Pillows, Duvets, Matelasse, Bolsters…What are they?

High Country Bedset

Ever wonder what all the items  on your bed are really called?  Each decorative piece that comes with a bed set has specific name and a specific function.  Some pieces are simply to add depth and visual appeal, while others serve as a purpose.  Lets explore some of those items.

The base piece to any bed should be a mattress topper or mattress pad.  A mattress pad protects the mattress and will give you greater life from your investment.

Baffle Box Feather Bed

Some mattress pads can add softness to your mattress, depending on what product they are made of.   A mattress topper actually adds softness to the mattress.  The topper can be a feather bed, fiber topper or memory foam.  Your choice should be based on how soft you want your bed and your general preference for the product material.

The next layer is the sheets.  I am a believer in buying fine quality sheets as this is the layer closest to your skin and what will give you the best quality of sleep.  Choose fabrics based on your wants and needs.

Organic Textiles Sheets

If you are a hot sleeper, you will want sheets made from Bamboo or linen as they are quick drying and they wick moisture away form your body.  If you are cold, choose flannel for an extra layer of warmth and softness.  Cotton sheets come in thread counts.  The higher the thread count, the softer the sheet.  Look for high thread count for softness and quality.

The next layer should be a blanket or Matelasse.  The warmth of this layer will determine how warm you sleep and also the warmth of your top layer.  A Matelasse is usually a decorative piece that can add visual appeal to the bed when your top layer is folded back or drawn off the bed.

CalKids Majestic Duvet

The top layer can come in many forms.  Duvets are very popular today.  A duvet is usually sheeting or any fabric that is slipped over a down comforter.  They are a popular choice as you can change the heaviness of the comforter as the seasons change.  Also, duvets give you the option of changing the duvet it self from season to season without adding the expense of the down insert.

African Dawn Comforter Set

Comforters are a top layer that combine a

decorative outer shell with a polyester layer for the filler. Then the pieces are quilted together to hold all components in place.  Comforters have warmth already sewn in so they are a good choice if you are wanting to avoid the blanket layer.

Kettle Grove Ensemble

Quilts are pieces of fabric sewn together to form beautiful patterns and/or scenes.  Quilts can range from inexpensive machine produced quilts to beautifully intricate hand sewn quilts.  A quilt gives your bed a vintage, homey look.  Quilts are inviting and make you think of cabins, homemade cookies and snugging up near the fire.

Biscotti Pantina Pillows

The last layer is the pillows.  Shams are usually the main focal point in your pillow ensemble.  Next, layer with bolsters (long tubular pillows), toss pillows of varying sizes and neckroll pillows.

Nutmeg Leaf Throw

A nice throw at the foot of the bed can be one last accessory.  Pick a color or texture you want to emphasize in your ensemble and make that your focal point.

You are now ready to enjoy a beautiful bed.  I have included a video by askthedecorator that I found on YouTube.  She covers all the pieces nicely and shows the end result all put together.  Pick a beautiful ensemble form http://www.uniquelinensonline today and start enjoying a more peaceful, well at least a more beautiful, nights sleep.