snuggle up

A well-dressed bed not only improves sleep quality, it gives a bedroom class. In the linens world, however, it's buyer be aware. Here are some tips on how to dress a bed and select linens.

By Carol Brock

The January White Sale is a time-honored tradition, but bed linens have come a long way since the white cotton sheet that gave the sale its name. Yet, that distance has only made linens-shopping more confusing than ever.

What is the difference between Egyptian cotton, sateen, Pima cotton, combed cotton and flannel, and what in the heck is percale? How about matelassé, jacquard, voile and polyester? And why should we care about thread count?

Then, there’s all the stuff that goes on top of sheets—Euros, duvets, shams, coverlets, quilts, boudoirs and bolsters—not to mention the stuff beneath the sheets.

Setting definitions aside for a moment, whatever is on your bed should be comfortable, says Carolanne McKirnan, owner of Boulder’s McKirnan Bed and Bath Co. “You spend a third of your life sleeping; you might as well be comfortable.” So whether you prefer crisp or soft sheets, quilts, wool, or down, buy what makes you feel like a king or queen. After all, a bed is “the most intimate, personal thing we ever experience, in terms of personal space,” says McKirnan, a vendor of upscale and custom bedding. “It’s where we start the morning and end the day. It’s something that is really just for you.”

Since it is just for you, it helps to know terminology before you shop, so you’ll know what you’re looking at (see Linens Lingo on this page and Pillow Talk on page 38). After you’ve got the lingo down pat and bought what you like, it’s time to dress your bed in style. This is where our state’s great weather comes into play.

dress for success

Just as we layer clothing to accommodate Colorado’s wild weather, layering linens is key to creating a beautiful bed. “Our inconsistent weather really bodes well for beds, because we can make them in layers,” McKirnan says. “It’s actually easier to have more than less stuff on a bed.”

White, natural- or ivory-colored sheets offer greater flexibility than colored sheets because you can change your bed’s look by simply adding a new accessory, like a colored pillow, cover or throw. Hemstitching, embroidery, lace and other accents can add spice to plain sheets, and you can always opt for luxurious silk.

To keep your sheets looking new, wash them in warm (not hot) water and use a non-detergent soap, like an organic dishwashing liquid. “I’ve learned from my manufacturers [including Sferra and other top Italian firms] that the key to any fabric is we all use too much soap,” says McKirnan, who adds only one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid or a product called Forever New per load. If you choose colored sheets, add vinegar to the first washing to set the colors.

McKirnan also suggests not drying sheets all the way. “Anytime you apply heat, you’re breaking down the fabric. I wash sheets in warm water and take them out of the dryer slightly damp. You’ll extend any fabric’s life span twofold by doing that.”

Next, choose a blanket, like warm and weighty wool, breathable cotton, easy-care acrylic, or fluffy fleece. Add color and texture with a matelassé cover, a soft throw or a stitched quilt. Place a down comforter at the foot in winter and a silk duvet in summer, and you’re set for all seasons.

Finally, think pillows. A nice combination is to stack two large, square Euros at the head, four kings, queens or standards in front of those, and cushions, boudoirs and bolsters at the far front. Of course, you can also stack just Euros or standard sizes, especially if you have unique shams with accents or patterns worthy of highlighting.

final frames

Bed frames come in all shapes and sizes, from contemporary metals and bamboo to traditional woods, brass and other materials. Some frames require a headboard; others don’t. If you want a headboard, choose one that reflects your bedroom’s style. For instance, woven headboards can lend an African feel, while padded leather says classic elegance.

If your bed has a frame that requires a duster, try dainty voile for a traditional look or a paneled skirt for a clean, contemporary appearance. A colored skirt can add weight to neutral-colored bedding.

Finally, don’t forget accents for the end table(s). Flowers are always a nice complement to any bed, either a huge bouquet or a single bud in a vase. Put something unique on the table, too, like an etched antique water glass or “beautiful leather-bound books you can find at antiques stores,” McKirnan says. Add a sleek clock and a nice lamp (you can also have one custom-made from a pretty vase), and you’re set. For those who tend to clutter things, select an end table with a drawer or bottom shelf to keep items like newspapers nearby, but out of view.

Once your bed is comfortable and beautiful, you’ll probably rest easier and feel better. “The nice thing about beds is you get a sense of mindfulness; you’re really aware of your surroundings,” McKirnan says. “I think the bed is as important as a room because it is sort of a little room. It’s a little cocoon you’ve made just for yourself.”

Carol Brock is editor of Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine. Her bed consists of basic sheets, a down comforter and an assortment of oddly shaped pillows. She also tops her bed (much to her husband’s chagrin) with a cushy cat bed for her 26-year-old feline, Howlie.

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