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A few weeks ago, I wrote a post with some bedroom inspiration and talked about my plans to whip our bedroom into shape. I haven’t gotten very far yet, but I did get some new bedding that I really love (yay)! We’re taking steps in the right direction. Today, I thought I’d share some of my tips for choosing bedding that you’ll love now and for years to come. After all, it’s a pretty big purchase that can make a world of difference in your bedroom! I rounded up some great bedrooms to use as examples, and some gorgeous duvet covers to help you achieve the look.
1. Splurge a little. I am all about budget-friendly decorating and creative, DIY options…but your bedding is not the place to skimp. Scratchy, low quality sheets are no fun to crawl into! I promise, you will not regret investing in some luxurious bedding that you really love. It’s worth starting and ending every day on a good note.
2. Check the thread count. Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads in one square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the softer and more durable your bedding will be. Anything over 200 is considered high quality (and our new bedding, which has a thread count of 300, feels absolutely wonderful). But don't just grab the highest number you see! Apparently, 400 is about as high as a thread count can realistically get, yet some companies are claiming to have higher thread counts by counting not just each thread but each fiber in the thread. So if you see someone claiming to have 1200 thread count sheets, be skeptical.
3. Consider something with texture. I love white bedding--it makes it really easy to change up your look with new throw pillows, blankets, etc.--but Ben thinks that white is boring. Choosing bedding that has some texture to it, like ruching or pintucks, adds interest to a white bed…and as a bonus, it won’t show wrinkles either!
4. Mix patterns and styles. It might sound counterintuitive, but I think a bed always looks more chic and put together if it’s got some mix-and-match going on. Especially if your bedding is patterned already, I think it’s kind of boring to just use the matching shams and not mix in anything else. Some Euro shams in the back (in a different pattern or a plain color), throw pillows in front, and a textured blanket across the foot of the bed will make it seem finished. Switching up these “accessories” on occasion will make your bed feel fresh, new, and seasonally appropriate--without having to go out and buy all new bedding!
5. Look for duvet covers with ties in the corners. This is a small detail that I think makes a big difference. It’s a huge pet peeve of mine for the comforter to move around inside the duvet cover during the night, and it’s so irritating to try to smooth it out and get it all in place again. Find a duvet cover with interior ribbons in each corner, so you can tie the corners of the comforter in place. You’ll be grateful every morning when you make the bed!
All of the bedding in the circles above are from Crane & Canopy, an online shop full of beautiful, high-quality bedding options--all 100% cotton, 300-400 thread count, and totally affordable.The bedding that Ben and I chose is actually one of the sets pictured! Can you guess which one?
1. The Linden Monaco Blue Border / 2. The Page Gray / 3. The Valencia White Pintuck / 4. The Taylor Mint Green / 5. The Valencia Dove Gray Pintuck
I’d also love to hear what kind of bedding you have, what you would get if you were to change it up, and if you have any tips for choosing bedding that I didn’t mention!
Sources for inspiration photos: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
This post was written in partnership with Crane & Canopy, who sent me the luxurious Taylor Mint Green duvet! Did you guess it??
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In the end you will spend less with quality as quality lasts longer, It also makes it so much more restful not to have itchy, pilling sheets! I purchased a few of those! Tossed within a year! I love 400 thread count. 300 is also fine. I wouldn't settle for 200 or less. I thought you might choose the mint green, but I also thought the white pintuck might have been your choice. We use a king size mint floral spread on our queen bed. The covers don't migrate to Jim's side as there is a lot of blanket to share. That would be a tip to consider when choosing size of blankets. In 30 years of marriage, this is our 3rd covering. Our first blanket is on our guest bed and is in great shape. Our 2nd is a tattered quilt I can't part with. Quality costs, but it lasts!
Great comment, Debbie! That's a fantastic idea to use king size bedding on a queen bed so you're not fighting over the covers. We have a king size bed already so we can't do that, but I could see it being very helpful :)
Sorry about the novel! ;(
I had no idea about the thread count, interesting. I have been wanting to go out and buy whole new bedding, soon enoughI will be able to, and I just can't wait!
I know, I thought that was interesting too! Something to keep an eye out for. It sounds like 300-400 is the sweet spot for thread count that feels luxurious and actually true. I'm excited for you to get your new bedding! It really makes the whole bedroom feel refreshed.
I love good bed linens!
I actually had a string of bad luck with sheets lately -- I bought some really soft, high thread count sheets that we LOVED, and I ended up ripping the bottom sheet just by pulling it taut making the bed in the morning. I was so sad! So I bought another set (same kind), and it happened again! So I'm back on the hunt to find super soft but durable sheets :(
Shoot! That sounds so frustrating!! Maybe give Crane & Canopy a try :) My bedding is still new, but I'm very happy with it so far.
I was going to guess the mint green, but then thought it was too obvious and was going to guess the textured white. Anyway, both are beautiful! We just got new sheets, and I am going to go look at the thread count now. I'm so curious what we have.
You know me well! Those were the two I was debating between. In the end, I’m glad we went for a color/pattern. Our last comforter was all cream and we got kind of sick of it--especially since our walls are white.
I love white bedding, but since my husband sleeps without his shirt, white sheets tend to look dingy over time, even with regular washings! So we have to do colored or dark sheets...though I still use a light-colored duvet cover!
I am just about to rethink our bedroom (since we are adding the nursery corner to it) so this post comes at a perfect time for me, Aileen :) Have some texture but definitely thinking about ways to add more. Also, I used to think that thread count didn't really matter....until I bought a high thread count by mistake and then BAM, I won't buy anything else anymore! Great post!
You have posted a very nice article. The colour combinations are very good. You have greater choice.
Great insight on the threadcount deception. There's so much confusion in the marketing for 'quality' sheets.
Where are the cute pillows from in number 4? Love it!
Picking new bed linens is a really big deal for me because I'm very picky about where and how I sleep. what helped me a lot was to get a big swatch memo of different fabrics and colors I could use when trying to decided what to get. I think having all the options helped a lot, and it helped me pick the sheets that I'm absolutely in love with.
Getting the right bedding can really help you make and impression in your bedroom. I've seen people use the same comforter for years, and it really becomes something that you start be be attached to. I really like shopping around for cool ones, getting a wide variety to choose from will help you make a decision that you will be happy with for years.
Great article. Often, I feel confused while buying new bedding for myself. It is a big deal for me. Thanks for sharing the wonderful tips to get the right bedding. Will always remember these tips.