Bedding Layering for Beginners: Coverlet, Duvet, & More

Create the ultimate comfort and style in your bedroom with our expert-backed tips

Co-authored by Suzanne Lasky, ASID and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: November 10, 2022 References

Are you envious of the beautifully layered beds you get to sleep on in a 5-star hotel? The tiers of pillows, the piles of blankets—not only do these beds look great, but they’re super comfy, too! And after reading our article, you won’t have to be jealous of those beds anymore. We’ll tell you exactly how to layer your bed like a professional to get a finished product that looks like it was done by a designer. To snooze in the bed of your dreams, keep reading!

Things You Should Know

Start with a mattress protector and a fitted sheet. Add a flat sheet on top to complete your base layers.
Use a quilt or a coverlet to add dimension and patterns to your bed.
Throw a duvet on top, and fold it down about halfway to expose your patterned quilt.
Finish off the look with Euro shams, sleeping pillows, and throw pillows.

1

Cover your mattress with a mattress protector.

A mattress protector provides comfort and extra padding. While most people think of layering their bed as pillows and blankets, your base layers are just as important. Use a mattress protector to keep your mattress pristine for years to come. Plus, most mattress protectors have a thin layer of foam, which gives you and your sleeping partner an extra dose of cozy comfort.^{[1]
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- Most mattress protectors go on just like fitted sheets. Make sure to tuck any extra fabric underneath the mattress itself for a seamless look.

2

Use a fitted sheet as a base layer.

Your fitted sheet smooths out your bed and makes it look professional. While most 5-star hotels typically use a flat sheet as their base layer, at home, we like to use fitted sheets. Spread your fitted sheet out on the bed and attach the corners, then smooth out any wrinkles and creases in the sheet.^{[2]
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- White fitted sheets are always a good option. They provide a neutral background for any color or patterns you want to use in the rest of your bed.
- However, feel free to play around with colored or patterned sheets if you’d like to!

3

Add a flat sheet on top.

Layer a flat sheet on top of the fitted sheet for a crisp, clean look. To make your flat sheet look great, iron it first, and then spread it out over your bed. Once it’s centered on your mattress, tuck the bottoms and the sides of the sheet underneath the mattress, and smooth out any wrinkles left behind.^{[3]
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- A white top sheet is usually a good choice, but you could also go with cream or tan for a fun neutral look.

4

Use a quilt to add pattern and warmth.

A quilt draws the eye while also keeping you cozy in winter. While you could skip straight to the duvet next, why not add a pop of color? Spread a quilt out over your bed and tuck the sides and bottom underneath your mattress. Then, fold the top 1/3 of the quilt and the flat sheet over to leave room for your pillows.^{[4]
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- Or, add fun texture with a coverlet instead of a quilt.^{[5]
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- For a neutral look, go for a cream, tan, or gray quilt instead of a patterned one.

5

Put a duvet on top.

Your comforter is the top layer that brings the bed together. Pick out a cute duvet cover and put your comforter inside. Then, spread the duvet over your bed, and fold it down about halfway. That way, you can see your quilt and top sheet peeking out from underneath.^{[6]
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- Try introducing a new texture with your duvet cover, like velvet or jacquard cotton. Pick a solid color that ties into your quilt or coverlet to bring the whole bed together.
- Go for a monochromatic look by choosing a color that matches your quilt or coverlet.
- Want to add more fluff to your duvet? Add an insert to the duvet cover to make your comforter extra large.

6

Add a throw at the end of the bed for extra coziness.

Throws are optional, but they’re a great accent piece. Pick a patterned throw that has at least 1 color in your duvet cover, then fold the throw in half. Drape it across the bottom of your bed to use on chilly nights.^{[7]
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- If you have a neutral-colored duvet cover, use a throw to add in a bright pop of color. If your duvet cover is already a bright color, stick with a neutral throw.

7

Add pops of color with Euro shams.

Use large decorative pillows to draw attention to your bed. Euro shams are the large pillows that typically sit right up against the headboard. Pick out Euro sham covers that draw the eye, like ones with bright colors or patterns. To keep things cohesive, match the pattern in your quilt or coverlet.^{[8]
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- Euro shams are a cheap, easy way to make your bedding look more glamorous.
- Set the Euro shams right up against your headboard to hold all of your other pillows upright.
- Not a fan of the square look? Go for regular pillow shams instead.

8

Match your standard pillows to your sheets.

Keep the pillows you sleep on neutral and cohesive. When it comes to pillow covers for your sleeping pillows, white is always a good option. When in doubt, use the pillow cases that came in your sheet set to make everything match.^{[9]
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- Set your sleeping pillows up against your Euro shams. When it comes time to go to bed, you can use the Euro shams to prop your head up, or you can toss them to the side.

9

Use throw pillows to add patterns.

Small throw pillows are great for adding contrasting colors. You’ve got most of what you need set up, and now it’s time for some fun! Use throw pillows to introduce a new pattern, like zebra or cheetah print. Or, try them in a contrasting color to play with color blocking.^{[10]
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- Lean your decorative pillows up against your sleeping pillows on the bed. Since these are too small to sleep on, you can throw them to the side when it’s time to snooze.

10

Add an interesting shape with a decorative pillow.

Decorative pillows give your bed dimension and flair. While you could stop now, why not pick out a fun, small pillow to give your bed some pizazz? Try a circular or rectangular pillow in a fun color to complete your look.^{[11]
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- Now is a great time for an interesting texture, too. Try a velvet pillow or a shag pillow to make your bed look super interesting.

11

Complete the room with an area rug.

An area rug will tie your colors and patterns together. We know, we know—a rug sits underneath the bed, not on top of it. But if you feel like your bedroom just looks a little off, try adding a rug under the bed that ties in at least 1 of the colors you chose. It will help your bedroom look more cohesive, and it will also draw the eye toward your adorably layered bed.
- Is your bedroom carpeted? No problem! You can still put an area rug on top of carpet.