What the heck are hospital corners and why would someone want them in his or her home? Creating “hospital corners” is a technique used to fold bedsheets in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and very difficult to kick off during the night. It’s called “hospital corners” because it’s the way that hospital bed sheets are primarily folded, and it’s also apparently the way members of the military make their beds as well.
The hospital corner “look” is essentially a beautifully clean and crisp line that runs horizontally down a corner of the mattress. In order to create it, the bedsheet folder may need to practice a few times – there’s no shame in the game!
Where to make the folds and how tight to pull the sheets will be highly dependent on the fabric and style of the sheet. Percale cotton sheets, for example, may naturally create a fold a little easier than a more buttery soft sateen sheet.
Never fear, no matter what bed sheet is available, a hospital corner can be made. Follow the easy steps we’ve put together in the video or scroll through our step-by-step instructions below.
Always comment below with any questions and when it comes to making hospital corners – practice makes perfect!
Tips & Tricks
Describing to someone how to fold a bedsheet in a particular way can be tricky, but following along with the video and repeating the steps a few times should be enough to get the hang of it.
Sheets made with a more structured fabric, like a percale weave cotton as opposed to softer bamboo sheets, will have that more classic horizontal crease that is indicative of hospital corners. That being said, it can be achieved with any type of bedsheet and should absolutely create a snug fit at the end of the bed.
