Do you ever have one of those days where you just can't do anything right and you just can't make anyone happy? When I have those days I just want to crawl back into bed and pull the covers over my head and stay there till it is a new day... Well that only really works if it is a bed worth crawling back into. There is something magical about a good bed but some how that escapes most people out of a fear of the bed getting too fussy or that it will be too expensive. Number one rule of thought when it comes to bedding- buy the best that you can afford and know what you are getting.
So here is my "reader's digest" to bedding how to:
#1 Pillow Cases- these are for the pillows you sleep on (remember we talked about these already) and actually I will elaborate on pillowcases with sheets since they are typically purchased together. Just make sure you buy the right size for your pillow, very often sheet sets for king beds only come with king pillow cases.
#2 Euro Shams- These are 26 inch square decorative pillows that typically are placed closest to the headboard. While many men will place these squarely in the fussy category they really are a great addition as they are great for added support when sitting up in bed- I use mine whenever I read in bed!
#3 Coverlet- this is traditionally used to cover the blanket and sheets. This thinner layer is great year round as the foundation for your bed.
#4 Bolster Pillow- Another pillow to toss in the fussy category for men, and while I could reach for some reasoning like lumbar support while sitting in bed I will concede- it is not an essential pillow but it is a great splurge. The horizontal line of it breaks up all the 90 degree angles of the other pillows. I personally find my bolster pillow especially comforting on those rough days where i just want to get in bed and hide. You can hug it and rest your head on it all at once!
#5 Sheets- Now these are by far the most crucial as this is what you sleep directly on. There are several things to consider: material (cotton, bamboo, lyocell) thread count and weave. Bamboo and Lyocell are newer options to the sheeting market, both are wood pulp based products that offer a strength and luxurious hand that are giving cotton a run for it's money. Cotton is always a safe bet- look for 100% and look for Egyptian Cotton; it is considered the best cotton. Due to the growing environment it is a longer fiber that makes it possible to spin it into a finer silkier yarn. The thread count is a tricky number that many people just aim high on without knowing why.It refers to the number of threads in a single square inch of the fabric, the warp (vertical) plus the weft (horizontal)yarns. A higher thread count means a finer weave typically 500 is a good number and one where you will be able to feel the difference over a lower count. The weave refers to the method that the yarns are woven in. Percale is the most common sheeting weave, it is strong with little opportunity for pilling and has a crisp hand (feel) and in higher thread count sis extremely luxurious. Sateen is another common option, it typically has a silkier hand to it but it does have a higher pill rate if the cotton is not a good quality and should be ironed to restore its luster after washing.
#6 Blanket- another check for the fussy column however it is a great addition not only on chilly nights but also if you and your partner have differing body temperatures. If your man is always hot at night- get yourself a blanket to pull up for added warmth on your side- trust me it is much easier to that than fight over the thermostat.
#7 Duvet- This is the French word for comforter and in America it is synonymous with the duvet cover. The cover is what it sounds like, it is the decorative cover. The duvet itself is traditionally down and the cover protects the duvet from you body oils and moisture as well as dirt since comforters are not always easy to launder. A good down duvet is lofty and made of larger down clusters that provide insulation without weight.
#8 Bed Skirt- I refuse to allow this to go in the fussy category. Unless you have a bed with a full bed frame that hinders a bed skirt you need to have one! If you have a head board only or just a frame (and there is nothing wrong with that) a bed skirt will give a finished look. Plus they not only hide the box-spring they hide a multitude of sins under your bed! Bed skirts can be gathered and full or more tailored and sleek.
When you are buying bedding, consider the care instructions, open the package and feel what you are getting- consider your sheets an investment so look for sales. January is the typical month for bedding sales but year round you can find some really great quality sheets hiding in places like Marshall's, TJMaxx and even Costco- just remember if you are buying them online make sure you can return them since you don't get to feel them.
So if you have had one of those days, go ahead...pull the covers up snuggle up... tomorrow is Friday!
photos: Legacy Linens, Bella Notte Linens
#8 Bed Skirt- I refuse to allow this to go in the fussy category. Unless you have a bed with a full bed frame that hinders a bed skirt you need to have one! If you have a head board only or just a frame (and there is nothing wrong with that) a bed skirt will give a finished look. Plus they not only hide the box-spring they hide a multitude of sins under your bed! Bed skirts can be gathered and full or more tailored and sleek.
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