Bedding Guide

Bedsheets, mattresses, pillows (and pillowcases), duvets, blankets – one simple good night’s sleep can call for the best selections when it comes to your bed. We spend more than a third of our lives asleep, and it definitely seems as though we should care for our bedding just as well as we care for ourselves. Sleeping well can have a profound effect on our mental and physical health, and it’s only right to invest a tad more of our time into keeping it clean.

Experts say that while we sleep, our bodies relax and rejuvenate, and in the process, shed dead skin and exude body oils. As grimy as that sounds, the best way to sleep healthily is to keep track of your bedding hygiene habits. Read on to find out how you can take the best care of your pillows and sheets, and be guaranteed some relaxing much-needed shut-eye in the sack.

 

1. Sheets and pillowcases
Your sheets support your entire body, and if you have a tendency to get hot while you asleep, you need to maintain a strict washing and drying schedule. Removing dirt, dust, lotions, make-up, skin products and oils from entire sheets and pillowcases isn’t easy, but essential to do atleast once a week. Soak them in detergent and warm water for a couple of minutes before you put them to wash. If your sheets have delicate trims, lace or embroideries, you do need to check the label for washing instructions.

Once the sheets are washed, make sure to dry them in the dryer or in some strong sunlight for atleast a couple of hours. To avoid mildew, make sure the sheets are completely dry before you fold and store them. If you have the time for it, ironing them is also a great way to ensure they remain crisp for longer.

2. Pillows
Soft and plump pillows are the key to a good slumber. Usually, pillows have to be dry-cleaned, but some of them can be home-cleaned as well. You could follow the care instructions on the label, or simply machine wash them in warm water and a little detergent. With pillows, it’s ideal to wash them a couple of times to ensure the soapy residue comes off from all the inner layers as well. After a drying cycle, place it in the sun for a thorough sanitisation.

3. Duvets
For duvets to last many years, it’s best to use a cover to protect them from daily wear and tear. You can wash the covers regularly, just as you do your sheets, but the duvet itself should not be washed too often. Machine wash the duvet cover once every month or two, and the duvet needs to be professionally laundered once every 2-3 years. The best way to maintain the quality of your duvet on a daily basis is to fluff them well every morning. Let the air filter in and out to free up any internal clumping.

Basic Parts of Bedding You Need to Know

If you’ve ever wanted to build out a luxurious bed, you’ve got to know the essential parts of bedding. Here are all the elements that go into making your dream bed, from the bottom up.

Parts of Bedding Glossary

The basic parts of bedding include mattress covers, sheets, a quilt, coverlet, duvet cover, or comforter, and pillows. Take a look at all of the different parts of bedding your bed could include, and where they are placed:

Mattress Covers and Protectors

Protect the most important part of your bed with a mattress cover. It will defend your mattress against allergens, dust, and perspiration. It will also increase the longevity of your mattress by decreasing the amount of cleaning needed. Simply wash the cover instead!

Sheets

There are three main sheets to consider when buying bedding: fitted, top, and pillowcases.

 

Fitted:The fitted sheet is the first layer of bedding. The fitted sheet, complete with an elastic band around the edges, fits snugly on top of your mattress. If you have a mattress protector, it will go on top of that. The elastic prevents the sheet from coming off the bed in the middle of the night. Make sure all the corners are tucked tightly around the mattress when making your bed.

 

Flat: Flat (or top) sheets are the next layer to your bedding. They lie on top of the fitted sheet and have the decorative trim at the head of the bed. When sleeping, pull the flat sheet over you for a light layer of warmth. Tuck the flat sheet into the sides and foot of the bed, leaving the top untucked so it can be folded to make room for the pillows.

 

Pillowcases:These sheet coverings are made specifically to protect your pillows from wear and tear. Pillowcases typically match your fitted and flat sheets, but you can switch up your style by choosing a patterned, eye-catching pillowcase. Any bed larger than a twin typically has two pillows, so make sure to buy the proper amount of pillowcases.

 

Sheet Sets: Get the best value by choosing a complete sheet set: at least one fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcase.

Tips

How To Set Quilts, Coverlets, Duvets and Comforters

From the heaviest comforter to the lightest coverlet, each bedspread offers a different level of warmth, texture, and coziness. These top layers provide added warmth and style, and can be swapped out with the seasons. There are four main options: quilts, coverlets/bedspreads, duvet covers, and comforters.

 

Quilts: A quilt is made up of three pieces: a top sheet, inner batting, and a bottom sheet. The stitching is usually visible and made into many designs or patterns. They are perfect for colder months, as they can be paired with a heavier layer like a duvet or comforter.

 

Coverlets/Bedspreads: A coverlet is an extra layer of bedding used for decoration or warmth. Since they typically don’t extend far beyond the corners of your bed, coverlets work well in cold climates or seasons as an additional layer atop your comforter or duvet. However,they can also be used as your main bedding option in warm climates or seasons.

 

Duvet & Duvet Covers: A duvet is made up of two soft, flat pieces of fabric, is typically white in color, and is filled with down or synthetic fibers (also known as down alternative). Duvets are often paired with a cover to keep them clean. You can choose from many colors or patterns or change it up seasonally. Because of the cover, there is also no need for a top sheet.

 

Comforters: A comforter is a quilted, fluffy blanket that sits on top of your sheets. It is made up of two breathable pieces of fabric and filled with down or synthetic fibers to add warmth. They are typically one of the heaviest parts of bedding.

 

Bed-in-a-Bag: Just like you can get a sheet set, a bed-in-a-bag is the easiest way to get a complete bedding set. They will include one bedspread/comforter along with a complete set of sheets. Each set varies, so check the product description to make sure you’re getting all of the essentials!

Pillows

Pillows are the finishing touch to any bed. They also play a crucial role in how soundly you sleep at night, and it’s recommended to replace them every 12 – 18 months as pillow-fill deteriorates and becomes less comfortable. A standard bedding arrangement typically has a combination of bed pillows and throw pillows. Try layering these two types with the largest pillows in the back and the smaller, more decorative ones in the front.

 

Bed: Bed pillows are the primary pillows you sleep on every night. Any bed larger than a twin typically has two bed pillows, and they can increase in size as your bed does. For example, a king bed should have king bed pillows. You can also personalize your bed pillows to support your sleep type: back, side, or stomach.

 

Throw: Decorative pillows (aka accent or throw pillows) are a quick yet impactful finishing touch. Add a dash of style and comfort that’s easy to change at any time. Bedding sets of five or seven pieces often include these as well as pillow shams. The following are the different-shaped throws you can experiment with: throw, lumbar, Euro, and bolster.

Pillows are the finishing touch to any bed. They also play a crucial role in how soundly you sleep at night, and it’s recommended to replace them every 12 – 18 months as pillow-fill deteriorates and becomes less comfortable. A standard bedding arrangement typically has a combination of bed pillows and throw pillows. Try layering these two types with the largest pillows in the back and the smaller, more decorative ones in the front.

 

Bed: Bed pillows are the primary pillows you sleep on every night. Any bed larger than a twin typically has two bed pillows, and they can increase in size as your bed does. For example, a king bed should have king bed pillows. You can also personalize your bed pillows to support your sleep type: back, side, or stomach.

 

Throw: Decorative pillows (aka accent or throw pillows) are a quick yet impactful finishing touch. Add a dash of style and comfort that’s easy to change at any time. Bedding sets of five or seven pieces often include these as well as pillow shams. The following are the different-shaped throws you can experiment with: throw, lumbar, Euro, and bolster.