Layers of Linen(s)

Each Spring, I take a rainy weekend day and do an overhaul on every bed in the house.  Well, today was the day.  I start in the linen closet.  I go through the sheets, the duvets, the inserts, the coverlets, each pillow and pillow case too.  Organizing everything – what needs to be cleaned and what needs to be replaced.  (Secret, I’ve heard you’re “supposed” to replace your pillows each year, that seems a bit much, most pillows can be washed just check your labels!)

Sheets – I like to refold everything, bottom sheet, top sheet, 1 pillow case and then I wrap the stack in the second pillow case.  This stays neat on the shelf (or drawer or basket) and I can can grab the stack for the bed without much thought.  I regularly check for holes or wear and replace when needed.  For kid’s rooms, I stay with easy and inexpensive options, my favorite is on Amazon.

For my room or my guest rooms, I LOVE linen.  It gets softer as it’s washed and is so light and airy.  TIP – remove immediately from the dryer to help with wrinkles.  My favorite luxurious touch – iron the pillowcases with lavender linen water.  This takes minutes and I promise you (and your guests) will thank me!  You can buy it  or better yet, a great DIY (can you say Mother’s Day or teacher’s gift?) 

Duvet inserts – I like a hypoallergenic option.  These are washable and can be found at great price points.  I drop them off a few times a year to a laundry center, it’s faster and easier.  Try to find the inserts that have a way to attach the duvet to the insert in the corner which helps keep them in place.  I like the Martha line at Macy’s, her inserts come with loops on them which making the duvet tying quick and easy.

Sham inserts – I like a feather blend.  They have more shape to them and are cozier when you’re using them to prop up be it movie night or AM coffee in bed.  They also hold a good “chop” as we like to style them in the business.

Duvets – I try to have 2 per bed, at least.  I sometimes like seasonal options.  A fur or silk duvet is amazing in the winter and it gets traded out for a light linen duvet in the Spring.  TIP – Always get washable options here.  I try to wash my duvets a few times a month (my dogs of course prefer to sleep on my duvet versus their own dog beds, so….)

Layering – I’m frequently asked what really goes into making a bed and it’s all about the layers.  Everyone sleeps at different temperatures so it’s best to have some options.  A mattress pad, sheets and sleeping pillows (1 for twin beds, 2 for other bed sizes) are the very basic and obvious layers to start with.  I then prefer a medium weight quilt or coverlet with matching shams and pillow inserts, this is a year round base layer for warmth but also the start of how we dress a bed for the style of the room.   Next is the duvet and insert, I like it folded on top of the coverlet so you can see both layers which adds some interest.  Finally, it’s the dress pillows, a mix of Euro shams and decorative pillows in various shapes and sizes and maybe even a fabulous throw blanket just to gild the lily (oh for a Summer afternoon nap!).  Now, that brings great personality to ANY retreat, I mean bedroom.

We spend a lot of time in bed – make is soft, relaxing, comforting and luxurious – and remember, it doesn’t matter the size of your bed or the size of your budget!