Bed-in-a-Bag

As the top layer of your bedding ensemble, comforters, quilts, and duvets establish your bedding style. Comforters are typically made from dyed fabrics encasing a layer of filling that provides warmth and structure. Stitching holds the filler in place. Although they are similar to comforters, quilts have less loft. Quilts are a popular choice for traditional decor since they often feature vintage fabric patterns and stitching designs. Duvets are essentially blankets made from cotton or polyester and filled with down or another soft material. Designed to be inserted inside the open end of a duvet cover, which protects the duvet from becoming soiled, duvets are usually tied or buttoned in place inside the cover to prevent shifting. Duvets allow you to transform the look of your room whenever you want by simply slipping on a different duvet cover. Since duvet covers are made from lightweight sheeting fabrics, you don't need to use a top sheet with a duvet.

With the exception of bedspreads, most bedding toppers don't reach all the way to the floor. A bed skirt conceals your box spring and helps anchor the look of your bed. Bed skirts are constructed of panels of fabric that are left open at the corners to accommodate the legs of your bed frame. They may offer a simple, tailored appearance or be embellished with ruffles or pleats. Larger bed-in-a-bag sets often include a coordinating bed skirt.

To add custom touches to a bed-in-a-bag set, layer the set with your own bedding accessories to create a look that's all your own. Drape a folded coverlet in a solid color at the foot of the bed, or add a lumbar pillow embroidered with your monogram. In a teen's bedroom, hang a blanket that features the logo of their favorite college sports team over the foot board. As long as you keep all the accessories in the same color family and overall style as the bed-in-a-bag set, you can have fun putting your own personal stamp on your bedding ensemble.