Registering for Bed Linens

Your bedroom should be an intimate, calming place and your bedding plays a critical role. Nothing is more important than comfortable, luxurious bed linens. Bedding is the foundation that sets the tone for the room. It should be of great quality and should wear well over time.

Perfect Sizing

What size is your mattress? Pillow-top and extra-deep mattresses have become very popular in recent years and require deeper sheets. Even if you know your bed is a queen or a king, measure it anyway and pay close attention to the depth of the mattress. When it comes to your sheets, the fit is very important.

Use this helpful chart:

Mattress Size

Full 54 x 75 inches

Queen 60 x 80 inches

King 76 x 80 inches

California King 72 x 84 inches

Mattress Thickness (Depth)

Standard 7 to 9 inches

Deep 10 to 15 inches

Extra Deep 15 to as much as 22 inches

Your dream registry for a luxurious bed:

• Sheets (flat and fitted)
• Pillows (include all accent pillows)
• Pillowcases
• Blankets
• Comforters
• Down comforters
• Duvet covers
• Throws
• Pillow shams
• Bed skirts

While you can register for sheets and pillowcases individually, I recommend registering for sets. A basic set includes one fitted bottom sheet, one top sheet and two pillowcases. Register for three sheet sets. This will guarantee there will always be one set on the bed if you change sheets very often. You may want an extra set of coordinated pillowcases for each sheet set, too. Choose your sheets in completely different patterns and styles; that way you are always changing up your look.

The Details

Sheets and Pillowcases

Thread Count

What the heck is thread count? Basically, this refers to the number of threads per square inch in both directions of the weave. The higher the thread count, the more luxe the feel of the fabric. For the softest feel and the best wear, I recommend a thread count of above 250. Thread count is usually indicated on the package.

Fabric

All sheets are not the same. They come in a wide range of materials. Sheets are available in many fabrics: cotton, cotton-polyester blend, linen, flannel, silk, satin, sateen and percale, for example. . Always register for sheets that are of excellent quality. After all, you will be spending many hours a day lying on them. (Most people really do spend about a third of their lives in bed.) Cotton is the most popular fabric, but non-wrinkling cotton blends run a close second. Egyptian cotton has delicate, long fibers and it is the softest type of cotton.

"Younger consumers are more educated and they know what they like," says Dana Poor, a home-trend forecaster at Cotton Incorporated. "They are definitely looking for high-quality products for the bed and bath, and they take into consideration many factors like style, thread count and finishing techniques." If price is no object, register for a set of Frette sheets. They are dreamy.

Pillows

Do you like a firm pillow, a soft pillow or one in between? Choose the pillow that will give you the best night's rest. Pillows come in many sizes and, just like mattresses, there are standard, queen and king sizes, as well as other varieties (see below). Don't get stuck on rules. Maybe you want two king-sized pillows on a queen-sized bed, or a stack of four standard-sized pillows on a king-sized bed. Keep in mind you will need to register for individual pieces instead of sets if you want a pillow size that is different from your mattress size.

All the pillow sizes you can use to dress your bed:

Standard 20 x 26 inches

Queen 20 x 30 inches

King 20 x 36 inches

Euro 26 x 26 inches

Boudoir 12 x 16 inches

Neck roll 6 x 16 inches

Pillows are available in a variety of fills like solid foam, shredded foam, feathers, down, and artificial down as well as mixtures, such as feathers and down. Choose the one that best fits your comfort needs. Keep in mind prices will vary by pillow type. Remember comfort is key and your pillow plays an important role in getting a good night's sleep.

Comforters

They are the finishing touch of any bed. It's the first thing you see when you walk into your bedroom. It is a focal point of the room. The selection of colors, designs, patterns and fabrics is endless. Suggestion: When choosing your comforter, register for a minimum of two comforter sets, including decorative pillows, and make sure that all coordinate well with the other colors in the room.

Blankets

I recommend registering for two blankets. They come in handy on an extra-cold night and they double up as a stadium blanket to keep you both warm at the game. Blankets are available in a great variety of fabrics, colors, weaves and weights. I always buy my blankets one size larger than the bed size. Switch your blankets out by season. Change your cozy, heavyweight winter blanket to a breezy, open-weave cotton version for the summer.When not in use, store your blankets and pillows in an oversized, clear plastic zip-around bag. I get mine at The Container Store. I love them!

Down Comforters

A down comforter will supply lightweight warmth, serve as a natural insulator and create a cozy, inviting bed. Down is not feathers but rather the soft clusters of filament under the feathers of a goose or duck that insulate them from the cold. FYI: Goose down is superior to duck down. The price is established by the quality of the down, not by its weight. Down comforters can be pretty pricey, but are so worth it. Register for the best that you can. Look for tags on the comforter marked with a "fill power" rating. This rating lets you know how fluffy the down comforter is going to be. The fluffier the comforter, the more warmth for you! Always use a duvet cover to protect your down comforter.

Duvet Cover

A duvet cover is essentially a slip cover that goes over your down comforter to keep it clean, like a pillowcase for your pillow. You can really use it on any comforter, not down. Duvet covers come in many styles and help create the overall look in your bedroom. Sometimes the comforter will slide and bunch inside the duvet cover. To prevent this, pick up the specially made clips that hold the comforter at the four corners. Bed, Bath & Beyond is where I go for most of my bedding needs.

Pillow Shams

Pillow shams (usually larger than your pillow) coordinate with the comforter, but are decorative, and not used as a sleeping pillow. They help give your bed depth and dimension and are the base for the smaller accent pillows. Don't overdo it, as you don't want to spend 20 minutes every morning making your bed.

Bed Skirts (aka Dust Ruffles)

Bed skirts complete the bed by covering the box spring and hanging to the floor. It's a great little trick for hiding under-the-bed storage. Make sure that whatever you're hiding is sealed and protected from dust. The bed skirt is sewn to a lining that goes between the mattress and box spring. The size matches that of your mattress.

Throws

Available in many sizes, colors, fabrics and designs, throws are basically small, light blankets used for warmth and/or to make a playful or sophisticated statement either on your bed, across a chair or draped over the sofa. A good size is 50 x 70 inches, which provides the best coverage. I highly recommend machine-washable fabric when choosing your throws.

Tips

• Focus on style. Your bedding is the focal point of your bedroom.
• Select the best-quality fabrics you possibly can.
• Register for a full range of bedding needs: luxe blankets, sumptuous sheets and comfy pillows.
• Make sure your sheets are the right fit for your mattress.
• Don't register for your bedding online. Go to the store to feel the quality and see the true colors.
• For best results follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
• Register for bedding that's appropriate for your region's climate.
• Make your bedding-style choices last for years by choosing classic styles, clean lines and neutral colors.

Sweet Dreams!