How to Make a Bed

Probably the simplest way to learn how to make a bed is to join the army. Do that, and you'll be a crackerjack bedmaker within the week. But if you'd like to avoid that whole boot camp thing, then the following tips on how to make a bed will give you sheets so taut you could bounce a quarter off of them.

Bed Making Instructions
Before we proceed, we're going to assume you have the following:

The fitted sheet is the bottom sheet. It's the one with the pre-formed, elastic corners. It shouldn't matter which side of the fitted sheet is up, but if you're OCD, look for the manufacturer's tag and consider that the bottom side.

Spread the fitted sheet out lengthwise over the bed. Then slide the sheet over two corners on one end of the mattress. Walk to the other end of the bed or run if you're excited and fit the sheet over the remaining corners. Smooth the sheet out by tugging each corner further down the mattress. If there's not enough material or too much material, your bedding isn't the right size.

If everything fits, it's now time for the top sheet. Your top sheet should have a visible, decorative hemline several inches from the top. Don't get confused by this part: put the top sheet on your bed upside down. This may sound like a revolutionary technique, but we assure you, it's been done for generations. By upside down, we mean that the white stitch line should show on top rather than the prettier hemline.

Position the sheet so that it hangs equally over both of the long sides and the top of the sheet touches the top end of the mattress. Begin tucking the top sheet under the mattress as snugly as you can without pulling it out of position, bottom end first, and then each of the sides. Once you're through, the top of the sheet should still be touching the top of the bed, and the rest of the sheet should be flat and taut.

Now place your blankets over the sheets, and it's time for the sheet folding trick. Fold back the upside down top portion of the sheet until the decorative hemline is visible. This should result in a flat and even extra layer of blanket and sheet at the top of the bed. There should be enough room for your pillows to be placed at the top without covering the hemline.

Voila! Your bed is made. Your mother would be proud.