Summary: Exercise (page 186)

Choice of bed coverings has an immeasurable effect on the total appearance, mood and level of sleep in the bedroom. Since the bedroom is a personal place, it is important to furnish it with things that make it truly a restful place. One way to do this is to give the bed, which is the focal point of the room, all the comfortable and pleasant treatment of coverings that it deserves. The coverings fall under categories.

                   A bed-sheet is a large rectangular cloth, used in pairs for linens. There is a large variety in the designs, patterns and colour range of bed sheets. Bed sheets may be available in a medley of designs and patterns such as geometrical, floral or plain. Bed sheets may be made of different types of fabrics such as cotton, spandex, linen and various blends of cotton, polyester, and even silks and satin. Sheets come with pillowcases and may be decorated with intricate embroidery.

                   A bedspread is a decorative cover for a bed. Bedspreads do not have an inside and are similar to a large blanket, which is placed over the bed. Available in exciting designs in different colours, shapes, fabrics and sizes, bedspreads can be custom-made in different styles to fit different beds on the market. Among the various styles include fitted bedspreads, throw bedspreads and ruffle bedspreads.

                   A quilt can bring about a radical change in the look of a bedroom. A coverlet or blanket is made of two layers of fabric with a layer of cotton, wool, feathers or down in between all stitched firmly together, a quilt is usually in a decorative criss-cross design. Rich fabrics such as silk and cotton may be used to make quilts.

                   A bed skirt typically consists of a flat piece of fabric with a ruffle or tailored attached skirt on three sides. It is also known by the names of dust ruffles, petticoats and dusters. Linen bed skirts are designed to hide a bed’s box spring. However, they have a way of bringing more colour patterns and style to the bedroom. Fabrics of good quality such as cotton, chintz, chenille or even velvet with a tight enough weave and thick enough threads are used to make good quality bed skirts.

                   Bed duvets are embellished pieces of linen throws used to cover the bed. Cotton, silks and other richer fabrics decorated with ornate designs and patterns are used for bed duvets. They may be quilted or intricately embroidered. Patchwork and other ornamentation techniques may be used to highlight the beauty of the products.

(NABTEB, 2006)