There’s something about slipping into a freshly made bed that just feels right. Crisp sheets, fluffed pillows, and a neatly folded duvet can turn even the simplest bedroom into a relaxing retreat. But before you get to the cozy part, it helps to know a few behind-the-scenes tricks, starting with how to properly fold a fitted sheet.
Whether you’re staging your home for buyers, organizing the linen closet, setting up a guest room, or want to bring more intention into your everyday routine, these tips can help you fold, layer, and care for your bedding like a pro.
The Secret to Folding a Fitted Sheet
Fitted sheets are notoriously frustrating to fold. But with a few simple steps, you can turn that tangled ball of fabric into a smooth, crisp square that stacks neatly in your linen closet.
1. Find the Corners
Hold the sheet lengthwise with the shorter sides hanging down and the longer sides running horizontally across your body. Place one hand inside each of the top two corners and flip the corners inside out. Turn the sheet to make sure the seams are facing you and the elastic is facing away.
2. Tuck the Top Corners
Take the corner in your right hand and fold it over the corner in your left hand, so the two corners are neatly tucked into each other, creating a pocket. Switch hands so that the pocket is now in your right hand.
3. Repeat with the Bottom Corners
With your right hand still inside the pocket you just made, reach down along the elastic with your left hand and locate the other pocket created by the bottom two corners. Holding both pockets in front of you, clap your hands together, tucking one pocket into the other. All four corners should now be tucked into each other, forming a rounded square shape.
4. Flatten and Shape
Place the sheet on a flat surface and square it off, smoothing and tucking any loose edges as you go. The elastic should form a “J” shape.
5. Fold It Up
From the bottom of the “J”, fold the sheet into thirds. Then fold the long rectangle into thirds again. The result should be a compact, tidy square that stacks easily in your linen closet.
How To Fold A Fitted Sheet Easily – Video By Sleepopolis
More Tips to Keep Your Bedding Looking (and Feeling) Its Best
- Rotate your sheets weekly to help them wear evenly and last longer.
- Make putting on a duvet cover easier with the roll-up method (a.k.a. the “burrito” trick)
- If you share a bed with a partner, try the Scandinavian sleep method by using two separate duvets for better sleep and fewer blanket battles.
- Add pillow protectors under your pillowcases to help extend the life of your pillows and keep them clean.
- A light linen or pillow spray can refresh your bedding between washes and create a calming bedtime ritual.
- Store sheets inside a matching pillowcase to keep your linen closet neat, organized, and easy to navigate.
- Size up your duvet insert for a fuller look and a cloud-like feel. You can also double up on duvet inserts for added warmth and a stylish look.
- Layer with intention by using extra pillows and textured throws.
- Ironing your pillowcases takes just a minute and makes your bed look freshly washed and made.
- If your sheets tend to slip off the corners, try sheet holders, or you can even repurpose a few chip clips in a pinch.
Looking for more ways to elevate your space and simplify your daily routines? Visit the Living section of my blog.