Bedspreads Designs: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Linens for Less

Buying linens for less doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality. You can find attractive, durable linens that are less expensive if you're willing to invest more of your time to find them.

Shop and Compare

Any savvy shopper will tell you that if you want to get the best prices, you need to shop around to compare prices.

There are certain discount websites that are known for having low, competitive prices, such as Overstock and Linens 4 Less. Check these sites regularly and then compare the linen prices by the brands and styles they have in common. Keep in mind, however, that jsut because a bedding store has the words "for less" in their name, doesn't mean that the prices will actually be lower.

Keep in mind retailers change prices frequently, sometimes even daily. The prices posted one day might be different on the next day. Even if you find a great deal on one website, keep checking other sites regularly. Shopping comparison sites can be helpful when you are looking for a certain type of bedding or linens, as you can compare prices across several stores.

Linen Bargains and Special Pricing

If you're shopping for table linens for a special event, such as a wedding, you can save a lot of money by taking the time to compare prices and paying attention to special pricing. For example, if you simply shop for a 70-inch round, ivory. polyester tablecloth you will find that most of the prices are similar from one website to another. However, if you change your keywords to shop for bulk pricing or wedding linens, then you can find sites that cater to bulk purchases and end up saving a lot of money. The following websites are a good starting point for table linen comparison shopping for:

Best Time of Year for Sales

According to Free Shipping, the best time of the year to buy linens is in January. The tradition of The White Sale is a marketing idea started in 1878 by department store owner John Wannamaker. Even to this day, many retailers still carry out this idea of the New Year's sales in bedding and linens.

Finding Bargains with Alternative Materials

Sometimes, you can find linens for less by looking for less expensive materials that are similar to the more expensive ones. A good example would be down bedding. Down is the soft, fine insulating feathers found underneath the outer feathers of ducks and geese. There are different grade levels for down and the most expensive down comes from mature geese. This premium down can get quite costly when used in bedding. For instance, the difference in price between two king sized down and down alternative comforters can be huge. Luxury bedding filled with premium European goose down and covered by a removable silk cover could easily cost over a thousand dollars for a king size. The price could be much higher because of not only the premium down but also the silk covering since silk bedding is also a very expensive fabric. If you have your heart set on a certain type or style of linens, wait for a White Sale or check for the products at a discount store to save money.

In contrast, a comforter that is filled with a microfiber down alternative material, covered by a 300-thread count cotton casing can be purchased for under 300 dollars or much less at a discount bedding store or website. A good alternative to silk would be satin. Satin has the same light reflecting qualities as silk and also has a similar smooth texture and is significantly cheaper than silk. A microfiber synthetic material can have many of the same properties and advantages of real down; however it will be more affordable and typically easier to clean and care for.

The same idea applies to otehr types of linens - if you consider alternative materials, you may eild huge savings on items like towels, sheets, beddings, and curtains.

Affordable Eco-Friendly Linens

If you want to buy eco-friendly linens that are made from sustainable and renewable resources at an affordable price, there are a few of good choices. You can buy bath towels and sheets made from bamboo fiber or organic cotton.

Both of these materials are good choices for green household linens. Pure Fiber International is an eco-friendly wholesale manufacturer of sustainable bath linens and make both bamboo bath towels and organic cotton bath towels. A comparison of the two types of linens from a few other online retailers shows that organic cotton is slightly less expensive than bamboo fiber. You can find organic cotton towels online at:

You can find bamboo fiber bath towels at these online retailers:

More Tips for Finding Linens for Less

Codes and coupons: Look for online discount codes and coupons for department stores and bedding retailers. Sites such as Current Codes list all current discounts and promotions from a large database of retailers. Many stores also offer early bird or customer appreciation sales as well.
Mail alerts: Sign up for email or snail mail alerts from your favorite linens stores. Many shops send repeat customers or those on their mailing list coupons and special offers. Bed, Bath and Beyond, for example, regularly sends customers on their mailing list coupons for 20 percent off.
Rewards programs: Many department stores offer rewards programs, where you can earn coupons or store 'cash' that you cna use on a repeat purchase once you've spent a certain amount. Using these programs in conjuction with a White Sale can yield great savings.
Discontinued linens: Consider purchasing discontinued patterns on curtains, bedding, sheets, and table linens. You may save a substantial amount of money in purchasing a style that is from last year or is no longer being made
Closeout stores: Shop closeout brick and mortar stores such as Big Lots, Marshall's, and T.J Maxx. Although these types of discount stores carry much more than just linens, you can often find name brands on sheets, curtains, towels, and bedding at a huge savings.
Make sure it's really a bargain. Consider how often you'll need to replace the bedding you are considering in order to determine if the cheaper price is your best bet. A high thread count sheet set, for example, will wear well and offer incredible softness after numerous washings. A very cheap set of sheets with a low thread count, on the other hand, may pill and feel scratchy and rough after only a few washes and you'll need to replce it.

The secret to finding linens for less is to spend more time shopping and be diligent when comparing prices. The amount of time you spend researching and comparing your purchases can really pay off in finding great household linens at less expensive prices.

Cotton Bedspreads

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Zicci Bea Bedding Interview

Zicci Bea is a dream realized by friends Yali Katz and Shoshanah Weinstock. Both women are interior designers and saw a need in the bedding market that�they felt their combined unique design styles and perspectives could fill. Recently, LoveToKnow editor Sally Painter had the opportunity to discuss this new venture between friends in this exclusive interview.

A Look Inside Zicci Bea Bedding

LoveToKnow (LTK): When did you first open doors for business? How did you come up with the name?

Yali Katz (YK): We were fully open for business in January 2010. We brainstormed on our name, which is a play on our never used middle names, one fine day over lunch two years before we opened.

Friends as Business Partners

LTK: Two friends joining forces to create a company sounds exciting and challenging, what advice do you have for others who might be tempted to take the plunge?

Shoshanah Weinstock (SW): Just do it! Keep your eye on the goal and remember to be open about issues. Creating a business plan and partnership agreement are key. Shoshanah and Yali make a point to go Girl shopping once a month, no business talk allowed!

LTK: What is the one thing that you've learned in this partnership that surprised you?

SW and YK: Two people with different and many skill sets still require a support team to keep moving forward.

Bedding Collections

LTK: What types of bedding collections do you offer? It's all machine washable, which is a big plus!

SW: Our debut collection is composed of fun color spins on classic patterns that nearly everyone can identify with. Many of our patterns are not age specific and can grow from toddler to teen or teen to adult. Our reversible concept keeps the look of our bedding fresh. Clients can be hotel sophisticated one day and funky stripes another without investing in two bedding sets.

LTK: Where did the names for your bedding�collections�come from?

YK: Some were descriptive, some are an ode to people we work with, we brainstormed the rest.

LTK: How did you decide on the type of products to carry?

YK: We simply felt a need, then studied the void in the bedding market and developed a product in the style and price point that we were unable to find.

LTK: How much creative control did each of you have over your collections? What process did you use to narrow your choices and then make final decisions?

SW: We have complete creative control. All our patterns and colors were developed because of a need in the market so it was important for us to edit, edit, edit until we were satisfied. Our collection consists of girl, boy, adult, guest, bachelor and everything in between.

Healthy Earth Commitment

LTK: What is Healthy Earth Commitment?

YK: Healthy Earth is so important to us. We are moms first, then we are designers. Putting our children and selves to sleep on a product that uses certified safe dyes and no toxic chemicals is very important to us. We are also consumers and created a product that we can and would buy. The price points for our bedding are about half of what a similar product in design and quality would cost. We are able to do this because we keep our overhead down and pass that on to our customers.

Where to Buy

LTK: Besides online, customers can find your bedding in many brick and mortar stores. Any plans for your own retail stores? What's on the horizon for Zicci Bea?

YK: We don?t stop here. As interior designers we have so many ideas for accessories and possibly furniture. We plan to keep developing new patterns and don?t plan on limiting our offerings to bedding only. Stay tuned!

A Special Thank You

LoveToKnow would like to thank Yali Katz and Shoshanah Weinstock of Zicci Bea�for taking time out of their busy schedules�to share their story.

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Friday, May 27, 2011

Plain Bedding For Kids

Designer kids bedding patterns, with age appropriate themes, can simplify the task of decorating your kids rooms. That being said, the bedding set does not need to be the centerpiece of the design that you might adopt to decorate your children?s bedroom.

Plain colors; bright or pastel, are great to use as a starting point for creating fun themes or just to add the right blend of decorative accessories.

One very good idea is the use plain color bedding and complete the foot of the bed with the addition of an elaborately designed bed skirt. Experiment with bright striped patterns, large dots, paisley, or other fanciful patterns. Match the bed skirt with curtains or wall decals or a lovely plain color kids rug. that coordinate with the bed skirt for a finished look.

Also, lots of bedding patterns sold as adult bedding can be used as kids bedding; just decorate and accessorize with the appropriate kiddy touch.

Do not limit your options; free yourself from dependence on bedding for kids. They are sometimes very expensive. Keep an open mind and be on the lookout for inexpensive sheets, comforters and duvet covers. Stick with plain bedding; there is nothing worse than bad quality kids bedding parading as designer versions.

To find these, browse web stores, check your local department stores, flee markets etc, just look around.

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Cotton Bedspreads

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Liven up with kids room rugs

Colorful kids room rugs are a great way to add a finishing to touch to a kid?s bedroom. Kids Rugs adds interest and liven up kids room simply and easily, all you have to do is lay down a themed rug for an instant change to a bland room

Additionally, rugs, like Kids Wall Decals are a splendid alternative to high-priced wall treatments, wallpaper and expensive custom paint jobs. Rug patterns can instantly add sparkle to the look and feel of a child?s room, even with ordinary white walls that are sometimes necessary, particularly in rented a house or apartment.

Fanciful kids rugs are a great options for kids, who change their minds from time to time about the ?things? they find trendy. While it?s difficult to change wallpaper and painting, it?s simple to just put away a rug and lay down a new themed area rug.

Little boys and girls cannot resist sitting down and playing with their favorite things for long periods of time. Kids rugs lends themselves perfectly to playtime with patterns that includes; constructions vehicles, stars, animals, letters and numbers or their favorite cartoon characters.

Your budding sports fans, construction business owners and pilots will love colorful rugs, decorated with their favorite themes. Kids rugs are often made in the primary color scheme. Try adding one as an accent to a room that is white and another one such as yellow, this could compliment the boys bedding or girls bedding which could be a mixture of plain colors, preferable bright colors. This kind of design usually last longer than whimsical animal themes.

Kids room rugs is a simple and easy way to improve the look of your kids bedroom, there is an endless variety to choose from and prices may vary, but given the large variety it should be easy to find one that fits your needs and budget.

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Cotton Bedspreads

Monday, May 23, 2011

The Dictionary of Bedding Terms

Bed Skirt - A decorative bedding accessory that usually matches the comforter or duvet. Also called a dust ruffle it goes in between your box spring and bed frame and hangs around the bottom of a bed.

Blend ? Refers to a fabric made of a combination of fibers, such as cotton/polyester, or cotton/linen. Blends give the fabric features of each of the fibers used.

Combing ? A finishing process, combing removes short fibers and debris from the yarns. The finest fabrics are combed.

Cotton ? Universally used for home ?soft goods? such as bedding, cotton comes in different degrees of quality. The best cotton is Egyptian, followed by Pima and Supima.

Damask ? A glossy, patterned fabric with intricate patterns, damask is similar to brocade but is flatter and reversible.

Down ? An excellent insulator, the fluffy tufts come from ducks and geese. Used in bedding and outerwear.

Down Alternative - This type of bedding is filled with synthetic materials as opposed to goose or duck feathers and is just as soft and breathable as a real down comforter.

Down Proof - Any fabric with at least a 230-thread count is considered down-proof, and will not leak or bleed feathers and down from the inside.

Dupioni Silk - Produced when two or more silkworms spin their cocoons closely together.

Duvet ? Any bed comforter; can be slipped into a duvet cover.

Egyptian Cotton ? The best-quality cotton, because it has the longest cotton fibers, is grown in Egypt. Egyptian cotton is used to make high-quality bedding. The next best cottons are Supima and Pima.

Fill Power - The ability of down to regain its shape when pressure is released. The higher the fill power, the greater will be the insulating value of the down.

Flannel ? A brushed fabric, created by a process that raises the nap, making the fabric warm and soft.

Hotel Bedding ? Hotel-style refers to the luxury bedding and linens used in upscale hotels. The sheets are usually of high-thread-count, designed to exceed the look and feel of everyday household sheets.

Jacquard ? A decorative weaving technique that weaves designs such as flowers directly into the fabric; can be gorgeously detailed.

Percale ? Percale refers to the weave of a fabric; it must have a minimum thread count of 180. Many people wrongly use the term to mean a polyester/cotton blend, but percale does not imply any particular content.

Pillow Sham ? A decorative pillow cover

Pima, Supima ? An excellent variety of cotton grown in the Southwest US. SuPima is a certification mark used when the product such as bedding is made entirely from Pima cotton grown by Supima Association members.

Ply, Plied ? Yarns that are twisted together after spinning to create a new yarn. Plied yarns don't increase the durability or strength of the fabric, so they should be counted as only one yarn.

Sateen ? A process that gives the fabric a shiny finish. Not related to quality.

Thread Count ? The number of threads (both length and width) in one square inch of fabric. A count of 200 for bedding is considered good, and anything over 250 is high. Although a high thread count is desirable, the quality of the cotton and the finishing process can often be more important than thread count.

Welt ? Another name for cording could be on a comforter or pillow sham, term ?self-welt" means that the cording is made from the same fabric as the main body of the item.

Wool ? Refers to the fibers from the fleece of lambs, sheep, goats, and other animals. Sheep?s wool is most common. Lamb's wool comes from sheep less than 8 months old. Merino wool is from a specific breed and is the softest and finest.

Cotton Bedspreads

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Linens for Less

Buying linens for less doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality. You can find attractive, durable linens that are less expensive if you're willing to invest more of your time to find them.

Shop and Compare

Any savvy shopper will tell you that if you want to get the best prices, you need to shop around to compare prices.

Linen Bargains and Special Pricing

Best Time of Year for Sales

Finding Bargains with Alternative Materials

The same idea applies to otehr types of linens - if you consider alternative materials, you may eild huge savings on items like towels, sheets, beddings, and curtains.

Affordable Eco-Friendly Linens

You can find bamboo fiber bath towels at these online retailers:

More Tips for Finding Linens for Less

Codes and coupons: Look for online discount codes and coupons for department stores and bedding retailers. Sites such as Current Codes list all current discounts and promotions from a large database of retailers. Many stores also offer early bird or customer appreciation sales as well.
Mail alerts: Sign up for email or snail mail alerts from your favorite linens stores. Many shops send repeat customers or those on their mailing list coupons and special offers. Bed, Bath and Beyond, for example, regularly sends customers on their mailing list coupons for 20 percent off.
Rewards programs: Many department stores offer rewards programs, where you can earn coupons or store 'cash' that you cna use on a repeat purchase once you've spent a certain amount. Using these programs in conjuction with a White Sale can yield great savings.
Discontinued linens: Consider purchasing discontinued patterns on curtains, bedding, sheets, and table linens. You may save a substantial amount of money in purchasing a style that is from last year or is no longer being made
Closeout stores: Shop closeout brick and mortar stores such as Big Lots, Marshall's, and T.J Maxx. Although these types of discount stores carry much more than just linens, you can often find name brands on sheets, curtains, towels, and bedding at a huge savings.
Make sure it's really a bargain. Consider how often you'll need to replace the bedding you are considering in order to determine if the cheaper price is your best bet. A high thread count sheet set, for example, will wear well and offer incredible softness after numerous washings. A very cheap set of sheets with a low thread count, on the other hand, may pill and feel scratchy and rough after only a few washes and you'll need to replce it.

Cotton Bedspreads

Thursday, May 19, 2011

What is Kids bed in a bag

You might have heard the term kids bed in a bag mentioned before; it?s quite ubiquitous on the internet. Bed in a bag is used interchangeably with bed in a box. Largely, both terms refers to the same thing.� The question might have gone through your mind, what?s a bed in a bag/box? A Bed in a bag is just a random m�lange of bed linen such as; comforter, duvet, quilts, coverlets, pillowcases, pillow shams, sheets sets, bed skirts, bed huggers, and even accent pillows.

The first time I heard the phrase bed in a bag talked about the first thing that came to my mind was that it was a kind of portable fold up bed that?s used at night and folded up during the daytime, a space saving device of some sort. I later learned that a bed in a bag was not a bed but actually bedding, a mishmash collection of just about any of the aforementioned items of bedding, in any variation that suits a bedding retailer?s fancy.

I have no idea who invented the term, my theory is that ?bedding in a bad? or bedding in a box is a bit of a tongue twister, so it was shortened to bed in a bag/box, I don?t know that?s just a guess. Try saying it out loud, and you might see that my theory is not too far-fetched.� If I?m right then I would like to congratulate the creator of that phrase, notwithstanding the fact that it?s somewhat misleading.. I guess he or she thought the phrase would catch on eventually, it caught on indeed.

Now fully equipped with enough knowledge and information, I will try to dispense a little bit of information you might find useful if you decide to purchase anything of those thing with the weird name; bed in bag.

The key thing to do before making a purchase is reading the information provided by the seller.� I have discovered from my research that they don?t always do a good job of explaining what comes in the package, if you are in doubt, either call the retailer or take your business elsewhere, any seller who fails to explain what they are selling does not deserve your business. Also, I have seen cases where a bed in a box is just a sheet set.

What should you expect to see in a bed is a bag? The answer is simply, there is no set type of bed in a bag, you just have to read the information provided.� Just to highlight the difference you may find from bed in a bag to the other.� I did a quick check online can came with the following variations:

1 twin comforter, 1 twin sheet set, 1 twin bed skirt and 1 pillow sham
Comforter; 2 Pillow Shams 2 Decorative Pillows, 2 Euro Shams,1 Skirt, 4 Piece Sheet Set
1 pillowcase, 1 fitted sheet, 1 comforter, 1 duvet cover
1 x Duvet Cover,� Bed Sheet,� Pillow Cases,� Pillow Cases
Comforter, bed skirt, two standard shams,� one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, two pillowcases

Hopefully, this highlights the importance of getting the proper information before you buying a boys bed in a bag or girls bed in a bag. Does it save you money purchasing a bed in a bag? The obvious answer is yes, collectively, it does, but it?s up to you to decide whether or not you need all the items stocked in a bed in a bag.

Cotton Bedspreads