You’d be forgiven for thinking that the secret to a luxuriously made bed lies in a small mountain of throw pillows, perfectly karate-chopped and arranged with military precision. But designers (and stylish sleepers) in the know have a trick up their sleeves – and it has nothing to do with decorative cushions.
In fact, it’s such a simple bedroom idea, so instantly transformative, that once you try it, you’ll never go back. The magic formula? Simply sizing up your duvet. Designers swear this one tweak delivers that indulgent, hotel-style bedroom look with barely any effort.
The result is a bed that drapes, pools, and totally avoids that dreaded duvet fight in the night. And while it might sound like the kind of styling hack you’d only find at photoshoots, it’s actually one of the most practical upgrades you can make at home.
Why Bigger A Bigger Duvet Is the Easiest Bedroom Upgrade
If there’s one styling trick designers and home stylists swear by, it’s choosing a duvet that’s one size larger than your mattress. It’s the fastest way to make a bed look luxurious, fuller, and as if it were styled by a professional.
As Kailee Blalock from House of Hive Design Co. explains, 'Sizing up your bedding is the simplest luxury upgrade you can make. Choosing a king quilt for a double or queen bed creates that gorgeous, oversized drape that instantly elevates the bed space.'
'It also visually grounds the bed, making it feel more intentional and high-end. The slight exaggeration in scale makes the entire space feel more styled and complete,' she adds.
Designer Cath Beckett of Yellow London agrees, adding that an oversized duvet doesn’t just look good – it feels good. The extra drape softens the mattress edges and creates a sense of warmth and comfort.
'We love using oversized quilts because they make a bed feel more luxurious and inviting,' Cath explains. 'A duvet that drapes over the edges of the bed creates a sense of comfort, while also softening the lines.'
'It allows us to layer textures and colors more effectively, bringing cohesion to the room and giving it a polished yet cozy feel.'
If you’re looking for a duvet that delivers cloud-like comfort year-round, Bed Threads’ insert is a beautiful choice. Filled with hypoallergenic, plant-based lyocell with a medium-weight 500 GSM fill and box-stitched construction that keeps everything evenly distributed, it’s an everyday luxury upgrade your bed will thank you for.
Brooklinen’s comforter is beloved for good reason. Crafted using fluffy Canadian Hutterite Down and wrapped in a smooth 100% cotton sateen shell, it has that billowy, hotel-worthy feel. Interior loops keep the fill perfectly in place, while its lightweight yet cocooning texture makes it a dreamy option for sleepers who want comfort tailored to their climate.
For luxurious comfort without down, Cozy Earth’s alternative option is a standout. Designed in collaboration with insulation experts Thermore, it uses a high-performing, anti-clumping recycled fill that maintains its airy loft while staying beautifully breathable. It feels plush, is temperature-regulating, and incredibly soft, with all the warmth of traditional down but none of the weight.
Going oversized with your duvet may be the gateway to making your bed look cozy, but designers agree that the true magic happens in the layering.
For interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe, the focus goes beyond size and it's also about choosing the best bedding in the first place. 'For me, luxury comes from weight, material, and layering rather than simply opting for a larger quilt. A feather-down duvet has a naturally full, plump quality that synthetic fillings can’t quite replicate, and it instantly creates that sumptuous, enveloping feel.'
'The tog makes a difference too – a slightly heavier duvet gives a bed more presence,' Lauren adds. To finish the look, she leans into classic layering. 'A flat sheet and a bedspread add depth, softness, and structure, allowing the bed to feel finished without relying solely on scale.'
Combined with an oversized duvet, these layers create that plush, cocooning feel we're all searching for at bedtime.
While designers love upgrading duvets by going bigger, the same rule doesn’t apply to bedspreads. Here, precision is the real marker of a luxury bedroom – and no one knows this better than Birdie Fortescue.
'I feel it is very important that a bedspread should fit a bed perfectly – a one-size-fits-all attitude won't do anything for the look of your bed,' she explains. 'It should be bought in the right size, which will allow it to hang just below the mattress, so as to hide the bed linen, while still showing the detailing of the bed base valance below.'
'Equally, there should be extra length to allow you to fold it over your pillows,' Birdie suggests. 'I love to finish the look with a throw, such as a crochet blanket, at the bottom of the bed for styling and extra warmth.'
It’s a helpful reminder that while scale can create drama and extra comfort, fit gives elegance and a tailored look.
This soft denim blue floral quilt brings an elevated touch of the Ralph Lauren aesthetic to your bedroom. Featuring a paneled motif inspired by Parisian prints and a diamond-quilted finish, it's lightweight yet visually rich, and layers with ease over a duvet during winter months. It's also machine washable and crafted with enduring style in mind.
Shea McGee's floral block print quilt brings a touch of romantic charm to any bedroom. With a design that feels both classic and fresh, it layers effortlessly over a duvet or stands alone on warmer nights. The soft cotton construction feels breezy and inviting, while the subtle pattern adds personality without overwhelming your styling.
Rooted in traditional Scandinavian quilt heritage, this crimson and cream Irish Chain quilt brings on-trend style and warmth to your bed. Its grid pattern nods to classic design while the soft cotton face and cozy fill offer comfort. Ideal for layering at the foot of a larger duvet or as a standalone top layer in milder months.
Creating a luxurious-looking bed doesn’t come down to complicated styling tricks or an ever-growing pile of pillows. Sizing up your duvet gives you that instant hit of indulgence, while perfectly fitted bedspreads and clever textiles bring the structure and softness that make a space feel expertly styled. If you're looking for a more comprehensive, tried-and-tested guide, check out our ultimate checklist of the best duvet inserts, as chosen by our sleep experts.
