To avoid this, consider using a top sheet to provide a layer of breathable material between you and the duvet.
- Not Changing Your Sheets Regularly
Neglecting to change your sheets regularly can result in a buildup of dirt, oils, and allergens, leading to a less-than-ideal sleeping environment. Aim to wash your sheets once a week or at least every other week if the climate and sleeping conditions allow for a less frequent change, or if you’re able to air your bedding frequently between washes.
- Not Fluffing Your Pillows
Not fluffing your pillows can result in flat, uncomfortable pillows, with the fill clumped up inside. To avoid this, make sure to fluff your pillows before making your bed every morning. This will help to redistribute the fill, maintain their shape, and allow for better air circulation and breathability.
- Not Adding a Quilt or Coverlet
It's easy to forget about adding an extra layer of coziness to your bed or think it’s yet another thing to wash, but not doing so can leave your bed open to unwanted pet hair and mess. Quilts and coverlets provide an extra layer of warmth and help keep your bed protected from any pet hair, dirt, and spills/potty accidents. Plus, they can add a pop of color or texture to your bedding, giving it a polished look. Don't leave your bed bare - add a quilt or coverlet to keep it looking fresh and clean.
- Skipping the Pillowcases
Pillowcases serve an important function in protecting your pillows from sweat, oil, and other substances that can cause them to deteriorate over time. Even if your pillow comes in a thick protector, pillowcases are essential. Without pillowcases, you may also find that your pillows have a less desirable feel, and are less comfortable to sleep on. Make sure to always use pillowcases and to replace them regularly, as often as the rest of your bedding, or even more often if you like.