When looking at beautiful studio photos of modern bedding ensembles, it can sometimes be confusing and rather daunting to try to re-create that plush look at home.

The best bedding ensembles are created in layers. From the basics of sheets to the designer pillows that top off the look, each layer is important to plan out to achieve that picture perfect bed.

Let’s look at those layers closely. As our example bed, we are using the Ashley Citron bed by Blissliving Home.

Ashley Citron by BlissLiving Home

Layer 1: Sheets
A set of sheets that fits your bed well and feels comfortable to you is the most important part of your bed. It is the foundation and will be the part of the bedding that you come into contact with the most. Choose a set of sheets that you love.

Our example bed features the Amanda Sheet Set by Blissliving Home.

Amanda Sheet Set

Layer 2: Quilt, Coverlet or Duvet Cover
The cover you place over your bed will be the layer that attracts the most attention and will provide visual “weight” and focus for the entire bed. When selecting the item that will cover your bed, consider things such as climate, fabrication, frequency of laundering, pets and children. A cooler climate may call for a heavier cover. If you have kids or pets and need to launder your bedding often, dry clean only is probably not the best option for you.

Our example bed features the Ashley Citron Duvet Set by Blissliving Home.

Layer 3: Pillows and Pillow Cases
Euro Shams & Euro Cases typically measure 26 x 26 and are placed against the wall or headboard. Not only do they make a bed look more complete by adding another layer of color, they are also great to prop yourself up on when reading in bed or watching TV.

Our example bed features the Caltha Euro Shams by Blissliving Home.

Caltha Euro Shams

Next we place pillow cases and/or shams.

Decorative pillow shams typically match your duvet cover and are often sold as a set with your duvet cover. Shams usually have about a 2″ decorative flange and are filled with either a standard or king bed pillow.

Pillow cases typically match your sheet set and add another layer of color. Pillow cases are often included in a set with the rest of your sheets and are also filled with either a standard or king bed pillow.

Depending on your own personal style, the pillow shams can be placed in front of or behind your pillow cases. However, Euro shams or Euro cases are always placed along the headboard.

Our example bed features the pillows cases from the Amanda Sheet Set and pillow shams from the Ashley Citron Duvet Set by Blissliving Home.

Shams, pillow cases and Euro shams.

Layer 4: Decorative Pillows
It’s time for some fun! Smaller decorative pillows add an individualistic and polished look. Try different looks and see what you like best. Two identical pillows in front of each sham creates a modern look. Three to five various pillows tucked front and center can be used to create a more romantic look. Mix and match until you find something that you love. Again, there are no rules with decorative pillows, only endless possibilities.

Our example bed features the Gemini Citron pillow by Blissliving Home.

Gemini Citron Pillow