1. Color - What colors do you like and will they compliment your bedroom?
Colors are broadly divided into cool and warm. Cool colors tend to be blues, purples, pinks and any color with a "bluish base". Warm colors tend to be browns, greens, yellows and any color with a "brownish" or "yellowish" base. Shades of any color can fall into either category. This is where it gets confusing. When you look at the color does it make you feel cool or warm? Generally earthy colors (those found naturally in nature) tend to be warm colors with the exception of sky blue.
Reversible Stroller
If you are planning to paint your bedroom, choose the color AFTER you have your bedding picked out (and preferably purchased). Take a small piece of the bedding (like a pillow sham) into the paint store and get help from a sales clerk to choose colors that work with it.
2. Pattern - Solids verses prints.
This is a matter of personal choice and lifestyle. Solid bedding looks elegant and sophisticated but often isn't very practical, especially if you have pets or kids who sometimes share your bed. A print can "hide" a multitude of bits and pieces and hairs on your bedding (until laundry day). Prints can also liven up a boring space. Prints can be large or small as well. The larger they are, the bolder they look in the space. Essentially the bedding is clothing for your bed. A bed is a large piece of furniture so a large print will really pop on a bed. A smaller print will be a more subtle choice. Which do you prefer and what do you want your bedding to say?
3. Fabric - Cotton, silk, satin, polyester, bamboo
Many people love cotton, especially Egyptian Cotton. Cotton breathes and absorbs moisture from your body. It is comfortable next to your skin. Silk is another natural material. It feels luxurious and comfortable but can be difficult to clean so it's not always practical. Polyester is a man-made material which doesn't breathe well but is super easy to clean and can take on the look of cotton, satin, or anything in between. Satin is not really a fabric type. It is a "weave" that looks shiny and luxurious. Satin can be woven into many different types of fabrics. It is generally thought of to be shiny and slippery. It can be difficult to clean. It is not always practical. Bamboo is a newer fabric. It is a great choice as it is softer than cotton, naturally anti-bacterial, naturally anti-insecticidal, and very eco-friendly. It is easy to clean, more absorbent than cotton and wears very well.
4. Thread Count - What does this mean? What is the best choice?
Thread Count is the number of fibers per inch woven into the material. Higher thread counts in cotton are softer and more luxurious. Thread Counts can range from 100 - 1000 or so. Higher thread counts are more expensive. They are also much warmer due to their tight weave. The biggest disadvantage to high thread counts is that they wear out more quickly. Generally, for bedding, a thread count of 200 - 400 is the most practical.
5. Size - Measure and be sure
Be sure you know the measurements of your bed. Knowing it is a Queen Size isn't enough anymore. There are now Extra-Long Queen and Olympic Queen sizes. Besides, if you are getting a fitted sheet you will need to know the depth of your mattress. Fitted sheets can fit 13" - 24" deep mattresses. That's a wide range. You don't want a "deep" fit on your 13" deep mattress and you don't want a 13" deep fitted sheet on your 24" deep mattress either.
6. Price - What is a good price and what is "cheap"?
Bedding is sold in all kinds of different packages. You can buy each piece separately or you can buy sets. Prices range for sizes, qualities, fabrics, etc. As an example, finding a new Queen Size Bed in a Bag set for under is probably a "cheap" set. (It will wear out quickly). However, finding a new Queen Size Sheet set for around is not unheard of.
7. Bed in a Bag - Is this a good choice?
Bed in a Bag sets are wonderful choices if you want to make things easy on yourself and save money. Bed in a Bag sets generally include the matching sheets, comforter or duvet cover, pillow cases, and pillow shams. Some also include a bed skirt and curtains. It is so nice to open one bag and have everything you need in it to do the whole room!
Not only that, but many duvet cover bed in a bag sets have a reversible duvet cover. You get a "deal" with a bed in a bag set because the items would be more expensive if purchased separately but also, it's like getting two sets in one! Simply flip the duvet over for a whole new look. (Also, duvet covers are much easier to launder than comforters are.)
8. Warmth - How warm do you and/or your partner sleep?
My husband and I tend to "sleep warm". I always keep this in mind when shopping for bedding. When given the choice of warmth, I choose a cooler cover. Being too warm while sleeping is just as uncomfortable as being too cold. Having to flip the covers off in the middle of the night interrupts the sleep cycle.
Especially when choosing a duvet or comforter, choosing how warm you like to be is important. Generally when two people share a bed they produce double the body heat. When one person sleeps alone, they may need warmer covers.
9. Mood - What mood do you want to set?
Do you want your bedroom to have a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere? Do you like it to be romantic? Do you want to express your vibrant personality? Choosing the mood you want in your bedroom will help you choose the style of bedding that will make you happy.
10. Accessories - Minimal or lots?
Do you like a lot of pillows on the bed? Do you like stuffed animals or other accessories on it? What about when you sleep in the bed? Do you want to take the time to remove a bunch of accessories before getting in? Or would you rather keep it minimal and just slip into bed without having to remove a bunch of stuff each night? Remember, the easier it is to make your bed in the morning, the more likely it is you will do it.
Again, this is a personal choice.
Keeping these things in mind while shopping for bedding will make the choice much easier for you and you will be happier with the end result that suits your lifestyle and personal choices.