Have you ever wondered how to make a bed the way they do in hotels? In this guide, discover the steps to make a bed.

People who make their beds every day are statistically happier than people who don’t.

That revelation was reported in 2012 by Psychology Today. It was based on a survey by Hunch.com, which found that 71% of bed-makers consider themselves happy, while 62% of non-bed-makers consider themselves unhappy.

But how do you make a bed? Here are the basics.

Make a Bed like a Pro

Start by gathering your essentials. Every bed should have the following, in this order:

• A bottom or fitted sheet.
• A top sheet.
• A comforter, duvet, quilt, or blanket.
• A pillow or pillows with pillowcases.

Additionally, you could add a mattress pad in between the fitted sheet and the mattress for added comfort. They provide another layer of protection for your bed — and they’re easier to clean.

And if you’re feeling extra decorative, pillow shams and bed skirts add a nice touch.

Remove Old Linens

Now that you’ve set aside your desired linens, you’ll want to remove the old ones. The ideal frequency for washing them is every week. If you’re not washing your sheets today, it’s best to at least shake them out before making the bed. Remember to keep them off the floor.

Put on the Bottom Sheet

If you have a mattress pad, put that on top of the mattress before you move onto the bottom sheet. Then, if your bottom sheet is fitted, simply stretch the corner pockets over the corners, and adjust it to cover the perimeter of the bed. Be sure to tuck it under the mattress.

If your bottom sheet isn’t fitted, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to create “hospital corners.” Here’s a handy tutorial on how to do that.

Put on the Top Sheet

Spread it evenly over the bed. The large hem should be aligned with the head of the mattress. You can leave a little excess at the top if you want to fold the top sheet down over the blanket, or you can make it perfectly even with the bed and cover it with your comfort, duvet, quilt, or blanket.

Tuck it in at the end of the bed and at each of the bottom corners. This is where hospital corners come in again! Be sure to leave most of the bottom untucked on the sides, so it’s easier to get in and out of the bed. But if you’re making a guest bed or one that’s not used often, feel free to tuck as tightly as you please.

Add the Blanket, Comforter, or Duvet

Just like with your top sheet, you want your blanket, comforter, or duvet to be spread evenly over the bed and have the same amount of overhang on both sides. Fold any excess at the top over the blanket, if desired.

Fluff and Position Your Pillows

If your pillows aren’t dressed yet, turn the pillowcases inside out. Put your arms into the inside-out pillowcase, then grab two corners of the pillow and pull the case over. Tip: Make sure the tags of your pillow are not on the open end of the case.

Fluff your pillows like you’re playing the accordion. Then, position them to your liking. Keep the open end of your pillowcases facing away from the door. You can tuck the pillows flat under the blanket, or prop them up vertically against the wall or headboard.

Reminders

The more often you make a bed, the less time it’ll take. It’s even better to not make your bed as soon as you wake up. Instead, wait a couple of hours it to air out, otherwise, you’ll trap dust mites in the warm, moist environment.

Don’t have time to make your bed every day? Looking for other ways to keep your house clean? Request a quote today.

The Science Behind a Well-Made Bed

Making your bed properly isn’t just about appearances — it contributes to better sleep hygiene and a more organized mindset. Research from the National Sleep Foundation found that people who make their beds daily are 19% more likely to get restful sleep. The act of creating an orderly sleeping environment signals to your brain that the space is for rest, not chaos.

Hospital Corners: The Professional Technique

Professional housekeepers and hotel staff use hospital corners for a reason — they create a smooth, tight fit that stays put throughout the day. Here’s the refined technique:

1. Tuck the sheet under the mattress at the foot of the bed
2. Lift the side of the sheet about 12 inches from the foot corner, creating a 45-degree angle
3. Tuck the hanging portion under the mattress
4. Drop the lifted portion down and tuck it snugly under the mattress
5. Repeat on all corners

The result is a crisp, wrinkle-free surface that looks hotel-quality and stays in place, even for restless sleepers.

Bedding Care Tips for Central Texas

Waco’s climate affects how you should care for your bedding:

• Wash sheets weekly in hot water: Texas humidity promotes dust mites, which are killed at temperatures above 130°F. Warm-wash sheets weekly and hot-wash monthly.
• Switch bedding seasonally: Use lightweight, breathable cotton or linen during Waco’s long summers and switch to flannel or heavier weaves for the brief winter months.
• Air out your mattress: Once a month, strip all bedding and let the mattress air out for a few hours. This helps moisture evaporate — important in our humid climate — and reduces dust mite populations.
• Invest in a mattress protector: It guards against sweat, spills, and allergens while extending the life of your mattress. In Central Texas, where nights can be warm even with AC, a waterproof protector is a worthwhile investment.

For a bedroom that’s not just well-made but thoroughly clean, Sally’s Maid Service includes detailed bedroom cleaning in every visit — from making beds with crisp corners to dusting every surface in your Waco home.