For generations, making the bed followed an almost universal formula: a fitted sheet, a flat top sheet, a blanket or comforter, and perhaps a decorative coverlet. It was simply how beds were made, passed from one household to the next with little debate.
Today, that once-standard routine has become surprisingly personal.
Many people have quietly abandoned the top sheet altogether, opting instead for a fitted sheet and a duvet or comforter. For them, the appeal is straightforward: fewer layers, less laundry, and a bed that’s faster to make every morning. Without a flat sheet bunching up during the night or sliding toward the foot of the bed, sleep can feel simpler and more comfortable.
It’s also one less item to wash, fold, and store.
For busy households, that convenience is hard to ignore.
Others, however, remain loyal to the traditional setup.
A top sheet acts as a protective barrier between the sleeper and the duvet or comforter, helping keep heavier bedding cleaner for longer. Since comforters and duvets are often more difficult to wash than sheets, using a flat sheet can reduce wear and make routine laundering easier.
Some people also simply prefer the feeling.
They enjoy the crisp, layered comfort that a top sheet provides and appreciate the tidy appearance it gives a freshly made bed. For them, the ritual of making the bed is part of creating a calm, welcoming space.
Neither approach is objectively better.
The right choice depends on personal preference, climate, sleeping habits, and the type of bedding you use. Those with washable duvet covers may find a top sheet unnecessary because the cover serves a similar protective purpose. Others who use comforters without removable covers may appreciate the extra layer a flat sheet provides.
The bedding industry has noticed the shift as well.
Many retailers now offer sheet sets both with and without flat sheets, recognizing that shoppers no longer all want the same configuration. What was once considered an essential part of every bedding set has become an optional choice tailored to individual lifestyles.
In many ways, the conversation is about more than bed linens.
It reflects how people are redefining everyday routines. Some value tradition and the comfort of familiar rituals. Others prioritize efficiency, simplicity, and reducing unnecessary chores. Both perspectives have their merits, and neither says anything definitive about how someone “should” live.
Ultimately, the best-made bed is the one that helps you sleep well and suits your daily life.
Whether that means carefully tucked layers or nothing more than a fitted sheet and a cozy duvet, the goal is the same: creating a place where you can rest comfortably and wake refreshed.
Sometimes the smallest household habits reveal something meaningful—not about right or wrong, but about the many different ways people make themselves feel at home.
