When we made the switch from a plain old mattress and box springs to a platform bed, we started to change the way we made our bed. Before we had a duvet, and now we prefer using layers of quilts and blankets, neatly tucked and folded under the mattress to show off the bed's clean, low-slung lines. This image (of the Hubert Modern Platform Bed at TREOmodern) shows the way that layers of bedding in the same family of colors can create a "striped" effect. Step-by-steps and more ideas below the jump.
How to Dress a Platform Bed:
• In the winter, use lots of layers to build up warmth. We use a sheet, blanket, quilt (and sometimes a throw).
• Start with a fitted sheet or flat undersheet.
• Lay the top sheet, blanket, and quilt on the bed.
• Position so that the layers hang evenly over each side of the bed.
• Turn down the top of the quilt so that a little bit of blanket shows at the top of the bed.
• Tuck the end of the sheet/blanket/quilt snugly under the end of the mattress, smoothing them flat against the platform.
• Repeat on the sides of the bed.
• If you have a little corner of quilt peeking out at the bottom of the bed, fold it under the end of the mattress.
• Fold a top throw into a long rectangle.
• Lay the throw across the mid-section of the bed, towards the end of the mattress.
• Tuck the ends of the throw smoothly underneath the mattress.
More Ideas:
Fold the quilt back at both ends to create even more of a "striped" effect. Image: Leggero Bed at Design Within Reach
For a relaxed look, leave a throw blanket untucked across the bed. Keep the pillows simple. Image: Habitat Ireland
Create a super-crisp look with white blankets on white sheets. Image: Modloft Worth Platform Bed
A long bolster pillow highlights the horizontal lines of the bed. Image: Reve Bed at Design Within Reach
I wish I had invested in the DWR linens when they were available!!
view Kathryn's profile
I really don't find those beds inviting... I hate sleeping under a sheet and blanket (loathe being tucked-in), so this would be enough to turn me off platform beds.
Just did a check of how European companies are presenting their beds, and it is definitely with duvets. Check out Ligne Roset as an example:
http://www.ligne-roset-usa.com/?sec=products&pid=33&cid=35&rid=348&page=0
view mschatelaine's profile
Where can I find a long bolster pillow like the one on the Rev bed from DW? I don't see it on their web site.
view clutter4's profile
clutter4, here's one option: a "body pillow" from Bean Products, 66 inches long.
view sarah c's profile
Nice post! This might convince me to make the bed more often.
view Aaron's profile
I wish I had the patience to actually do all of that. Like, seriously...Why?
But can I just say that I am drooling over that Habitat Ireland bed(room).
view Talloush's profile
I have a platform bed and just use the duvet. All that dressing looks lovely, but seriously . . . who's got the time?!?!?!
view MCNicole's profile
I like warmth and minimal time spent making the bed, so I use a top sheet, blanket, and a duvet on top of it all. I tuck the duvet in at the bottom because my bed is low and has a footboard, and get the added benefit of only having to flip the sheets down to get in and up to make the bed!
I wish I'd thought of tucking in the comforter when I was a kid - all the times I accidentally kicked all the sheets off!
view elchan's profile
I like my platform bed but it's a pain making it photo shoot perfect. Subsequently, that only happens when my housekeeper comes at the end of the month. The rest of the time I make it "tidy".
view Chris - Annapolis's profile
I like the picture with the plain white bedding. Does anyone know where I can find a nice, plain white blanket / quilt? I have a plain white duvet, but want something less bulky.
view dpunjabi's profile
I hate sleeping under a sheet and blanket (loathe being tucked-in), so this would be enough to turn me off platform beds.
Monika - There are also platform beds that don't have the flat extensions beyond the mattress, so you can "make" them just like standard beds. Ours looks just like a normal bed except that we don't have to mess with a box spring. (My back doesn't permit all that lifting and tucking with what I consider a comfortable mattress!)
view wende in the twin cities's profile
speaking of duvets vs. sheet and blankets, i had a recent argument with a european friend about how duvets should be used. i maintain that duvets are best used with a fitted and flat sheet (wash the sheet more often so you have to undo and wash the duvet less often); she claims that duvets should be used with only a fitted sheet and that you should wash the duvet cover as the sweat or oils from your body go through the top sheet and make the duvet dirty anyways. how do AT readers do it?
view JDog's profile
What's the use of having a housekeeper come once a month? That's too much time in between for filth to pile up.
Anyway, I thought everyone knew that the bedding on platform beds is to be tucked.
view orangejuce's profile
Dpunjabi - Restoration Hardware has a GREAT thin down blanket!! Its warm, but not bulky at all, I love it...
http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1060054&navAction=jump
view mrsemerald's profile
I love the idea of giving up duvets because it doesn't work with your bedframe. Talk about form over function!
view vagary's profile
Yes - these are gorgeous - but impossible to find online. All the stores mentioned do not show this bedding anywhere on their site. Just attempt a search on Modern, or minimalist, or even mascule bedding - or bed linens. I have spent 2 days searching on line for something similar to the above - all solid colors, no patterns - where the tones make up the excitement. Nada null zilch. Can't be found on line anyway - which is why I hate articles like this that point something out - and don't tell you where to get the stuff. Its more than annoying.
Then you go to sites like Charles Rogers and others mentioned - and they show platform beds dressed nicely - so you assume - they actually sell this bedding. Go to the bedding section though and what do you find - frilly, overpatterned, overcolored monstrosities that would give me nightmares. Contemporary bedding seems code on line for horrbily obnoxious extra large overdone patters found here.
view tommyz's profile
Had to come back after some more time searching. I'm starting to understand Google.
Modern Bedding = to Google - any bedding made in China with horrendous overdone patterns which were produced in the last 10 years.
Minimalist Bedding = to Google - very large ugly patterns with garish colors guaranteed to make you vomit until you pass out
Designer bedding = Some 4 year old paid to draw on cloth with a crayon which is then mass printed and sold at JC Penney
By the way - websters defines Miinimalist as: a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity
This means to me - but call me crazy - no patterns, garish colors, oversized prints of any kind. The only item that should distinguish a minimalist look is the actual weave of the fabric and the material - perhaps solid colors - but even that is pushing it.
view tommyz's profile
Just search the AT archives, you will find plenty of online resources for modern/minimalist bedding.
view Kathryn's profile