Achieving the European Bedding Style: A Complete Guide

The refined European way of making beds features meticulously arranged linens and pillows for a polished hotel suite look. Below you’ll find a comprehensive guide to perfecting this elegant bedding technique in your own bedroom.

What is European Bedmaking Style?

The European bed making style refers to a methodical way of arranging bed linens and pillows to achieve a crisp, uniform finished look. Key aspects include:

• Square pillows lined up neatly against the headboard
• Layers smoothed free of wrinkles and creases
• Decorative shams and pillows at the head
• A fabric runner, blanket or duvet at the foot

The final result is orderly, symmetrical and visually appealing. This orderly bedding appeals to those who prefer tidier, more restrained bedroom decor.

Benefits of European Bedmaking

Making the bed in the classic European manner provides several benefits:

Uniformly Tidy Look

The precise placement of linens and smooth flat layers creates a uniformly tidy, orderly appearance free of random wrinkles and lumps.

Ideal for Allergy Sufferers

The European technique fully encloses duvets and blankets within the bedding to reduce dust exposure for those with allergies.

Easy to Replicate

With a few key steps, the structured European bedmaking style is simple to recreate each morning.

Luxurious Hotel Feel

The flawlessly smooth layers evoke the feel of sinking into a meticulously made 5-star hotel bed at the end of each day.

Improved Sleep Hygiene

The ritual of neatening the bed each morning encourages better sleep hygiene practices overall.

Style Elements of European Beds

Certain bedding elements help achieve the classic European bed effect:

Flat Sheet

The flat sheet is tightly tucked underneath the mattress at the head and sides for a smooth, wrinkle-free appearance.

Duvet Cover

A duvet insert is inserted inside a duvet cover to allow easy laundering. This enables applying hotel corners.

Square Pillows

Pillows are stacked precisely with vertical sides facing inwards and edges aligned.

Decorative Pillows/Shams

Ornate shams, pillows and cushions are artfully arranged against the headboard purely for decoration.

Bed Skirt

A tailored bed skirt conceals the gap between the mattress and box spring or frame.

Foot Cover

A runner, throw or decorative fabric is folded at the foot for a finished symmetrical appearance.

Step-by-Step European Bed Making

Follow this precise sequence for flawless European bedmaking:

1. Ensure mattress pad, flat sheet and blankets/duvet are neatly tucked underneath mattress so surface is smooth.
2. Arrange standard sleeping pillows upright against headboard with open ends facing inwards. Align their front edges evenly.
3. Place Euro pillows (if using) directly behind the standard pillows, leaning them against the headboard.
4. Arrange decorative shams, pillows, bolsters attractively against headboard for visual appeal.
5. Pull the duvet up and use hand to “fan” the fabric out smoothly without wrinkles, creases or lumps.
6. Fold a contrasting runner, throw or extra duvet across the foot of the bed neatly.
7. Fluff and arrange any throw pillows in the center against the stacked pillows.
8. Step back and make any final adjustments for complete symmetry and smooth edges.

Tips for Achieving Great European Bed Style

Follow these pro tips for the ultimate polished European bed:

• Invest in high-quality linens to better hold crisp shapes after washing
• Starch sheets and bed skirts lightly to further reduce wrinkling
• Use two duvet inserts for thicker plushness when layering covers
• Hem duvet covers to match exact mattress height for seamless drape
• Choose patterns strategically – stripes horizontally, florals on shams
• Limit patterns to no more than 3 for visual harmony
• Display personalized throw pillows in the center against stacked pillows
• Layer in lightweight blankets for added depth
• Add a luxury chenille or velvet bedcover for extra elegance

The Perfect Pillow Formula

Pillow arrangement makes a big impact. Follow this winning pillow recipe:

Standard Pillows

Use 2-4 of your everyday sleeping pillows lined up neatly against the headboard as the base. Square pillows work best to maintain edges.

Lumbar Support Pillow

Optionally tuck 1 lumbar support pillow behind lower back area pillows to improve spinal alignment.

European Pillows

Arrange 2 standard 26” square European pillows behind the standard pillows for a luxurious inclined effect.

Bolster Pillow

Add a skinny cylindrical bolster pillow vertically along the bed length for a decorative Euro-style touch.

Shams

Flank ends with 2 square shams for symmetry. Or layer oblong shams over stacks.

Accent Pillows

Artfully arrange 2-4 decorative throw pillows layered on beds in complementary patterns and colors.

European Bed Linens and Duvet Tips

Choose the right bedding pieces for the European bed aesthetic:

Percale Sheets

The smooth finish of percale linen sheets prevents wrinkles and maintains shape well after washing.

Duvet Cover

Invest in a quality duvet cover with durable fabric, concealed buttons and corner ties to create clean lines.

Duvet Insert

Use a lofty down or down alternative insert that fluffs easily into shape.

Blankets

Layer blankets inside duvet covers and under bottom flat sheet to add indulgent depth without disrupting smooth surface.

Bed Skirt

For a classy finish, use a tailored pleated bed skirt in a coordinating neutral color.

Throw

Folded at foot, textural throws in knits, faux fur or velvet make a luxe finishing touch.

European Bed FAQs

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about achieving the European bed look:

How many standard pillows go on a European bed?

The typical arrangement includes stacking 2-4 standard everyday sleeping pillows against the headboard depending on mattress size and personal preference.

What is better for a European bed, a comforter or duvet?

A duvet insert with removable cover allows achieving the crisp, wrinkle-free look more easily. Comforters can work but may shift and rumple more.

Why are European pillows used?

The flatter shape of European pillows neatly bookend bed pillows vertically. They also provide nice inclination for sitting up in bed.

Should you make your bed every day?

It’s largely personal preference. But making the bed each morning promotes orderliness and a sense of put-togetherness. The European style makes bedmaking fast and rewarding.

Is a bedskirt necessary?

No, but using a bed skirt maintains the clean, polished symmetry of European beds. It elegantly conceals the small gap between bed and floor.

What is a plinth?

A plinth refers to the space between the top of the mattress and the bottom of the bed’s headboard where pillows rest. Deeper plinths accommodate more European pillows.

The Appeal of the European Bed

When perfectly executed, the European bedding technique creates a flawlessly tidy, welcoming sanctuary for rest and relaxation. The orderly layered linens and symmetrical rows of plump pillows evoke the feel of sinking into a luxurious hotel bed. Take the time to master this straightforward style, and you can easily recreate it each morning for everyday enjoyment.