Building your bed is like creating a customized relaxing zone where you go to escape all the worries of the day. Though you may have been making your bed for years, let’s walk through all the essentials you need to make a bed that’s professional-looking. We will also answer some of the most common queries you may have, like how many pillows should we sleep with? We’ll get to that. In the meantime, rest assured, building a bed isn’t difficult, especially because JCPenney carries all the bedding essentials, including individual bedding items and bedding sets, you’ll need. So, whether you are going for a calming traditional-style bed or a contemporary, lived-in look, learn what bedding essentials are needed to build a bed that will give you the best night’s sleep and looks just as fabulous!
Start with the Basics
Step 1: Choose a Mattress Foundation
Any bed needs a strong mattress base that could be a box spring, a wooden slat platform, or a solid base. This foundation will provide great support as you sleep and ensure the mattress does not slide, sink, or sag. It also adds height to your bed, making you less open to cold air, dust, dirt, and humidity, compared to when sleeping on the floor.
If your mattress foundation is strong, a bed frame becomes optional. Also, headboards and footboards are mostly decorative and don’t provide support to the bed. So, you can choose to add or exclude them from your list of bedding essentials.
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Step 2: Find the Right Mattress for You
Mattresses should be picked based on your personal preference. So, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with different mattress styles and their impact on your sleep. You can refer to this mattress buying guide to understand the different types of mattresses and which ones are perfect for you.
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Step 3: Add a Mattress Protector, Topper, and Pad
Mattress protectors, toppers, and pads are an inexpensive way to preserve the lifespan of your mattress and create a lovely bed that ensures restful sleep.
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Step 4: Place the Pillows
Pillows, of course, keep the head aligned with the neck and backbone while you sleep. And, yes, you may require more than one pillow. Though one is the ideal recommended number, those who side sleepers can consider opting for a second memory foam knee-support pillow that can be placed between knees. Doing so helps maintain the natural alignment of your hips and pelvis and avoid strain on your ligaments or muscles. Expecting mothers can choose U- or C-shaped pregnancy pillows that are made to make sleeping on the side more comfortable.
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Sheets that Make You Feel Ready to Relax
Step 5: Next Come the Sheets
Sheets are often overlooked as crucial factors to a good night’s sleep. They act as a jacket that keeps you warm and comfortable. Bed sheets can be picked in two different styles, fitted or flat. That said, choosing the right bedsheet can be tricky. So, it’s best to know about the different materials used in making sheets.
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Though there are tons of different materials used, we are highlighting here the topmost fabrics we recommend for every home.
Sateen
It wouldn’t seem surprising if most of us thought sateen and satin sheets as the same. Though satin weave structure is used in the making of sateen sheets, they are created using yarn instead of filament fibers as used in creating satin sheets. That said, sateen sheets are just as silky smooth as satin and ideal for cold sleepers and cooler weather. They can usually withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Percale
These sheets are made with cotton and are known to get softer with each wash. Percale sheets are best for hot sleepers and warm weather.
Linen
These are airy sheets perfect for hot sleepers and those with allergies as linen is a hypoallergenic and naturally cooling material.
Jersey
These sheets are made using cotton fabric that is knit not woven. It’s the same fabric used in making cotton T-shirts, hence jersey sheets are super soft and cozy.
Layer the Bed with the Right Blankets and Pillows
Step 6: Lay down the Comforters, Duvets, or Quilts
Comforters, duvets, and quilts are considered the top layer of bedding that surrounds you with fluff and warmth. You can choose between a comforter, duvet, and quilt depending on the season and temperature. While a duvet helps regulate the temperature in the winter months, a comforter, which is fairly thinner, can be used year-round. You can also use a comforter as an additional blanket on a cold night. As quilts are usually made from cotton or cotton blends, they make a great addition to your summer bed. These too can be used as a winter topper with blankets underneath.
We must add that it’s great to have all three – a duvet, comforter, and quilt in your home. And don’t forget to shop for duvet inserts as they help maintain the shape of the duvet cover and prolong its life. Though not mandatory bedding items, duvet inserts are always a good investment.
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Step 7: Customize your Bed with Blankets and Throw Pillows
Now that the bedding basics have been placed, you can start decorating the bed with your choice of blankets and throw pillows. You can choose soft, textured faux fur blankets and pillows in the winters and lighter colors in Spring and summer. Likewise, select prints and colors depending on your bedroom décor. Like pastel flowers for a farmhouse or cottage style, plaid for cabin style, geometric for contemporary, and so on. You can either mix and match with different colors and textures or stick to classic colors. Also, instead of picking individual pieces, you can choose bedding sets instead, like this Fieldcrest 3-piece floral set or Coleman tufted gauze quilt set.
Once you have laid down the blankets and throw pillows, the bed is ready to help you relax and rejuvenate.
In conclusion, a few simple steps and little coordination are all you need to dress your bed properly and create a peaceful oasis. Make sure you have these bedding essentials and let us know what bedding style you prefer. Click loads of pictures of your well-styled bed and share by tagging #AllAtJCP. Then follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see if you get featured.
