Think Bedding is just for decorative effect? Think Again! The sheets, toppers and duvets are essential for improving your sleep comfort at varying room temperatures.
They are the removable and washable portion of the sleeping area and they are laid above the mattress for hygiene, warmth and protection of the mattress, and of course decor effect. It is important to choose bedding that meets both your style and comfort needs. We have compiled this bedding basics buying guide to help you understand bedding basics and purchase the right ones.
Bedding Size
Your mattress size determines the bed size. Before shopping for any type of bedding, first you have to know the size of your mattress so you can purchase sheets and bedding that will fit. If you are shopping for a mattress too, then you should consider buying the mattress first before any other bedding so that the size you choose will guide you in picking the sheets and bedding.
Mattresses come in so many sizes but the most common in the market are:
▪ Single (3ft x 6ft)
▪ Double (4.5ft x 6ft)
▪ King (6ft x 6ft)
▪ Super King (6ft x 7ft)
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Now to shop for a bed if you already own a mattress, you need to know the dimensions. How then do you size your mattress?
Width: You will want to measure from the exact edge. Grab a measuring tape, measure the width of the mattress and write it down.
Length: Set the end of the tape at the middle top of the mattress and extend it till you get to the middle bottom of the mattress. Write down the length measurement.
Depth: Mattresses come in a range of thickness so it is also important to measure the depth of the mattress. They are a standard depth of 8” (20cm) but there are also the common sizes of 10” (26cm), 12” (30cm) and even 14 (35cm).
It pays to have these measurements at hand when shopping for bedding – bedding sets, bed sheets or decorative layers.
Mattress Pad and Toppers
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A mattress pad also known as a mattress topper, is a thin padded protective sheet used to cover a mattress. It provides extra padding and protects the mattress from dust, perspiration, spills, stains, tear or damage. It also improves comfort and back support for a better night sleep. Finding the right mattress pad style, thickness and size depends on your personal sleeping patterns and your bed.
Cotton, latex and wool are the materials commonly used for mattress pads/toppers. The cotton ones are the least expensive, they are usually thinner and quilted but machine washable. Latex and wool pads are dust mite and mold-resistant so they are more durable than cotton. A good wool mattress pad will keep bedtime cooler in the summer and warmer in winter.
▪ The mattress depth measurement is important here for choosing the right size of mattress pad.
Sheets:
High quality bed sheets can last up to 15 years so you have to consider the fabric type, color and size that will best fit your overall bedroom aesthetic. Sheets come in direct contact with our skin, so it is important to carefully select the ones with great texture and feel.
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Cotton has been (and still is) the most popular sheeting fabric due to its durability, comfort, absorbance and breathability, it is a great choice for almost any climate. Be sure you are buying your cotton sheets from a quality manufacturer and feel the material for softness. Egyptian cotton is one of the finest.
Linen sheets work well in hot climates because they draw off body heat, they wrinkle a lot so prepare to do a lot of ironing or just accept a less ironed look since it gets softer after several washing and feels wonderful. Pure linen bedding is the best bet for fans of the relaxed, lived-in look most commonly seen in breezy beach-side villas.
Satin sheets look glam and feel romantic but they should be used on rare occasions because they can be too warm and slippery. They have a glossy, smooth surface and are perfect for romantic moments.
Most bed linens usually fall within these categories, they are natural fibers which are breathable, thus helping to regulate body temperature but they have specific functions so you have to decide on the ones which suit your personal preference.
Bed Pillows
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A bed is not a bed without perfectly suited pillows. Pillows should be soft enough to be comfortable but also firm enough to give the appropriate support to your head, neck and shoulders. It is best to choose bed pillows that complement your sleeping habit.
Stomach sleepers should choose pillows with a gently sloping surface and tapered ends. A firm, flat pillow provides back sleepers with the support they need. Side sleepers should look for pillows with a raised, even sleeping surface, which provides improved neck alignment.
The filling of a pillow determines its firmness. Natural-filled pillows keep their shape and level of support longer than synthetic fillings. Over the years, the level of support of pillows will deteriorate due to the persistent weight and movement from your head. Natural and Synthetic fillings are perfect for stomach and side sleepers. Memory foam (microfiber) is perfect for back and side sleepers because they need extra support.
The average life of a pillow is 2–4 years but a test to know if it’s time to replace your pillow is to place it over your arm – if it droops, it’s time for a new one. Give your pillows special pillowcases that make them stand out.
Duvets and Comforters
Duvets are responsible for more than just keeping you warm and cozy during the cold winter months, these plush down comforters pull together various elements of your bedroom decor to create an inviting ambiance that helps inspire sweet dreams. It is ideal to have two duvets – one for the colder months and one for the warmer months. This way, you remain comfortable with the changing seasons.
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The weight of a duvet is an important consideration in determining how comfortable it will be to sleep under. Feather and down or cotton filled duvets are ideal for people who prefer a lighter weight on top. Other people feel more comfortable sleeping under a slightly heavier weight, which would suggest the preference for a wool duvet.
They feature common shell material, which is typically cotton – easy to maintain, provides impressive comfort and falls into a relatively low price range. Other materials include cotton blends, silk, and silk blends. They also feature either natural or synthetic fill materials. Buy a duvet one size bigger than your mattress to conceal the sides of the bed and also to combat fighting over the duvet in the middle of the night.
▪ The perfect bed starts with quality bedding basics. For more guides and decorating ideas, browse our buying guides. You are bound to find inspiration for your home.
