Question:
What do Sleeping Beauty, the princess from The Princess and the Pea and Goldilocks have in common?
Answer:
The first one is into extreme sleeping, the second is a sensitive sleeper (bless her) and the last is nothing but a serial bed-hopper, yet all three mythical women understand the importance of a sound night’s sleep. So take a leaf out of the fairy-tale books and make sure your bed is well worth slumbering in too.
Mattresses
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It all starts with the mattress, which ideally you will replace every ten years. Two or three visits to a showroom to test-drive the options are recommended. The softness, or firmness, of a mattress is governed by the tension of the inner springs and the gauge of the wire. The size of the springs and their distance from each other determines whether one sleeps on or “in” a mattress, says Maree Smith of Dreamwool, a Christchurch company offering handmade bespoke mattresses. Dreamwool mattresses are composed of steel pocket springs and latex rubber, with a removable quilted cotton and wool cover. Mattresses containing foam will be cheaper but, because they readily absorb body moisture and humidity, they will gradually break down, becoming harder and less comfortable. |
Bedlinen
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Though thread count is well established as a measure for choosing sheets and pillowcases, Vicki Thompson of Sheridan New Zealand believes individual taste should be the key factor. “The sense of touch and your preferred overall finish – soft, smooth or luxurious – are paramount,” she says. Today, environmentally aware shoppers can also consider bedlinen made of cotton mixed with bamboo and even soya bean. Highly regarded Frette linen is made in Italy from 100 per cent long-fibre Egyptian cotton and, according to Cavit & Co’s Debbie Cavit, is “the best bedlinen in the world – beautiful quality and very relaxing to sleep in”. Evidently, Madonna agrees. She only stays at hotels that dress their beds with Frette. |
Blankets
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A key benefit of wool is its ability to breathe and draw moisture away from the body, ensuring an even temperature, says Sarah Farmiloe of NZ Wool Blankets. She recommends blankets that are machine-washable for easy care. A cold wash up to four times a year and a monthly airing outside is all that’s required to keep them in great condition. Lighter-weight cellular blankets are ideal for babies, as they prevent overheating by allowing air to dissipate. A standard blanket weighs around 400gsm (grams per square metre) and lighter-weight blankets range from 320 to 380gsm; heavier blankets are used mainly in commercial settings such as hotels. Imported blankets tend to be available only in standard single, queen and king sizes, but locally made ones also come in king single, double, super queen and super king sizes. |
Duvets
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Duvets are as popular as ever and Eugene Ruane of Fairydown says there are fillings available for all preferences and budgets: feather and down mix (either duck or the more luxurious goose), wool (for those allergic to feather and down), cotton (for summer-weight warmth) and polyester (often used in spare rooms and baches). The higher the percentage of down it contains (that’s the soft, fluffy plumage from the breast and underbelly), the more warmth offered by a feather and down duvet. Eighty to ninety-five per cent down is a really warm duvet; fifty per cent is a summer weight. |
Bed covers
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Bedspreads, comforters, coverlets, eiderdowns, quilts, throws – whatever you call them, that final layer is becoming increasingly essential in our quest for a well-dressed bed. And they can be rolled or folded at the foot of the bed, precisely smoothed and then tucked in or strewn haphazardly, depending on the look you want. |
Pillow talk
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“The theory is that, when lying down, the body should be in the same alignment as it is when standing upright,” says Fairydown’s Eugene Ruane. Consider your favoured sleeping position when choosing a pillow: soft, low pillows for those who sleep on their stomach and medium for back sleepers. Those who sleep on their side are better off with a firm, high pillow. |
Colour
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Subtle hues such as natural travertine and sandstone will adorn beds this season. Raspberry, gold and saffron are on offer for the more extroverted boudoirs; elsewhere splashes of pink and turquoise inject excitement. Black is also emerging as a strong secondary colour or used as accents in fine stripes, piping or borders, married with classic crisp white sheets. Midnight blue, carbon and gunmetal grey are picked to appear and watch for French-inspired blue and white duvet covers for a soft, fresh take on early spring.
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Pattern
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Painterly patterns with charmingly undefined edges make an entrance. Some prints are even reproduced from designs initially painted by hand. Flowers, a perennial favourite, are highly detailed, overblown and voluptuous; floral duvet covers mixed with pinstriped sheets are a sharp pairing. An outbreak of spots and dots is sure to satisfy those who crave a more contemporary pattern. Look out for designs incorporating ancient Japanese and Chinese motifs with complementary sheeting featuring a rattan-style print. |
Texture
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Contrasting areas of sheen and matt add a restrained texture to otherwise plain duvet covers; the play of light brings a new dimension to the finish. Similarly, intricately embroidered bed covers create tactile interest purely with stitching. Jacquard weaves feature embossed elements that feel and look luxurious. Expect the quiet presence of broderie anglaise – the negative detail (that’s designer-speak for holes) lends textural relief to an otherwise smooth fabric. |
Stockists:
Allium (09) 524 4242
Bashford Antiques (09) 361 5142
Cavit & Co (09) 358 3771
Chambers (09) 376 6479
Corso De’ Fiori (09) 307 9166
French (09) 358 1562
Harrowset Hall (09) 524 4452
Harvey Norman 0800 422 423
Icon Textiles (09) 302 1652
Sarsfield Brooke (09) 377 1502
Sheridan 0800 100 137
The Look Design Store (09) 520 1555
Vintage Styles (09) 360 3477
Please see the photo gallery for styling details from this story.
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