Have you ever walked by a Linen Department and seen a bed in the middle of the department that was so magnificent in grandeur that it made you think, how can I create this look in my home? To be honest with you, it’s very easy! It’s called “Dressing the Bed”, just like you dress your self in the morning, you dress your bed. When it’s cold out side you put on layers of clothing, a bed requires layering, and the more layering, usually the more beautiful a bed becomes.
Looking at this photo; Let’s start with the sheeting which includes the FLAT sheet (A), the FITTED sheet (B), and the pillow cases (C). Most likely all of these pieces will match and are considered a Sheet Set. Sheets can be very basic from 300 thread count cotton, to 1500 thread count Egyptian Cotton, or Satin Sheets – this is what you will be sleeping in between, I say make them comfortable and a dream to sleep against! This is one area that I don’t mind spending a little more for higher thread count sheets, we all deserve a little luxury in our life! Note: your sheets “should” enhance the top of the bed components, such as the duvet cover, shams and coverlet.
Our next layer is a Coverlet, or matelasse. (D) Coverlets are available in a variety of fabrics, weights, colors, and styles. Selecting the “right” one is a matter of personal preference. Coverlets are a great way to add depth to the bedding ensemble and some coverlets come in set’s with matching shams. At The Trendy Bed we have a great selection of Egyptian Cotton Quilted Coverlets in seven different colors with matching shams. Note: If using a patterned Duvet Cover and Shams, a coordinating solid color Coverlet is the perfect way to break up a bold and busy pattern.
The Duvet Cover (E) and Shams are now added to the bed, some people like a Comforter instead of Duvet Cover, this is personal choice. Your Duvet Cover and Shams (or Comforter) is the inspiration for the entire look. Most likely these 2 pieces are of the same pattern and tie together the entire ensemble. While placing the duvet cover at the foot of the bed with a lofty Goose Down Comforter inside evokes the feeling of relaxation, comfort, and elegance. Placing the Shams at the head of the bed are what adds the height to the bed.
Shams come in different sizes, with the European Sham (F) being a large square pillow placed against the headboards to the boudoir sham (G), which are smaller travel size pillows that add the “decorative” touch, along with dimension and character to the bed. The more pillows used on a bed, the more elegant and luxurious of a feel it creates.
We are talking about the bed skirt next, but I must say… This goes on your bed FIRST between your box spring and mattress. Some bed frames today are very decorative and do not require bed skirts, (H) but I believe if your bed is a work of art, then the Bed Skirt is it’s pedestal upon which it sits. Bed Skirts or Dust Ruffles come in many styles today; Ruffled, Box Pleated or tailored are the most common. Your bed skirt can match either the sheeting or the duvet cover and shams and create a very “finished” look to any bed.
To give your bed a creative and daring look, and making it your own is where you can throw on a couple of beaded or embroidered decorative pillows (I). Like getting dressed in the morning and putting on a bracelet, necklace and earrings, this is where you accessorize the look.
I hope you enjoyed “Dressing” the bed with me, now go and have fun and turn your Home into The Trendy Home you’ve always dreamed about!
Cathy C, The Trendy Bed...
