Making the bed is a regularly recurring household chore. However, a surprising number of people find it tedious, cumbersome or physically demanding. Large mattresses, high beds or heavy blankets in particular can quickly make making the bed a challenge. With the right technique, a little preparation and a few professional moves, you can save a lot of energy – and the end result looks much tidier and calmer.
While our articles Making the bed – why it does more than you think and Changing bed linen: How often and why it’s so important deal with making your bed and changing your sheets in general, this post is deliberately about the right way to do it: methods that make making your bed easier, are easy on your back and ensure a clean, smooth look.
Why making the right bed is more than just a routine
Anyone who regularly makes their bed knows that the right technique can significantly reduce the effort involved, regardless of which bed linen is used. Lifting the mattress every time, readjusting the comforter several times or pulling the fitted sheet under the corners with force puts unnecessary strain on your back, shoulders and wrists. Especially with double beds, box-spring beds or higher mattresses, this strain adds up with every bed that needs to be covered.
With a little system, bed-making can be made much more gentle. The aim is not speed, but rather a smooth process – similar to a hotel, where beds are made efficiently, thoroughly and without effort.
Fitted sheet or classic bed sheet – which is better for making the bed?
Anyone who takes a closer look at the subject will sooner or later come up against a fundamental question: is a fitted sheet the best solution? Or are classic, loose sheets, as we know them from hotels, not even more practical? Both variants are justified, but differ significantly in terms of handling and physical effort.
Fitted sheets are widely used in everyday life. Thanks to their elastic band, they sit firmly on the mattress and are quickly covered. However, fixing the corners often requires force, especially with high or heavy mattresses. This can put more strain on your back, shoulders and hands when making up the bed, especially if the sheet is very tight.
Classic sheets without elastic – often referred to as hotel sheets – are laid flat and folded under the mattress. This method may seem unusual at first, but it allows you to work smoothly and evenly without pulling or tugging. Many people find it more effortless, especially with large beds. It also ensures a particularly smooth, clean look, but requires a little practice to ensure that nothing slips.
Which bed linen option is better ultimately depends on your own needs. While fitted sheets are primarily practical, classic sheets offer more flexibility and a hotel-like appearance. The decisive factor here is not so much the sheet itself as the technique used to cover it.
Correct technique – explained step by step
1. determine preparation and sequence
One of the most important basics when making the bed is the correct order. First, the fitted sheet is neatly aligned before the comforter and pillow follow. Trying to do everything at the same time makes things unnecessarily difficult. A clear sequence ensures fewer corrections and saves energy.
2. fix the fitted sheet diagonally
The fitted sheet is particularly easy on the back if you do not put tension on each corner individually, but instead proceed diagonally. Instead of bending down or lifting the mattress, the sheet is first fixed to one corner and then pulled over the opposite corner. This distributes the tension more evenly and makes it easier to pull the material under at the other corners. With high or heavy mattresses, it also helps to lean your knee slightly against the edge of the mattress instead of lifting it.
3. position the comforter in preparation
Before the comforter is inserted into the cover, it should be fully spread out and aligned. A clean starting position makes it much easier to cover the comforter and prevents the filling from being unevenly distributed later on.
4. finally smooth out
Finally, the sheets and comforter are smoothed out from the center outwards using smooth, flat movements. This results in fewer creases and gives the bed a clean, tidy appearance.
Comforter cover – what methods are there?
Over the course of time, various techniques have been established for making comforters. Which of these is most suitable depends on the size of the comforter, the effort required and the spatial conditions.
The hotel method
In the hotel industry, the focus is on uniformity and efficiency when making the bed. Hotel bed sheets are not stretched, but laid flat using a classic folding technique and folded under the mattress. This principle is also followed when making the comforter: the cover is turned inside out, the upper corners of the comforter are gripped and then shaken out together. Gravity causes the comforter to slide into the correct position almost automatically. This technique saves energy and ensures a particularly clean result – especially with large or heavy comforters.
The Rollmops method
With the roll-up pug method, the comforter and cover are first laid flat on top of each other so that the opening of the cover at the foot end remains freely accessible. Both are then rolled up together from the closed side towards the opening. As soon as the roll is completely rolled up, the cover is folded over and closed at the opening. The roll is then unrolled again. This controlled unrolling distributes the comforter evenly in the cover.
The burrito method
In contrast to the roll-mop method, the comforter cover is first turned completely inside out and spread out flat. The opening is also at the foot end. The comforter is positioned precisely on the cover. The comforter and cover are then rolled up tightly together from the head end – like a burrito. Once the roll has reached the foot end, the side ends of the cover are slipped over the roll and closed. The roll is then rolled out again. By turning it inside out, the cover automatically turns to the right while the comforter slides in in a controlled manner.
The classic insertion method
The most traditional method is to open the cover completely and place the comforter inside piece by piece. It is then aligned in the corners and smoothed out. This method is uncomplicated and works regardless of the material or size. However, it requires some patience and physical effort with large or heavy comforters, as the filling has to be distributed manually.
Back-friendly bedding – small changes, big impact
Anyone who regularly experiences back pain when making their bed should not only check their technique, but also their own posture. Instead of bending forward, it makes sense to bend your knees or consciously shift your weight. Switching sides when making large beds also relieves the strain, as one-sided movements are avoided.
The height of the bed also plays a role. With very low beds, it can help to carry out individual work steps while kneeling instead of bending from the hips. High-quality, easy-glide covers also make handling easier, as they create less resistance and are easier to adjust.
Challenges when making the bed
Depending on the bed size, mattress height and weight of the bedding, making the bed can pose different challenges. A look at typical challenges helps you to better assess your own situation and make it easier.
Large beds and wide mattresses cover
The wider the bed, the larger the area that needs to be checked when making the bed. Especially with double or king size beds, fixing a fitted sheet can be physically strenuous. In this case, it helps to mentally divide the bed into manageable areas and consciously proceed side by side. Fixing the corners diagonally – as already described – also provides noticeable relief, as the tension is distributed more evenly. This means that the material remains controllable and slips less.
High box spring beds cover
Box spring beds offer a high level of comfort, but require a little more attention when making the bed. Due to the greater height and often thicker mattresses or toppers, the fitted sheet has to be moved further down, which puts more strain on the shoulders and lower back. Instead of lifting the mattress, it makes sense to place the sheet in the middle first and fix the corners one after the other – ideally diagonally. It helps to stand close to the bed and shift the weight slightly from the knees instead of pulling from the back. This allows you to work in a controlled and effortless manner, even on high beds.
Large or heavy comforters cover
Natural hair, down or comfort comforters with a high filling quantity are pleasant to sleep in, but can be more demanding when making the comforter. The higher weight makes it difficult to shake out and evenly distribute the filling, especially if the comforter has a lot of volume. In this case, it helps to spread the comforter out completely before tucking it in and shake it gently to loosen the filling. Subsequently, a structured method – such as roll mops or burritos – is particularly useful as it makes handling easier and reduces twisting. This keeps the filling evenly distributed without the need for heavy reworking.
Making the bed in confined spaces and with restricted freedom of movement
The spatial conditions also play a role. If the bed is close to a wall or the room is narrow, it is often difficult to turn and lift when reupholstering the bed. In such cases, it makes sense to do as much preparatory work as possible on the side that is freely accessible and then fix the corners that are difficult to reach. It can also be helpful to move the bed a few centimeters away from the wall if possible or to move the mattress slightly to the side instead of leaning over the bed permanently. This avoids unnecessary strain and keeps movements more controlled.
Low beds and futon beds cover
Low beds or futon beds require a different approach when making the bed. Due to the low height, work is often done from the hips, which puts more strain on the lower back. In this case, it can be useful to consciously carry out individual work steps on your knees or to sit sideways next to the bed instead of bending forwards all the time. A calm, structured sequence helps to avoid unnecessary repetitions.
Tidiness, hygiene and comfort – why clean bedding improves sleep
A neatly made bed not only looks better, but also contributes to sleeping comfort. Smooth covers without creases prevent pressure points, evenly distributed blankets ensure a constant sleeping climate. If you take a more relaxed approach to making your bed and see it as part of a conscious sleep routine, you will also create a little break in your daily routine – and a sleeping environment that radiates peace and quiet.
High-quality bedding makes making the bed noticeably easier
Last but not least, comfortable bedding also depends on the quality of the bedding. Perfectly fitting sheets, dimensionally stable bed linen and neatly finished comforters are much easier to handle. They slip less, stay in shape and support even sleeping comfort. A clean covering technique pays off, especially with high-quality materials, as they can optimally develop their temperature and moisture-regulating properties.
The HERMINE® world of sleep – harmonious down to the last detail
For all those who value a harmonious overall look and uncomplicated bedding, the HERMINE® bed linen a harmonious choice. Made from fine, shiny 100% cotton satin, it fits snugly against the body and provides a soft, peaceful sleeping experience. The high-quality zipper makes it noticeably easier to put on and take off – a detail that proves its worth in everyday life.
The three coordinated colors Aqua, Jeans and Silver bring freshness, clarity or understated elegance to the bedroom, depending on your choice. This makes the bed not only functionally clean, but also visually a place of relaxation.
The HERMINE® world of sleep includes not only bed linen but also matching comforters and pillows as well as the innovative HERMINE® One-Fits-All mattress. All elements are color and conceptually coordinated and developed according to the latest findings of the billerbeck Sleep & Health Foundation – for a sleeping environment in which order, comfort and well-being naturally come together.
