There is something slightly clinical sounding about 'hospital corners' – the bed-making technique that originated in the nursing profession in the 19th century. Despite its medical connotations, however, this method has forged its way into the warmest, most beautiful homes, including that of Martha Stewart's. After seeing how (surprisingly) simple it is to achieve this neat and tidy aesthetic, we can understand its staying power.
In the archival footage below, Stewart demonstrates her technique for the perfect hospital-corner – completing the process in less than a minute. While the first (or even second try) might take a little bit longer than Stewart's demonstration, comments on the page promise it gets simpler – and remain with you for life (since the method remains the same for every mattress and sheet you have).
It's a time-honored way of keeping fitted sheets on a bed, and it looks crisp and clean in the process.
After initially dressing her bed in flannel sheets (for winter), Stewart demonstrates the perfect hospital corner.
'This is where we’re going to tuck the top sheet over the bottom sheet, giving us plenty of room so this stays secure. Pull the sheet nice and tight, and you have all this hanging out right here. Now, about 14 inches from the corner of the mattress, just pick up the sheet and create a right angle. Then, this excess sheeting that’s hanging down here, tuck neatly right over your bed skirt,' she explains in the footage.
'Hold your hand right here, right on the edge of the mattress and fold down your sheet, and you have that beautiful straight corner fold, which is called a hospital corner.'
In the clip, Stewart uses flannel sheets due to their warming qualities over the colder months. However, her method works on any bed sheets, including durable materials like cotton or polyester blends, which are often used in hospitals. Similarly, we love these bedding essentials from the Martha by Martha Stewart collection, no less.
A fluffy comforter is so influential when elevating a bedroom. The best place to start? With this fluffy piece, filled with down and feathers for a 'cloud-like sleeping experience' that's impossible to leave in the morning.
These pillows are inspired by luxury hotel bedding – complete with a 500 thread count and a subtle damask stripe finish. They're designed to bounce back to their original shape after each use, providing long-lasting comfort and support.
Exhibiting a retro checkered pattern (in a versatile colorway), this cotton sheet makes a beautiful foundation for any bed. It's made from 100% Egyptian cotton, meaning it's naturally silky and luxurious while being exceptionally soft and durable.
Kate Henderson, the duty manager at Daffodil Hotel, a spa hotel in the Lake District, England, adds that hospital corners have a place in luxury settings, too. Her suggestion is to forget the fitted sheet, as this makes the process even easier.
'When do you ever see a fitted sheet in a hotel? When you opt for a plain sheet, you can easily recreate a hospital corner fold,' she says. She recommends lifting the edge of the sheet to form a 45-degree angle with your mattress before pulling and tucking the hanging fabric underneath the mattress. 'You can do this with your duvet too; simply lift and tuck.' It really is as simple as that.
