Choosing Bedding: A Comprehensive Guide
Selecting a bed is one decision, but choosing bedding is another matter entirely. The first step is to determine the general type of bedding you prefer, followed by decisions about specific details.
Here are some general tips to consider when purchasing bedding for your bedroom.
Top 10 Tips for Buying Bedding
- Choose bedding that complements your bedroom’s decor style.
- Ensure the bedding suits the type of bed you have selected.
- If you or your family members have allergies, opt for hypoallergenic bedding.
- Consider that some bedding is easier to clean than others.
- Some bedding, such as non-iron sheets, is easier to maintain.
- While synthetic bedding is often cheaper than natural materials, avoid making choices based solely on price.
- Bedding items, such as duvets, should be significantly wider than the bed—at least 450 mm wider.
- Some bedding types are heavier but not necessarily warmer; lightweight bedding can sometimes be warmer than heavy blankets.
- If pets sleep in your bedroom, avoid white or pale-colored bedding to prevent visible dirt from dirty paws.
- Create a versatile bedroom design to allow for mixing and matching bedding, especially duvet covers and pillowcases, as desired.
Types of Bedding
The primary choices are between sheets with blankets or duvets. Quilts and comforters can be used with either option or as a substitute for blankets, depending on your comfort preferences.
For much of the 20th century, sheets and blankets were standard in many countries. A bed was typically made by:
- Placing an under-blanket on the mattress.
- Covering it with a sheet large enough to tuck under the mattress.
- Adding a second sheet over the bottom sheet.
- Layering one or more blankets, leaving a few inches of the top sheet uncovered.
- Folding the top sheet over the blanket.
- Tucking the sheet in on both sides and at the bottom of the bed.
A quilt, comforter, or bedspread may be added on top. Unlike quilts and comforters, which provide extra warmth and aesthetic appeal, bedspreads are designed to cover pillows and protect against dust, typically removed at night.
Making a bed with sheets and blankets is straightforward but more time-consuming than using a duvet. Nurses often use a special “envelope fold” at the bottom corners for a neat, less bulky appearance.
Duvets, along with fitted sheets, have simplified bed-making. Simply smooth the bottom sheet, shake the duvet to fluff it, and place it back on the bed. Pillows should also be fluffed and rearranged, a step that applies to both duvet and blanket setups.
While a duvet cover replaces the top sheet and the duvet itself substitutes for blankets, some prefer using both a top sheet and a duvet for added comfort.
Once you’ve chosen your bedding type, you can begin shopping for specifics.
Bedding Specifics
Bed Linen
Regardless of your bedding choice, you’ll need bed linen: sheets, pillowcases, and, if using a duvet, duvet covers. A good rule is to buy at least twice what you need. For example, purchase two bottom sheets, eight pillowcases for four pillows, and two duvet covers. This ensures you always have clean linen available without needing to wash and dry items in a single day.
Most duvet covers are sold in sets with at least two pillowcases. If you need additional pillowcases, choose colors that match or complement the set. Many opt for two identical duvet covers to maintain a consistent decor scheme, using one while the other is in the wash.
Blankets
Blanket options include natural materials like wool, mohair, or cotton, as well as synthetic materials. Synthetics are generally cheaper and easier to care for but may trap heat, so consider this when choosing.
High-quality woolen blankets are lightweight, soft, and warm, while cheaper ones tend to be heavier. Handmade crochet blankets, made from colorful squares, can add a cheerful touch.
Even if you choose a duvet, having a blanket or two for colder months is wise. Alternatively, a quilt or comforter can complement a duvet.
Duvets and Comforters
Duvets are typically light and warm, especially those filled with down or a down-feather mix. Synthetic-filled duvets are hypoallergenic and more affordable, but investing in higher quality ensures durability.
Quilts and comforters use similar fillings as duvets. Since comforters don’t use separate covers, ensure they are easy to clean.
