How to Choose Bed Sheets

Sheets are one thing you don't want to skimp on. Sure, you don't really see your bed sheets when you make your bed, but as AsktheDecorator.com host Meghan Carter's interviewee said: "You don't just sleep in your sheets".

Meghan: Bedding terms can be confusing and with so many different options, you want to know what you are talking about. Which is why, I am here today at Anichini to talk with Susan Monk, who is going to show me what to use when making a bed. I am hitting the road, searching for answers and finding great design. It is a quest for beauty function and of course, inspiration. When you make a bed where do you start? Susan: With your bottom sheet and your top sheet if you use one. Meghan: And then where do you go next? Susan: Then you want to figure out what you would like for a bed covering and on this bed for instance, we are showing a coverlet which is a pretty flat piece of fabric. It is like a bedspread but it does not go all the way to the floor. Meghan: It is very thin it is not even like; it is not even as thick as a blanket. Susan: Right. And that would usually go over a blanket because it would make bed look finished. Meghan: It is basically a polish top. Susan: Right. Meghan: And other than a coverlet what else could you use? Susan: You could use a blanket, you can use a comforter, like I have folded at the end of the bed or a lot of people prefer a dovet cover which has a down comforter inside. It is like a big envelope made out of sheeting a lot of times but it can also be made with decorative fabrics. Meghan: And then the pillows are next? Susan: Yes, the pillows, these are European or Continental pillow forms. A lot of people like them because they sit up in bed and read. Meghan: Is that what a Euro sham is, a Euro sham goes over this? Susan: Yes. Meghan: Is there a difference between a sham and a pillow case. Susan: A sham always has a flange and a pillow case is usually open on one end. Meghan: Oh, so this is a flange? Susan: Yes. Meghan: So, basically it just makes it look more polished and presentable. Susan: Yes. Meghan: Oh, and then after the Euro pillows. Susan: I have sleeping pillows. Meghan: Sleeping pillows. Susan: But these have shams. Meghan: Yes. Susan: But they could also be cases, but we chose to put shams on this bed. Meghan: Now, what is this giant thing? Susan: We call it a bolster, this one goes across the whole length of the bed. You could also use this to sit up against the prop yourself up. It also has a great wow factor. Meghan: Yes it does have wow factor. Susan: Yes. Meghan: It is gigantic. Susan: Yes. Meghan: Do bolsters come in smaller sizes? Susan: Yes, things from— Meghan: So, they can be little tinny tiny ones and they are still called bolsters? Susan: Yes, absolutely. Meghan: All right, and then this next pillow. Susan: Then we have more decorative pillows. Meghan: And this are just called decorative pillows? Susan: Yes and just an assortment to sort of tying and then finish the bed. Like for instances pillow ties into the color of the beds skirt and the color of my continental shams. Meghan: So just to review, bed coverings are used to dress up the top of the bed and they generally come in five types; coverlets, blankets, duvet, comforters and bed spreads. A coverlet is a thin decorative bed cover that gives a bed smooth finish look, does not cover the pillows and does not hang to the floor. A bed spread on the other hand is a thin decorative bed cover that covers the pillows and hangs all the way down to the floor. A blanket or throw is smaller than typical bed coverings and is often used as an accent or for added warmth. A duvet cover is a decorative covering that goes around the comforter. It is open at one end and can easily be taken off to be washed or changed. A comforter is a bed cover stuffed with fiber and sewn together on all four sides. As for the pillows a Euro or continental pillow is large and square in shape and it is often position behind the other pillows as a backdrop. A sleeping pillow is rectangular and medium in size and it is for sleeping hens the name. A decorative pillows small in size and can be a variety of shapes, its sole purpose is to look pretty by adding color and texture to your bed. A bolster is a tubular