Much like folding sheets, there’s technically no right or wrong way to make a bed. There is, however, the gold standard technique of hospital corners. This approach (which is also commonly referred to as military corners) not only makes your bed look crisp and pristine, but it doesn't take more time to complete than any other method.

This guide to making a bed with hospital corners will make the chore easier each morning and can even result in better sleep at night! And, believe it or not, it’s even more effortless than learning how to fold a fitted sheet. 

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What Are Hospital Corners?

As the name suggests, this bed-making method originated in hospitals. It's also the go-to technique of those serving in the military, and is often how hotel beds are made during turn-down service. Making a bed with hospital corners serves both a hygienic and time-saving purpose in all of these settings. Their neat, uniform look is simply the icing on the cake.

The method uses an angled folding technique to tuck the fitted sheet (and in some cases, the top layer of bedding, too) under the mattress at a 45-degree angle. This leaves two crisp, clean folds and secures the bedding around the mattress.

Hospital corners instantly make any bed look neater by reducing wrinkles in sheets, and help sheets fit more securely—meaning they won't shift around as you sleep, aiding in a more comfortable sleeping experience. Using hospital corners can also create a more hygienic sleep environment, because they keep the fitted sheet layer protected from airborne dust and dirt. Changing sheets can become faster and easier with practice, which can even encourage you to wash bed sheets more frequently!

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What You'll Need

Materials

• Top sheet

Instructions

How to Make a Bed with Hospital Corners

Follow this guide to create a flawless bed each and every time.

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2. Jason Donnelly

Lay Down Fitted and Top Sheets

1. The first step is to put a fitted sheet on the bed as you normally would. Then, lay the top sheet down on top of the bed. Despite the controversy around using one, a top sheet is necessary for hygienic reasons and to use the hospital corner bed-making method successfully.
2. Lay the top sheet down flat over the fitted sheet. The trick is to pull it towards the headboard or top of the bed so that there’s not an excessive amount of fabric left at the bottom.
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4. Jason Donnelly

Tuck the Bottom of the Flat Sheet

1. Take the fabric at the bottom and tuck it between the mattress and box spring. If there’s not enough, gently and evenly pull the sheet from the bottom and repeat the process.
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3. Jason Donnelly

Lift Corners and Tuck Excess Fabric

1. Starting on one side of the mattress, grab the excess fabric and lift it at a 45-degree angle. Then, tuck whatever remains at the bottom underneath the mattress. Repeat on the other side.
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3. Jason Donnelly

Create a Triangle and Tuck Remaining Fabric

1. If you can imagine gift wrapping the sides of a square box, you’ll follow a similar pattern here. On one side of the bed, smooth the remaining fabric into a tight triangle and fold it down before tucking the last bit evenly between the mattress and box spring. Repeat on the other side.
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3. Jason Donnelly

Make the Rest of Your Bed

1. Once both triangle folds are tucked under the mattress, you’ve officially made your bed with hospital corners! All that’s left to do is to finish making your bed with a comforter or duvet, pillows with pillow protectors, and possibly a blanket or quilt for an added decorative touch.
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More Tips for Making the Perfect Bed

Creating crisp hospital corners is a fairly simple technique to master, but there are a few tips that can help you get the perfect tuck, every time.

Choose and maintain sheets: Pulling the corners of the top sheet taut will go a long way in creating a wrinkle-free bed. But other factors, such as the thread count, how you wash and dry them, and especially how you fold them while they’re waiting to be put on the bed, will all make a difference as well.

Practice consistency to keep sides symmetrical: Pay close attention to the sides when laying the top sheet on top of the fitted sheet to ensure they’re even. This makes creating hospital corners less challenging and keeps the bed looking neater. Like most things in life, remember that practice makes perfect.

Adjust the tightness of your tuck: If you’re a back sleeper, a too-tightly made bed will feel uncomfortable. Either give the tuck a little slack when you make the bed in the morning or loosen it before climbing in for the night.