A Layered Bed Can Chase Away Winter’s Chill

With the holidays behind us and a couple of months to go until spring arrives, you might be looking for something to get you through the rest of winter.  Look no further than your bed.  Nothing feels better on a chilly winter morning than pulling the soft covers up under your chin. But your bed can make you feel good even when you’re not in it, if it’s styled just right — with rows of pillows, soft quilt, plush duvet and a coordinating throw or blanket. We have several new bedding sets in the store to get you started, and we’ve put together a how-to list to create  that layered bed look that beckons you to curl up with a good book or take an afternoon nap.

Layer 1 — Put the fitted and flat sheets on the bed.  You can place the flat sheet right side up so that it begins at the head of the bed right where you want it to, or you can place it wrong side up and leave room at the top so you can fold it over the blanket.

Layer 2 — After your blanket is in place, with the flat sheet how you want it, add a quilt or matelassé and top it with a comforter or duvet, folded to cover just half the bed or even into thirds just to cover the foot of the bed, allowing more of the matelassé or quilt to show.  This is where you can really play with colors and patterns by getting layers that complement each other.  And here’s a designer tip:  Buy a duvet insert one size larger than the duvet or stack two inserts into a single duvet to create an ultra-plush look.

Layer 3 — Build rows of pillows beginning with Euro shams (for height) as the back row (three for a king-sized bed or two for a queen-sized), followed by a pair of regular pillows.  Consider dressing them up by placing them in shams rather than simple pillowcases.  You can add another row of regular pillows in coordinating shams to introduce another pattern or color. Finish it off with a few small toss pillows or maybe one long rectangular pillow with a sweet saying or pretty details.

Layer 4 — Add a soft throw, either placed just so or folded neatly across the length of the bed.  Faux fur throws are great this time of year, both for their softness and their warmth.  They’re easily pulled up or peeled away, depending on your comfort level.

We have a few photos here to inspire you, and we have even more beds made up in the store.