How to Layer a Bed Like a Stylist: Shams, Euros, Pillowcases and Throws
A layered bed is the difference between a bed that is made and a bed that makes you sigh when you walk into the room. If you have ever wondered how to layer bedding like a stylist, it comes down to a simple order: sheets, duvet, shams, Euros, pillowcases, a decorative pillow or two, a throw and a bedskirt. Here is how we build a layered bed at Linen Salvage et Cie, with real sizes from our Size Guide so you can order with confidence.
How to layer bedding: the order, from the bottom up
1. The bedskirt
Start at the base. A bedskirt frames the bottom of the bed and hides the box spring or frame. Our bedskirts are softly gathered, pretty and easy to wash. All of our bedskirts have a 21" drop.
| Bedskirt size | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Twin | 39" x 80" |
| Full | 54" x 75" |
| Queen | 60" x 80" |
| King | 78" x 80" |
Try the Clementine Tatter Ruffle Poplin Bedskirt for a cotton waterfall, or the Celeste Double Ruffle Sateen Bedskirt.
2. Sheets
Your sheets are the layer you feel. A white or creme sheet set keeps the bed light and lets your duvet and pillows shine. Our fitted sheets have a 13" pocket depth.
| Sheet size | Fitted | Flat |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 39" x 80" | 74" x 105" |
| Full | 54" x 75" | 90" x 105" |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | 96" x 105" |
| King | 78" x 80" | 108" x 105" |
Stylist tip: fold the top of a ruffled flat sheet down over the duvet so the ruffle shows. Our Petite Ruffle Sheet Collection and Bella Double Ruffle Sheet Collection both have the ruffle on the flat sheet. Browse all Sheet Sets.
3. The duvet cover
The duvet cover sets the mood: a print, a ruffle or a velvet border. Our duvet cover sizes from the Size Guide:
- Twin: 68" x 86"
- Full/Queen: 88" x 92"
- King: 108" x 92"
Some collections list their own duvet measurements on the product page, so check there too. Browse Duvet Covers and Sets.
4. Sleeping pillows in pillowcases
Your sleeping pillows go at the back, against the headboard. This is a lovely place for a pretty pillowcase.
- Standard pillowcase: 20" x 32"
- King pillowcase: 20" x 40"
- Giselle Standard (sham pocket): 20" x 30"
- Giselle King (sham pocket): 20" x 40"
See all Pillowcases.
5. Shams
Shams are the dressed-up layer in front of your sleeping pillows. They usually match the duvet.
- Standard sham: 20" x 26"
- King sham: 20" x 36"
6. Euro shams
Euro shams are the big square pillows that stand at the very back of a styled bed and give it height. Our Euro sham is 26" x 26". Find standard, king and Euro shams in Shams.
7. Decorative pillows
Finish the front of the pillow stack with one or two decorative pillows. This is where texture comes in: a silk velvet pillow, a toile pillow or a ruffled boudoir pillow. Browse Decorative Pillows.
8. A throw
Drape a throw across the foot of the bed, or toss it casually over one corner. Our silk velvet throws are machine washable, so you can actually use them. See Silk Velvet Throws.
Three layered bed recipes
Romantic white
- Clementine Tatter Ruffle Poplin Bedskirt in White
- Bella Double Ruffle sheets
- Clementine Tatter Ruffle duvet and shams
- Euro shams at the back
- A silk velvet throw in a soft neutral
French toile
- A cotton bedskirt
- White poplin sheets
- A French Toile duvet with matching toile shams
- Clementine Tatter Ruffle Pillowcases on the sleeping pillows
- A velvet pillow that picks up a color in the print
Velvet and linen
- Celeste Double Ruffle Sateen Bedskirt
- Your favorite sheets
- Velvet Border Linen duvet
- Rows of matching shams and Velvet Frame Pillows and Shams in different shades
- An Isabella silk velvet tatter ruffle throw
How many pillows on a layered bed?
There is no rule, but a common stylist stack for a queen or king bed is two sleeping pillows in pillowcases, two shams in front, two or three Euro shams at the back, and one or two decorative pillows in front. On a twin, one of each is plenty. Our Velvet Frame product page suggests buying pillows in pairs, two or three for a bed, so the colors match from the same dye lot.
Layering tips from our workroom
- Mix textures, not just colors. Crisp poplin, relaxed linen and soft silk velvet look beautiful together.
- Keep one hero. Let either the print or the ruffle lead, and keep the other layers quieter.
- Order the set at once. We dye and print in small batches, so later dye lots may not match. Order a pair of shams or pillowcases together.
- Check sizes. Always compare our Size Guide with your pillows and mattress.
Caring for a layered bed
The beauty of natural fibers is that they get softer with every wash. Cotton bedding can be machine washed in cool water with gentle liquid soap, no bleach, then laid flat or tumbled dry on a cold or warm setting. Linen and velvet bedding should be washed in cold water with gentle liquid soap, no bleach, and laid flat or tumbled dry on a cold setting. See our wash care page for details.