The Only Cotton Bedding Essentials You Absolutely Need
When it comes to cotton bedding essentials there are only a few non-negotiables. Figure out which items you need and which ones can level up your bed from there.
When you’re ready to redo your bedding setup, it can seem overwhelming. You can buy pieces individually, in bundles, mix and match colors — but what about the essentials?
If you’re someone who leans minimalist, you’re probably happy to stick with just what you need.
Below, check out the bedding items that are absolute must-haves, then discover some nice-to-haves that can elevate your bedding beyond basic.
What are the bedding essentials?
It goes without saying that there’s no one ‘right’ way to make a bed. Whether you prefer a minimalist bedding look, bold color clashes or styling a luxury hotel-like bed, comfort and practicality are a good starting point.
No matter what your style is, however, there are a few basics you should always start with.
Here’s the breakdown:
Bottom sheets
Bottom sheets are essential for staying comfortable and creating a hygienic sleeping environment.
Not only do bottom sheets provide a soft barrier between you and the mattress, but they also absorb and wick away moisture, helping mattresses stay fresh and clean for longer.
There are a few types of bedding items that can be used as a bottom sheet:
- Fitted sheet: Fitted sheets are bed sheets with boxed corners or elastic edges designed to fit securely to the mattress. They’re the easiest option for a bottom sheet that stays in place all night, with no fuss.
- Flat sheet: Flat sheets can be comfortably used as a bottom sheet. In fact, before fitted sheets became popular, this was the norm for making a bed. To use a flat sheet as the bottom sheet, lay it out flat on the mattress, using the ‘hospital corners’ fold at each corner and tucking these corners under the mattress to fit the flat sheet securely in place.
Duvet set or blankets
Next, you’ll need something on the bed you can snuggle under at night. Staying warm without overheating is an important factor in sleep quality, making a blanket or covers essential for a good night’s sleep.
Body temperature naturally drops by a few degrees during REM sleep, while the brain reduces its temperature regulation over the body, so a duvet or blanket can help you stay at a stable, comfortable temperature.
Here are some options to consider:
- Duvet insert: A high-quality duvet insert keeps you snug and warm at night, without getting sweaty or overheating. They can be used on their own for a minimalist bedding look (though it’s generally not the most-recommended option, as it may mean more washing) or used with a duvet cover.
- Duvet cover: Duvet covers are designed to encase a duvet insert, keeping it clean, fresh and soft on the skin. Duvet covers come in a variety of styles and colors, making them a great decorative element for the bed. In the warmer months, duvet covers can be used on their own in the place of a light blanket.
- Blankets: You’re probably already familiar with blankets — they’re generally made from a single layer of fabric, come in a wide variety of materials, shapes and weights, and can be layered with other bedding items like sheets or duvet sets for extra warmth.
Pillows and pillowcases
Pillows are an essential part of a comfortable bed. The right pillow maintains a comfortable sleep posture by keeping your spine in a neutral position during sleep.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pillows: There are many types of pillows out there. For maximum comfort, you’ll need the right density and height for your sleeping style. Low, soft pillows are best for stomach sleepers, while firmer, medium and high pillows are ideal for back and side sleepers.
- Pillowcases: Pillowcases are essential for convenience and comfort. They’re soft on the skin and protect your pillows from getting dirty — helping them last longer.
Top sheets
Top sheets, also known as flat sheets, are a commonplace (but optional) bedding item that adds an extra layer of comfort and warmth to your bed.
Like pillowcases and duvet covers, top sheets are soft against the skin and can absorb moisture, perspiration and skin oils from the body, keeping blankets fresh and cutting back on the amount of laundry you need to do.
Some bedding styles, like luxury hotel beds, use two flat sheets – one under the blanket and one on top – to create a soft, layered style.
Extras
Once you have the essentials sorted, you can start adding other bedding items to create your ideal sleeping scenario.
Whether you prefer a mountain of pillows or layers of color and texture, these may help you elevate your bedding game:
- Bed covers: Bed covers are light blankets that can be used as the top layer of your bedding. They’re perfect for creating a sleek, minimalist look and can be folded in different ways to add pops of color and texture to a bed.
- Throws: Throws are a versatile decorative bedding item that can add dimension. They can be neatly folded on the lower half of a bed, elegantly bundled and draped over the side, or casually tossed on top.
- Quilts: Quilts are layered blankets made from two fabric pieces stitched over a light filling. They’re often used above flat sheets, blankets or duvet sets as the primary top layer of the bed.
- Shams: Shams, or sham pillows, are decorative pillows that sit in front of the functional pillows when the bed is made. They are often paired with decorative pillowcases for extra accessorising.
- Valances: Valances are also known as bed skirts. They are perfect for dressing up a plain bed frame or contributing to a cohesive bedding look.
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