Ever come back from a weekend away at a luxurious hotel and wish you could create that five-star feeling at home? Well, you’re not alone. Below, Lydia Lloyd, Homeware Textile Designer and Insider at M&S Home has shared her easy tips & tricks for recreating the plush feel of a hotel in your very own home…  

1. Always start with bedding 

With the hashtag #hotelbedmaking reaching 8.5 million views on TikTok,  Lydia says: “Hotels tend to stick to all-white bedding. To create a luxe feel, opt for bed sheets in white or muted shades such as neutrals. For that silky soft feel, I’d recommend choosing 300 or 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bedsheets as the breathable fabric will help to keep you cool throughout the night.  

“Hotels always press or iron their sheets. The best way to do this at home is to fold your sheets in half and iron them on one side, then the other. Opt for a flat sheet to enable you to tightly tuck the bed sheet in around the mattress. For the best fit, stretch and pull the sheet as firmly as you can before tucking it under the corners of the mattress.  

2. Perfect your pillow arrangement

In the last year, M&S sales data reveals Goose & Feather down pillows to be the most popular among customers, followed closely by firm-filled pillows, perfect for those who choose to sleep on their side.  

Lydia advises: “For king-size or double beds, I’d recommend having four for sleeping and then you can experiment with a range of decorative large square and bolster cushions to decorate the bed. Ample amounts of pillows aren’t for everyone though – if simplicity is more your thing, stack them directly on top of one another for a neat arrangement.” 

For a truly hotel-like feel, choose luxurious, plump pillows – we recommend these large feather and down pillows. 

3. Dress the bed like a hotel expert

The hashtag #housekeeperhacks has reached a staggering 74.6 million views on TikTok.  

Once you’ve selected your bed linen, Lydia says: “Keep creases out of your sheets and bedding between washes, by spraying them with a drop of fabric softener mixed with water, before smoothing them over with your hand. 

“Plump the pillows and the duvet to get that cloudy look that you just want to dive straight into. Add a throw to complete the bed by layering colours, textures and patterns.  

Tip: Don’t forget to consider the bedside table and treat it as an extension of the bed. Add decorative touches but keep this clutter-free. Hotels often have a signature scent, and you can replicate this effect with a statement candle or diffuser with a calming feel. 

4. The secret to soft, fluffy towels

Google search interest for “how to keep towels soft” is up by 44% in the UK since last month¹. 

“To achieve soft, fluffy towels at home, pay attention to how many items you place in the washing machine. If the load is too full, this can put a strain on the washer and cause bathroom towels to smell less fresh.  

“Use about half the recommended amount of detergent while washing towels, to prevent a build-up of product and keep towels feeling softer. Fabric softeners can also have the opposite effect on towels, so avoid adding this into your cycle. If towels have become hard or scratchy, add a cup of vinegar to the load before washing at a temperature of 30 to 40 degrees. Finish by allowing towels to air dry for that fresh laundry scent.” 

5. Give your bathroom the spa vibe 

“For a luxurious touch, display guest towels in a spa-inspired rolled arrangement. Lay the towel out flat and fold one corner in diagonally toward the centre, creating a point at one end. Fold the towel in half lengthwise, then flip it over so the folded edge is on the bottom. Starting at the short side opposite the point, tightly roll the towel. When you reach the end, tuck the point into the roll to keep the towel secure.” 

Finish your serene, spa-like bathroom by dressing it with scented diffusers or candles to help you relax from the moment you walk in.”