Bed & Bath

How do I choose and accessorize a bedding ensemble?
Whether you want to create a complete look for your bedroom or just add a few accent items, this vendor has something for everyone. Here's how to get started:

1. Select your comforter first; its size makes it the focal point of your bedroom. If you're on a budget and have an existing comforter that's in good shape and you just want to update the pattern, a duvet or comforter cover (a "pillowcase" for your comforter) can be an affordable choice. Just make sure you choose a comforter cover that's darker than your current comforter so the colors don't show through, and the size that fits.
2. Choose three sets of sheets. An easy rule of thumb is one set on the bed, one in the closet and one in the laundry. A set of sheets usually includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and two pillowcases (twin sets include one pillowcase). Two sets should match the comforter because these sheets will be washed often and rotating them will make them last longer. Add a set of coordinating solids for seasonal changes and mix and match possibilities.
3. Mix two styles with accessory pieces. Add a bedskirt, decorative pillows, shams or a table round to accentuate a particular color, or to mix and match.
4. Don't forget the basics...a coordinating blanket, mattress pad, pillows (don't forget the extra pillows for your shams!) and a comforter cover are always useful.
5. Remember your guests. Whether it's an extra bedroom or a pull-out couch that needs a more inviting look for overnight guests, choose any of the above suggestions to create a tastefully decorated, comfortable sleeping area anywhere in your home.

Bedroom Basics Checklist, per bed:

* 1 to 2 comforters
* 1 comforter cover
* 3 sets of sheets per comforter (2 matching sets, 1 set of coordinating solids)
* 1 to 2 mattress pads
* 1 bedskirt
* 2 to 4 pillow shams
* 1 to 2 blankets (1 lightweight and 1 winter weight)
* 2 to 4 decorative pillows
* accent furniture and decorative accessories

What does thread count mean and why is it important?
Thread count helps determine the quality of the sheet and is simply the number of threads in one square inch of fabric. Quality sheeting begins at 180 threads per square inch. The higher the thread count, the softer the "hand" or feel of the sheet and the more pill resistant it will be. Look for the word "percale," which means the sheet has a thread count of 180 or higher. This vendor's sheets range from 200 to 340 thread count, a silky soft luxurious fill.

Should I choose cotton or blend sheets?
It is truly a matter of personal choice. There is no better or worse choice, no right or wrong decision. Cotton is often chosen because it's a natural fabric and feels cooler and softer to the touch. Blends of polyester and cotton are popular because they are more wrinkle-resistant. You can further reduce wrinkling by not drying your sheets with heavy items such as towels, and by removing them from the dryer and folding them while they are still warm.

What are the different types of materials used in sheets and accessories sold by this vendor?
Our vendor's bedding products are made of a variety of materials, mostly different types of cottons. Here's a handy glossary of terms to guide you when selecting our products:

Combed Cotton: Cotton fibers are obtained from the seed of a cotton plant. Combing separates the long, desirable fibers from the short, immature fibers to create a stronger, smoother yarn.

Egyptian Cotton: Cotton grown exclusively in Egypt and the longest fiber staple in the world. This means less linting, more durability, more luster and a softer feel.

Flannel: 100% cotton fabric brushed on both sides for softness and warmth.

Knit: A very soft, relaxed cotton fabric that feels like a t-shirt. Not as warm as flannel, but Jersey knits will keep you cozy in the wintertime.

Percale: Cotton or blend sheeting of 180 threads per square inch or higher.

Sateen: Woven fabric with a smooth surface and lustrous sheen that resembles satin. These super-smooth sheets frequently have thread counts of 220 and above.

Silk: The softest and most luxurious of all bed linens, silk is surprisingly also the strongest. It's also lightweight and keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

What bedding sizes do you offer? Do you sell bedding for hard-to-fit beds?
We offer bedding for a wide variety of sizes: daybeds, bunk beds, twin (adult and children's bedding), full, queen, king, and California king ,deep pocket, extra-long twin, and supersize comforters. In fact, we will custom make any shape you like! You wouldn't be the first that asked about sheets for your round bed!

How should I care for my bedding products?
To keep your this vendor's bed linens in great shape and help them last longer, follow these simple guidelines:

* Your sheets will last longer if you follow the "three set rule": one set on the bed, one in the linen closet and one in the laundry. This way, your sheets can last three times as long, because each set will be laundered less frequently than a single set would be.
* To brighten your white sheets, you don't need to do what they did decades ago -- laying sheets on the grass at dawn for the morning dew and sunshine to work their magic. Today, you can simply add 1/4 cup lemon juice to the wash cycle. Then, line dry sheets in the sun to increase the whitening effect.
* Be sure to wash brand new sheets before putting them on your bed. Machine wash according to the instructions on the care label with similar colors and then tumble dry on medium heat.
* If you store your linens in a wooden chest, line it with muslin or acid-free paper to prevent the wood from staining the sheets. To deter moths, fill a muslin pouch with dried lavender flowers, rosemary leaves and cedar chips.

I bought some items from a bedding ensemble you've offered previously, but I don't see it on your Web site or in your current catalogs. How can I find out if the pattern is still available?
Our bedding collection varies with the seasons, with many of our popular patterns reappearing as the seasons change. During the summer, you might not see our full flannel collection, and you probably won't see our summer theme prints in mid-winter. Generally speaking, you will find most of our vendor's currently-available patterns on this Web site unless they are out of stock.

How do I choose bath towels and accessories?
When choosing towels for your bathroom, there are three primary factors to consider: style, material and size. Here are some suggestions:

Style

1. Go for color. Colorful, eye-catching towels are an inexpensive way to alter your bath's decor and downplay existing fixtures or tile you don't like. Or choose a whimsical pattern that's sure to capture attention!
2. Mix and match colors to add a little excitement. If you're building around a pattern (for example, a bedding or shower curtain pattern), choose two colors from the pattern (both dominant and subtle colors will work nicely) and buy coordinating solid-color towels to accent the pattern.
3. If your house features a master suite, you may want to continue your color scheme from the bedroom into the bath.

Material Fabric or Construction

1. A general rule of thumb is to buy the best quality towels you can afford; good towels can last for over 10 years -- or until you want to redecorate, of course!
2. Most towels are made of cotton, but the quality of cotton varies (as does the cost). Towels made of tightly woven, high-quality cotton offer excellent value. All of the towels and other products This vendor carries are of the highest value and quality.
3. Decide whether you want thick, heavy towels; soft, fluffy towels; velvety towels or textured towels. Sturdy looped towels are more absorbent than and not as soft as velvety (sheared-loop) towels. The heavier the towel, the longer it will take to dry on the towel rack and in the dryer.

Size

Towels come in almost as many sizes as they do cottons. It's important to know what size ranges are available when deciding which towels to buy.

Bath Sheets: ranges from 30" x 60" to 36" x 72"
Bath Towels: ranges from 22" x 42" to 30" x 54"
Hand Towels: ranges from 16" x 26" to 16" x 30"
Wash Cloths: ranges from 12" x 12" to 13" x 13"

What bathroom basics should I buy?
As a general rule, you'll want to have extra towels on hand just as you would bed linens -- one set in the bathroom, one in the closet and one in the laundry. If you or family members use an extra bath towel every day, remember to double the number of bath towels to be sure you have enough on hand. And don't forget your guests -- always be prepared for at least two guests, more if you play host frequently or have a large family.

Bathroom Basics Checklist:

Towels per person:
3 bath towels
3 hand towels
1 to 2 bath sheets
6 wash cloths

Accessories per bathroom:
2 bath mats
2 shower curtains
2 curtain liners

How do I care for my bath towels?

* The best way to launder a towel is to machine wash it in warm water with a mild soap. Only use bleach on white towels. Tumble dry on cotton setting and fold promptly.
* If you air dry your towels, shake them before hanging, and then shake them again when they're dry to fluff up the terry loops.
* When washing your towels, avoid fabric softeners since they contain silicones that coat the terry fibers, stiffen towels and make them practically water-repellent. Many towels will retain their soft texture for years without the use of fabric softener.
* Be sure to wash brand new towels before use; wash dark colors separately. Be aware that the first few times you wash deep-toned towels, they'll rid themselves of excess dye. This "bleeding" will stop after three or four washings.
* To freshen towels and keep them smelling sweet, add a half-cup of baking soda to the wash cycle.
* Another nice way to freshen towels is to add a lavender rinse to the wash cycle. People have used lavender for centuries for cleaning purposes due to its fresh scent and antiseptic properties. (To make the rinse: Fill a small muslin sachet with lavender flowers. Bring 3 cups of water to boil in a saucepan. Add the sachet to the boiling water. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the resulting infusion to the rinse cycle of the wash.)