WHAT IS MONASTIC BED MAKING?
'The style is characterized by neatly folded linens, often in natural, muted tones, and a lack of excessive decorative elements,' explains Tadas Pukas. 'The arrangement should be functional, avoiding unnecessary layers or embellishments.' 'By reducing clutter and focusing on the essentials, monastic bed-making can help lower stress and anxiety levels, leading to better sleep quality and overall mental health.
1. START WITH QUALITY BEDDING
Invest in high-quality, bedding made from natural fibers, ensuring you choose materials that offer comfort and durability, enhancing the overall aesthetic and feel of the bed. 'I always advocate for organic fibers like linen or cotton in bedding,' recommends Barbara Stern, editor-in-chief at Ottoman Textiles. 'These materials are not just environmentally friendly but also offer the perfect blend of durability and breathability essential for comfortable bedding.
2. CHOOSE BEDDING COLORS
'The color palette in monastic bed-making is all about tranquility. We're looking at neutral, earthy tones that evoke calmness and peace. 'It's fascinating how using undyed or naturally dyed fabrics can minimize our environmental footprint and enhance the authenticity of the bed's appearance,' says Barbara Stern.
3. USE LAYERING TCHNIQUES
Monastic bed-making encourages layers for both aesthetic appeal and practical warmth. Embrace simplicity in layering when using this bed-making technique by using a fitted sheet, a flat sheet that is neatly tucked into the mattress, and a single lightweight blanket or coverlet. Don't use excessive layers or overly heavy covers.
4. STRAIGHTEN AND SMOOTH
Possibly the most important aspect of monastic bed-making is tucking the sheets under the mattress to ensure a smooth, wrinkle-free surface.
5. PERFECT PILLOW PLACEMENT
Rather than overwhelming your bed with an array of pillows and throw pillows, style your bed with a minimal arrangement of two or four well-fluffed pillows with simple pillowcases that complement the bedding, and a few throw pillows. Arrange your bed pillows thoughtfully for a purposeful and minimalist appearance.
6. MINDFUL MINIMALISM
Embrace minimal decor accents, if any, such as a carefully chosen throw blanket folded at the foot of the bed, a lamp, or a single piece of wall art above the headboard. Avoid overcrowding the bed area with unnecessary elements, such as items cluttering your bedside table and impacting your sleep.
7. ADOPT A DAILY ROUTINE
Encourage a daily habit of making the bed immediately upon waking. This discipline in bed-making can bring a sense of order and calm to your daily routine. Plus, this routine also ensures that the bed remains inviting and well-kept.
8. REGULAR CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
A key aspect of monastic bed-making is cleanliness. Part of the regular routines adopted in monatic bed making includes routine washing of bedding, and ensuring a crisp, well-made bed. You should also rotate and clean your mattress regularly to uphold the cleanliness and longevity of the mattress.