Choosing a Bedspread, What's Involved?

There are several top considerations to think about when you are choosing a bedspread. These considerations can be classified into two basic categories: substance and style. First of all, different materials have advantages and disadvantages relating to warmth, comfort and air quality. Secondly, there are many diverse styles of bedspreads ranging from traditional to modern, fun to romantic, masculine or feminine, and so on. You will want to think about the color scheme and the general décor of your room. All of these considerations can help you to choose from the hundreds or perhaps even thousands of different bedspreads that are available for purchase.

<b>Substance: Bedspread Materials</b>

There are several different materials used to make bedspreads, and as in any textile, they are generally classified as natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. In many cases, the material is not as big a consideration as is what the bedspread looks like. Reasons to choose one material versus another include how they affect or regulate body temperature while you are sleeping and potential allergies.

Many people have very personalized preferences when it comes to the just the right temperature for a good night's sleep. Some prefer to be very warm, while others prefer to be cool. Either way, you want to choose a bedspread that is made up of the right materials. Cotton bedspreads tend to be the coolest and are a great choice for summer or if you are not relying on the bedspread to provide warmth. Cotton is extremely versatile and many people prefer it for its natural texture and softness. Silk is also an attractive natural option renowned for its beauty and elegance.

Another natural material that works with your body's warmth to maintain consistent temperature throughout the night is natural down feathers. Feathers have been used as bedding for many centuries and are still a highly effective, and earth-friendly, alternative to cranking up the heat or using electric blankets. A lot of people, however, are allergic to real down, so therefore a synthetic equivalent is necessary.

Modern science has produced many high quality synthetic materials and natural/synthetic blends that mimic or improve upon the qualities of natural fiber. Polyester, polyester fleece, nylon and rayon are just a few choices. Reasons to choose one over another may include whether the material needs to be dry cleaned or can be cleaned in your home washing machine. Be sure to read the manufacturers' recommended cleaning instructions if you want to avoid big dry cleaning bills.

If you are known to have allergies to certain types of material, obviously you will want to read the product labels. Beyond skin contact with a material, you may want to consider whether a material "sheds", pills or releases "fuzzies" that can add to the dust in your room or attract microscopic pests which contribute to poor indoor air quality. If this is a concern for you, you may want to do some additional web research before making a final purchase decision.

<b>Style: Color, Form and Function</b>

A bedspread is often the finishing touch or focal point of the bedroom's décor. One big advantage to this is that a bedspread is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to "redecorate" your bedroom in an instant. While walls and furniture may remain the same, your bedspread and coordinating accessories are easy to change.

After you know what type of bedspread you are looking for, chances are good that you are going to want to make sure that the bedspread's style matches with the overall look of your room. If you have a set of favorite sheets, you might want to start there and look for a bedspread which complements the color or pattern. If your room is color-intensive, you may choose to lighten it up with a solid white or neutral bedspread. Likewise if the colors in your bedroom are neutral, add interest and splash with a colorful or boldly patterned bedspread.

There are several basic styles of bedspreads – the coverlet, which is typically meant to be removed while you are sleeping and placed back on the bed when you rise in the morning, is large enough to fall to the floor on all sides of the bed. This style is nice because you don't need to use a bedskirt as you would with a comforter, which just covers the top of your bed and a bit of the sides. Styles range from ruffled, laced, bejeweled and embellished to straight line, solids, patterned and geometric.

Remember that the bedspread is one of the most prominent visuals in your bedroom. When guests come to visit and stick their heads into your room, they are going to see your bedspread. Nosy guests aside, you want to create a room environment that lifts your spirits and helps you to get a restful night's sleep. The bedspread should complement your personal style and should look great inside your room. With so many types and styles to choose from, you are sure to find something that's the perfect fit for you!