After years spent as a home stylist for countless magazine shoots, catalogs, ad campaigns, and more, Eddie Ross knows a thing or two about creating a picture-perfect bedroom. So we headed to Edgewood Hall, Ross's house in Pennsylvania, to find out some of his tried-and-true tricks for building a bed that's as chic as it is comfy.
Start with a blank canvas.
Invest in a good set of white sheets, which will work with any type of decorative bedding. "I like to use a white fitted sheet and shams as a base and then add in color," says Ross, who used Peacock Alley linens in his own master bedroom.
Bring in color with a flat sheet.
A patterned flat sheet adds interest. Make sure to put it top-side down so that when it's folded over, you see the good side!
A coverlet works best for warm sleepers.
If you tend to heat up during the night, you might not need anything heavier than a cotton coverlet. Layer it on top of the flat sheet.
Get your hospital corners crisp.
Tuck everything in, then fold hospital corners (follow the instructions at Lifehacker). This old-school trick will make any bed look infinitely more tailored.
Add a duvet for extra warmth.
Like to keep the thermostat low? (Or just want to feel like you're sleeping under a cloud?) A fluffy duvet will keep you toasty all night. Keep it folded in thirds at the bottom of the bed; if you're feeling chilly, a quick pull will bring it to the top of the bed.
Place shams in the back...
Having shams behind your sleeping pillows provides extra support for when you want to sit up and read (or binge Netflix) in bed. They can also be more decorative than your usual pillowcases since they don't need to be laundered as often.
...then standard pillows.
Ross used patterned pillowcases to match the top sheet. "It's another opportunity to bring in color," he explains.
Finally: Go to town with throw pillows!
Square, rectangular, or bolster, patterned or plain, decorative pillows add extra oomph to your bed. When you're ready to change up your look, simply swap them out to create a totally new color story. Ross's key rule for proper styling: always go largest in the back to smallest in the front.
Shop the look: Eddie Ross's Perfect Bed
Whatever You Do, Avoid These Bed-Making Mistakes:
1.You lay your top sheet with the pattern up.
Placing it pattern-side down is actually the best way to show off that fun print. When you fold the top of the sheet over your duvet or comforter (like it's done here), the pattern will be revealed—and not the washed-out backside.
2. You don't make your bed every morning.
That rumor that your bed needs to "air out?" It's a myth. Make your bed every morning and after a while, you won't feel like you've properly started your day without tucking in your sheets.
3. You don't iron your sheets.
Yes, it's a pain, but it makes a huge difference in your bed's look and feel. Certain fabrics don't need ironing (like flannel) but if your sheets are made from linen or cotton, take the time. No one likes to cuddle up with wrinkled sheets.
4. You don't use the duvet ties.
You have a duvet with ties and a comforter with slots—use them! They really help keep a fussy duvet in place, even after a night of tossing and turning.
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