Tips for purchasing bed & bath products
A comfortable home starts with a tranquil bedroom and bath, so choosing the right bedding, towels, rugs, and shower curtains is important. When you're wondering what products to purchase, take advantage of these shopping tips.
Sheets and pillowcases
For a good night's sleep, start with the right bed sheets. When shopping for sheets, consider thread count, or the number of horizontal and vertical threads in every square inch of fabric. Sheets with a higher thread count are softer, but the finer the weave, the less durable the fabric. For a budget-friendly blend of durability and softness, shop for Pima cotton sheets with a 400-800 thread count.
Blankets
A blanket offers a warm layer between your bed sheets and comforter. When purchasing a blanket, consider the season. Buy knit, wool or fleece blankets for cold weather and light cotton blankets for spring and summer. Natural cotton fibers help wick away perspiration in warm weather so your body stays dry while you sleep. If your winters are extra-harsh, try an electric blanket. For your safety, purchase one that shuts off automatically after a certain period of time.
Comforters
There's nothing like a cozy comforter for a good night's sleep. For a lightweight but warm comforter, choose one stuffed with natural down fill. When shopping for a down comforter, consider its fill power, the volume taken up by one ounce of down. Products with a higher fill power offer better insulation and a lighter weight. For the best fill power, search for comforters made with down from larger, mature birds.
Shoppers who suffer from allergies needn't suffer in the bedroom. If you need a hypoallergenic comforter, choose a product filled with warm and lofty poly-fil.
Bedding sets
Show off your personal style in your bedroom with a bedding set featuring a comforter and matching pillow shams. For bedding that's extra easy on the budget, choose a bed-in-a-bag set that includes a comforter and matching sheets and pillowcases.
Pillows
Pillows come in many types. If you're looking for an extra-soft pillow, choose one filled with down. For a less expensive option, choose a pillow stuffed with poly-fil. Although these pillows are easier on your budget than down pillows, you will need to replace them more often. For better alignment of your head, neck, and shoulders while you sleep, try a memory foam pillow. Made from synthetic foam that conforms to the shape of your body, this pillow is thought to help reduce neck pain and stiffness.
Bath towels
After a warm shower, make sure to dry off with the right towel. When shopping for towels, consider weight, which is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Heavier towels measuring between 600 and 900 GSM are more durable and absorbent than lighter towels. If softness is important, choose towels made from 100 percent cotton. If durability matters, purchase towels made from a cotton-poly blend. Always inspect the edges of towels for quality craftsmanship. They should be folded neatly and secured with stitching to prevent fraying.
Bath mats and rugs
Nearly as important as your bath towel is your bath mat or rug. When placed just outside of your tub or shower, these products absorb water and prevent slipping. Bath mats and rugs made from cotton are the most absorbent, but they need to be laundered often. If you're looking for an extra-durable bath mat or rug, choose one made from nylon or polyester. For a little extra luxury when stepping out of the shower, try a memory foam bath mat with a slip-resistant bottom.
Shower curtains
With a wide array of colors and designs available, a shower curtain offers a blend of style and function to your bathroom. If you want a product that requires little maintenance, look for a vinyl shower curtain, or pair a fabric shower curtain with a vinyl liner for a more elegant look. When choosing a fabric shower curtain, buy one made from material that stands up to moisture like polyester or a cotton-poly blend.
Bathroom accessories
To give your bathroom a spa-like feel, add a few luxurious accessories. Hang fluffy hand towels for everyday use, and fill small bowls with sweet-smelling soaps. Store toilet paper and laundry in decorative bins and hampers. To make bath time extra-relaxing, add a few scented candles.
