Making the Bed: Best Products, Practices, and Prices!

I don't know about you, but more often than not making my bed in the morning feels like a small and tedious way to start the day. Often times, between a chorus of intermediate alarms and sputtering showerheads and boiling kettles, making the bed is the least of my notions. However, in recent years I have made the effort to make this seemingly trivial task a staple of my morning routine, simply because it sets me up for a great and efficient day ahead. It can make you feel accomplished and organised before you even leave the house for the day ahead and its compulsory challenges. Plus, it is so much nicer to come home to a bed that is made up and ready for you, rather than a sprawling heap of duvet and blanket. So, let me take you through a few of my top tips and products for the best bed make up, some of which I'm hoping you can utilise in your everyday morning routine, or perhaps on the weekend when you've got a little longer to dress your down-time.

Firstly, I recommend you cut out the middleman - the middleman in this case being my toothbrush. My first thought when I wake up is often my teeth - something I'm sure many can relate to. I used to topple from bedroom to bathroom immediately upon waking up, though I've found that biting the bullet and making the bed straight away is much easier than coming back to it later. Between you and me, this is also how I ensure I won't fall back in. Once your bed is laid out and smoothed down, you will likely find it easier to go about getting ready having already done something both elective and productive!

Starting with a blank mattress, we'll firstly need to look at mattress protectors. Ideal for added protection and elevated comfort, a plush mattress protector could be the key you're missing to better sleep. Secondly, and importantly, we need to find the perfect fitted sheet. A fitted sheet is an absolute necessity for any bed, acting as a simple protective solution for protecting your mattress from sweat, stains, dust - you name it. I would say that a good fitted sheet should be deep enough to encompass your whole mattress with no riding up on the sides, and I always recommend elasticised corners for a taut look that prevents the fabric from moving around or bunching up. From OHS, we offer a comprehensive range of fitted sheets - from regular to deep fitting in a range of bold or subdued colours, depending what you fancy. Once your mattress is wrapped in the colour of your choice, I recommend a mattress topper for added protection and elevated comfort while you rest. 

Shop Mattress Protectors & Fitted Sheets.

With your mattress now efficiently protected and wrapped in the colour of your choice, we need to consider the central aspect of your bed: duvets & pillows. The thing about duvets is that everyone is different. With a range of options available, there is a duvet for everyone depending on what qualities are best suited to you. On average, we spend about 1/3 of our lives under the sheets, so careful consideration on your choice is essential. Choose from 4.5, 7.5, 10.5, 13.5, and 15 tog - this essentially refers to the warmth of your duvet with 4.5 being the coolest and 15 the warmest. Consider the time of year and general temperatures of your area and home when making your choice. I personally utilise a 10.5 tog duvet for the majority of the year, while I tend to switch it out for a 7.5 during the warmer months. Pillows are a similar story. Choosing the perfect pillows for your bed involves considering a few different things, such as your usual sleep position and any specific needs such as allergies or neck pain. Popular fillings include memory foam, often praised for excellent support as it conforms to your head and neck, as well as down, which is made from soft feathers for a luxurious feel. If you do suffer from allergies, there are hypoallergenic options available across both duvets and pillows.

Shop Duvets & Pillows.

Now we're talking! I'm not ashamed to admit that I change my bedding like a girl changes her clothes. With so many colours, textures, and styles to choose from, I simply struggle to only commit to one - and why should I?! Finding your perfect duvet cover set, of which I consider myself somewhat of an expert, involves considering material as well as colours, designs, and textures that will enhance your room's aesthetic appeal. My duvet cover serves as a focal point in the room's décor. I have a collection of neutral hued sets - whites, creams, greys - which lend well to many bedrooms and creates a clean, sophisticated look. On the other hand, I have a select few louder covers, boasting bold colours and vibrant prints that express a personal style. Texture plays a big role in my room, often featured on bedding sets in the form of seersucker or pinsonic designs. Whatever your preference, the great thing about bedding from OHS is the affordability, enabling you to shop stylish and quality sets in abundance, never having to settle!

Shop Duvet Covers.

With your bed wrapped, decked-out in comfort, and all done up, I like to include a few finishing touches in the form of cushions and throws. I won't lie, the majority of my additional cushions get knocked off the bed after 5 minutes of my recurrent repositioning as I try to get comfy, but would I go without? Absolutely not. Both cushions and throws promise to elevate your bedding set up by adding layers of texture, colour, and comfort - often transforming a simple bed into a trendy and inviting sight. Cushions, available in many sizes, shapes, and designs, provides an opportunity to introduce contrasting colours and patterns - this works exceedingly well against the more subdued duvet covers. These can be arranged and rearranged in a myriad of ways to create a luxury look with added personality. The same is true for throws. Whether draped over the end of your bed or casually thrown haphazardly, throws introduce tactile texture and an alluring comfort. Discover a bounty of textures, from chucky knits to smooth, soft weaves, and take your bedding to a new level.

Shop Cushions & Throws.

To round off, making your bed nice – with care and attention – can transform your bedroom, and even your day! Regular bedding maintenance ensures that it is somewhere that remains a welcoming space for restful sleep, which contributes to overall well-being as well as simply having a beautiful bedroom that boosts your mood!

Shop Bedding.