Just because you're an adult doesn't mean you have to settle for bedding sets with simple, generic and boring designs. There's a growing number of people out there who make unique bedding sets for adults. These bedding sets often feature interesting and inventive designs, prints, patterns and textures that are out of this world.
Some of these designs are so unique that they instantly grab the eye and impart a sense of fun and adventure to your bedroom. Part of what makes them so appealing is the fact that they're actually perfect for minimalist spaces with simple designs. All you need is a unique bedding set to make a statement and that's it. No need for a plethora of accessories and furniture after that.
The best part is that unique bedding sets come in all types of colors and prints, from ethnic and African inspired patterns to animal print designs that can transform your space into a wonderland of imagination. Of course, if you're looking to create a more playful aesthetic, then it only makes sense to go with something a bit wilder and "out there." This could mean incorporating some mandala prints or opting for a set that's available in inventive, jungle-inspired prints.
Whichever type of design you go with one thing's for sure; incorporating unique bedding in your bedroom means that you'll never have a dull day in your house again. Your bedding is guaranteed to have you excited every morning when you wake up and it can really brighten things up during those long, grey winter months.
Getting a good night's sleep is super important, and the type of bedding you choose will affect how easy that will be for you. There are countless confusing factors that need to be taken into account when choosing your bedding, and we're here to condense all of that information into one helpful guide.
Read our expert tips on choosing the right type of bedding for your needs, and never suffer a sleepless night again!
Bedding is an umbrella term for many different items that you'll find in your bed, and figuring out the difference between some of them may be tricky. While to some people it won't really matter exactly what they're using as bedding, others may only need or want a specific item, so these tips are here to help you learn the difference between them all!
Comforters are thick, quilted blankets that are usually placed as the top layer on your bed. Depending on your climate, you may only sleep with one comforter, or you may use some additional sheets or blankets under the comforter to keep you warm. They often come in a coordinated, matching set with other sheets and pillows.
Duvets are basically the flatter versions of comforters and can be used in the same way -- as the main blanket layer that keeps you warm. However, duvets are meant to act as an insert for duvet covers or slips, making them more universal than comforters. You can mix and match duvets with their covers, without having to stick to one coordinated set like with comforters.
Duvet covers are what most people use to cover their duvets. They are filled out by the duvet (rather than just laying on top of it) and usually attach to it by buttons or ties. They're meant to be easily removable, so you don't have to wash your whole bedding set, and are interchangeable with other covers. They can be used with comforters as well, though not all sizes will fit -- comforters are usually larger and thicker than duvets.
A coverlet (also sometimes known as a bedspread) is a simple, thin, non-reversible top layer that's usually only used for decorative purposes on the bed. They don't attach to any other bedding pieces and can be bought either as individual items or as part of a bedding set. Coverlets can also be used on other furniture like chairs and sofas as decoration or a protective layer.
Quilts are traditionally made up of three layers, with the top layer displaying an attractive pattern. They have two main uses, acting as the main blanket layer when it's hot, and as an additional warm topper for colder days. Although it isn't necessary, some people may choose to use a duvet cover with a quilt.
The material of your bedding can really make a huge difference, especially if you're sensitive to low and high temperatures. While most people simply decide on the material based on the cost, there are many factors that will influence which material is better suited for your needs.
Want something affordable and fairly durable? Cotton
Cotton is the most popular material used to make all types of bedding, and it has lots of variations.
It's generally quite durable, soft, and easy to take care of, and while it is usually pretty cheap, the price can vary depending on which type you choose.
Egyptian cotton, for example, is the most expensive type of cotton as it's super soft and smooth.
Upland cotton is the cheapest and most common type of cotton used when making bedding.
Enjoy a bit of luxury? Silk
Silk is an incredibly soft, cool, and even sensuous material, making it a pretty popular choice for couples.
This material is actually naturally hypoallergenic, meaning that it's safe to use by individuals with allergies or sensitivities to certain materials.
However, real silk is very expensive and can get ruined super easily, so avoid it at all costs if you have children and pets, or if you simply won't have the time or money to maintain or replace the sheets regularly.
Want organic, environmentally-friendly sheets? Tencel
Tencel is actually the brand name for a fabric that's made from eucalyptus tree pulp.
Although it sounds pretty crazy, it's actually very durable and soft.
The fabric is also naturally antimicrobial and uses less energy, water, and harmful chemicals to make than cotton, for example.
However, it's not very breathable, which may prove to be a problem for those who get too hot at night.
It can also get a bit expensive as not many retailers offer sheets from this material yet.
Need stain resistant sheets? Microfiber
Microfiber bedding is made from very finely woven polyester, making it a quite inexpensive option.
This bedding is very soft and surprisingly stain resistant so it's a great material for families with children or pets.
However, the material is not very breathable, and it can get uncomfortably hot in the warmer months so we wouldn't recommend it if you're sensitive to heat.
Yes, the weave of your bedding does matter. Just like the material, it will affect how well you sleep at night, as different weaves offer a different feel and temperature. There are two main types of bedding weave, percale and sateen, and we've outlined the pros and cons of each down below.
Percale features a one-over-one-under weave pattern and has a thread count of 180 to 200. It offers a very crisp feel, has a matte finish, and is overall very durable. It also gets softer the more you wash and use it without losing any of its durability. However, this weave pattern makes materials quite prone to wrinkles, so if you like your bedding to look spotless, this weave probably isn't for you.
Sateen weave ranges in thread count from 120 to 1000, though a thread count of 300 to 600 is the most common. It uses a four-over-one under weave pattern, resulting in a very soft and shiny fabric. It's a great option for individuals with sensitive skin as it isn't as rough as percale weave fabrics. However, it makes bedding a bit less durable and the pretty shine fades with prolonged use. It's also a less breathable weave than percale, so it's better suited for colder climates.
Having comfortable bedding is great, but it also needs to suit your bedroom's décor! Thankfully there are thousands of different color and pattern combinations out there when it comes to bedding sets, so you'll be spoilt for choice!
Decorating a child's bedroom? Lots of colors!
Most materials come in lots of different colors and patterns, but microfiber sheets are usually the best choice as they're super resistant to stains.
Your child probably won't care too much if they get a duvet rather than a comforter, or a coverlet instead of a quilt, so just stick with whatever will keep them warm or cool enough at night in your specific climate.
Also, don't spend all of your money on the most expensive bedding sets -- your child is bound to grow out of their pink or blue phase, so you need to be able to replace their bedding quickly without wasting money.
Have a modern aesthetic? Keep things minimalistic
The majority of homes will have a quite straightforward, modern aesthetic in the bedrooms.
This involves fairly neutral colors, no eye-catching patterns, or clashing textures.
If you like this sort of style, go for bedding that's either grey, white, or black to create an air of sophistication and minimalism.
Cotton and Tencel beddings are usually favored with this style, as the sheets will be both visually pleasing and comfortable.
Some like to have a single sheet or piece of bedding that stands out a little to make the bed the focal point, while still fitting the neutral color scheme -- for example, a grey and black patterned coverlet found amongst white sheets.
This overall style is great for both master bedrooms and guest bedrooms as it's very universal and relatively simple.
Want a cozy and mysterious aura? Make it dark and luxurious
This is for someone who likes a cozy, mysterious, and even a little sexy atmosphere in the bedroom.
Go for colors like black, brown, dark blue, dark red, and even dark purple when choosing your bedding and accessories.
The best bedding material for this sort of bedroom would be silk because of its luxurious feel and shiny finish.
If you're tight on money, you can still achieve this look by getting some cheaper bedding that's woven in the sateen pattern, as that also gives it a shiny finish and makes it look more expensive.
Try adding a pop of gold or silver either on a quilt, some of the cushions, or a unique embroidered pattern on the comforter/duvet cover.
You'll get the best effect if even your walls, curtains, and floors are on the darker side.
Before you rush off and buy the first duvet cover set that takes your fancy, you should first have a careful think about which material you should choose.
A lot comes down to comfort and personal preference, but there are plenty of other reasons to choose one material over another, such as breathability, being easy to launder and durability.
Cotton
Hard-wearing, washable at high temperatures and comfortable, cotton is a popular natural choice. Available in a variety of thread counts, look for higher numbers for a tighter weave and a superior finish.
A lot of people prefer the breathability of cotton to man-made fabrics; it's also worth mentioning that cotton is an affordable option.
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Silk
Silk bedding is synonymous with luxury.
While it is natural and a great hypoallergenic choice, it is extremely expensive and difficult to launder. While some people like the silky texture, others find it less appealing.
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Polyester/polyester blends
Used alone, polyester can be a little scratchy next to your skin, so you'll often see it as a blend. It is a man-made fabric that is generally inexpensive. It needs washing at lower temperatures than cotton, but it tends to stay wrinkle-free.
Avoid ironing as polyester is a synthetic material that can melt. Polyester is less durable than cotton and can attract pet hairs and lint. It may also irritate sensitive skin.
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Linen
Linen bedding has gained in popularity in recent years as people move towards natural fabrics. While linen is hardwearing and breathable, it takes a long time to soften and wrinkles very easily.
It is also expensive; however, as it can last many, many years of use, it's price can often be justified.
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You need to select the correct duvet cover to match your duvet.
If you're not sure, just take a look at your duvet's size on its label or check your existing bedding. Here are the main bed sizes and their matching duvet cover sizes.
Bear in mind that some brands can vary by several inches, so we've just listed these figures as a general guide:
Purchasing a new duvet set is a great way to add a splash of color or to try out a new look without spending a fortune changing your furniture.
Here's how to pick the best duvet set to match your decor.
Solid color
If your bedroom already has a lot going on, then you may prefer to opt for a solid color duvet set. By no means does this have to be boring, you can choose a bright color for your modern bedroom or a neutral tone for a more sedate look.
Solid colors are the best choice for minimalist bedrooms, where they won't distract your gaze from the smooth lines and quality of finish. They also look good in modern or traditional rooms where they can be used to pick up accent colors, for example, to match your drapes or accessories.
Stripes
Traditional or coastal themes look great with striped bedding. A blue striped duvet cover with white wooden furniture is a definite coastal look.
However, stripes can also look smart and multicolored stripes can work well in a modern decor, breaking with traditional colorwise but keeping the same lines.
Plaid
Plaid works well in a cozy cottage or traditional themed bedroom, especially with dark wooden furniture.
It's definitely a warm, snuggled up look, so you may want to reserve it for winter and change to a different theme for warner times of the year.
Floral
For feminine bedrooms, both traditional and modern, choose a floral duvet cover.
Opt for small flower motifs for a retro look, or choose large, brightly colored flower prints for a modern look. Floral duvet covers are a good way to bring a touch of color and femininity to any bedroom.
Toile
Romantic, traditional and shabby chic bedrooms will look good with a toile printed duvet cover. Featuring romantic pastoral themes, these duvet covers can be overwhelming in detail.
Team them with plain walls for a traditional, quaint look, or match them to a rococo decor for an over the top luxurious look.
Geometric
For modern bedrooms, geometric shapes are a great way to add color or detail. If your modern bedroom is lacking a focal point, choosing bedding with a geometric string pattern will help to bring your room together.
Abstract
Abstract patterns work in both modern and traditional bedrooms. Choose a pattern and colors that appeal to you.
Opt for a modern print with bold colors in a predominately one-tone room.
If you have a lot of different colors in your room already, look for a pattern with just two colors that work with your existing color scheme.
