Welcome to Schoolhouse Switchboard, where our team answers your most pressing design questions—one topic at a time. Whether you’re styling your space from scratch or simply refreshing a corner, we’re here to help. This week, it’s all about bedding. From breathable sheets to layering tips, here’s everything you need to know to build your dreamiest bed yet.
Let’s face it: your bed isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s where you decompress, daydream, and, most importantly, recharge. At Schoolhouse, we get a lot of questions about making the perfect bed—how to layer it, how to style it, and how to choose the right bedding depending on how you sleep.
So, we opened up the Switchboard and answered two of your most-asked questions. Here’s everything you need to know to make your bed as dreamy as possible.
Q: What are the best sheets for a hot sleeper vs. a cold sleeper?
A: It all comes down to fabric. Think of your sheets as your bed’s foundation. The right material makes all the difference.
Hot sleepers:
You’ll want something that breathes. Linen is a great pick, not just because it looks effortlessly rumpled (whether it's made or not), but because it’s naturally temperature regulating. That means it keeps you cool without feeling too thin. Our other favorite choice? Cotton percale. It has a crisp, lightweight feel and stays cool against the skin, making it perfect for hot summer nights.
Cold sleepers:
You’ll want something soft, cozy, and insulating. Our go-to? Flannel. Its brushed surface gives it an extra cozy texture that traps warmth without ever feeling stuffy.
Q: How do you make a queen-sized bed?
A: Turn out, it’s all in the layers. Here’s our step-by-step method to get that perfectly lived-in, effortlessly polished look:
1. Start with your sheets
Layer on your fitted and flat sheets as usual. For a designer-worthy moment, fold the top edge of your flat sheet over your coverlet, especially if your sheets have a fun pattern or color. It’s an easy way to add visual interest right at the top of the bed.
2. Add a coverlet or quilt
This is the foundation layer that ties everything together. Choose one that complements your shams, and tuck in the edges neatly for a clean, tailored feel. For extra warmth (or drama), you can also fold a duvet or heavier quilt at the foot of the bed.
3. Pillow placement matters
Here’s our go-to formula:
• Start with two Euro pillows at the back (these give structure and height)
• Layer on two standard-sized pillows in cases that match your sheets
• Now, add two queen-sized pillows in shams that match your quilt or coverlet
• Finish with a round pillow or accent cushion for a pop of personality (Remember, this is your chance to play with texture, shape, and color to really make your bed your own.)
Got more design questions? We’re always here at the Switchboard. Drop us a line—we love hearing from you.
What are your best bedding tips?