How to Create the Perfect Layered Bed
A beautiful bed is built layer by layer.
From breathable, natural fibres to carefully chosen inserts, what lies beneath the duvet is just as important as the finishing touches. Every detail contributes to both the look of the bed and the quality of sleep it delivers. Danielle De Francesco, Co-founder and Principal of Forward Interiors, shares her top tips for creating a bed that’s as restorative as it is beautiful.
Q&A
HOUSE & HOME: Describe your perfect bed.
DANIELLE DE FRANCESCO: White linen sheets and a beautifully draped linen coverlet with an oversized lumbar pillow. In a five-star hotel. Somewhere near the ocean. With the windows open. Following a beautiful meal with loved ones. Maybe a chocolate on my pillow? I could go on!
Quality bedding is one of the best investments you can make.
H&H: How do we bring the look and feel of a hotel bed home?
DDF: I’d argue the best kept secret to bringing home the hotel look is freshly pressed sheets. There is just something about a hotel bed where the sheets are pulled taught with no wrinkle in sight that feels deeply luxurious.
H&H: Why is quality bedding worth the investment?
DDF: Everyone’s day begins and ends in bed, and our bedding plays a much bigger role than many people realize. Beyond aesthetics, it impacts our quality of sleep, but also the health of our hair, our skin and even the way we breathe. That’s why we’ve always believed quality bedding is one of the best investments you can make.
H&H: When helping clients create the perfect bed, what’s the first thing you consider?
DDF: It starts with understanding how someone sleeps because bedding is incredibly personal. The first layer should always be a high-quality sheet set in a material you love, whether that’s crisp cotton or breathable linen. From there, we build with texture and warmth, adding a linen coverlet during the warmer months or a cozy down-filled duvet in winter. The goal is always to create a bed that feels just as beautiful as it looks. Finally, something that isn’t spoken about nearly enough when referring to making the bed is scent. Au Lit’s completely natural pillow mists provide the finishing touch, filling the room with a calming fragrance that transforms the bed into a true sleep sanctuary.
H&H: Why are natural fibres your first choice?
DDF: We almost always gravitate toward cotton and linen. Cotton percale offers a crisp, cool feel, while sateen is warmer and silkier. Personally, I love linen. It’s naturally breathable, drapes beautifully and becomes softer over time. Natural fibres age gracefully, develop character and last for years when properly cared for.
H&H: Do you make your bed every morning?
DDF: Absolutely! I once read that making your bed first-thing means you’ve already accomplished something before your day has even begun, and that idea really resonated with me. It’s become part of my morning routine – and if the day turns into a complete disaster, at least I’m coming home to a beautifully made bed!
H&H: Finally… let’s settle the decorative pillow debate. How many is too many?
DDF: At the risk of creating controversy, we firmly believe less is more. We love when beautiful, high-quality fabrics can shine rather than stealing the show. Two kidney pillows – or one oversized lumbar. The end. The debate is over!
Au Lit Fine Linens has helped Canadians create beautifully layered beds with expertly crafted bedding, natural fibres and personalized guidance for 45 years.