Bedroom Basics

When pulling together the basics to set up a bedroom you will need to begin with a list and then determine which items you will buy new, borrow or otherwise acquire. If you are just starting out in a first home or new apartment you may have more borrowed items than new, so focusing on ways to coordinate everything to pull it all together for a more cohesive look is a good idea.

Most likely you will want to buy a new mattress and box spring; new or second-hand, you’ll need to invest in a mattress encasement or mattress protector to help prevent against dust mites and the like. If you’ve only acquired a basic metal bed frame you may wish to add headboards; headboards not only provide a décor element, they help to protect the walls from wear and tear. Similarly, when buying new pillows you will need a pillow protector for each pillow in addition to a pillowcase

Another way to provide a more coordinated look to the bedroom is with a new bed ensemble. A typical bed ensemble consists of a bed skirt, a quilt or comforter and two pillow shams; each component is designed to complement one another and while they may not match precisely they result in an attractive and stylish look that will help pull an eclectic room together. Many of the major bedding lines offer complete collections which include accessories such as window panels and window valances so when your budget permits you may add additional articles for a more finished look.