How to Buy Bedding
You spend a third of your life in bed.
Make it count.
With an overwhelming number of options out there, here's what actually matters — and where to shop once you know what you need.
How to shop, in order01 — Duvet cover or comforter: pick a team
Think of it like Twilight. Both sides have their loyalists. Neither is wrong — but you need to decide before anything else, because the whole bed builds from here.
Duvet + Cover
- Removable cover — like a giant pillowcase
- Easy to wash, easy to switch out
- Cloud-like, airy look
- Great for hot sleepers
Comforter
- Sewn-in filling, nothing to remove
- Often comes as a full matching set
- More layered, structured look
- Runs warmer — better for cold sleepers
02 — Sheets: quality over thread count
Cotton is the gold standard — breathable, durable, gets softer with every wash. Linen, Tencel, bamboo-rayon, and flannel all have their place depending on your climate and skin. Avoid straight polyester if you run warm or have sensitive skin.
On thread count: don't chase the highest number. A quality single-ply sheet in the 200–800 range will outperform a twisted-yarn sheet claiming 1,000+. Also check your mattress depth (standard 7–14", extra deep 15–22") before buying fitted sheets — and account for any topper.
03 — Quilts vs coverlets: the layer that gives dimension
A quilt is three layers stitched together — heavier, warmer, more structured. A coverlet is lighter and woven — more refined, easier to layer. Both go at the foot of the bed and add the visual weight that makes a bed look designed rather than just made.
04 — Pillows & shams: the arrangement
Standard pillowcases are for sleeping. Shams are for styling. Euro shams (square) go at the back for height. Neckrolls or bolsters sit at the front as an accent. Decor pillows are typically 16–20" square. Boudoir pillows are small and rectangular (~12x16"). Build your arrangement from back to front.
05 — Extras: protect before you style
A mattress protector is non-negotiable — get one before anything decorative goes on the bed. A mattress topper is optional but transformative if your mattress needs softening. Finish with a bed skirt to hide the box spring and make the whole thing look intentional.
Where to buy bedding we trust
After years of research, here's how we think about sourcing — by tier and by purpose. Know what you're shopping for first.
- Anthropologie
- UO Home
- GreenRow
- Schoolhouse
- Chairish
- 1stDibs
- Poshmark
- Mercari
- Etsy
- eBay
Goodnight. 🌙