The Well Dressed Bed

Ever wonder how they make those beds in model homes?

A beautifully made bed, whether for Staging to sell or to live can help create a perfect focal point in your bedroom. The more sumptuous the bed the more drama you create. Here is how to make your dream bed a reality.

First, determine the style of your room which is usually dictated by your furniture. Are you going sleek and modern or more romantic and cozy? In general the clean and simple look works best with the sleek, modern furniture. The more layers and fluff you add, the romantic the bed becomes.

Select bedding that matches or compliments the colors in your bedroom and decide whether you will be hiding the bed frame or incorporating it into your design. If you are going to conceal the frame a tailored or gathered skirt will do the trick. Adding trim or a contrasting ribbon to a ready made skirt is a great way to dress up a simple plain skirt and is an easy DIY project using iron-on fabric adhesive.

Choose the best sheets, with the highest thread count you can afford. Even if you are Staging your home, you can always use the sheets in your new home later. Use clean, crisp sheets either fresh from the dryer or freshly pressed. I suggest classic white or ivory sheets because they always look good. Dark colored sheets and prints can fade and tend to look dated over time.

Place your fitted sheet on your bed and smooth away any wrinkles. Next, place your flat sheet and blanket, pulling up the flat sheet far enough so there's enough length to fold over the blanket. Even if you're not using a blanket fold back the edge of the top sheet anyway for a crisp look. Smooth out any wrinkles and make sure the overhang on each side is equal. Use hospital corners to tuck in all the ends at the foot of the bed.

Choose your top layer according to your rooms’ décor. Again the fluffier you go, the more traditional the look. For a great modern look add a contrasting duvet cover or even a larger sized flat sheet. Duvet covers filled with down or comforters and quilts are better for creating an informal look. Add a throw or blanket folded along the foot of the bed as a final layer.

Pillows are like jewelry for the beautifully made bed. The first layer is made using large “Euros” (short for European pillows) which are placed against the headboard or wall behind the bed. For a queen-size bed use two or three pillows, on a king-sized bed use four. Overlap them so that they stand away from the flat surface.

The next layer is created from the pillows that you typically sleep on. I usually work with two to four standard-sized pillows stacked in front of the Euros. If using four, I often purchase an extra set of pillow cases in a complimentary color or pattern for additional appeal.

Place a few smaller decorative throw pillows at different angles in front of the sleeping pillows to give the appearance of having been casually thrown onto the bed. You may want to add a small neck roll pillow to add a touch of elegance and whimsy at the same time. For the modern bed you consider using just one decorative pillow in a contrasting color. A well dressed bed is a great way to ensure sweet dreams of a quick sale.

Professional Raleigh Home Stager, Janine Varney. ASP and partner of Raleigh's Premier Home Staging Companies, Triangle Staging & Design. We can assist you will all your home Staging and Design needs. Whether new construction, vacant or occupied, we have the experience, expertise and resources to showcase your home. Home Staging services for Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, Garner, Wake Forest and Cary, NC. Visit our website at www.TriangleStaging.com