I Swear by My Mom’s Clever Bedspread Hack (It Makes My Bed Look So Cozy!)

When I was growing up in India, bedspreads weren’t just about aesthetics — they were everyday essentials. In large, crowded, dust-prone cities like Mumbai, where I lived, it didn’t take long for a just-made bed to lose its freshness. So often, we used bedspreads to cover up the sheets, pillows, and duvets in order to help keep everything clean and hygienic. 

Bedspreads can be pricey, though — especially because you need at least two (one in use, one in the wash) for each bed. But my thrifty mom found the best workaround: Instead of buying actual bedspreads, she simply used flat bed sheets.

My mother would buy extra flat top sheets that were a size larger than the bed, and drape them on top of the already-made bed (so directly over the regular comforter and sheets). She called them “bed covers.” Basically, they provided a protective layer over the entire bed, spilling over the sides and onto the floor for an effortlessly chic look. 

Top sheets are so lightweight that they’re a lot easier to clean than comforters and duvets, so it’s fine if they collect dust. And because they’re also so much more budget-friendly — and easier to store — than traditional bedspreads, my style-conscious mom built up a collection of dozens of these top sheets over the years, making it easy to refresh the vibe of a whole room with a simple swap of the “bed covers,” as she called them. 

Even though I now live in Europe, where dust on the bed isn’t such a daily problem anymore, I’ve continued to use my mom’s trick as a quick and easy way to elevate my space. What I love most is how it makes it so easy to switch up the look and vibe of your bedding every season (or even every week, if you want!) without breaking the bank.

If you want to try this look, you can shop flat sheets just about anywhere — but one of my favorite spots is Zara Home. The sheets at Zara Home are made from natural fibers like cotton and linen, and there’s something for every taste and budget. Below are the three on my wish list right now.