Our beds play a crucial role in how comfortably we sleep, which is why we must invest in quality bedding. We are often enthralled by the organised beauty of hotel rooms and wish to similarly decorate our bedrooms. Much of the beauty and comfort of hotel rooms owe to the elaborate décor of the beds. You can have the same décor at home by having certain bare minimum accessories and bedding items. Invest in essential bedding products like pillows, mattresses, bed sheets, bolsters ensuring they are of high quality to give your bedroom a comforting and luxurious feel.
In this post, we discuss the bedding essentials invest in along with tips on how you can choose healthy and comfortable basic bedding.
For a bed to be comfortable enough, there are certain basic essential bedding items that you must invest in. The following are some of the basic bedding items which you will have to shop for any standard bed.
Buy a mattress that is from a reputed brand and made to fit your bed frame. There are different types of mattresses available depending on their construction, material, thickness, features and softness. Consider your preferences when you are choosing the mattress. A firm mattress made from hypo-allergic and dust repellent material is suitable for the majority of people.
For additional comfort, invest in a quilted mattress topper. Mattress toppers made from memory foam that contours with your sleeping postures reduce movement impacts. If you have an open spring mattress, the memory foam mattress topper is essential for added comfort.
Look for bed sheets which have 300 or higher thread counts. Get two to three sets of sheets which you can rotate and use, making sure you have a ready and clean set whenever needed. Opt for fabrics like cotton and linen which are comfortable, and soft to sleep on.
Bedspreads in neutral colours let you play with vibrant colour palettes for the pillows and bolsters. A decorative bedspread is used to cover the bed from dust.
Bolsters are useful when you want to rest on your side. Pillows are available in regular, queen and king sizes and should be chosen in proportion with the bed size. The material and number of pillows, the stuffing and firmness are certain factors you should consider while shopping for them.
Invest in satin pillow covers for your sleeping pillows. Satin creates less static and prevents hair from becoming frizzy. It is also healthier for your skin if you tend to sleep on your side or face down. Clean the pillow covers frequently and change old pillows that have become uncomfortable or stained over the years.
Throw pillows or accent pillows add a touch of luxury to the overall décor. Invest in a couple of covers in various colours and designs so that you can switch them and give a makeover to the decoration from time to time. Carefully determine the total number of sleeping and accent pillows for the bed keeping in mind their size and the space they will take up.
Once you have arranged these essential bedding items, your bed will look and feel like a high-class hotel bedroom.
A mattress is the heart of the bed. Even if you shop for high-quality pillows and mattress toppers, if the foundation is compromised, you will not have a comfortable sleeping experience. While choosing the mattress, it is important to consider the following factors.
There are different types of mattresses defined by their construction and features. They are open spring, pocket spring, memory foam, and latex mattresses respectively.
Open spring mattresses contain one metal wire that is coiled into several springs throughout the mattress. They have additional border rods to maintain their shape and stiffness. Such mattresses are an economical choice and lightweight. But they are also less supportive than other variants and susceptible to damage over time.
Pocket spring mattresses are luxurious and made with small springs which are individually housed in their specific pockets. Each spring moves independently which means it can provide overall individual support. They are available in soft, medium soft and firm versions and made from breathable materials making them a healthier choice. The separate springs make it a suitable bed for two. However, mattresses filled with natural materials like lamb’s wool can agitate allergies.
Memory foam mattresses are made from mouldable materials which respond to temperature and weight and is hypo-allergic. It can relieve pressure on your joints and helps to maintain posture. However, it can get rather warm which feels uncomfortable during humid days.
Latex mattresses are made with latex foam which is breathable and hence, does not overheat at night. It is a good choice for those suffering from asthma and allergies. They are very solid, heavy and suitable for those who prefer a firmer bed. Cheaper latex can develop dents and lumps over time.
Consider your height, weight and sleeping position while determining the firmness of the mattress you need. The firmness of the mattress will affect how well you sleep.
Soft and medium mattresses are best suited for side sleepers who tend to change the sleeping position frequently at night. Medium softness is suitable for those who prefer a certain amount of firmness but tend to occasionally flip their sleeping position.
Medium firm is ideal for those who sleep on their back as you will need the extra lower back support that is provided by mattresses with medium firmness.
Firm mattresses are suitable for those who sleep on their front or suffer from back pain. Such mattresses keep your back in a comfortable position and does not sink in too much.
Choose a mattress that can also help during special needs like pregnancy and joint pain. Your sleeping posture plays a major role in ensuring that you do not have any injuries while sleeping.
Sleeping during pregnancy
A soft mattress is ideal for the second trimester of pregnancy. It is better to sleep on your left side as the bump gets bigger. Sleeping on your back during this time can cause the baby bump to press against your main blood vessel which can lead to fainting. During the third trimester, the lower back tends to experience frequent pain. You can ease the discomfort by sleeping on your left side with pillows between your knees, under and around the baby bump and below your head for support. There are special pregnancy pillows that you can buy as well.
Mattress for joint pain
Select a mattress that keeps your back aligned while sleeping and gives relief to the pressure points along the spine and joints. The heavier you are, the firmer the mattress you should choose. Look for retailers who offer a trial period so that you understand how well a particular mattress supports you.
Air out your mattress at least for four hours to remove the smell of damp, cold or storage smell. Turn your mattress over periodically and remove the bed sheet. Use a mattress protector to keep it clean and prolong its life. Consider replacing it after 8-10 years to get the maximum usage out of it.
Mattresses, bed sheets, and pillows are fundamental requirements for a basic bed. Your bedroom can have the same luxurious look and feel of a hotel room with the right bedding essentials and proper lighting. Shop for the best quality bedding items keeping in mind the factors discussed here.