Choosing Thoughtful Gifts

When you are in the midst of redecorating your bedroom, you might be more focused on design than you are about comfort and longevity—especially when it comes to your bedding set. Unfortunately, if you buy that bed-in-a-bag without a lot of forethought, you might end up with a serious case of buyer's remorse later. Here are two things to think about before purchasing that comforter set, so that you can sleep a little easier:

1: The Quality of the Fabrics

If you have ever been shopping for bedding with your mom or grandma, then you know what it feels like to overstay your welcome in a department store. After carefully examining the different fabrics and grilling the salespeople about the return policy, your embarrassing loved one might mull over the manufacturer's warranty—just in case. Although this cautious behavior might make you want to hide behind a clothing rack for a few hours, the fact of the matter is that fabric choice matters—especially when it comes to heavily used fabrics like bedding. Here are a few things you should keep in mind during your search:

• Thread Count: If you have ever wondered what the difference is between that luxurious bedding you might see at a department store and that generic version down the street, it might have to do with thread count. Thread count is the number of woven threads per square inch. The more threads, the tighter the weave and the silkier the fabric. Higher-end comforters typically contain higher-thread count fabrics, which means that they will feel better against your skin and be more resistant to abrasion.
• Breathability: Ideally, your comforter set should keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. To maintain this balance, look for a comforter made from breathable materials like cotton. Try to avoid polyester blends, which block airflow and might make you feel clammy.
• Construction: Before you walk away with that comforter in hand, don't forget to check the quality of the construction. Look for things like loose threads, small tears, and reinforced stitching. If you spot sloppy seams or any damage from being handled in the store, keep looking.

As you shop, talk with the salespeople about which brands have a reputation for offering a quality product. Ask representatives if any of the sets get returned frequently, or what they would buy if they were shopping for bedding. By asking a few questions, you might be able to steer clear of inferior products.

2: Ease Of Cleaning

That cream-colored comforter might look pristine now, but how will it look after your kids get ahold of it? If you eat in bed or have pets that like to snuggle, you might have to run that comforter through the wash every once in awhile. Unfortunately, some bedding is a lot harder to clean than others. Here are a few tips for finding a bedding set that you can tidy up when you need to:

• Size: That fluffy comforter might look like a cloud, but will it fit in your washer? If you can't clean it at home, you might end up letting it stay dirty for awhile, paying to have it professionally dry cleaned, or making a lot of trips to your local laundromat.
• Duvet Cover Vs. Traditional Comforter: If you want an easy way to whisk stains out of your comforter, shop for a duvet cover instead of a traditional blanket. Duvet covers are essentially sheets sewn together to create a giant cover for your comforter, and they can be removed and tossed into the washer easily.

Before you head to the register, look for the care instructions tag to see what the manufacturer recommends. Think about how much time you want to dedicate to laundering your bedding. If the tag recommends ironing or dry cleaning, you might want to side with a comforter set that is a little easier to maintain.

By investing in the right comforter set, you might be able to make that bedding last, beautify your space, and simplify your chores. Keep these tips in mind as you visit local retailers like King Linen.