Bedding Buying Guide

If you want a good night's sleep, the right bedding is crucial. Finding the right bedding is a different process for everyone, but there are a few key things to know before you begin your hunt. Take a look at the bedding buying guide below to learn some valuable tips.

What You Need to Know:

1. Comforters: Fill power is a measure of how many cubic inches one ounce of down fills. A higher fill power means a down blanket will be fluffier and warmer. A fill power of 550 or more is considered good. Makers of down comforters typically use two designs to keep the down from shifting and clumping. A box-stitched down comforter has boxes stitched throughout that hold the down in place. A baffle-box stitch has gated baffles -- pieces of vertical fabric between the top and bottom of the comforter -- that run the length of the comforter to keep the down in place and allow it to keep its fullest loft. For those with allergies, down-alternative comforters are a great choice, and they will provide the same warmth as down comforters.

2. Comforter covers: Down comforters usually require special care and cleaning; often, they must be dry cleaned. To keep your comforter clean for longer periods, purchase a duvet cover for it. If you want to decorate your bed as well as protect the down comforter, you can purchase bedding sets that include coordinating pillow shams and duvet covers.

3. Blankets: The most important aspect of any blanket is its fabric. Different fabrics obviously have different qualities of warmth and softness. For instance, cotton blankets tend to be more breathable than those made from synthetic fabrics. However, synthetic fleece blankets tend to be lighter and softer. Wool blankets are extra warm. It all depends on your personal preferences. Just pay attention to things like weave and edging to make sure you get a blanket that will hold up after years of use.

4. Quilts: When it comes to quilts, you can find colors and patterns to fit any decor you have in mind. Plus, many quilts are handmade so that no two will be exactly alike, giving you a unique piece of bedding. If the quilt is machine washable, and most are, it will be easier to maintain than a down comforter.

5. Extras: A few things will take your bed from bland to beautiful. They aren't completely necessary for a good night's rest, but they will help you feel extra comfortable in your bedroom. A bed skirt will cover unsightly box springs, completing the look of your bed. Bed canopies will help you feel like you're sleeping in a palace. Maybe you want to take your bedroom design even further, from comfortable to, say, heavenly. If that is the case, think about featherbeds, which are basically down-filled mattress pads. For quality featherbeds, apply the same principles as you do to down comforters. You can also purchase memory foam mattress toppers and other mattress covers with extra layers of softness.

Tip from Overstock.com:

1. Just because you don't want to spend a lot of money doesn't mean you have to forget about style and comfort. A bed-in-a-bag set is a great way to make it all match while saving money. Add some colorful curtains and throw blankets to the room for an inexpensive touch of class.