Recently, I went to a Bedding Workshop at the Curtain Exchange (it’s not just a curtain store I realized). No, this is not a post about bed-making for dummies. We all know how to make a bed. But, we all don’t know why we do what we do.
Let’s demystify bedding, shall we? After taking copious notes at this workshop, I think I can answer all your burning questions.
The workshop is filling up quickly.
Where do my little shams go?
Where do my big shams go?
Do I have to have a bedskirt?
What is thread count exactly?
The higher the thread count, the better the sheet?
What is a matelasse?
Should I get a fabric headboard?
Here are the basic elements of a bed.
SHEETS
Sheets are the most personal part of your bed. And on that same vein, because they are personal, they are not seen as much as the rest of the bedding. So comfort and quality are the most important issues here; they need to last.
Thread Count:
We all know that we need a fitted sheet, a full sheet and two pillowcases. But, I was totally confused by the thread count of sheets and the material I should buy. I assumed that the higher the thread count, the nicer the sheet. That is not true. The type of thread is what matters most and what you need to look for is 100% Egyptian Cotton. This is a longer thread that is better quality and lasts forever. If you have a 100% Egyptian Cotton sheet, you only need between a 200-600 thread count and it will be lovely. No need for the 1,000 and up thread count. So it boils down to the quality of the thread, not the amount.
Egyptian cotton sheets–it’s the thread, not the thread count,that makes all the difference.
Sateen v. Percale
Again, I had no idea that there were two categories of sheets and people definitely have strong opinions: Team Sateen v. Team Percale. Percale is a cooler crisper feel, similar to starched linen. Sateen is a heavier, smooth and silky feel. I would say that Team Percale gets hot when they sleep. Team Sateen is freezing when they sleep. So, you either adjust the thermostat, or adjust your sheets.
SHAMS
You are looking at two euro shams, two standard shams and a decorative pillow.
Euro Shams:
These are the larger, square shams that are purely decorative on a bed. (Or in my house, the first pillows to go off the bed when creating a fort.) While these shams are optional, I have found that most beds have them. They are a good way to incorporate the pattern of your duvet cover. They can also be made reversible or one pattern on the front, another on the back.
General rule of thumb:
King bed= three euro shams
Queen bed= two euro shams
Twin= one euro sham
They can either be placed against the headboard or in front of the pillows. That is a personal choice.
Standard Shams:
These are the size of regular pillows, but again, purely decorative and not slept on.
Queen Bed with two euro shams in back, two standard shams in front. Decorative pillow in the very front. (This is the same bed in the second picture, just flipped)
DUVET COVER
You can use either a poly or down duvet insert inside your duvet cover. Good duvet covers have ties or loops inside to attach the duvet so it does not slip around. These are great options because it is easier to wash a duvet cover (which is the size of a fitted sheet) rather than the entire comforter.
Look for duvet covers that are reversible, thereby giving you two options for the price of one.
Flipping the duvet cover makes an entirely different bed.
Voila, new bed. Flipped the shams and duvet to other side for an entirely different complementary pattern.
MATELASSE or COVERLET
Pronounced “Mat-La-Say” not “Mata-lace.” If the French scares you, just call it a coverlet and move on. This is a cover that goes over your blanket or flat sheet. You can have a blanket underneath the matelasse during colder months, or just use the matelasse as your blanket.
Matelasse coverlet by Peacock Alley. This design, Vienna, has been around for 30 years
Matelasse covers your sheets and blanket. Duvet can be folded up at foot of bed as so when you sleep.
BEDSKIRT
Bedskirts today are much more tailored and simple than the days of yore.
Best of both worlds: a matelasse bedskirt
They can consist of just panels that are velcroed on the mattress, so that you do not have to lift up the mattress, struggling to put the bedskirt on. If you have a posted bed, you can opt to velcro your bedskirt directly to the inside of your wood footboard.
Detachable bedskirt
HEADBOARD
A headboard can be custom-made for your bed. Just make sure that it is higher than your euro shams or you won’t see any of it. Headboards can be five feet tall. A great reason to have a fabric headboard is that you can keep the headboard and change the fabric as you redecorate your room over the years.
Orange tufted headboard
Serena & Lily Octavia Headboard
Wow. Why do a plain fabric? Courtesy of Coastal Living.
I want to thank all my “teachers” at the Curtain Exchange for enlightening me. Be sure to check out their bedding, curtains and much more at their store located in the Vogue Center or by clicking here.
My expert bedding team from The Curtain Exchange.
Do you think I could talk these lovely ladies into making my bed every morning?
http://thecurtainexchange.com/
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