The Art of Layering: Creating the Perfect Luxury Bed

By Peacock Alley February 22, 2024

Bedding layering techniques are a vital element in styling luxury bedding. More than just a simple arrangement of sheets and blankets, layering involves a thoughtful selection of textures, fabrics, colors, and patterns to elevate your bedroom's aesthetic and sleeping environment.

In this step-by-step guide, we'll share how to master the art of layering. Read on for six luxury bedding tips to create the perfect bed design.

Olivia Matelassé Coverlet

$745.00 - $970.00

$745.00 - $970.00 ~~$0.00 - $0.00~~

Lyric Percale Sheet Set

$845.00 - $960.00

$845.00 - $960.00 ~~$0.00 - $0.00~~

1: Determine Your Perfect Bed Design

The first step in layering your bedding like a pro is deciding on the overall look. Consider your personal taste alongside current trends to determine your bedding style, whether simple and minimalistic or bold and maximalist. Next, choose a color palette and patterns that cohesively align with the aesthetic you want your bedroom to create. For example, use earth tones and subtle floral prints to capture a biophilic design or choose rich, deep colors for a moody vibe. Finally, select materials based on your sleep and style preferences, keeping the season and climate in mind.

Step 2: Choose the Right Sheets

While your sheets and pillowcases won't be the most visible, they're equally crucial since they're the layer you'll have the most contact with. From crisp cotton to warm flannel, select high-quality sheets in the fabric of your choice to get a good night's sleep. Whether or not you go with a top sheet is entirely up to you. However, they can be essential to a well-made bed, keeping your duvet clean and helping with temperature regulation. Plus, picking a top sheet with a pattern or contrasting color can add sophisticated texture when folded over your comforter or duvet.

Step 3: Add the Duvet of Your Dreams

Duvets come in various sizes and fills to meet your needs. A down duvet creates a classic cloudlike top layer. On the other hand, a down alternative is an excellent choice for sleepers with allergies. Adding a chic duvet cover can keep your duvet insert clean while adding an extra design element. It also makes it easy to switch out and refresh your look—choosing a solid color paired with bold accents or a patterned cover coordinated with solid sheets.

To style your duvet:

Place it so it covers the entire bed, or fold it into a plush layer at the bottom during warmer months.
If you want to make it extra fluffy, add two duvet inserts into one large cover or stuff one oversized duvet insert into a smaller cover.
For a European look, make your bed with two single-size duvets following the Scandinavian Sleep Method.

New Colors

Biagio Jacquard Duvet Cover

$1,125.00 - $1,205.00

$1,125.00 - $1,205.00 ~~$0.00 - $0.00~~

Alyssa Matelassé Coverlet

$270.00 - $630.00

$270.00 - $630.00 ~~$0.00 - $0.00~~

Step 4: Or Opt for a Blanket Instead

Blankets, coverlets, and quilts can add extra insulation between the sheets and duvet. But they also make an excellent, lightweight top bedding in warmer weather. Layered blankets in solid colors add a soft, loose look, while a quilt can make a more dramatic statement with bold patterns. For subtle sophistication, layer your bed with matelassé and add rich texture to your bedroom.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Throw blankets add extra texture and warmth to your bedding. Drape them casually or slightly bundled for an effortless look like they’re just waiting for you to curl up in them with a good book. Or, fold them neatly at the end of the bed for a more orderly look or to break up the expansion of a larger bed. Mixing two throw blankets in complementary colors can add depth and dimension to your bedding.

Accent pillows also add visual appeal and come in various options. Choose from fun textures like velvet, chunky knits, and faux fur. Varying hues and bold prints can orient your bedding to your overall theme. Different sizes, like shams and body pillows, can also serve as a statement piece. Get creative. Mix and match shapes, sizes, colors, and fabrics to create a relaxed feeling. An uneven number of throw pillows works best, with three ideal for single beds and no more than six for larger beds.

Step 6: Review Your Bedding Work

Once you’ve added the final touches, give your bed a final once-over. Tuck away any exposed zippers or buttons and ensure your duvet is completely enclosed in its cover so everything comes together in a polished, sophisticated look.

Create the Perfect Luxury Bed Design with Peacock Alley

Master the art of bedding layering with Peacock Alley’s beautiful bedding, sheets, and accessories that deliver classic and current looks. Choose your own looks or get inspiration from our stylish bedroom décor collections, replicating the latest design trends within your own home.

When you visit one of our retail locations, our style team will help you create the best look for your bedroom. And if our stores aren’t around the corner, join our online chat to get the same top-notch advice from our experts. Finding the right bedding layers to enhance your design style is easy at Peacock Alley.