Because it often dictates comfort and overall bedroom aesthetic, your bedding is almost as important as your mattress. It's one of the easiest ways to add color and pattern to your sleeping space, so it helps set the standard for the rest of the room. Bedding is also key for your sleep satisfaction: The quality of your comforter, pillows and sheets can lead to a more restful night. As you revamp your bedding collection, here is what you'll need:
Comforter, Duvet Cover or Quilt:
These are the most noticeable of all possible bed linens, and should reflect your style (and be comfy too, of course!). There are several different options, depending on your warmth needs and design preferences.
• Comforters: Most quality comforters and duvets are rated based on a tog rating and filling. This is a measurement of its weight, softness and warmth. The higher the tog rating, the warmer it will be. Comforters are usually filled with a natural or synthetic material. Natural fillings (such as down), are usually much better at trapping heat than synthetic materials. They often come as a set or with a bed-in-a-bag option, which is typically more affordable since it includes everything you might need.
• Duvet Covers: Essentially a pillowcase for your comforter, duvet covers come in a variety of fabric options, and are usually secured at the end with ties, buttons, zippers or velcro. The covers can easily be taken off and washed, which makes laundry day a little bit easier.
• Quilts: A quilt can either stand alone as is it's own bed linen or complement a comforter or duvet. This option might not be as fluffy and full as the other two, but it is fairly warm since the material is so dense. Since many quilts tend to have a homemade look, they add a nice personal touch.
Learn more about duvet covers and if they're right for youSheets:
Most sheet sets include a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and two pillowcases. Some bed sets come with sheets included, but if that's not the case, be sure to pick out the right size and material for each. Sheet can be made out of everything from satin to cotton and flannel, but even if you've settled on cotton you have tons of options to choose from, including Egyptian, Pima, Supima, Organic, Synthetic, and numerous blends. Once you determine the material, consider the thread count, which is the number of threads per square inch of fabric (both horizontal and vertical). If you're looking for a soft and durable sheet, a higher thread count (at least above 200) is better.
Bed Pillows and Shams:
Choosing a good bed pillow can make or break your night's sleep. The best way to pick a good pillow is to try out several different styles, and then stick with what you know. Fill materials, support, cover material and size are all important considerations. There are virtually endless combinations, and each person is different, so make sure you test out whether down, goose feather or memory foam works best for you.
Shams, which are decorative pillow covers, are usually a stylistic choice and should complement the rest of your bedding. Much like sheets, many bedding sets include them to ensure a matched look, but if you buy them separately, make sure they actually fit the pillows you've purchased.
Bedding Accessories:
The bed linens previously mentioned contribute to your bed’s comfort and design, but they need a little help from a few others to ensure the best sleep experience. Mattress toppers and pads will give a that extra bit of cushioning to your mattress, while mattress and pillow protectors are important for extending the life of your bedding. Other accessories, like bedskirts, help hide your mattresses box spring, and can add another touch of flair and style to your bedding set. Of course all of these accessories are optional, but if you’re looking for the most restful sleep and the best ways to preserve the condition of your mattress and pillows, you’ll want to opt-in to all of these.
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