Before you snuggle up under that comforter or quilt for a long winter's nap, take a moment to make sure those bed linens are going to fit the mattress properly. Different sheets and pillows are designed for different beds, so buy the one that fits - or you're going to think someone short sheeted your bed!
Twin beds are the smallest, with mattress 39" x 75" long. Twin extra long mattresses are about five inches longer, though finding a duvet cover or mattress pad for these can be pretty tough. Full or double mattresses are also 75" long, but they are about 54" wide, so they add a little extra sleeping room. Queen -sized mattresses are fairly comfortable for two average-sized people; these measure 60" by 80".
Two different king-sized mattress are available; standard king mattresses are 76" wide and 80" long. A California King or Western King mattress is slightly narrower, 72" wide, but it is 84" long, which makes it perfect for a very tall person.
Bedding bundles
Many people find that color coordinating or shopping for matching bedding is just not worth the extra effort, and prefer instead to buy a complete bed-in-a-bag set. These are available from most designers of linens and bedding, including Martha Stewart or IKEA. These sets include sheet sets, comforters, pillow shams, and bed skirts for a single price.
Others prefer to buy bed linens separately. Buy sheet sets that include flat sheets, fitted sheets, and pillow cases, or buy each one separately. This latter approach can be handy for those who prefer a single color or pattern of bedding to be available at all times, or for those who like to purchase contrasting sheet and pillowcase sets, like navy sheets and yellow pillow cases or shams.
A few extra pillows positioned on the bed or bedroom furniture can create a cozy, coordinated look. Choose decorative pillows or accent pillows to match or complement pillowcases and pillow shams. Use large Euro pillows for an overstuffed look, or add geometric dimension with bolster or neck roll pillows.
Select a comforter that blends with the room's curtains and carpet. Many designers prefer a bedspread or quilt with a pattern that coordinates with the color scheme; while others choose contrasting colors to make duvet covers or bedspreads stand out. The better comforters are usually made from cotton chintz, matelasse, velvet, or chenille. The tight weaving patterns used in these materials result in a luxurious comforter that will endure through constant use and several washings.
Use a bed skirt or dust r uffle to hide the box springs and bed frame. Some bed skirts are placed between the mattress and box springs, and hang down over the box springs. Others are fastened on with Velcro or snap strips. Most are about 15" long. Choose between gathered or box (tailored styles).
Don't forget to buy extra blankets, especially if home is in a colder climate. Cuddle between the sheets and enjoy the weight of a fleece blanket or down blanket, or cover up with a cozy handmade afghan. For a little extra luxury, toss on a cashmere blanket instead. Keep an extra supply of cotton or chenille blankets on hand for guests or extra-cold nights.
Designer extras
Some people prefer a designer look, and opt for Ralph Lauren bedding sets, or choose the more Spartan designs used by Calvin Klein. When floral prints are in vogue, shoppers look to classic Laura Ashley patterns.
Some teens may prefer a trendier, more casual design, like those marketed by Nautica or Tommy Hilfiger, instead. Alternatively, try designer sheets that feature muted colors and neutral shades. Contrast designs by throwing a few richly colored silk throw pillows atop a freshly starched, white duvet cover.
Dress up a child's bedroom with his or her favorite cartoon character. Popular choices include Hello Kitty, Dora the Explorer, and SpongeBob. Most children's bedding sets are available in twin sizes; some comforters, pillow shams, and children's bed sheets are also sold in full or queen sizes.
Look for matching sleeping bags - these can be unzipped and used as extra blankets during the winter months. Some beds also accommodate canopies and netting. These choices are perfect for a room with a princess theme.
Make bedtime even more relaxing by scenting the sheets with lavender. Just use lavender sachet bags in the linen closet, or add a drop or two of lavender essential oil to the washer's final rinse cycle.
Sleep between quality sheets
Believe it or not, quality does make a difference with respect to bed sheets. Buy sheets with a high thread count and good fabric, and expect those king size sheets to last for several years.
Thread count describes the quantity of woven threads in a square inch of fabric. Sheets with a 300-and-above thread count will last for many years, and are unlikely to shrink. Additionally, these sheets usually become softer as the years go by. In comparison, sheets with thread counts between 80 and 120 tend to feel rougher and will wear much more quickly.
Fabrics can also make a huge difference. Sheets are made from a wide variety of fabrics, and each offers different advantages and disadvantages. For example, muslin sheets are most frequently used for children's bedding. These are rougher and have lower thread counts.
Percale is another commonly used material. Percale sheets are often sold in thread counts between 180 and 200. These are usually used for 100 percent cotton sheets or sheets featuring a cotton/polyester blend. Combed cotton sheets offer a similar feel, and are cleaned to remove impurities as well as short fibers, so the sheets are softer and smoother.
Some sheets are made of synthetic fibers like Lyocell or polyester. While they are very strong and durable, they don't allow skin or mattresses to breathe well. They are wrinkle-resistant, and easy to wash or dry. These materials are often used to simulate the feel of silk or suede.
Flannel sheets are perfect for a cold winter night. These keep the bed (and its occupants) warm and snug during even the coldest temperatures. Sheets with four or more ounces of flannel in a square yard are considered to be of a high quality.
High quality sheets with thread counts between 200 and 300 include Pima sheets and Supima sheets. Egyptian cotton sheets also typically feature a thread count greater than 200. Egyptian cotton is the fabric most preferred for superior bedding.
Even sheets with high thread count may seem somewhat rough in the beginning if they are printed sheets. This is because of the dye used. The roughness will disappear after they have been washed a few times, though.
When possible, choose sheets that fit tightly. Fitted sheets that have elastic only at the corners will probably slide off the bed easily. Choose fitted sheets that have elastic around the entire perimeter of the sheet.
Does your down comforter measure up?
Different down comforters offer varying levels of warmth. The best down comforters are manufactured with a fill power measurement of at least 800. Those with fill power between 700 and 800 are rated excellent, while those with fill power between 600 and 700 are considered good. The fill power is the amount of space (in cubic inches) occupied by an ounce of down.
Purity is also a consideration in selecting a comforter. A comforter that has a purer fill will be more expensive, but will contain fewer odors, and be more comfortable. It will also last for a longer time and be easier to care for. The purest fillings include Siberian down, Hungarian down, and goose down. The least pure comforters include duck feathers, a combination of duck feathers and down, or a combination of goose feathers and down.
Don't assume that just because a product claims to be 100-percent goose down that it actually is. Comforters with as little as 75-percent goose down often carry this label. The best down comforters are those with the highest thread counts. Those with a higher thread count are fluffier and prevent feathers from sticking through the casing fabric.
Pillow preferences
Finding the right bed pillows and mattress pad involves some trial and error, but making the right purchase pays off with the sound sleeping you'll enjoy! First, choose bed pillows made for sleeping, not decoration. Decorative bed pillows are great for décor, but they are often less than comfortable places to rest one's weary head.
The right size of bed pillows often depends on the bed's mattress. Standard pillows are designed to fit full beds, while queen size pillows are manufactured for use with queen sized mattresses. Likewise, king size pillows were made to be used on king sized mattresses.
The right kind of pillow often depends on sleeping preference. Usually, people who sleep on their backs prefer pillows that are fairly flat and offer firm head support. Those who sleep on their sides often sleep best on pillows that feature a raised, smooth sleeping surface. These surfaces are optimal for proper neck alignment in a side-lying position.
In contrast, people who sleep primarily on their stomachs will want pillows with sloped surfaces. The ends of their pillow should taper downward.
Firmness is largely dependent on the type of filling used. Foam pillows offer the firmest surfaces, but tend to wear after a couple of years. In comparison, down pillows may last as many as ten years, but aren't quite as firm. These are very pliable though, and can be easily positioned for comfort.
Mattress pads: The final ingredient
The final ingredient in a good bedding recipe is a high-quality mattress pad. Many are designed for comfort, protection, and back support. These often help allergy sufferers because they are made of materials that are naturally resistant to bacteria or dust mites.
Mattress pads are manufactured with different materials, including cotton, lamb's wool, foam, and down. Cotton mattress protectors usually are thin and made with a quilted design. They are easy to wash as well. Lambs wool mattress pads are soft and comfortable. Clean these with vapor steam only; do not wash them. Wool mattress pads aren't quite as soft, but are very durable and will help to keep sleepers warmer in the winter and cooler during the summer.
Some people prefer memory foam mattress pads because they are more lightweight. These aren't made of breathable material, however, so they often increase the sleeper's body temperature and can become uncomfortable. Feather mattress pads, or feather beds, are also soft and comfortable.
Many people prefer sturdy latex mattress pads. These last for many years, and can be cleaned; some are even waterproof. Some are made of synthetic materials, while others are made of natural latex materials. These offer excellent support, but can often be quite expensive. Most people who choose latex mattress pads, however, agree that the cost is well worth the comfortable night's sleep they experience.
Now that you've made up your mind about the right purchases for your family's bedding, you can relax better. Thanks to you, each member of the family can enjoy a good night's sleep with the bedding that's just right for her or him!