Linens & Bedding
Don't be satisfied with any old thing you sleep on, rather be satisfied that your sleeping on the best you can buy. Linens and bedding can be an area where some of us decide to put on the brakes with spending, but I would disagree with that line of thinking. When you consider how any hours you spend in bed sleeping or relaxing after a stressful busy day, it wouldn't be too enjoyable if you've put the low budget linens on. Don't get me wrong, economics always comes into play, but whenever possible give yourself a linen budget so you can make some good choices for this most important of rooms.
A recommended thread count for bed sheets would be a minimum of 300. This thread count is the number of stitches within a one inch space. The higher the thread count the softer the fabric will usually feel. The higher thread count does not mean that the sheets will last longer though and the higher thread count is also reflected in a higher pricing as well. What is most important to all of us is the way the sheets feel to the touch. There are many finishes to sheets today such as linen, flannel, jersey and sateen. Most of these sheets are made with cotton or a cotton blend and wear fairly well. Egyptian cotton sheets are considered to be on of the most luxurious that money can buy. Personal preferences will make all the decisions here I'm sure.
Don't get caught in the ''name game''. Just because a designers name is attached to the sheets doesn't mean it will be softer or wear better than a house brand line of linens. The way the fabric has been wove along with the fabric content will be what dictates how comfortable your linens will be. The same can be said for your towels and bath accessories. Look for a velvety texture, a low cut to the fibers and tightly woven, this will make your towels feel more luxurious. With today's discount stores you can find some great buys on some wonderful towels for everyday use and decorator towels for display purposes. Who doesn't like to jump out of the tub or shower and wrap themselves in a thick soft bath towel...mmmmm almost as decadent as chocolate.
Selecting your bedding is an area that can stop some of us in our tracks. Comforter, quilts, duvets or coverlets, which way do you turn? Well don't despair, it doesn't have to be too difficult. Duvets can be a natural fill or a synthetic fill along with pillows as well. If you are a person who suffers with allergies or asthma you will want to check carefully what works best for you. On the market today there are more than just down or feathers, but silk and wool to fill a duvet as well. You can treat yourself to a feathered, which lies on top of your mattress to give you the feeling of''lying on a cloud''. Talk to your local retailer or research further on the Internet for all the up to date information on duvets. If your not wishing to have the warmest of covers such as the duvet, then perhaps a synthetic filled comforter or a quilt would suit you better. Depending on where you live and the climate that could possibly dictate what direction you wish to go with your bedding choices. Pillows are a very personal preference and for most of us when we get attached to one we don't like to be without it. So take your time when shopping and just relax when looking at bedding, because that is what you'll want to be doing when you get it home.
The''extras'' in bedding are the fun things you can add to your room. If you've selected a duvet or a comforter you might wish to have a matching or complementary bed skirt for your mattress. It dresses up the edges of the bed and doesn't allow us to see any unsightly storage or dust bunnies you might have under there. Decorator pillows are big big today, we can't seem to get enough of them. There are shams that co-ordinate with your bedding and complete the set nicely. The addition of smaller decorator pillows in different patterns, shape and sizes adds interest and a touch of luxury to the overall bed presentation. Even if you decorate more simply there are options galore for any decorating style you wish.
Don't forget to place a favorite shawl or wrap across the edge of the bed for those chilly nights when your reading in bed. A personalized or hand made bed linen is great to have and can be appreciated for years to come. I love to add a spritz of linen spray in your favorite fragrance that seems to complete the overall ambiance of your bedroom. Treat yourself well and your linens and bedding will treat you well in return. Sweet Dreams!!
Written by Sharon @ IDQ
