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Bedding 101: Guide To Bedding | West Elm

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Bedroom

Bedding 101

Everything you need to know to create a beautiful bed, from the key pieces to styling and care.

Build A Better Bed

Start with a good foundation, from the mattress up.

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  • 1. DUVET INSERT

    Choose from down + down alternatives. Higher fill power means more down, for a warmer duvet.

  • 2. FEATHERBED

    For extra softness, warmth and luxury, try a featherbed atop your mattress.

  • 3. MATTRESS PAD

    This protects and extends the life of your mattress, adds cushioning, and reduces allergens.

  • 4. BEDSKIRT

    Bedskirts give a finished look to the bed.

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Pillow Talk

To choose the right pillow for you, take into account the type + amount of fill, the level of firmness, and whether you sleep on your side, back or stomach. Here, a quick guide to fill options:

Down Alternate

These hypoallergenic options include plant–based Lyocell, microfibers, memory foam or cooling performance fibers.

Down

European white down is the premium fill. Look for higher fill power for a firmer pillow, but in general, down is soft and molds to the body.

Feather Or Blend

All–feather fill is best for decorative pillows like Euro squares. Feather–down blends are soft and less pricey than pure down.

All our pillows are machine-washable; follow care instructions on pillow.

STANDARD: 20" x 26"
KING: 20" x 36"
EURO: 26" x 26"

The Linen Closet

Here's our checklist for a well–stocked linen closet, including a few extras to keep on hand for guests.

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  • 2 Sheets Sets

    You'll need at least 2 sets of sheets per bed; consider adding flannel for winter + linen for summer.

  • 2 Blankets

    A lightweight blanket or quilt for spring/summer + a heavier blanket for winter (you may not need one with a duvet).

  • 2 Duvet Covers + Shams

    Choose an extra duvet cover and set of shams for laundering or to change up your look.

  • 4 Extra Pillowcases

    Many of us use 2 sets of pillows on the bed, plus it's nice to have a patterned set for a design accent.

  • 2 Pillows

    Keep an extra set of pillows (plus a blanket and/or duvet) at the ready for guests.

  • 1 Feathered

    If your guest bed's a pull–out sofa or inflatable mattress, a featherbed or memory foam cover can make it extra comfy.

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What's Your Style?

Relaxed

  • Create a relaxed (not messy) look by showing off layers.
  • Drape sheets over a turned–down duvet or quilt rather than tucking them in. Layer pillows instead of matching them up perfectly.
  • Stylist's Secret: For a lush look, insert 2 duvets into 1 duvet cover.
  • Try: European Flax Linen or Organic Washed Cotton bedding.

Luxe Layers

  • Layer a quilt or matelassé coverlet with a duvet folded halfway over it.
  • Prop up Euro pillows behind standard pillows and match them to the duvet.
  • Choose contrasting pillow shams or match them to your sheets. Add a luxe accent pillow or two, and a throw at the foot of the bed.
  • Try: a Lush Velvet or Washed Silk quilt.

Minimalist

  • Tuck in not only your sheets with hospital corners, but also your quilt or coverlet.
  • Stack pillows flat in pairs rather than propping them up.
  • Opt for a fitted boxspring cover rather than a bedskirt.
  • Try: Organic Cotton Sateen Sheets.

Tips For Care

1. To Keep Whites White

Instead of chlorine bleach, which can harm fabric, use an enzyme- or oxygen-based stain remover, or go natural: Add 1/4 c. lemon juice or 1/2 c. baking soda with your detergent and 1/2 c. white vinegar during the rinse cycle. Wash in warm water. Dry outside in the sun when possible.

2. To Keep Bedding Fresh

Use pillow protectors, duvet and mattress covers, and wash monthly. Wash pillows and duvets twice a year. Use mild liquid detergent, warm water and a second rinse cycle. Dry fully on low heat with tennis balls tucked inside white socks to help fluff them.

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Inspiration:
Bedrooms

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How To: Put On
A Duvet Cover

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Decorating
With White

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