The Foundation
Mattress Pad & Pillow Protectors - A good mattress pad is non-negotiable! You never wash your mattress, so it’s important to keep it clean. The same is true of pillow protectors, an absolute necessity in keeping your pillows clean and protecting against dust-mites. We recommend both protectors be fabricated out of all-natural fibres to ensure comfort and breathability.
Featherbed - A featherbed is a feather filled mattress topper which sits on the mattress and beneath the mattress pad. This European luxury item is optional, but is truly like sleeping on a cloud. It will enhance the sleeping experience on any mattress, including a pillow top or on an inferior quality mattress, such as a Hide-a-bed. It not only gives ultimate comfort, but also a more puffy, sumptuous look.
Duvet - Unlike a quilt or comforter, the duvet is usually filled with goose down and is covered by a duvet cover with a zipper or button closure. We recommend a quality white goose down fill for the duvet, which will offer temperature regulation for the utmost comfort as well as a cozy, luxurious look and feel. No worries if you suffer from a down sensitivity or allergy, however; we offer down-alternatives for just such cases.
Pillows
European Pillow - The “euro” pillow is typically a 25” x 25” square that is both decorative and functional. Aesthetically, euro pillows give the bed height and grounding, but are also wonderful for reading in bed, hiding rumpled pillow cases and even “posing” as a headboard if you haven’t got one. Use two on a queen bed and three on a king. They typically are not for sleeping on.
Sleeping Pillow - Available in standard, queen, or king size, your sleeping pillow should be superior in quality to your decorative pillows. Finding your ideal firmness can take a bit of trial and error, but once you find the sweet spot you'll be guaranteed an extraordinary sleep. Nothing compares to sleeping on pure down, but synthetic fills are an excellent alternative for those with sensitivities.
Throw Cushion - A small decorative cushion available in a variety of shapes and sizes. These are the best way to add bold colours and trendy patterns to your bed, or to match the wall and headboard while still keeping the foundation of the bed fairly neutral and timeless. Add as many as you'd like!
Sheets & Bedding
Decorative Sham - A fancy word for a fancy pillow cover. We typically add two standard or queen decorative pillows in front of the euro pillows to fill out the bed, giving layers and depth to the overall look. They can be stacked for a more contemporary look, or propped upright in a more traditional style. They typically are not for sleeping on.
Fitted Sheet - As above, the type of cotton, origin of weave, and thread count are the building blocks of a quality fitted sheet. Make sure you know your mattress depth when purchasing your fitted sheets, as there are no more standardized measurements. Measure from the top of the mattress to the top of the box-spring; that measurement +4" will determine the proper pocket depth for your fitted sheet (we know it can be confusing! Check out this guide for a bit more information, or feel free to give us a ring at 1-800-363-6080 - it'd be our pleasure to walk you through it!)
Flat Sheet - Sometimes called a "top sheet." There are 3 equally important components that make up an excellent quality sheet: type of cotton, where it's woven, and thread count. The flat sheet is optional, but it’s always nice to fold over if there is a special embroidered detail. After a few days of sleeping, the flat sheet and pillow cases will be deliciously rumpled, so the cases can be tucked behind decorative pillows and the flat sheet can be pulled right up.
Duvet Cover - The duvet cover is where you get to incorporate colour and pattern to make your bed uniquely yours. The duvet cover can be easily unzipped and tossed into the wash without having to worry about frequently laundering your duvet. You can pull the duvet up for a more traditional look, or roll it at the bottom for a more modern aesthetic. We recommend matching your duvet cover to one pair of decorative pillow shams for cohesion.
Bedskirt - A bedskirt wraps around the frame of a bed to hide the box-spring. Bedskirts can be tailored with or without pleats, or gathered for a more feminine look. Always get an exact measurement for the height of your skirt so it’s not too short or dragging on the floor. You'll want to measure from the top of the box-spring to the floor. Using a box spring cover - similar to a fitted sheet - for a cleaner look is also an option.
Coverlet - Also known as a blanket cover, blanket, or matelasse, it typically comes in cotton and is as versatile as a duvet. Fold it at the foot of the bed to add texture to the decor, or pull it up over the bed and use as a lightweight blanket in the summer or for added warmth in the winter. The more layers of texture on the bed, the more finished and inviting it will look.
Start Building Your Bed!
Need some inspo before you get started? Check out our Shop the Look page! From boho to modern the styles are endless.
Keep up with us on social media for all things bedding! Tag us on Instagram at @AuLitFineLinens or tweet us at @AuLitFineLinens.
