Your Guide to Buying Bedding

Raise your hand if you believe that you know what you’re doing when it comes to buying bedding? That’s what we thought. Many of us think we know, but when it comes to making the purchase, we get stuck. Or we have to call mom. Luckily, we’ve thought ahead and created a list of everything you need to know when buying bedding!

Pillows

Pillows are a staple of any good night’s sleep. Its job is to cradle the head and neck, keeping your spine aligned to avoid discomfort while sleeping. So how do you know what pillow is the best?

Sure, you could type “Best Pillow” into google and look at the first results, but the pillow that works for others may not work for you. You have to take a look at how you sleep to determine your fit. So, let’s take a look at how different pillows work with varying patterns of sleep. 

Choose a Filling

The first thing you should decide is what kind of filling you’re looking for. There are four significant types of filling: Feather, Down, Down-Alternative, and Memory Foam. These all have their pros and cons, but we’ll just briefly go over each type. 

Feather

Feather pillows are usually stuffed with goose feathers, creating a soft, squishy pillow. Price-wise, they could be as low as $10 or as high as $250 depending on the brand. 

While they’re known to be fairly comfortable pillows, they don’t come without flaws. Feather pillows are known to emit a foul odor if improperly cared for. In addition to the smell, they start to lose shape and must be reshaped frequently. Owners also note that the quills from feathers can sometimes poke through the fabric and hurt your skin. Ouch!

Down

You might think down, and feather pillows are the same, but down pillows have a mix of fluff and feathers, making them soft and lightweight. However, you will still need to fluff the pillow to maintain its shape. Those with allergies should be wary as down and feather pillows can aggravate allergies. 

Down-Alternative

Down-alternative pillows are all the good parts of a down pillow without frustrating filling. The filling is typically a synthetic fiber like polyester which mimics the cushy texture of down. This is an excellent alternative pillow for anyone suffering from down related allergies. There are also various firmness levels that make it a more versatile pillow. 

Memory Foam

Over the years, memory foam pillows like the Cosy House Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow have become increasingly popular. Not only do they hold their shape over time, they mold to the shape of the sleeper. No matter what kind of sleeper you are, you are more likely to have a restful night. Adjustable pillows mean a better night’s sleep for you that is personalized to your needs. 

Ok, once you pick a filling you like, you can pick a firmness based on the way you sleep. I’ve included a handy dandy graphic you can use to find your ideal pillow. 

Sheets

Let’s move onto sheets. Again, this is a staple of your bedding set and a part of your bed to which we feel the most attention should be paid. After all, aside from your pillow, it’s the part of the bed your skin will be touching the most. You should find sheets you’re most comfortable with. 

Choose Your Fabric

There are tons of fabrics to choose from, but we’re going to focus on three of the most popular. 

Cotton

Cotton is one of the most popular sheet fabrics. Not necessarily because it’s “the best,” but because it’s the most widely available. Egyptian and Pima are the most coveted forms of cotton, loved for their high thread count. The care is typically simple, but cotton can be less breathable than other materials. 

Polyester 

Polyester is another highly used material. It is usually blended with other substances like cotton, microfiber, and rayon. These blends make for lightweight, soft sheets that are a good option for someone on a budget. They’re easy to clean, but they aren’t as strong as other materials, ripping and piling more easily. 

Bamboo

Bamboo sheets are a new material that has taken the bedding industry by storm. They are made from the fibers of the bamboo plant, making them durable without sacrificing softness. Not only that, but they are naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, making them the chosen sheet for those with allergies or sensitive skin. They’re also lightweight like cotton and polyester, but much more breathable. 

Once you’ve picked out your sheet fabric, it’s just a matter of color and pattern preference. Find something that compliments your decor and any other bedding you might have in the room. 

Comforter/Duvet

Down

Down comforters or duvets have been in circulation for centuries, keeping the Vikings and English nobility warm through the winter months. These comforters are stuffed with goose feathers, creating a soft, cloud-like feel. They’re incredibly warm, making them perfect for winter, but not year-round. They are also more challenging to wash than the average comforter since they are stuffed with feathers that take a while to dry and tend to clump when wet. The feathers may also cause issues for anyone with allergies.

Down Alternative

Down Alternative comforters are exactly like down, but without the feathers (which we’re sure you could already tell from the name). Every comforter has a unique filling blend. Cosy House happens to use a fluffy polyester fill that mimics the soft, squishy feel of down. Down alternative comforters are typically easier to clean, dry faster, and are appropriate year-round. 

Duvet Cover and Shams

We’re starting to get into bedding extras territory. A duvet cover and shams are not vital pieces of bedding. However, we strongly recommend investing in a duvet cover. If you’ve ever accidentally spilled a drink or some food on your comforter, you’ll understand the need to avoid the panic that comes with the cleanup. This is especially true if you have a down or feather comforter as they are much more challenging to clean than a down-alternative one. 

Bedskirt

Bedskirts are another optional piece for your set. The bed skirt is a great way to hide any storage you might have under the bed, as well as tying together your duvet and your sheet for a complete look.  

Blanket

It never hurts to have an extra blanket on hand for those colder seasons. It is also a great finishing touch to your bedroom set. Here’s a tip: Get a blanket at least one size up from your bed size, i.e., if you have a full, get a queen or king. That way, you have plenty of extra snuggle room with which to work. 

Buying bedding is hard. We get it! But that’s no excuse not to sleep on the best. You can find all the bedding we mentioned and more on the Cosy House Collection website. And, to help you out, we’ve included a 10% off code below to help you get started! To shop our collection & get 10% OFF use the code 'BLOG10' at checkout.