Toile Bedding

Thread count is used in measuring a fabric's quality and fineness. It's also used in determining the number of thin threads present per square inch. Generally, a higher thread count means a softer fabric. The material will also wear better and soften over time. A good toile quilt set ranges anywhere between 200 and 800, but you'll be able to see numbers that are over 1,000.

Anything that's over 1,000 does NOT guarantee a top-quality toile quilt set as it may just mean that the yarns were twisted together. Yarn twisting does not improve a material's soft feel.

Now that you know how to select a toile quilt set based on its quality, let's move on to color. Most interior designers would suggest that you consider the existing color palette of a bedroom before deciding on a set. As soon as you've determined the palette you have to work with, you can either match it with similar colors or complement with pops of color. Choose a color that's subtle to create a relaxing atmosphere – one that's not cluttered and easy on the eye.

When you're having second thoughts about a certain pattern, remember to take an important aspect into consideration: the scale of the pattern. A large pattern is calming. A tiny one, on the other hand, will look busier. Toile is great for antique beds and beds with minimal detailing. If your room's carpeting has geometric patterns, color blocking or stripes, you may want to forego a toile quilt set altogether as it will look odd in the space unless you can find a set with a pattern that's given by the quilt's stitching.

Keep the design of your toile quilt set muted if your furniture and bedroom décor are elaborate and flamboyant. What extra features to look for in a toile quilt set?

If your goal is to have luxurious bedding using a toile quilt set, don’t forget to get a coverlet as well to layer under the quilt. It will add an exciting color or splash of texture to your bed. You can also add complementary pillow shams to your bedding for visual interest.

Quilt sets are excellent solutions if you're planning to change your bedroom's look regularly or according to the season. If you don't want to buy several sets, choose a reversible toile quilt set so you can update your bedroom in the quickest way possible.

You know that matching bed sets create a cozy atmosphere. But what is the difference between a quilt and coverlet?

A quilt is a relatively lightweight bedspread that usually has a woven, artistic top and a softer layer underneath. Quilts are much lighter than traditional comforters or duvets, as they only have a thin layer of batting in the middle.

A coverlet is a type of bedding that you find at the foot of the bed. It is an extra cover that goes over the top of the main quilt or bedspread and only covers the bottom third of the bed.

As well as being decorative, a coverlet is perfect as an extra layer of warmth and texture on the bed. Coverlets are great for guest beds as they can be pulled up in the night instead of fetching more blankets.

This style of bedding can make great bedding in summer homes and warmer climates where comforters can be too heavy.

If you are investing in high-quality bedding, you need to find the best materials for your quilt and coverlet. Most bedding is sorted into natural fibers and synthetic fibers, and there are features to consider for both.

Natural fibers

Natural fibers are materials that occur naturally. This category includes materials like cotton, wool, and silk. It can also include flannel, however, this can be made synthetically as well. Natural fibers are usually more expensive options but will last longer because of the quality. Your choice of material will often depend on what kind of climate you will be using the quilt.

You will need to compare the natural fibers to decide which one you want for your quilt:

• Cotton - lightweight, durable, usually machine washable. Higher thread-count cotton is usually of higher quality and feels softer.
• Wool - warm, cozy, and stays cleaner for longer. Wool is usually unsuitable for the dryer, so not as good for low maintenance bedding.
• Silk - naturally hypoallergenic, luxurious feel. Real silk (instead of synthetic) is known for having a higher price tag. If you want the silky, luxurious feel without the price tag, opt for cotton with a sateen weave or something synthetic.
• Flannelette - 100% brushed cotton, cozy feeling, better for slightly colder temperatures.

Synthetic fibers

Synthetic fibers have a more accessible price tag and are especially good if you have allergies. Economically, synthetic quilts are appealing, and they are still good quality. However, their lifespan is usually a lot shorter than natural quiltsand covers and can feel "plastic" before washing them properly.

Here are a few synthetic materials you might find for your quilts and bedding:

• Polyester - affordable, can be "scratchy". Polyester is the name of the synthetic fiber "group". It is often combined with other materials like cotton.
• Microfibre - machine washable, silky feel, microfibre is a finely-woven polyester.
• Acrylic - not as soft as other synthetic fibers but is often used for more colorful fabrics like the ones found on top of quilts and coverlets. The bottom half of the quilt will usually be made of something softer.
• Micro flannel - softer than some other polyesters, wrinkle-resistant

When choosing duvets, you should keep in mind that they come in direct contact with your body, and thus, you may wish to consider the choice of materials a bit more, focusing on your personal needs and conditions (e.g. allergies). As for coverlets, they are generally more decorative and are not directly on your skin, so you can play around with the design a bit more.

The next tip for buying quilts and coverlets is to make sure you get the right size.

• Like most bedding, quilts are sold to match standard bed sizes from single to kings.
• It is important to remember that quilts and coverlet dimensions will be much wider than the mattress size. The overhang creates a more luxurious look and hides any space underneath the bed.
• For example, a double bed is 54"x75". A standard quilt for a double bed is 81"x96". Even though there are standard sizes for quilts, it is a good idea to measure from the top of the mattress to the ground so you know how low it will hang.
• Coverlets are usually not as wide as traditional quilts. This helps you get that "layered" look. Buying quilts and coverlets in a set will have balanced sizes to achieve this look.
• As well as measuring the width of the quilt, you should look at the length. If you have a lot of throw pillows on the bed, then you might want to get something shorter or longer to keep it balanced. The quilt should hang down equally on all three sides of the bed.

The next step on how to choose quilts and coverlets is the style. How do you match it to your bedroom decor? How heavy should the quilt be for the climate?

We have a few style tips to help you choose the perfect bedding set:

• Consider the climate first - No matter what color or style quilt you buy, always consider the climate first. There are many beautiful quilts and coverlets that may be too heavy for warmer climates!
• Use complementary colors/patterns - A quilt and coverlet set need to complement each other. If they are made from exactly the same material, you lose the luxurious effect. In the same way, if they do not have a color that ties them together, it will look messy.
• Stick to one color palette - This is interior design 101. As well as complementing each other, the quilt and coverlet set should have one color palette. More than two colors from a different palette will distract the eyes and risks looking unrefined.
• Mix and match throw pillows - Your pillows and cushions should match and complement your bedding. It is good to have a couple that match the quilt and then mix complementary colors and textures to add interest.