Fact - your future self will always thank you for making the bed in the morning. We all want to snuggle up after a long day but there's nothing worse than coming home to a messy space, so it's worth taking the extra few minutes to plump up the pillows and shake out the duvet. Whether the idea of a freshly-made bed is new to you or you want to master your method, this guide will ensure you become a pro at bed making.

Making the Bed: The Essentials

Crisp, clean linens, a sumptuously fluffy duvet and cloud-like pillows are what all our snoozing dreams are made of. Although this might sound like a luxury for day-to-day life, once you've got these bedding basics a divinely-dressed bed is easy to achieve. Make sure to choose bed linen that complements your décor - if you're wary of committing to a style, classic white sheets always look good.

How to Make a Bed

First thing's first: clear the bed - it's impossible to make it properly if you've got pillows and blankets cluttering it. If you're changing your bedding, the next step is the sheet. If you've gone for a fitted option, you've saved yourself a few seconds.

Simply tuck the elasticated corners around the mattress; you might have to lift it slightly to ensure there are no crinkles. If you've got a flat sheet, the Holy Grail of bed-making is achieving 'hospital corners': the way you fold the sheet tightly under the mattress. It's the trickiest part, but also the bit that gives your bed that great hotel feel - once you've done it a few times you'll have it nailed.

How to Create Hospital Corners

• To start, tuck the edge of the sheet between the mattress and the springs at the foot of the bed. Don't just stuff it in though, do it carefully to make sure it's smooth and unwrinkled.
• Pick up the excess fabric from one of the bottom corners of the bed and fold it over the top of the mattress - the edge of the sheet should form a 45 degree angle.
• Hold the folded edge in the place on top of the mattress and neatly tuck in any sheet hanging below the mattress on that side of the bed.
• Bring the folded piece of fabric down and let it fall, then tuck the hanging piece under the mattress.
• Repeat for the other side of the bed.

Then comes the duvet - make sure it's spread evenly over the bed, with the same amount of overhang on either side so it looks nice and symmetrical. If you're being super-professional about it, the top edge should always be about 15cm away from the head of the bed.

Next up, pillow talk: before putting them on the bed, make sure to fluff them up for that cloud nine feeling. Smooth out the pillowcases and lay the pillows at the head of the bed, stacking more on top if you're a fan of a seriously cushioned snooze.

Almost there! The finishing touches are just as important as the essential steps if you want that perfect bedscape. What to do with decorative cushions? Lean them in an upright position against your pillows. How to position snuggly throws? These look best folded neatly in half and laid evenly over the bottom half of the bed.

And there you have it. A perfectly made bed.

Tip: For more bedroom ideas and inspiration, visit:

• How to Choose a Duvet and Pillow to Suit Your Sleep Style
• Choosing the Best Mattress Style For You
• Best Mattress Pad and Toppers for a Good Night’s Sleep