Layering your bedding can be fun and expressive. Follow these steps: 1. Upgrade the Bed: Add a mattress topper for comfort. Consider a bed skirt for a layered look. 2. Start With Sheets: Use a fitted sheet, then a top sheet tucked neatly, leaving the top loose for layering. 3. Pick Your Bed Topper: Choose a comforter, duvet, or quilt based on your style and climate. Fold back the top for a layered effect. 4. Add Pillows: Start with main pillows, then add decorative pillows or shams for depth. 5. Finish With Blankets: Drape an oversized blanket over the end of the bed for warmth and style. For hot sleepers, use breathable quilts and lightweight throws for a layered effect without excess heat.

home hacks · linens ·Jan 30, 2025

The Step-By-Step Guide on How to Layer Bedding

Q: What Order Does Bedding Go In?

The proper bedding order: 1. Fitted sheet 2. Top sheet 3. Bed topper (comforter, duvet, or quilt) 4. Main pillows 5. Decorative pillows 6. Extra blankets and throws

Q: What Are the Advantages of Layering Your Bedding?

Benefits of layering bedding: - **Hygienic:** A top sheet creates a barrier, reducing how often blankets need washing. - **Temperature Control:** Layering allows you to adjust warmth as needed. - **Cozy & Customizable:** Creates a welcoming, stylish space with customizable colors and textures. Follow these steps and shop at Southshore Fine Linens for elegant, affordable bedding.

An Urban Grid Oversized 5-Piece Comforter Set from Southshore Fine Linens.

There aren’t a lot of looks that are as plushy and elegant as the layered look. Laying your bedding is not only great for temperature control, but it also creates a cozy and inviting look and feel. Keep reading to learn the step-by-step guide to layering your bedding.

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How to Layer Bedding

Layering your bedding can be a lot of fun and create many opportunities for self-expression. Let your creative juices flow and follow our step-by-step guide below:

Step One: Upgrade the Bed Itself

The easiest (and likely most practical) way to upgrade the bed is to add a new mattress topper. According to the Sleep Foundation, a mattress topper can extend the life of your mattress and change the overall feel of the whole bed. A mattress pad can take a less plush and saggy mattress and make it inviting again. Keep in mind that if you get a mattress topper that extends the height of your mattress, you may need to look into deep pocket sheets.

Bonus tip: You could also consider getting a bed skirt to hide any unsightly storage and get the entirety of the bed to feel layered, cozy, and welcoming.

Step Two: Start With the Sheets

After you’ve upgraded your mattress’s aesthetic, the next step is getting a good set of sheets. For the ideal layered look, the top sheet can be incorporated by folding it over visibly with the bed topper. Not only is it a great look, but incorporating a top sheet also keeps your bed more hygienic.

How to arrange: Snuggly put on the fitted sheet, followed by the top sheet, and then tuck the sides of the top sheet into the mattress neatly. Leave a bit of the sheet loose at the top of the bed for layering.

Step Three: Pick Your Bed Topper Wisely

Here, you’ll get to let your taste shine through. Whether you go with something simple and clean or want to express your fun and elaborate style, there are always opportunities to find a great bedspread to express yourself. If you enjoy plushy bedding, you can find comforters to fit anyone’s taste. Or, if you want to go with an extra layered look, you could also get a simple comforter and add a duvet cover. A duvet cover would allow you to express your personal style, give the bed some extra plush vibes, and allow for easier maintenance. A duvet cover with a duvet insert is ideal for cold sleepers, wintertime, or those who live in colder climates.

For hot sleepers who desire the layered look, consider something more breathable and go with a quilt. A quilt allows for a slimmer and textured look while giving you a breathable top layer. Southshore Fine Linens offers quilts in solid colors, elegant prints, fun prints, and even reversible options, so you can mix things up and create even more texture for your layered look.

How to arrange: Regardless of which bed topper style you decide, pull the top of the bed topper over about two feet and then do the same thing with the top sheet. Fold the top sheet section in half to create a layered look.

Step Four: Pillows and More Pillows

Now that the bed is made up and tidy, it’s time to layer on the pillows. You can start by propping the two main pillows up against the headboard or start with a body pillow propped up against the headboard, followed by the main pillows.

Next, add the pillows that match the bed topper (assuming your bedding set came with those). If your bedding set did not come with pillow shams, consider getting a set of decorative pillow shams that add layers and complement the bed topper.

Lastly, add decorative pillows. You can get a pair of Vilano quilted sham and pillow covers or add something similar and then get a smaller statement pillow to go in front. A unique stuffed animal that matches the color scheme could also be a fun statement piece to add if you desire something different than just a bunch of pillows.

For those worried they may have no eye for interior design, you could go with the Botanical Leaves six-piece quilt bedding set, Rhythm oversized five-piece comforter set, or Urban Grid oversized five-piece comforter set for an easy way to ensure that your bed topper and pillows match perfectly. With one of these options, all you would have to do is get a mattress topper and a solid-colored sheet set, and you’re good to go.

Step Five: Add One or More Cozy Blankets

An oversized blanket neatly folded over the end of the bed or put on top and folded halfway down the bed completes the layered look nicely while adding that extra cozy feel with an added layer of warmth that’s fantastic for winters.

For the hot sleepers, a simple throw blanket draped over an end corner of the bed or draped over the pillows behind the throw pillows can create this effect as well.

What Order Does Bedding Go In?

The proper order for layered bedding is as follows:

Fitted sheet
Top sheet
Bed topper (comforter, duvet, or quilt)
Main pillows
Decorative pillows
Extra blankets and throws

What Are the Advantages of Layering Your Bedding?

There are several benefits to layering bedding, including:

It’s Hygienic

Having layered blankets creates a barrier between your body and the rest of the bedding. Specifically, having a top sheet establishes a boundary between you and the rest of the bedding to reduce how often you need to wash the blankets. According to the Cleveland Clinic, sheets are the only bedding that needs to be washed every couple of weeks to clean off bacteria, dust mites, etc., because only the sheets will be touching you every night for a prolonged period. The rest of the bedding can go up to six weeks.

If you sleep with your pets, a throw blanket can create this same space for your pet to reduce the spread of bacteria.

It Allows for Better Temperature Control

Layered bedding allows you to better control how cool or warm you are during the night. Finding the right fabrics to layer your bedding can also assist in keeping you at the ideal temperature when you sleep.

It’s Welcoming, Cozy, and Customizable

Layering your bedding creates the ideal comforting and, ultimately, cozy feel that makes the ideal environment for quality sleep. Plus, layers are easily customizable. You can add pops of color with throw pillows, express yourself with a funky bed topper, or keep it clean and simple.

Layering your bedding can be a bit daunting. However, it doesn’t have to be. By following these five steps and shopping at Southshore Fine Linens, you can layer your bedding with simple, elegant, and affordable bedding.

Shop Southshore Fine Linens' best sellers today.

Sources:

Buiano, M. (2024). How to Make a Better Bed — and Style It Like a Professional.
How Often You Should Wash Your Sheets (and the Gross Reasons Why). (2023).

Noyed, D. (2023). Mattress Pad Vs. Mattress Topper: What Are They, and What’s the Difference?