Chances are good that as a child, you were instructed to make your bed after getting up in the morning. As a teen, your busy schedule might have caused you to forget a few times. Once you went into the world as an adult, chances are good that you either didn’t have the time or didn’t feel like making your bed every day, especially if nobody was there to tell you to do it. If you’ve always wanted to channel your inner Martha Stewart, here are some tips on the proper way to make your bed.

Should You Make Your Bed?

Many people wonder if it is worthwhile making their bed every day. You wake up and have to hurry out the door in order to get to work, school or appointments. Making your bed is likely low on your priorities list. After all, nobody will know whether you made your bed or not.

There are many reasons to make your bed and not to make your bed. If you have a dust mite allergy, allowing your bed to air out and get some direct exposure to sunlight might keep the mites away. Another consideration is whether you care or not if your bed is made. If you’re away from home most of the day and only go in your bedroom to change your clothes and sleep, a messy bed might not be an issue. On the other hand, many people feel like making their bed first thing in the morning encourages productivity and tidiness throughout the rest of the day.

What Has to Be Made

In the United States, most people cover their mattress with a pad or protector. Some people choose a mattress encasement, especially if they have allergies. These linens are situated under the fitted sheet. On top of the fitted sheet is the flat sheet, then any blankets, comforters, duvets or throws you use go on top. The top sheet and blankets are the parts of your bed ensemble that need “making.”

Basic Method of Making Your Bed

If you’re a no-frills or time-constrained person, use this method for making your bed:

• Lay the flat sheet across the entire mattress.
• Tuck the bottom corners under the mattress.
• If you like an enveloped feeling, tuck part of the sides of the top sheet under the mattress.
• Spread your duvet or comforter across the top sheet.
• Tuck the bottom of the duvet or comforter under the mattress.
• Pull back the top sheet and duvet about 12 inches from the headboard.
• Place the pillows at the head of the bed.

Sometimes a foam mattress can have slightly different dimensions so take that into account when you’re buying sheets.

Square Corners Technique

If you’re feeling fancy, hosting overnight guests or want your bedroom to look perfect, try these advanced techniques for making your bed. Hospitals and the military use square corners for tidiness and efficiency.

• Put the fitted sheet on the mattress.
• Spread the flat sheet across the mattress.
• Pick a bottom corner of the mattress.
• Make a 12-inch diagonal fold of the top sheet.
• Tuck the corner under the mattress.
• Fold the top sheet over the diagonal fold and tuck it under the bed.
• Repeat for the other bottom corner.

Add your duvet or comforter using the basic technique.