Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 4: Organic Cotton Bedding Product Review

Welcome to part four of my blog series on becoming a first-time Saatva mattress shopper and owner. In my previous post, I reviewed my husband’s and my experience with ordering a Saatva Solaire mattress, adjustable base and bedding online.

In today’s post, I’ll share our impressions of the Saatva organic cotton mattress pad and sheet set that arrived while our mattress was being made for us.

Disclosure: I have joined the company’s affiliate program, which means that if you choose to make a purchase through one of the links in this post I may be eligible to receive a commission, at no cost to you. I highly recommend the Saatva company and its products for their excellent quality, performance, price and customer service. The opinions, product reviews and recommendations in this post are my own and are based on my personal experiences. The decision to click on those links to learn more about the company’s products or make a purchase is greatly appreciated, but entirely up to you.

Luxurious, Breathable, Organic Cotton Bedding

Unlike the mass-manufactured mattresses sold in retail stores, every Saatva mattress is individually handcrafted to order for the customer who purchased it. However, I assume Saatva bedding is manufactured in advance and ready to ship, since our mattress pad arrived just four days after I ordered it and our sheet set arrived soon thereafter.

Even before we had a chance to see and touch our new Saatva organic cotton sateen sheet set and quilted organic cotton mattress pad, we were struck by the packaging's elegance and attention to detail.

It started with the cardboard shipping boxes, which were custom printed with the Saatva logo and even had a convenient handle for carrying them into the house.

Even the cardboard shipping boxes for our Saatva sheets and mattress pad were sturdy, well made and thoughtfully designed

The inside of the shipping box lid contained the printed message, “Quiet the hum of everyday life. Slip into luxurious, natural comfort. Welcome to Saatva.” A lot more upscale and luxury mood-inducing than the typical shipping boxes used for bedding!

The shipping box for the sheet set contained a large, white gift box tied with a gold satin ribbon.

The message inside the shipping box lid was just one example of Saatva’s attention to detail

When we untied the ribbon and opened the gift box, the contents were neatly folded inside tissue paper, sealed with a brown paper seal embossed with a large “S” and topped with an elegant, printed card.

Every element of the packaging was simple, elegant and thoughtful

The card reinforced Saatva’s brand values and commitment to environmental and social responsibility as well as to its customers, using simple, straightforward language that made me believe in the message’s sincerity and authenticity.

The card inside was the perfect embodiment of Saatva's brand promise

When we opened the seal on the tissue paper, we were surprised to see a well-made, reusable canvas tote bag that enclosed and protected our new organic cotton sateen sheet set.

The reusable canvas tote in which our sheet set was shipped was a lovely, surprise gift and far preferable to the single-use plastic in which most sheets are packaged!

The quality of the materials and workmanship for both the sheet set and the mattress pad were superb. The tightly woven, organic cotton fabric was extremely silky to the touch. I was even more impressed that this luxury sheet set, which sold for $225 at the time, was a free gift with the purchase of our upper-flex Saatva Solaire mattress.

The free luxury sheet set was made of silky-smooth organic cotton and nicely finished

These upscale bedding products and their thoughtful packaging far exceeded even my very high expectations. I couldn’t wait to start sleeping on them as soon as our Solaire mattress and adjustable base were delivered.

A Very Generous (and Smart) Gift

The upper-flex Saatva Solaire mattress we had ordered has a split along the top part of the mattress, so that one person can raise the head of the bed just on their side without affecting their partner’s side, which requires a split-top fitted sheet. Saatva sells sheets only in sets, so we couldn’t order just upper-flex fitted sheets to use with the extremely nice standard king-size sheet sets we already owned. So, we had planned to purchase some top-split fitted sheets for our new mattress on Amazon. However, I discovered that the selection of sheets is much more limited for split-top mattresses than for standard (solid) ones.

Saatva’s strategy of giving customers who purchase an upper-flex mattress the generous gift of a free sheet set with a split-top fitted sheet is very smart. It allowed us not only to start sleeping on our new mattress as soon as it was delivered but also to experience the quality of Saatva’s sheet sets.

After trying out their deliciously silky, well-made organic cotton sheets, we would definitely have purchased additional upper-flex sheet sets from Saatva if we had decided to keep our upper-flex king Solaire instead of exchanging it for a standard (solid) version of the mattress (spoiler alert!).

In fact, we did purchase a standard king Saatva organic cotton sateen sheet set for our standard king Solaire after we decided to exchange our upper-flex mattress.

By transforming something as mundane as the delivery and unboxing of a mattress pad and sheet set into a surprising, delightful, luxurious and memorable event, Saatva delivered on their marketing promises and created an extraordinarily positive first impression on this first-time customer.

What's Next: Saatva White Glove Delivery Review

In my next post, I’ll share my experience with Saatva’s white glove delivery and set-up of my new Solaire mattress and Lineal adjustable base, now called the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus.

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Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 4: Organic Cotton Bedding Product Review by Margaret Schindel

Posts in This Series

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 1: The Journey Begins

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 2: Choosing the Best Mattress for Your Needs

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 3: Ordering a Mattress and Adjustable Bed Online

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 4: Organic Cotton Bedding Product Review

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 5: White Glove Delivery and Setup

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 6: Solaire Mattress and Adjustable Base Plus Product Reviews

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 7: Exchanging a Mattress

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 8: Which Queen or King Size Saatva Solaire Mattress and Adjustable Base Is Right for You?

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Affordable Warm Sherpa Comforter and Shams - A Personal Review

 

Recently we had to add another sleeping area to our home. We have five bedrooms already, and hadn't anticipated needing a sixth!

Our basement isn't finished; it's only partitioned and has all the electrical hooked up. I decided to use one of the unfinished basement rooms to create an extra sleeping area. 

The "Hippie Bedroom"

That's what we call it; the Hippie Bedroom. It's genuinely a hippie room, with comforters nailed to all the walls and extra furniture that gives the space a bedroom feel. We've also added a TV, Fan, and Portable Heater. 

It's a funny-looking mish-mash, but it solves a problem and, believe it or not, is actually cozy.

A Warm Comforter with Matching Shams

Since the central air conditioner can make that space quite cool, even cold, I wanted a comforter that looked sleek but had warmth.

I wasn't seeking anything decorative; however, as you can see from the photo below, it's pretty.

At the foot of the bed is an extra blanket, purchased separately

I Do Recommend This Soft Micromink Sherpa Comforter Bed Set - It's Good Value for the Money

• This set comes with a comforter, and two shams (1 Sham for twin sets, I presume)
• It's available in multiple color choices
• For us, it arrived quickly
• It's available in sizes Full/Queen, King, and Twin
• It's a nice quality
• It's warm

Check out this make-shift Hippie Bedroom! The Sherpa blanket adds more warmth
The blanket at the end of the bed is an extra blanket, purchased separately

This bedroom set would be ideal for a guest room or a room that's not particularly warm. It would even be suitable for a child's room. Since it's not that pricy, it's a set that can safely take a little bit of use or overuse without too much risk.

You can find this set on Amazon here.

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Affordable Good Quality Bed Sheets

Affordable Sheets that Feel Good

If you're looking for an affordable set of good-quality bed sheets, be sure to give these a second look.

Deep Pocket Sheets in Multiple Colors

These bedsheets fit our very thick mattress with two foam toppers. So if you have a standard oversized mattress minus the toppers, these should fit your bed without a hitch. The sales page indicates that these sheets accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches in depth.

Brushed Microfiber Material

The material is soft and comfortable, however, for me, they are not the highest quality compared to other sheets I've purchased, but for the price, they're perfect, they'll certainly do.

Multiple Colors to Choose From

What I like the most about this particular brand of bedsheets is the wide selection of colors. You get nineteen various choices. We went with navy blue, and it's lovely. I have to say the purple drew me in, but unfortunately, it wasn't a match for the room.

Available in Seven Sizes

These sheets come in the standard choices; King, Queen, Twin XL, Twin, Split King, Full, and California King. Of course, the deep-pocket option is available on every one of these size choices.

What I Liked Most About These Sheets

That's easy, the price. In Canada, bedsheets can sometimes be expensive. Typically, in Canada, sheets tend to range on average from $75 to $200, depending upon the quality. Recently a family member of mine purchased a set of king-size sheets for $165; however, theirs were an upgrade from the ones I bought from Amazon.

I kept my eyes open on Amazon for good-quality sheets on sale. There are better quality sheets; however, for the price, these are great.

After washing them, they went on the bed wrinkle-free.

These bedsheets are comfortable, especially considering the price.

What I Liked Least About These Sheets

They're not a top-quality set of sheets. However, the softness and price help to overlook that fact. As a backup sheet set, they're ideal.

Here They Are on Amazon:

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Review of a Bedding Set and Throw Pillow Covers - Ideal for Teens and Young Adults

 

One of my sons recently switched to another bedroom in our home. In the process, he opted to make a few changes to his decor.

After scrolling through Amazon to find a bedding set that wasn't too expensive, he selected the Queen Size "Madison Park Essentials Cozy Bed in a Bag Comforter Set." The set he selected was charcoal and tan. You'll notice several designs and colors to choose from.

What is Included in The Madison Park Bedding Set:

• A comforter
• A sheet set which includes the fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases with the queen set
• A bed skirt
• Two matching shams
• One decorative pillow

The nice thing about this set is the price. At the time we purchased it, it was just over the hundred dollar range on Amazon Canada, and is under that range on Amazon USA.

Here's a Photo of  the Tan Madison Park Bedding Set in My Son's Bedroom:

Madison Park Bedding Set - Photo from My Son's Room

What I Like About the Bedding Set:

• I like the price. Since you get the sheets, the comforter, the skirt, pillowcases and throw pillow, I feel it's a good price.
• I like the design. It's masculine enough for a boy's room, but of course, it could work for either a girl or a boy.
• The bedsheets are very nice. They're not "cheap feeling" like can sometimes happen with these less expensive bedding sets.
• The bedsheets washed nicely as well. Granted, we've only washed them once.
• It looks gorgeous with his black and tan decor. The photo doesn't do it justice.
• The comforter is a satisfactory thickness. 

What I Don't Like About the Bedding Set:

• I don't like the feel of the comforter. That's a personal thing. My son likes it. It's kind of a shimmery finish. I'm not sure if I'm describing it accurately - but it's not heavy fabric.
• Since the comforter's fabric isn't heavy in texture, my concern is that it may pull at the seams easier or not hold up in the wash.

Here's A Close Up Photo:

The Throw Pillow Covers

This set does not include the two black throw pillows, throw blanket, and the two body pillows featured in our photos.

We used the body pillows (two of them) to raise up the pillows for decorating purposes. On top of the body pillows are two regular-sized pillows that feature the pillowcases from the sheet set. Positioned in front of that stack of pillows are two pillows with the comforter's matching shams.

We ordered two pillow covers to cover two existing throw pillows we already had. We selected throw pillow covers with a furry texture to provide contrast. I highly recommend them. They don't shed, and they look terrific. Here are the throw pillow covers we purchased on Amazon.

Also on order are two black body pillow covers to complete the set.

Do I Recommend This Bedding Set?

For a teenager's room, child's room, even a guest room, absolutely. However, I would want a higher quality, more durable set for the primary bedroom.

Madison Park Bed in a Bag Comforter Set

 

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Reviewing "MyPillow" Mattress Topper

I previously reviewed our MyPillow pillows, which we still love. Because the pillows were such a hit in our home, we also opted to buy the MyPillow mattress topper. 

I wanted to wait a while to review the mattress topper. For me, it was as important, if not more important, than the pillows. Plus, it is a lot more expensive than pillows, therefore I wanted to make sure it was worthy of my recommendation. Now that we have been sleeping on the topper for 4 months, I believe I can give you a review based on experience, not just first impressions. 

For me, a mattress topper is not just about making a bed more comfortable.  It is about being able to sleep through the night without experiencing discomfort from being too soft or too hard.  Both can result in pain.  My days of sleeping on floors or on the ground, long ago passed.

 

Why I Need a Great Mattress Topper

I have mentioned in past articles that I was born with severe scoliosis (curvature of the spine). Because of the multiple curves in my spine, as well as having a pronounced raised hip on one side, I do experience pain, especially if I do not have good support when sleeping or sitting. My mattress matters a lot to me, as I think it does to everyone, whether they suffer with scoliosis or not.  I'm not quick to embrace any kind of change. However, it was time for a new mattress on our bed. 

When You Hear the Price of a New Mattress

My husband and I started shopping for a new mattress, only to discover many of the current mattresses are made of foam. I wasn't quite sure how I felt about that fact and started testing the mattresses with a great deal of apprehension.  In spite of feeling like we were on display in the store, we tried several mattresses. There was only one that would suit my needs. When the salesman, unapologetically, quoted an astronomical price that exceeded $15,000, I walked.   No, perhaps you could say I ran from the store. I was not about to spend that kind of money on a mattress that may or may not feel great for 8 hours each night, for years to come. I thought our mattress was looking a whole lot better and clearly had at least 15 more good years.  In the car, my husband was saying he would do whatever I needed regardless of price.  My mind was saying, $15,000 for a mattress?  I paid less than that for my first automobile! 

When we got home, I promptly went online and ordered a Memory Foam mattress topper.  The Memory Foam Topper price in 2017 was $116.00, clearly significantly less than $15,000.  I had to wait several days after we received it to put it on the bed.  It smelled awful!  It took a while for it to air out enough to be able to sleep on it, but I felt this was a good compromise.

The MyPillow Mattress Topper

After sleeping on our MyPillow pillows for a month, I decided to try the MyPillow Mattress Topper too.  My Memory Foam mattress topper was now 3 years old.  My husband described its condition as having to sleep in craters.  Okay, so it had clear recesses.  I guess it's "memory" of our body impressions was just a little too good, but I was still not in the mood to spend an automobile price on a new mattress and the Memory Foam mattresses were no longer available.  So, we bought the MyPillow mattress topper.

 MyPillow Three-inch Mattress Bed Topper (King)Check Price

The first week was a real adjustment for me.  It was harder than the Memory Foam, but I was definitely sleeping through the night and waking up pain-free.  After a month, all was still well and I no longer thought it was too firm.  After 4 months, I can say, with certainty, that this mattress topper is the right choice.

Benefits of the MyPillow Mattress Topper 

• Available in 7 sizes
• 3" Thick (requires deep pocket sheets to cover existing mattress & topper together)
  
• Includes a Removable Zippered Cover made of Phase Change Material (body temperature regulated) which is Machine Wash & Dry
• 4 Corner Straps that Holds Topper in Place
  
• 10 Year Warranty
• Made in the U.S.A.
  

Upon receipt, it is necessary to let the mattress topper lay out for a day to regain it's full shape after being wrapped for shipping.  The faint odor will also disappear quickly.

If you would like to read my review of the MyPillow pillows which I mentioned earlier, you can find it by clicking here.

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Reviewing "MyPillow" Pillows

My Pooh on My Pillow

When my husband suggested we buy a pair of "My Pillow" pillows, I was hesitant to spend more money on pillows.  After all, we have tried several brands in the last few years and none have been worth the price.  As a matter of fact, I have always gone back to my 20+ year old pillow that I can fold in half and make work for me.  However, I do believe I can now retire that tired old pillow.  Much to my surprise, the MyPillow pillow is exactly what I need.

The MyPillow website has a "find your fill" chart (on this page).  I answered the 4 questions and then rebelled against the recommendation.  I didn't believe for one second that I needed a "more fill" firm pillow (their green product).  I have tried firm pillows in the past and hated them.  I need the support under my head, but I prefer a soft pillow.  After a great deal of speculation and reading the reviews in multiple places, I decided to try the site's pillow choice recommendation.

I am delighted with the results!

Benefits of the MyPillow Pillows

 My Pillow Classic Series [Std/Queen,Medium Fill] Now Available in 4 Loft LevelsI have found several things that I really like about MyPillow. 

1. Multiple Loft Levels - Choose the one that is best for you
2. Comfortable for Side or Back Sleeping
3. Washable
4. Dry in Dryer
5. Soft Feel, Yet Firm Support 
6. Cooler than a normal pillow
7. King Size Available
   (I opted for the Standard/Queen size)
8. 10 year warranty
9. Made in USA

Upon receipt, I unwrapped our MyPillows pillows and washed them first.  I wanted to ensure they were really washable and able to be dried in my dryer.  I was thrilled with the excellent results.  Now, when either of us is sick, we can still use our preferred, comfortable pillow and simply wash & dry it to remove germs.  That is a huge benefit for a pillow.

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How to Have Warm Feet at Night

I hate cold feet when I go to bed almost as much as I hate sending a large amount of money to the local utilities company. This creates a dilemma in cold climates. I will review my cost saving solution to going to to bed with warm feet. 

Reviewing how to have warm feet in bed.

The nights have turned cold and I dread turning on the furnace. I don't mind living in a cooler environment but I can't stand crawling into a cold bed. It takes forever for my feet to warm up on cold sheets. The solution is an electric blanket. If you have cold feet in bed, or have a partner that puts their cold feet on your warm feet in bed, this may be a helpful solution for you too.

In my drafty old apartment, it is far less expensive to use an electric blanket than it is to try to heat the entire apartment.  So every evening as I'm preparing for bed, I click on the electric blanket and turn the thermostat way down. By the time I crawl into bed, there is a warm, toasty spot for my feet.

I've tried electric blankets before but I got too hot when I was completely covered with a heating blanket. Perhaps you would prefer that kind of all-over warmth. If so, buy an electric blanket to match your bed size.

I tend to just have a problem with really cold feet at night. The rest of my body remains at a comfortable temperature at night. A throw-sized electric blanket just at my feet worked better for me than a full-sized blanket.

But since I'm a restless sleeper, the problem became a waded up blanket tangled around my feet.

When I began placing the throw-sized, sherpa-lined blanket under the fitted bed sheet, at my feet, all of my problems were solved. The electric throw remained exactly where I placed it. The cord with the control is long enough to reach the outlet and be easily accessed. My feet stayed toasty warm but not too hot (I'm starting to feel like I'm Goldilocks, looking for the bed temperature that's not too cold, not too hot, but just right!)

plush faux fur throw

And best of all, I pay a much lower bill to the utilities company when I'm not trying to heat my drafty apartment and half of the great outdoors. It is a small way to help my finances and to decrease my impact on the environment. And every little bit helps in both of those areas.

Winter is coming in the US. If you don't like to be cold but don't want to give your entire paycheck to the utilities company, consider using an electric blanket and turning that thermostat down.

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How to Position Twin Beds to Create Separate Areas in a Room

Reviewing How to Layout Twin Beds So They're Separate from Each Other

The standard room layout for twin beds, is to place them side by side with a nightstand in-between.

However, there are creative ways to define areas in a shared room.

Below are three typical bedroom shapes you'll find in most homes: Rectangular, Square and L-Shaped.

Furnishings for a room with twin beds tend to be two beds, two nightstands, two desks, one or two dressers and or storage trunks and accessories.

Tip: If the room has a decent sized walk-in closet, put the dressers inside of it. You can place dressers under a section of clothes, and use the area above the dresser to hang smaller items.

1. Suggested Layout for Twin Beds in an L-Shaped Bedroom:

An L-Shaped room is the easiest floor plan to distinguish separate sleeping areas.

This floor plan makes the twin beds appear almost hidden to each other. Both areas have a nightstand, a desk and in this design a shared dresser. Again, if possible, put the dresser in the closet.

Floor Plan Layout by Funkthishouse

2. Suggested Layout for Twin Beds in a Rectangular Shaped Bedroom:

With a rectangular shaped room the tendency is to assume the beds have to be positioned side-by-side. That's absolutely not the case.

If the room is narrow, and doesn't allow for a lot of furniture, then use twin sized beds with drawers built in the bottom. That way you've eliminated the need for a dresser. Or again, if there's a walk-in closet, put the dresser in the closet.

When space is very tight, choose beds with built-in drawers. Here are a few examples:

Remember, if you decide to get beds with drawers, a nightstand positioned incorrectly can block the opening of those drawers. Twin beds with storage can also come in a large number of designs including some with storage in the headboard. If the headboard doesn't offer built-in lights, add creative strip lighting.

Floor Plan Layout by Funkthishouse.com

3. Suggested Layout for Twin Beds in a Square Shaped Room:

This layout will depend upon where the doors and windows are positioned in the room. However, you can still create defined areas by thinking outside the box.

In a square room, our design instinct is to place twin beds side-by-side. But don't let that thinking stop you from setting up defined areas. Even square rooms can have separate areas for twin beds.

In the floor plan below you'll notice the room was split in half. The position of the main door allowed for that. Essentially one half of the room is allocated to one twin bed area and the other half for the second bed.

In this design there wasn't room for a dresser, but as mentioned above, there are multiple ways to accommodate storage. Here you'll see a storage trunk at the end of each of the beds. The beds can have drawers, or a dresser can go inside of a large closet.

Floor Plan Layout by Funkthishouse.com

BONUS TIP: Small Bedrooms and Selling Your Home

During my real estate years frequent comments were about bedroom size. Most people feel that an empty room is larger than a furnished room. It isn't.

An empty room looks small.

People tend to need a visual to gage what will fit into a space. If the room is small, use bed and wall storage to illustrate how efficient the space can be.

Measurements to give you a sense of bed sizes and space:

1. Standard king size beds measure 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. (6.33ft by 6.66ft)
2. California king size beds measure 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. (6ft by 7ft)
3. Standard queen size beds measure 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. (5ft by 6.66ft)
4. California queen size beds measure 60 inches wide by 84 inches long. (5ft by 7ft)
5. Standard double size beds measure 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. (4ft by 6.25ft)
6. Standard twin size beds measure 39 inches wide by 75 inches long (3.29ft by 6.25ft)
7. Extra long twin size beds measure 39 inches wide by 80 inches long. (3.29ft by 6.66ft)

Next, learn how to affordably convert twin sized beds into a king bed...

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How to Get Your Bed to Look Like a Professional Decorator Made It

Photo Design by Funkthishouse.com

photos via Pixabay

The problem for most of us is that our bedding lacks style, quality and most probably, fluffiness!

If we're being honest, we tend to keep our Comforter/Duvet Sets for much too long without changing them. When we're stuck with the same bedding, we're stuck with the same drab look.

Beyond the bedding color, pattern and design, there are certain items that can give your bedroom a pick-me-up.

Below are a list of basic items or variations of them that you'll need in order for your bed to look like a high priced decorator assembled it.

Duvets Versus Comforters - Which One is Better?

With a Duvet, you buy the fluffy insert separately and it's the quality fluffiness that gives your bed it's professional look. The benefit of buying an insert separately is that you can choose one that's long lasting and of higher quality: The higher the quality the longer it will stay fluffy.

Since it's an insert, you can change the actual duvet cover, and thus the look of your room, anytime you want.

Next you'll want duvet clips to secure the Insert to the Cover so it's free of lumps, bumps and wrinkles.

Comforters are all-in-ones, in that the comforter and insert are one piece thus eliminating the need to buy an insert or duvet clips. Also, they usually come with pillowcases, a comforter, a bed skirt and sometimes bed sheets.

However, the downside to a comforter is that if the quality is lower (and many times they can be), it will lose it's fluffiness and start to look flat on the bed (like a bed sheet does).
Here's an 8 Piece COMFORTER Set (Not a Duvet Set) Rochelle Pinched Pleat Gray Comforter Set Queen
A flat comforter will take away from that professional look you're going for, unless of course you're aiming for a simple almost Japanese look to your room.

Pillows Finish the Bed's Look:

Have you noticed that a bed with a duvet or comforter looks decoratively unfinished with only two pillows on the bed? Especially on a king size bed.

To give a bed that professional decorator look, you'll want to have at least four standard or king size pillows, and then finish the pillow-look with a few decorator pillows.

Bolsters also work. They're a long oval pillow you can use against the bed frame or the wall for the other pillows to lean against.

They do exactly what their name says, 'they bolster' the pillows in front so you have a fuller look of pillows on the bed. If you don't have a bed frame, they're also a way to get pillows off the wall. However, even if I have a bolster, and I do, I still use 4 pillows.

Make sure the pillows are fluffy as well. Flat, over-used pillows will make the bed look drab. So if your pillows aren't fluffy and you can't go out and buy more, put two old pillows, or even three old pillows inside one pillowcase. I've done this several times and it works well.

I've overstuffed the pillowcases at the back, and put two new fluffy pillows at the front. That way I only had to buy two new pillows instead of four, saving a bit of cash while still maintaining that fluffy full look.

Pillowcases, Don't be Afraid to Mix and Match:

With pillowcases you can go two ways. 

Either they can exactly match the duvet or they can be complimentary in pattern and color to the duvet. 

If you have a lot of extra pillow cases, you may already have some that are complimentary with your new duvet thus saving you the expense of having to purchase extra pillowcases. 

Bed Skirts for Duvet and Comforter Sets:

Some people like bed skirts, and some don't. 

My mom isn't a fan of bed skirts, so rather than a duvet or comforter, her bed has a bedspread. A bedspread goes right to the floor to hide the box spring, thus removing the need for a bed skirt. 

However, if you don't like to see any part of the box spring when the bed is unmade, then even with a comforter, you'll want a bed skirt.

Bed Sheets - They Don't Have to Match the Duvet or Comforter
This is misunderstood by many bed makers.

If you already own bedsheets that are complimentary to the duvet/comforter set you purchased, then use them!

That way you can focus on buying the most important elements to making your bed look professional: A high quality duvet insert, duvet clips and at least four pillows, decorator cushions and a bed skirt if you don't already have one.

Use an existing bed skirt if you have one that's complimentary! Again, it doesn't have to match exactly.

Pull it All Together:

1. You have your fluffy bedding - either a comforter set or a duvet set with a quality insert and duvet clips
2. You've got a bed skirt to hide the box spring
3. You've got at least four standard (or King) pillows and a couple of decorative pillows.

However, Making the Bed is Where it Will Get that Final Professional Look:

1. Fold down the top part of the duvet so the reverse side is showing by about six to twelve inches. You can even fold it down a couple of feet if you have a lot of pillows and you want some of the bed sheets exposed because of their design and quality. However, the standard fold down of the top portion of the duvet/comforter is about one foot.
2. Pull the wrinkles out of the comforter/duvet
3. Make sure the comforter/duvet is even all the way around
4. Details matter, don't let the bed sheets hang past the duvet cover/comforter on the sides or ends. If they're too long, tuck them in

There you have it! Think fluffy and you'll nail it.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Egyptian Cotton Sheets Really Are THAT Awesome!

Photo by Funkthishouse.com - A Personal Review

100% Egyptian Cotton Sheets are Incredible to Sleep In

I've never been one to fuss about the quality of our bed sheets. If the sheet set was on sale, then it likely made it's way into our home.

However this past weekend my mother gifted me a set of 100% Egyptian Cotton Sheets and my husband and I are shocked at how amazingly comfortable they are.

The thread count on these sheets is quite high: If I had to guess I'd say approaching 1000tc.

If you've ever stayed in a quality hotel with those Hotel Bed Sheets, these sheets fall into the same category.

Mom purchased the sheets a few years ago, but because she didn't like the way they wrinkled after washing, she never used them. In fact, she had them dry cleaned and kept them hanging in her closet unused.

When I arrived home from my visit with Mom, I washed and dried the sheets, and yes they did wrinkle, but once on the bed, they were fine.

The wrinkles really don't bother me. Of course I googled how to get the wrinkles out, but have no intention of doing any of the suggestions. For my taste, they really don't wrinkle enough to worry about it.

Crisp and Cozy

That's how I'd describe these sheets. In my opinion they're worth every penny. 

Thread Spread True Luxury 100% Egyptian Cotton 1000 Thread Count 4 Piece Sheet Set Dark Grey Queen, King, & California King

The crisp feeling of the sheets make you want to stay in bed and never get out. Even my husband who could care less about bed sheets has been going on about how comfortable they are.

Apparently the sheets will get softer as they go through additional wash and dry cycles. However, I prefer their new and 'crisp' feeling on my skin. 

If you want to soften them quicker, you can always try these suggested tips from WikiHow.

Flannel and Jersey Bed Sheets - Also Awesome

Although we're not terribly fussy about our sheets (until the Egyptian Cotton Sheets!), we have always liked Flannel Sheets and Jersey Sheets for the winter months. 

There's nothing more comfy cozy than crawling into a bed with flannel sheets on a cold winters night.

Jersey sheets are similar to flannel, just a little thinner. Their bonus feature is how the fitted sheet easily stretches over the mattress ends. If you've never tried jersey sheets, you should, they're pretty awesome, and not that expensive.

So in summary, all the hype you've heard about 1000 Thread Count Egyptian Sheets, in my opinion, is justified; total comfort!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Patriotic Bedding Sets - Celebrate July 4th Even When You Go to Sleep

Find This American Bedding Set Here

"When we re-decorate our bedrooms, we normally approach it as a one-time style change until we're ready to tackle it again - Who says we have to do it that way?"

Have you ever gotten the itch to make a bedroom decor change for a special occasion like Christmas, or even July 4th but didn't think a temporary change was worth it or could be done?

It's actually easier than you think when you choose bedding duvet sets.

Why Bedding Duvet Sets?

Of course, yes, you can use a comforter set, but a Duvet Set allows you to put the duvet cover over your existing comforter. That way, when the special occasion is over, you simply remove it along with any other pieces you put out such as sheets and pillow cases.

The problem that prevents us from making these quick changes is matching it to our existing decor. The paint, wallpaper, and furniture may not match another bedding set. True enough. Sometimes it won't. However, sometimes it will, or you can make it work by strictly using accessory pieces:

If your walls are busied-up with a lot of pattern and color, then to add a full seasonal or special occasion duvet set may be difficult. 

Idea: Just because you can't feature an entire set, doesn't mean you can't feature something patriotic, like a pillow, throw blanket, or bed sheets.

When you do decide to fully re-decorate a space, selecting a fairly neutral base decor, makes temporary seasonal changes easier.

Pick a couple of your favorite holidays or special occasions and find sets that are easily interchangeable with your room's base decor and go ahead and switch out your bedding for that much needed decorating pick-me-up. When you're ready, just remove the duvet set, and it's back to the way it was.

Have funk'n fun!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Review of Land's End Twin Extra Long Flannel Sheets

Cold Weather Makes Me Want Flannel Sheets

It seems that as soon as I bought my new REM extra long twin bed during the hot autumn, the weather turned cold. The only sheets I had to fit it were the cotton percale sheets that came with the bed. They were just right for hot weather, but as it turned cold, I wanted to find heavy flannel twin extra long sheets. After a long search that included Amazon and J.C.Penny and some sponsored Amazon links, I finally found the quality twin extra long flannel sheets I wanted at Land's End.  I will review them here and compare them to others I've looked at.

I Have Trusted Land's End for Decades

I have always trusted Land's End. I've been buying from their mail order catalog for about thirty years. I have never had a problem with their quality products or their customer service. I have bought flannel shirts, mock turtleneck tees, dresses, and much more, and always been happy. I confess that these days I usually buy from their sale section. There is always something there I can use at a price I can afford. I was very happy to find my extra long twin sheets there, since many places, even online, don't have them. Unfortunately, as I look today, these sheets aren't on sale anymore, but the same quality sheets are still available. In fact, they have improved the quality. 

Land's End Extra Long Flannel Sheets

My review of the Land's End Extra Long Twin Flannel Sheets I Bought

When my flannel sheets came, I was not disappointed. The fitted sheet fit snugly when I put it on my thick new mattress. There was room to spare, so the sheet doesn't start to come off like the one my mom had bought for the bed I was replacing. It was also extra long, but the mattress was half the thickness. My new mattress is about ten inches high. The sheet can fit a mattress (combined with mattress covers and memory foam pads) as thick as sixteen inches. I no longer have to push the sheet back in place after I get up in the middle of the night.

I was wondering what would be the best view to show you of my new flannel sheet set. ( See photo at top.) I decided to show it just the way it looks when I hop into it at night. The sheets are beechnut color. I  took this photo with natural light. My adjustable bed makes any sheet bunch up a bit in the middle since it's normally concave there when I sleep. I have slept on this for several days. That Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask on the pillow helps me sleep late in the morning after the sun makes my room bright.

The only thing I've noticed on the downside is that the pillowcase is harder to get on after I washed it and put it through the dryer. The pillow that came with my bed is thicker than the average standard pillow and I had to fight with the pillow a bit to get the case on. I've had this trouble with other standard pillowcases on down pillows, as well. Flannel doesn't slide on as easily as cotton percale or other smooth fabrics. I'd rather fight a bit with the pillow and be warm and snug than use slipperier percale. The cotton flannel is triple-brushed to make it extra soft and fuzzy as flannel should be.

Some reviewers complained about pilling but I haven't noticed any, and neither did most of the other reviewers. Flannel does have more lint than percale does, but the pilling can be lessened by washing the sheets before putting them on the bed. I always do that anyway before using new sheets. If for any reason you discover you are unhappy with anything you purchase from Land's End, they will refund your money – period. You cannot beat their guarantee. I liked these sheets so well I ordered another set.

My Price Comparison Research on Other Sites

 

If you want to check Amazon and compare quality and prices on extra long twin flannel sheets, here's a link to a set I especially like for winter because of its printed snowflake design on heavy 100% cotton fabric. Unfortunately, it's hard to compare quality, since different manufacturers use different measurements. The Land's End extra long twin sheets I ordered have 5 ounces of cotton flannel per square yard and the fitted sheets fit mattresses as deep as 16 inches. The flat sheet measures 70" x 110." The Amazon sheet description doesn't include weight per square yard and fits a mattress 15 inches deep. Amazon's extra long twin flat sheet in this set is 70" x 104." The Land's End sheets seem longer than I really need so I wouldn't miss those extra six inches at all. 

During a recent sale, I went back to J.C. Penny and bought the blue and white snowflake pattern you see if you follow the link. It's still on sale as I write this on December 17, 2016. If that sale expires there will probably be another one. These sheets aren't as high quality as the Land's End sheets, but they are still satisfactory. They are the same size as the sheets at Amazon, so smaller than my Land's End sheets. 

Recently I discovered Linen Bargains. Their prices on quality extra long twin sheets and all other sheets are comparable to those found on Amazon. I loved their Christmas designs, and they also had solid colors. Their site provides metric specifications which you can compare to Amazon and Land's End sheets. They do have good buys. 

I highly recommend Land's End's flannel bedding in any size you need. Some places may offer something that appears similar a little cheaper, but I know from years of dealing with Land's End that I will get my money's worth in value. I also know if it turns out something is not what I expected I can return it with no hassle. If you haven't got a set of cozy warm flannel sheets, I urge you to get some from Land's End today. The sale I took advantage of may be over when you read this, but there is normally always something on sale. Even at regular prices, you get value for your money. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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