We spend one-third of our lives asleep (in theory) so our beds should be a cozy oasis, a place that envelops us at night and a place from which we have to peel ourselves reluctantly each morning. Beds are not just for slumber, though; they are a space for reading, cuddling children, cat-napping and some other unmentionable activities.
For me, the coziest beds have crisp white sheets (not sateen slippery but not remotely scratchy)-- like a 5-star hotel without a hotel's sterile anonymity. I think a slightly rumbled bed is sexy the way "bed head" is sexy. Hospital corners and minimalist, stark bed linens don't do it for me. But nor do chaotic, overly messy beds. One should never have to fuss and struggle with aligning and straightening the covers at bedtime; this sets the stage for restless sleep.
Bedside tables should be within reach for easy access to water, light switches, and a stack of books. Pillows should be plentiful but not excessive, some firm and some squishy. For me the most somnolent bedrooms are comfortable but quite tidy, with the remnants of the day's clothes, clutter and worries tucked away from sight.
What do you think makes a bed cozy and inviting?
Images:
FIRST ROW
• 1 Decorista.
• 2 Luxe and Lillies.
• 3 Design is Mine.
• 4 Decor8.
• 5 {This is Glamorous}.
SECOND ROW
• 6 {This is Glamorous}.
• 7 House Beautiful.
• 8 {This is Glamorous}.
• 9 Elle Décor via My Favorite and My Best.
• 10 Look Mom via Head Over Heels.
THIRD ROW
• 11 My Favorite and My Best.
• 12 Canadian House and Home.
• 13 My Favorite and My Best.
• 14 Decorista.
• 15 {This is Glamorous}.
















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Martha Stewart has a flannel sheet collection that came out this winter, that are AMAZING. It's soft flannel that feels like t shirt cotton.... so great for sleep. But yes, you won't want to pull yourself out of bed.
My sister gave us a set of fleece sheets from Target last Christmas. Holy cow, do those make it hard to get out of bed in the morning.
I agree about crisp white sheets. They definitely make the bed perfect. I am loving the grey tones and layered of the bed spreads. Gorgeous!
i just bought crisp white wonderful sheets, so i'm going to have to agree :)
I am loving the last picture but how wide is that bedroom and how long is the bed?
I'm asking because I'm trying to figure out how to get the most from my 1.7m x 4.5m bedroom.
I like a plush throw to wrap over my arms and shoulders if it gets chilly -- the cozy factor, for sure. (My cat loves it, too...)
Does anyone know where one could find a bed like the one in the very first picture? Or else like the bed in the third picture in the second row? Most of the stores for beds that I've found are in the UK, which sounds like a shipping nightmare.
It is my firm belief that if you have beautiful sheets, you do not have to make the bed.
Just give me the blue furry thing in the second pic; I'll sleep on that.
@FellyNYC: I love them, too!!!
We did some posts on AT on tufted headboards that you may want to check out. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/bedroom/high-low-diy-tufted-headboards-102561
They also have them at Serena and Lily, Ballard Designs, West Elm...
This blog Nest Egg has a ton, too: http://nestegg.typepad.com/nest-egg/2010/11/headboards.html
-Catrin
Also, for the crisp but not scratchy sheets I HIGHLY recommend the hotel sheets from Restoration Hardware. They have a 210-thread count, which sounds low but may actually be why they are soooo awesome and not at all sateen-like. The closest to a good hotel sheet that I have ever encountered.
http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod250023&categoryId=cat90107
-Catrin
Thanks cm! These websites are exactly what I was looking for. :)