Why does a consistent sequence make my bed look more hotel-like?

We follow a simple, repeatable sequence because a clear order and small details-like a straight top fold and measured pillow layers-create a tidy, balanced appearance with less fuss each time.

How high should I fold the duvet to create the hotel-style cuff?

We fold the top of the duvet down 20-25 cm toward the foot of the bed to form a clean horizontal cuff that frames the pillow area and reveals the sheet cuff if you use a flat sheet.

Where exactly should I place Euro shams and sleeping pillows for a balanced look?

We place two Euro shams vertically with their bottom edges 6-8 cm above the headboard or mattress edge, then set the two sleeping pillows vertically in front so their top edges sit 2-3 cm lower than the Euros.

Should I tuck the duvet sides or leave them loose?

We recommend hospital corners for a very neat finish-tuck the lower fabric under the mattress, fold the triangle down and tuck-or leave sides loose for daily comfort, as many hotels do; choose what fits your routine.

What size should the lumbar cushion be and where do we place it?

We centre a rectangular lumbar cushion across the seam where the two sleeping pillows meet; size it at roughly one-third the bed width for singles and about one-quarter for larger beds to provide a deliberate foreground accent.

How to make your bed like a hotel: precise step-by-step pillow placement

Learn a calm, repeatable bed-making sequence with exact pillow placement. Achieve a hotel-fresh bed daily with clear measurements and quick routines.

Published:May 18, 2026

Updated:September 8, 2026

6 min read

Photo by Misbaa eri on Pexels

One clear sequence

Follow a repeatable order to make a hotel-look bed quickly every time.

Sources

Sleep Foundation - How to make a bed
Wirecutter - Bedding and pillow care advice
Feature: How hotels make beds look so good

Why a consistent sequence matters for a hotel-look bed

Hotels rely on a simple truth: a consistent order and small details make a bed look tidy and inviting. We focus on one clear, repeatable sequence so you spend less time fussing and more time enjoying the result. This guide gives an exact, step-by-step bed-making sequence with precise pillow placement so you can reproduce that look at home.

What you’ll need

Fitted sheet sized correctly for your mattress
Flat sheet (optional but helpful for a crisp tuck)
Duvet and duvet cover (or comforter) - an even, well-filled inner makes a neater finish
Two standard sleeping pillows (the ones you sleep on)
Two Euro or square shams (65 x 65 cm typical) for height
One decorative lumbar or rectangular cushion for foreground detail
A lightweight throw or blanket folded at the foot

If you’re shopping for any of these, start with our Bed & Linen category to find duvet covers and pillow shams that match your preferred fabric and colour. Bed & Linen

Prepping the base: mattress, protector and fitted sheet

A taut, even base changes everything. Pull the mattress protector smooth, then fit the fitted sheet so there are no wrinkles along the mattress edges. Smooth the flat sheet so the top edge sits roughly 20-25 cm below the headboard - that makes the visible top fold neat when we add the duvet.

Exact bed-making sequence (follow these steps in order)

Read the full sequence first, then practise it once or twice. The routine becomes faster after three repeats.

Step 1 - Lay and level the duvet

Shake the duvet by its corners, centre it on the bed, and align the top edge with the head of the mattress so it falls evenly on both sides. If you use a flat sheet under the duvet, smooth the sheet’s top edge so a 6-8 cm cuff shows above the duvet when folded back.

Step 2 - Create the top fold (hotel cuff)

Stand at the foot of the bed, lift the duvet and fold the top 20-25 cm down toward the foot to create a clean horizontal cuff. This reveals the sheet cuff (if used) and frames the pillow area. Keep the fold straight by running your flat hand across it from left to right.

Step 3 - Tuck the sides (optional neat tuck)

For a very neat look, make hospital corners: lift the side of the duvet, tuck the lower hanging fabric neatly under the mattress, fold the overhanging triangle down, and tuck. Many hotel beds today leave the sides loose for comfort; choose what suits your daily routine.

Step 4 - Pillow order overview (the exact placement we recommend)

Hotel beds are all about layers and scale. We use this precise back-to-front order, centred on the bed width: 1) two Euro shams set vertically as the back layer; 2) two sleeping pillows placed vertically in front of Euros; 3) one lumbar cushion centred at the front. This order gives height, then depth, then the finishing accent.

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Exact pillow placement - measured guidelines

Work from the headboard outwards. Use these measured placements so your pillows look balanced every time.

A. Back layer - Euro shams

Place the two Euro shams vertically (tall side upright) so their bottom edges sit 6-8 cm above the headboard top or mattress edge if you don’t have a headboard. Space them so the outer edges align with the mattress edges; they should touch in the middle or leave a 1-2 cm seam for a neat centre line.

B. Middle layer - sleeping pillows

Lay your two sleeping pillows vertically in front of the Euros so the top edge of each sleeping pillow sits 2-3 cm lower than the Euro. Angle them only if you prefer a relaxed look; for a true hotel finish keep them upright and flush with the Euros. Match the pillowcases in neutral tones for a calm, cohesive effect.

C. Front layer - lumbar cushion

Place a rectangular lumbar cushion centrally across the seam where the two sleeping pillows meet. Size rule: the lumbar should be roughly one-third the width of the bed for singles and one-quarter for larger sizes. This small, deliberate foreground element is what guests notice first.

D. Final touches - throw and symmetry

Fold a lightweight throw into thirds lengthwise and place it across the foot of the bed, leaving the folded edge facing the centre. For a casually curated hotel look, drape one corner of the throw so it falls slightly to the floor on the right side - that asymmetry reads as intentional and relaxed.

Quick routine summary: fitted sheet → smooth flat sheet → centred duvet → top cuff → Euros → sleeping pillows → lumbar → throw. Practise the order twice and it becomes a two-minute habit.

Practical tips from our experience

Use matching sets for the visible layers (Euros + duvet cover) and a contrasting lumbar to add a focal point.
Replace or plump pillows every 12-18 months - a plump pillow holds shape and makes placement consistent.
If you have limited storage, keep one spare set of pillow shams for guests so you can swap quickly for a fresh hotel look.

If you want to add a textured finish, browse our Blankets & Throws selection for lightweight options that fold neatly at the foot.

How to adapt the sequence for different bed sizes

The sequence stays the same from single to king; change only the number or size of pillows. For wide beds add one extra decorative cushion or use larger Euros (e.g., 70 x 70 cm) as the back layer. Keep the lumbar scale proportional so the visual centre remains balanced.

Keeping it simple for everyday life

We encourage a pared-back weekday version: skip Euro shams and use just sleeping pillows plus a lumbar. It’s quicker but still follows the same front-to-back placement logic, so the bed reads intentional even on busy mornings.

We hope this exact pillow placement sequence helps you create a hotel-like bed that’s quick and consistent. Explore Bed & Linen and Blankets & Throws on Bash to find fabrics and cushions that match your style.

Last updated: September 8, 2026

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How to make your bed like a hotel: precise step-by-step pillow placement

One clear sequence

Sources

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Exact pillow order

Two-minute habit

Why a consistent sequence matters for a hotel-look bed

What you’ll need

Prepping the base: mattress, protector and fitted sheet

Exact bed-making sequence (follow these steps in order)

Step 1 - Lay and level the duvet

Step 2 - Create the top fold (hotel cuff)

Step 3 - Tuck the sides (optional neat tuck)

Step 4 - Pillow order overview (the exact placement we recommend)

Exact pillow placement - measured guidelines

A. Back layer - Euro shams

B. Middle layer - sleeping pillows

C. Front layer - lumbar cushion

D. Final touches - throw and symmetry

Practical tips from our experience

How to adapt the sequence for different bed sizes

Keeping it simple for everyday life

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