There's a special feeling of getting into a well-made bed. Here are some simple tips on how to make your bed go from boring to beautiful every morning in no time at all.
PILLOW SHAMS
Many people ask about the difference between a pillowcase and a pillow sham. Put simply, a pillowcase protects a pillow and keeps it clean during sleep. It has a purely functional role. A pillow sham, on the other hand, is designed to match the more decorative elements of a bed such as the comforter or duvet cover. It is typically bordered on three or four sides with a flat piece of fabric called a flange.
Pillow shams are made for different sized pillows such as Euro, king, standard and boudoir. Pillows with shams can be strategically placed in a bed’s pillow arrangement for a tidy and polished look. People do not typically sleep on pillow shams as they can be uncomfortable. Their main purpose is to adorn a bed and are usually removed before sleeping.
DECORATIVE PILLOWS
In keeping with pillow shams, decorative pillows of different shapes and sizes can be placed on a bed for a pop of colour and texture. A square decorative pillow can come in multiple sizes, but is usually smaller than a Euro size. A boudoir pillow is small and rectangular. A lumbar pillow is narrow and long with a shape that is somewhat flat. Finally, a bolster pillow is shaped like a round log and its cover is usually trimmed with piping at the corners. All these pillow options can add diversity and a luxury aesthetic to your bedding décor.
COVERLETS AND QUILTS
Coverlets and quilts are so similar that they are sometimes referred to as the same thing. However, there are few small differences that make each of them unique.
Coverlets are more for style and beauty and quilts are made for warmth. The main difference between a coverlet versus a quilt is that coverlets do not have a middle layer of warmth as quilts do. Coverlets are made from a single piece of decorative fabric. Both can be used to add colour and flavour to top bedding as well as making the bed ensemble look cohesive and streamlined.
THROW BLANKETS
Throw blankets are small decorative blankets, often with trim or fringe, that are used for extra warmth, decoration or as a covering when lounging on top of the bed. It is normally folded at the foot of the bed, on top of any other bedding.
This article originally appeared in the September 2021 print edition of Camana Bay Times.
About the author
J.V. Russell is the co-owner of Bedside Manor, a Camana Bay shop that showcases a collection of high-quality bedding, bath and baby brands, as well as unique jewellery, stationery and gifts.