STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

relrel · Marc Jacobs

I'm a bedding moron!

Elle · Hermes

I personally don't care for duvets - you have to buy a comforter (duvet) separately, and then buy a cover for it (so twice the expense IMO).

We usually get fairly inexpensive comforters (many different choices at Target and Kohls), because they tend to get ruined (snags, etc) or I get tired of them. This time 'round I got all white sheets, a beige comforter, and then got a couple cheap colored pillowcases and a nice patterned throw for the end of the bed. That way the foundation bedding can stay the same, and I only spent $25 on the decorative parts and don't have to feel bad when I want to replace them! Here's a pic:

I'd get a nice set of sheets or two, a neutral-ish comforter, and then a couple decorative shams/throw pillows/pillow cases and a throw or blanket to put on the foot of the bed. If your bed doesn't cover your box spring, then I'd also consider getting either a coordinating dust ruffle or an extra fitted sheet to cover it with. Also, I'd consider sizing up on whatever quilt/comforter you get. We got a king to go on our queen bed - hangs nicely, it was okay if it shrank a tad in the wash, and we don't fight over covers as much

!

cahabo · Kate Spade

I usually go the easy route and buy those bed in a bag sets. The last one I bought came with comforter, dust ruffle, flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillow cases, and shams. And yes, shams are pillow cases in which the opening is in the middle of the pillow case. I also have back up sheets and pillow cases so when it's time to change the sheets, I just rotate. For back ups I usually buy in an off-white color. It usually matches everything. I also get cold easily so I have a few extra blankets for the bed.

relrel · Marc Jacobs

cahabo wrote:

I usually go the easy route and buy those bed in a bag sets. The last one I bought came with comforter, dust ruffle, flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillow cases, and shams.

I would love to go the Bed-in-a-Bag route, but I can't seem to find any that aren't in some horrid floral pattern that I just can't live with. I do want more modern, somewhat masculine bedding which doesn't seem to come in the bag variety.

And how interesting that the sham as the opening in the middle...I guess that's so the end doesn't hang all loose like. That does piss me off.

Cortney1982 · Chanel

I don't tend to like bed-in-a-bag because it's usually cheap quality.

Duvets are great because they come in more modern prints, plus it's easier to just wash the cover.

You can also go the coverlet route. I like Kohl's selection for good prices and more modern selection.

Oh, and shams are more than just pillow cases that open in the back. They usually are more decorative (have ruffles or fabric edging) and match the duvet/comforter/quilt and you put them behind the pillows you put regular pillow cases over.

Luxury Collection Escapade 330-Thread Count Bedding Collection

Hedvig · Coach

I find this thread so interesting because I'm a bedding moron, too.

In my case it's pretty much a cultural thing - I've lived in this country for a few years now and I still have no idea if there's a difference between a quilt, a comforter and a duvet. I just need one of those big, fluffy things you can sleep under. I actually just ordered a couple of them from Ikea recently, and I think they were called quilts there.

I also have to have that thingy that you pull over the quilt/duvet/whatever to cover it on both sides. I think it's called a duvet cover. Anyway, that's what everyone has back home in Finland. The quilt/duvet/whatever stays clean and protected from dust mites inside the cover, and the cover is so easy to wash. Plus you can buy a bunch of different ones and easily change the look of the bedroom every couple of weeks.

I'm also still a bit confused by the fact that most couples here apparently only have one queen or king size quilt/duvet/whatever that they share. Back home everyone, and I mean everyone, has two separate twin size quilts, one for each person sleeping in the bed. I just don't see how people are able to sleep at all when they're fighting over one measly quilt all night. I would be so groggy every morning.

ETA: I love Dwell duvet covers and shams, but they're sooo expensive!

-- Edited by Hedvig at 16:05, 2007-03-23

blubirde · Chanel

Personally, I love duvet covers. I've had comforters, bed spreads, quilts, and duvets, and the duvets definitely are the easiest to deal with and have the best selection in stores.

For duvets, you need a comforter of some sort to put the duvet cover over. I have a cheap one from IKEA ($20ish) that I've had for years and it works perfectly well. I plan on eventually upgrading to a down comforter (so freaking soft!) but that will come in time. I have a few different duvet covers that I change out every so often. I buy mine at Target and IKEA, both in the $20 range. I like them because they're easy to slip off, change, and wash. Plus you can get fairly inexpensive ones at big boxes (Target, BB&B, L&T, IKEA, etc.). Usually Target puts cool ones out on display (sheet sets included) about once a season. I'd suggest going with a neutral duvet cover and more colorful sheets, so you can get the most use out of the cover.

Not sure if you're terribly crafty or not, but making a duvet cover is super easy. There are tons of instructions out there on them (if you sew you probably don't need very many instructions) on Martha, etc. If they weren't so cheap and come in so many different patterns and colors, I'd be tempted to sew my own.

Here's a picture I saw on dooce's blog of her bedroom which I really like. It gives you an idea of how to work a neutral duvet and a more colorful sheet set.

As for the rest of the bed, you'll need a fitted sheet (for the mattress), a flat sheet (to sleep under), however many pillowcases as you have sleeping pillows, and pillow shams (if you go that route) for decoration/not sleeping (although you can but usually you wouldn't want to mess them up). You might also want a dust ruffle (matter of taste and bed style) and some throw pillows if you're a make-your-bed-up kinda gal. I tend to like a throw in the edge of my bed for naps, extra warmth, decoration, etc. That's totally a matter of choice.

relrel · Marc Jacobs

blubirde wrote:

pillow shams (if you go that route) for decoration/not sleeping (although you can but usually you wouldn't want to mess them up).

Crud. So you wouldn't suggest sleeping on the sham? I (perhaps stupidly...) went out and bought stuff before reading some more responses on here. I bought a nice comforter (which is what I wanted- I've had bad experiences with duvet covers) with new sheets/pillow cases, pretty patterned shams and pretty patterned throw. I guess the shams would be okay since the bf and I normally throw one each of our two pillows on the ground while we're sleeping anyway. I guess I could always return them, right? Thanks ladies!

Oh and Hedvig? That totally makes sense about the two comforters for a couple. Euros are so smart.

-- Edited by relrel at 15:06, 2007-03-23

blubirde · Chanel

relrel wrote:

blubirde wrote:

pillow shams (if you go that route) for decoration/not sleeping (although you can but usually you wouldn't want to mess them up).
Crud. So you wouldn't suggest sleeping on the sham? I (perhaps stupidly...) went out and bought stuff before reading some more responses on here. I bought a nice comforter (which is what I wanted- I've had bad experiences with duvet covers) with new sheets/pillow cases, pretty patterned shams and pretty patterned throw. I guess the shams would be okay since the bf and I normally throw one each of our two pillows on the ground while we're sleeping anyway. I guess I could always return them, right? Thanks ladies!

Oh and Hedvig? That totally makes sense about the two comforters for a couple. Euros are so smart.

-- Edited by relrel at 15:06, 2007-03-23

I think the idea of not sleeping on shams is them not getting messed up. I don't like to wash my shams as often as I do my sheets because they're nicer than sheets. If you're up for washing them often, I don't see why you couldn't use them, assuming they're not something that would fade in multiple washings. I sometimes use mine to prop up on in bed (but always under a regular pillow), so they're definitely useful. It's probably just a matter of taste/opinion. Don't worry about it. If you want to use them, go for it. You can always buy more later if they fade/get worn out/etc.

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

I've had bad luck with bed-in-a-bag. Someone here mentioned thecompanystore.com and I am in love! I ordered the oversized comforter in the microfill, and have been overly pleased. They come in solid colors, which is cool by me, because I like funky shams and toss pillows. I highly reccommend it!

-gd

ViViDogWear · Kate Spade

Ok.. I LOVE LOVE LOVE bedding!

Personally, I prefer down comforters (even though I'm allergic) used w/duvet covers over the comforters in those bed-in-a bag. Since most are poly blends, they feel kinda scartchy and non-breathabel (I'm very sensitive). I also love layers and layers of blankets.

A typical bed for me looks like:

Base:
Matress
matress pad
fitted sheet

top layer:
flat sheet
down comforter w/duvet so you can change and wash easily (shouldn't wash the down comforter but I do sometimes)
another comforter or quilt
throw

For pillows - the duvet covers typically come with "sham" pillow covers. I use them like normal and for my quilt, the sham is quilted and I love to sleep on that since it's so soft.

if you have a box spring and or it is exposed I would cover with a dust ruffle

also, since i'm highly allergic I use the allergen covers on my pillows and mattress (from Target is pretty cheap)

In terms of colors prints, I usually buy mix and match prints and solids in colors I really like. in the end it all seems to go well together . Here is one example of my bedding (i have about 3 different color combos which work out)