How to Layer a Cozy Bed for Kids

Looking for kids’ bedroom ideas? You’ve come to the right place! I’ve been adding the finishing touches to this nature-inspired kids’ bedroom. Today, I’m putting together my favorite part of any interior space… the linens! I’ll show you how to layer a cozy bed for kids because they deserve a comfy, luxurious bed too!

*This post is sponsored by Mattress Firm. All opinions are 100% my own authentic feelings on their products.

I’m recommending some products and processes that have helped me discover a happy medium that will inspire your kiddo to get up, make that bed, and take pride in how lovely it looks.

At the end of the day, they’ll be ready to jump in and snuggle up for a wonderful night’s sleep.

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How to Layer a Bed in 9 Steps

If you’re looking for kids bedroom ideas, one of the final touches in any bedroom are the beds and bedding. If you want to learn how to make a cozy bed, then follow this step by step guide.

Layer 1: The Mattress

I’ve determined that it’s best to invest in beds and mattresses that will be kinder to growing bodies and will last until my kids are ready to leave the nest.

You might imagine how grateful I was to have Mattress Firm reach out to me and be willing to sponsor this content. They helped me find a mattress that will last, and support my kids’ bodies.

I was particularly drawn to their Sleepy’s Doze memory foam mattress line, because, get this—the top super thick memory foam layer is infused with gel and charcoal!

The gel is there to help distribute the weight and relieve any pressure points. The charcoal helps regulate your body temp through the night, and keeps the mattress dry, clean and smelling fresh. The mattress is also covered with this soft, stretchable knit layer, and looks like such a beautiful mattress.

The Sleepys Doze Memory Foam Mattress works great for kids, but after snuggling with our kids while reading a nighttime book I really can’t say enough good about it. Love this mattress from Mattress Firm – genuinely love it! Both the hubs and I are thinking one of the beds from the Sleepys Collection might be our next mattress too.

Layer 2: The Mattress Protector

I cannot encourage this enough. Protect your mattress investment with a waterproof mattress protector! (Linked to the one I am using)

I’ve learned this the hard way and will always get one for every bed in the house – kids and adults. Go for one that is soft and waterproof, and will protect your mattress so it will last a long time.

Layer 3: Sheets… or better yet… Beddy’s!

If you want to save your sanity and make bed-making easy peasy for kids (especially younger kids), Beddy’s Bedding is a game changer!

Perhaps you’ve heard of this zip-up bedding that basically goes on like a fitted sheet with a cozy top blanket that zips right onto that bottom sheet.

They are easy to make. They are easy to wash. If your washer won’t comfortably hold both layers, you can detach them at the zipper and wash the 2 pieces separately. They hold up phenomenally well and kids and parents love them!

We used the Oatmeal Colored Beddy’s for this room. If you’re interested in buying kids’ bedding, you can use the code “TIDBITS” for 25% off your purchase!

Layer 4: Cozy Top Blanket suited to the season

If it is a cold season, you’ll want a thicker blanket. If it is summer, you may want to lighten up the bedding load. Like I mentioned, Beddy’s has this super soft minky blanket attached to the bottom sheet, so I didn’t need to buy anything else.

I find the thickness of this top layer to work well for all seasons. But if the kids get cold, I have provided them with the 5th layer at the foot of their beds which is the . . .

Layer 5: The Decorative Blanket

For this space, I was really feeling something plump, and dive in cozy. Some simple stripes is never a bad idea either!

I bought a really inexpensive comforter or duvet insert, and then kinda splurged on this incredibly beautiful pure linen striped duvet cover in blue stripes and brown stripes.

I know. Pure linen for a kids’ bedroom?

Maybe a little over the top, but pure linen has my heart and soul. There is nothing that feels as comforting to me as that nubby pure breathable natural fiber that gets better with time. I’m so obsessed, I’m hoping to bring more linen into your own home through my TIDBITS Linen Shop!

Back to the decorative blanket, if you don’t want something super plump, you can do a coverlet or quilt here at the foot of the bed, and that looks super cute too and is way easy for kids to manage. Maybe even a sweet baby blanket.

Now on to the pillows!

Layer 6: The head to bed pillow

Not everyone does this, but I like to put the pillow that they actually sleep on the way in the back of the pillow layers.

It can just be a coordinating pillowcase, but the linen duvet came with 2 darling linen pillowcases, so we are using those.

I don’t spend a lot on these actual pillows for the kids, because I tend to replace them at least once a year. They get flat and gross, and it’s always nice to have a new plump pillow often.

Layer 7: The Pillow Shams

Pillow shams add some great support for accent pillows, and are typically decorative themselves with a special edging and coordinate or match the bedding.

In this instance, I got really crazy and out of the norm and bought a long body pillow and made a cover from pure linen fabric, and sewed it so the seam was actually exposed and the edges were left frayed.

It was really easy to make and adds some great texture. I coordinated the color differently for each kids bed spot, according to what colors they like best.

Layer 8: The Accent Pillows

Normally, I would recommend just a single accent pillow for kids. Keep it easy for them.

But I am breaking my own rules here, in light of making these cozy bed nooks extremely tempting to jump into to read a book. Or just sit and relax.

For each, I threw in 2 square pillows, (if it was a twin, I would only do 1) and then 1 smaller lumbar pillow. This finished over-the-top layer of pillows is so inviting, so cozy and there is so much texture and interest.

Normally too many pillows just end up on the floor, but the way we made these bed nooks, they can stack their decorative pillows right to the side of the bed when they go to sleep, and throw them back on the next day.

It’s never perfect when they make it themselves, but they do take great pride in their bed area, and so far have been great at making their beds with a zip, fluff and stuff.

Accent Pillow Sources:

• Denim blue with dots
• Black stripe
• Hemp pillows with green textures
• Yellow tassel pillow

Layer 9: A special friend

What is a kids’ bed without their favorite stuffy? Just add it, whether it coordinates or not.

Stuffed animals add a special personal touch to each bed.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my bed making process! I love to inspire you to work to make your home a place you love, for your kids and for yourself.

Read more about my design process and progress on this nature inspired kids bedroom:

• All about the mineral paint in this room
• All about our wallpaper mural
• Reveal of their kids closet
• Nature inspired kids bedroom design process