How to Correctly Set Up Your Bed

I would argue that my bed is my most important piece of furniture. I mean, I spend 1/3 of my life in it so it makes sense! And yet, our beds are often something we don’t put a lot of thought into. Most of the time, the perfect bed doesn’t need to be the most expensive, latest model. You don’t need to have a perfect brand new bedroom either.

In this article, I will be sharing some tried and true methods of having a great bed. So, are you setting up your bed wrong? Let’s find out! The main components of setting up your bed the right way include:

• Bed frame and headboard – you can get creative with the rest, but the bed frame and headboard are two things you shouldn’t skimp on. You want to make sure that they are sturdy.
• The mattress – of course, this is a very personal choice. I recommend getting something that is at least 9 inches thick and made of pure latex foam or memory foam.
• Mattress cover – make sure your mattress is protected by a quality cover. This will ensure that it stays in prime condition for as long as possible.
• The sheets – you’re going to sleep in these every night; make sure they are comfortable and durable. I’ll share how to pick the best ones!
• Blankets – there are many options to go with for your blankets, I will share more about what I think is the perfect set-up.
• Pillows – Not only do you want a good quality pillow to prevent neck pain, but it is also important for comfort. I will also go over how to style with pillows.

Now that we have the overview of setting up your bed, let’s get into the details of each step! After you’ve finished this article, you will know exactly how to set up your bed the right way for a perfect night’s sleep!

Bed Frames And Headboards

While you may think these things are purely aesthetic, they are quite important! A bed frame and headboard will ensure that your mattress will last longer. It also provides a place to attach your sheets. There are many types of beds, including:

• Platform Bed– I recommend this bed if you want a simple style that is low profile and easy to set up. They tend to be less expensive too.
• Metal Bed– this bed frame type is great for people that live in extreme climates. This frame will insulate better against hot and cold weather.
• Canopy Bed- this bed frame has a classic look. However, the canopy can be quite impractical in some rooms.
• Cabin Bed– this bed style is popular in Scandinavian countries. It has 4 posts and is higher off the ground which makes it great for storage underneath.
• Slatted Bed– often made of wood slats or metal, the slats add a level of comfort and breathability. Be careful when choosing metal slats as you don’t want any rust marks on your mattress.

Choosing The Right Mattress

The next step in setting your bed correctly is of course the mattress. This is the most important part of your bed and there are many things to consider when choosing one.

For me, I like a mattress that’s 9 inches thick and made of pure latex foam or memory foam. This ensures you have ample cushioning, but it won’t sink to the floor over time since it tends to be very durable.

The best idea is to try out several types of mattresses in person to find the right one. Also, make sure when you buy one that it has a good return/try it out policy.

Sometimes you don’t know a mattress is terrible until you’ve slept on it for a week! Having the right mattress makes all the difference in your quality of sleep.

Types Of Mattress

There are many types of mattresses. We will go over the most common ones, including:

• Memory Foam Mattress– these were invented by NASA to reduce pressure during take-offs. It has the same effect on your body; it will give you great relief from aches and pains.
• Spring Mattress– spring mattresses are what most people think of when they think of beds. They provide great back support and are widely available. However, they tend to be less durable over time.
• Latex Mattress– these are great for people that tend to sleep hot. They also provide great back support and won’t leave you with aches in the morning as foam ones do.
• Gel Mattress– these are similar to latex mattresses except they tend to be slightly more affordable.
• Pillowtop– this mattress has a soft pillowtop. If you like sleeping on a fluffy surface, then this is the one for you!

Mattress Covers

Many adults don’t realize they need a mattress cover, but they do! They have two main purposes, which are to protect the mattress and to keep it clean!

When buying a mattress cover know that ones made of cotton or bamboo are great for breathability, while others with aloe vera will provide sweet relief from any allergies you may have.

Also getting a waterproof cover is beneficial for those who sweat a lot in their sleep. An anti-allergen cover will keep away dust mites, which are often the cause of allergies.

When putting a mattress into a cover, make sure you follow these steps:

1. Remove Your Old Cover First – if your old one has springs or other components sticking out you will need to remove it first.
2. Don’t Toss The Old One Away – if your old cover is in good shape, try selling it or giving it to a friend. Or keep it to rotate in when your new one needs washing.
3. Put The New Cover On – if you have a waterproof one, put it on next. If not, put your cotton cover on first and then the waterproof one over the top.

The Sheets

Choosing the right sheets is also important to set up your bed correctly. The best material for sheets is Egyptian cotton because they are the most durable, but bamboo is great for breathability and longevity.

If you like silky shiny sheets, choose ones made of satin or silk. If you prefer flannel instead, make sure they aren’t scratchy. Also, flannel sheets are not recommended for people who sleep hot, as they tend to trap heat in the body instead of wicking it away.

For a wrinkle-free fabric, choose percale or sateen sheets. Make sure they are comfortable for you to sleep in but remember that breathability is more important than softness.

Finally, make sure your sheets fit your mattress! If you have a king-size bed for example and get queen-size sheets there will be a chasm between them that is hard to fill.

Blankets For Any Time

For an optimal bed, you should have 3 blankets on your bed in addition to your flat sheet. This is because three blankets will give you the most versatility and style without looking overwhelming.

So what kinds of blankets should you put on your bed?

1. A comforter or duvet– this is your main blanket that will add style, comfort, and warmth. Choose the thickness that is best for your desired temperature level.
2. A lighter cotton blanket- you will want to put a thinner cotton or polyester blanket under your comforter. This is great for nights when you want to kick off the comforter but still have a light blanket.
3. A soft throw blanket– this one is optional but I love having a super soft and cozy throw blanket that sits at the end of the bed. This is great for when I want to hang out in bed while keeping it made (or take an afternoon nap). It can also add a bit of extra style to your bed.

The Perfect Pillows

As I mentioned earlier, a good head pillow is non-negotiable. However, you also need to choose the perfect pillow for your sleeping style.

If you like sleeping on your stomach, then opt for a flat head pillow. However, if you’re more of a back sleeper, consider getting one that is slightly firmer than average so it comfortably supports the neck when you lie down.

If you sleep on your side, get down pillows that are firmer to keep your head propped up.

I don’t like to have a bunch of extra pillows that aren’t also functional. So I like to have 2 queen or king-size head pillows (one a bit more firm, and one that’s softer), and a longer body or lumbar pillow in front of them (adds interest to your bed and can also be slept with for extra support).

Then I may also have 1 or two smaller decorative pillows in the very front that I can also use to sleep with or prop my feet up when I’m relaxing during the day.

When Should I Replace My Bed And Bedding?

Having the right bed set-up doesn’t automatically mean new. An old set can work perfectly fine if you are maintaining it. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh set of sheets or repainting your headboard.

If the frame is in good condition then there’s no reason to get rid of it, but you will need to replace your mattress after 10 years. If sheets are older than 5 years, change them for better comfort and hygiene. And pillows should be changed every two years.

How Often Should I Wash My Bedding?

Now that you have the perfect bed set up, let’s keep it looking like new! How often you wash everything will vary depending on the material of the sheets and how often you use them, but I recommend at least once a week.

I like to switch my comforter and pillowcases every other week and sometimes rotate my sheets into the mix too (so that each piece gets washed once a month).

Now you have the best tips on how to set up your bed the best way possible! At the end of the day, your comfort and quality of sleep are most important so make sure to prioritize that when thinking about your bed. Thanks for reading today, sweet dreams!