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Things to Know About the Rest of Your Bedding
by Kathleen M. Peters, www.KatieDidDesign.com
Are you thinking of purchasing some new bedding? Perhaps a new duvet cover, bedskirt, or throw pillows? There are some things that you need to know before you go out shopping! These tips can really save you lost time, frustration, and money, and help you choose the right bedding the FIRST time.
DUVET/COMFORTER COVERS:
The last article explained a lot about down comforters. If you are considering purchasing one, then you'll also need to purchase a duvet cover. A duvet cover, also known as a comforter cover, is basically a large 'pillowcase' for your comforter. They are usually used to protect a down comforter and dress the bed to fit the decor of the room, although they can also be used to dress up an old comforter. Duvet covers can be purchased or custom made in hundreds of styles, from basic styles in a high thread-count washable sheet material, to elegant designs in brocade and velvet. They can be left simple and unadorned, or trimmed with luxurious cording and fringes.
When you go shopping, it is important to remember how you will be using your duvet cover. If you are one of those who like to use your down comforter as your sheet and blanket combined, then you need to make sure that whatever fabric you choose will wash and wear well... I highly recommend a high thread-count cotton. But if you put a sheet or two between yourself and your comforter, and don't mind paying for dry-cleaning once or twice a year, then go for whatever look and fabric you prefer.
BEDSPREADS:
If you want to purchase a bedspread, then checking the measurements is even more important than for a comforter. Measure across the width and length of your mattress as well as the distance from the top of it down to the floor. Bed frames lift mattresses off the floor in every measurement possible, so you can not assume that a queen bedspread will fit your queen bed properly until you've measured it.
BEDSKIRTS:
So many people I've talked to are surprised when they can't find a bedskirt that fits their bed properly! The drop (the distance from the top of the boxsprings to the floor) is usually the problem. But think about it... there are hundreds of styles of beds and frames, and mattresses come in many thicknesses. When you combine those two factors, you'll realize that every length of drop, from 12" to 30" (and maybe more), is needed by someone out there! Each manufacturer has had to choose one or two lengths to offer, so consider yourself lucky if you find the perfect design and color of bedskirt in the perfect drop length! If you don't want to have one custom made, then keep in mind that it won't hurt for it to be one or two inches off the ground. Or, you can always allow it to puddle on the ground for a relaxed look. But no matter what, you should measure your bed to find out what you need BEFORE you go shopping.
One other thing to consider if you want a ruffled bedskirt is how full those ruffles will be. Many ready-made bedskirts are not very full any more, due to the fact that bedskirts that are less full use less fabric, and therefore save the manufacturer money. I have seen bedskirts that are shown full in the packaging photo, but are much less full in reality - even after ironing out the wrinkles and maneuvering the ruffles to get the maximum effect. I have to conclude that the photo is a fixed-up version. So keep this in mind when you're looking at a photo on a package. You should be safe if you're ordering out of a catalog, since they are more likely to have used the actual product for their photos.
PILLOWS AND SHAMS:
There aren't too many tricks to buying pillows and shams. Sizes really are standard, and manufacturers still usually tell you if theirs is any different. In fact, there are only two things to remember.
The stuffing is what you want to pay attention to when you're purchasing a pillow. Feather or down/feather combinations are considered the best, although they're not for everyone. Polyester filling is the alternative, and they vary from cheap pillows that will only last two months, to those which are 'down alternatives'. Prices, quality, fullness, and construction vary greatly for both, but for the most part, just buy what is most comfortable for you. If you do purchase a feather or down pillow, then make sure the cover is a high thread count cotton to keep the feathers and down in, and keep your receipt and packaging if you want to keep the warranty valid.
There aren't as many alternatives for decorative pillows, but if your pillow is going to be getting some regular use, then try to get a down filler and a removable cover for easy washing.
Shams are pretty straightforward - with one exception. Flanged Shams - shams with a flat straight border around the edge instead of ruffles or pleats - are made several different ways. The best ones will be padded and have cording around the edges. The cording can be made from the same fabric as the rest of the sham, or made with a different fabric to make the edges stand out. The padding is thin, covers the front of the whole sham, and not noticeable. Both features really help the flanges to stand out and hold their shape. Some manufacturers skimp on these extras, leaving their shams limp.
I hope that these tips help you create the haven of rest that we all need at the end of our stressful days. And I hope that they make at least a few of those days less stressful!
Have fun!
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This article Copyright 1999-2004 - Kathleen Peters, KatieDid Design. Reproduced with permission.
Kathleen Peters - 'Katie' - is a custom window treatment and bedding designer, and owner of KatieDid Design, her online shop. She is also the editor-in-chief of Decor, Decorating, and Design, a free bi-monthly ezine filled with articles, tips, and guidelines to help with your home decorating.
http://www.KatieDidDesign.com
http://www.DecorDecoratingAndDesign.com
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