Your bed may be the most important piece of furniture in your home. Dressing a bed with fabrics and accessories to complement your bedroom may require some help. Our linen experts are here to help you create your dream bed and assist with any questions you might have about quality, colors, fabrics, or accessories. Please call 800-762-3950, Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. PST and speak to a linen expert.
In the United States, most beds are made with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and pillow cases. Many Europeans do not use flat sheets and sleep directly under the comforter. Most of our customers today use duvet covers and/or coverlets rather than bedspreads.
The most important decision is selecting a mattress that is firm enough to give you the support you need yet soft enough to provide comfort. Research has shown that you should be prepared to test any mattress you are considering for at least 20 minutes. Beds can be made plusher and more luxurious feeling with wool or down mattress pads.
Down pillows and down comforters provide luxurious comfort and warmth. If you’re allergic to down, we offer MicroMax® down alternatives. Choose a pillow that keeps your neck and back in a straight line when you sleep. Firm pillows should be used for support or reading; medium or soft for sleeping. Comforters should keep you warm all night but should not be so warm that you overheat.
Sheets and pillow cases are the basics of any bed. These are available in either percale (crisp, matte finish) or sateen (silky, shiny finish) and come in solids, jacquards, prints, and embroideries. The best sheets have a higher thread count but not all thread counts are equal. High quality sheets should feel the same after years of washing, perhaps even a little better.
To understand what creates the softest hand, the finest drape, the most lustrous finish and the world’s most luxurious linens, you must consider more than just thread count, which is only one part of the story. We’re experts on quality and thread count and can answer any questions about the technical aspects of sheeting fabrics. European shams, or the biggest shams you have, should be placed at the back against the headboard. Then, add your sleeping pillows with a small decorative pillow in front. Some people like to hide their sleeping pillows behind the big European shams and others like to use standard shams in front of their sleeping pillows. In any case, an odd number of pillows should be used.
Duvet covers and coverlets are the most common way to dress the top of the bed and are often shown with matching or coordinated shams. Since the top of the bed is what is usually seen, choose styles that please your eye and make you happy. Bed skirts or box spring covers finish the bed by covering the box spring.
Blankets and bedspreads are still used but not as much as comforters and duvet covers. Choose a blanket that does not pill or shrink. Bedspreads are almost always custom made to fit your bed, so having accurate measurements helps guarantee a good fit.
