How to Layer a Bed for Style and Optimal Sleep Health: A Seasonal Guide
Ah, fall. Myabsolute favorite.
The season of golden leaves crunching underfoot, the brisk cool air filling my lungs, and the undeniable comfort of a steaming mug of hot tea cupped in my hands. Fall always finds me with a smile on my face.
As much as I relish the season, it's not just about pumpkin spice lattes and Instagram-worthy foliage. For me, it's also about crafting the perfect bed. A bed that beckons me with style, functionality, and thesustainable lifestyle I cherish so much —a sanctuary that truly captures the essence of fall.
But here's the catch: crafting that perfect fall bed goes beyond throwing on an extra blanket. It's an art, a skill, dare I say—a science? Learning how to layer a bed for both aesthetic appeal and agood night's sleep is the ultimate fall endeavor.
In this guide, I'll walk you through how to layer a bed, including choosing the right materials, how to effectively layer bedding for warmth and comfort during those chilly nights, and tips on how to style a bed with that extra fall flair. I'll also introduce you to a bedding game-changer: Sijo Home's TempTune™ Supima Cotton Temperature Regulating Bedding.
So grab your mug, settle in, and let's talk layering your bed for fall—the right way.
How To Layer Your Bed For Fall: A Step-By-Step Guide
The crisp, clean autumn air is knocking on our windows, so let's get those beds layered up for maximum cozy vibes. When it comes to layering, think of your layered bed as a multi-tiered cake — each layer of bedding serving its own delicious purpose.
Let me walk you through my fail-proof method for how to layer a bed.
1st Layer: Mattress Protector and Mattress Pad
"The Foundation"
These are the unsung heroes of your layered bed's comfort and longevity. A high-quality mattress protector and pad don't just shield against spills and allergens, they can also offer extra padding and temperature regulation. Trust me, start with these, and you're already winning.
2nd Layer: Fitted Sheet
Your skin will thank you for this one. The fitted sheet is your closest companion through the night, so choose a material that speaks to your soul. My go-to? You already know.TempTune™ Supima Cotton fitted sheet for its fantastic temperature-regulating properties.
3rd Layer: Flat Sheet
Some people skip this, but I consider it essential, especially in the fall. It adds another level of bedding and makes for an easy-to-adjust temperature control layer. High quality sheets really make all the difference.
Pro Tip:
Layer bedding so that the comforter and flat sheet go all the way to the top of the bed and meet together at the headboard and fold them both over with the flat sheet on top to create a crisp, tailored edge. This folding technique adds a touch of elegance to your layered bed, making it look like something straight out of a luxury hotel room.
4th Layer: Comforters
Yes, you read that right. Comforters, plural.
Having two not only gives you the flexibility to adjust your bed's warmth and coziness to your liking, but it also adds an extra layer of sumptuous visual texture.
Option 1: Fold the first duvet insert (comforter) in half from top to bottom and tuck it around the bottom two-thirds of your bed, on top of your fitted and top sheet. Keep it cover-less and hide it underneath the second comforter with duvet cover. So only one of the comforters will have a duvet cover. This "stuffing" method provides a cozy pocket and adds delicious volume to your bed.
Option 2: Double-stuff your duvet cover with both comforters. You don’t get the cozy pocket, but I've found this method perfect for my one-leg-out sleeping style!
Pro Tip:
Consider adding atextured blanket or quilt over the comforter with the duvet cover, rather than under it. It serves as a flexible layer you can easily leave off or pull up as the nights get colder.
5th Layer: Throw Blanket
Toss a throw blanket at the foot of the bed. It invites impromptu daytime snuggles and adds another layer of texture. Plus, it looks fantastic. Really give it a good creative toss! It's not called a throw blanket for no reason.
6th Layer: Pillows
Last but not least, arrange your pillows in a way that invites both style and function. Include a variety of decorative and throw pillows to achieve the ultimate bed-scape.
Keep reading on to the "Advanced Techniques" section of this article for more details on layering pillows.
Starting from Scratch?
If you're new to the bed layering game, consider kicking things off with Sijo Home's Move-In Bundle comforter and sheet set in cotton, eucalyptus, or linen.
And don't forget the fall season add-ons: an extra comforter, a textured blanket, a throw blanket, and some plush pillows.
Factors to Consider When Layering Your Bed
Creating the perfect fall sanctuary involves a little more than just picking a set of sheets; it's about understanding what makes a bed both functional and fabulous. Here are some things to consider:
Material Choices: What Works for You?
My top pick for this season has to be TempTune™ Supima Cotton. But hey, we all have a unique personal preference, personal style, and needs when it comes to sleep. Here are some options to consider based on your sleep style:
For Cold Sleepers
Cotton, especially Sijo's TempTune™ Supima cotton, is versatile enough to keep you cozy without making you sweat. Its breathable properties make it a great choice for colder sleepers looking for a snug night's sleep.
For Hot Sleepers
If you tend to get hot at night, Sijo's AiryWeight™Eucalyptus bedding is a lighter option that wicks away moisture and helps to regulate temperature.
For Luxury Seekers
If it's opulence you're after, Sijo Home's LuxeWeave™ French Linen collection is where you'll find it. Linen is not only luxurious to the touch but also highly functional for the fall season. As a natural fiber, it regulates temperature effectively, keeping you warm enough during those crisp fall nights while also allowing your skin to breathe.
For the Eco-Conscious
Good news! All three materials offer sustainable options. Take your pick!
Bed & Room Size: Affecting Aesthetics and Comfort
The size of your bed and how it sits in your room significantly affects your layered bedding options, especially when it comes to colors and patterns. The arrangement of layered bedding can make or break the room's overall aesthetic and contribute to your comfort levels.
King Bed or Bed Filling Most of the Room?
If your bed is large or takes up a good portion of your room, consider opting for neutral colors and subtle patterns. Overpowering hues or designs could overwhelm the space, making it feel smaller or busier than it actually is.
With a large bed, less can often be more in terms of visual complexity.
Smaller or Queen Bed with Plenty of Room to Spare?
On the flip side, if you have a smaller bed like a Full or Queen bed, and there's a good amount of space between the bed and the walls, use this as an opportunity to make your bed the focal point of the room.
In this setting, you can go with bright colors and bold patterns. Why not try a rich, autumnal hue?
Advanced Techniques for How to Layer a Bed
Want to take your bed layering to the next level? Here are some advanced techniques and tips to elevate your bed game:
Mix and Match Materials
Diversify the materials you use in each layer to add texture and benefit from the properties of different fabrics.
Seasonal Rotation
Change your layered bedding according to the seasons. For summer, consider lighter fabrics like linens and eucalyptus, while for winter, cotton and flannels are excellent choices.
The Fold-Over Technique
For a luxurious hotel-like feel, fold over the top part of your duvet to reveal your flat sheet. It gives your bed a finished, inviting look.
The "Toe-Tuck"
Tuck in the flat sheet around all sides, creating a pocket. This is another technique favored by hotels. It gives the bed a neat finish and provides an elegant touch to your layered bedding.
Quick Tips for Advanced Bed Layering:
- Use clips or ties to keep your duvet from shifting inside the cover.
- Consider a weighted blanket as an additional layer for stress relief.
- A good rule of thumb is to layer lighter to heavier, both in terms of material and color.
The Art of Pillow Layering
Layering pillows is more than just stacking them on your bed. The right arrangement can add both style and comfort.
Types of Pillows
- Standard Pillows: These are your main pillows for sleeping. Check out Sijo's selection of pillows for every type of sleeper.
- Shams: These are decorative pillows that often sit in front of your standard pillows. Euro Shams are a fun alternative and are usually 26" x 26" squares as opposed to the regular sham rectangle that is usually the same size as a standard pillow.
- Accent Pillows: These small throw pillows add a pop of color and can be various shapes.
- Lumbar Pillows: Long and narrow, these pillows offer good back support.
Basic Setup
- Back Layer: Start with your regular sleeping pillows against the headboard.
- Middle Layer: Add a layer of shams in front of your sleeping pillows for added depth. Another row of regular pillows works here as well.
- Front Layer: Add accent pillows for a pop of color or an interesting shape.
Advanced Techniques
- Color Matching: Pick pillow colors that go well with your bedspread. You can stick with similar colors for a calm look, or mix and match for something more dynamic.
- Mixing Textures: Use different fabrics like silk, velvet, and linen for a rich feel.
- Functional Use: If you read in bed, a lumbar pillow can offer good back support. If you move around a lot while sleeping, fewer pillows might be better.
Pro Tip:
Give your pillows a "karate chop" on the top middle of the pillow after you've set them on your bed.
This simple yet transformative move creates a "V" shape indentation, adding a touch of casual elegance and visual interest to your pillows. It's a stylist's trick that instantly elevates your bed from looking "well made bed" to "meticulously designed."
Sustainable Choices for Your Bed Sheets
Theways to live more sustainably are numerous, and one significant step begins right in your own bedroom. The market for eco-friendly bedding is expanding as more consumers prioritize sustainable living. Bedding choices aren't just about comfort anymore; they're about making responsible decisions for the planet and your health.
What Makes Bedding Sustainable?
Sustainable bedding takes into account three key areas:
1)Sourcing of Materials: Sustainable brands prefer natural, organic, and renewable fibers, like linen or eucalyptus.
2)Manufacturing Process: Consideration is given to water usage, waste management, and energy consumption. Sustainable brands often use closed-loop processes to recycle solvents.
3)Packaging: Eco-friendly brands aim for minimal, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging to reduce waste.
Why Choose Sustainable?
Lower Environmental Impact: Sustainable bedding materials are often grown without harmful pesticides and fertilizers. This not only reduces water pollution but also leads to healthier soil.
Fair Practices: Many sustainable brands are committed to ethical and fair-trade practices, ensuring fair wages and working conditions for their laborers.
Less Energy Consumption: Organic farming practices often consume less energy compared to traditional methods, which rely heavily on machinery powered by fossil fuels.
Quick Tips for a Sustainable Bed:
- Look for certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or Fair Trade.
- Choose natural fibers over synthetic.
- Upcycle old bedding into quilts or pet beds.
The Final Layer
Layering a bed for fall isn't just about staying warm; it's an opportunity to infuse your space with personality, comfort, and even a sense of well-being.
As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, your bedroom becomes more than just a place to sleep—it turns into a sanctuary. The textures, colors, and materials you choose can uplift your mood and transition you into a state of restful anticipation for the season ahead. Crafting a space that nurtures your well-being can be as simple as changing out your bedspread or as involved asincorporating new lifestyle changes.
So go ahead and embrace the art of layering your bed for fall, and you'll find that the benefits extend far beyond aesthetics or even comfort. It's about creating your own haven for relaxation and reflection right in the comfort of your home.
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This is a guest post, written by contributor Lauren Eaton.
About the Author:
Lauren Eaton is a dedicated mom to her vivacious 15-month-old, Quinn, who fuels her passion for making sustainable choices for a better future. By day, she runs a farm-to-table restaurant, serving nourishing meals to her community. By night, she shares her eco-conscious wisdom on her blog,ByLaurenEaton.com. Whether she's curating local cuisine or blogging about responsible living, Lauren is always inspired to act for the good of her family and the planet.