This is the 1st installment in our Guide to Modern Bedding.

Here, we introduce the Modern Bedding Basics.

But before we do lets talk about the opposite of basic, excess. Our grandmother loves to decorate. Her definition of decoration is MORE — more photos, more doilies, and more dishes of potpourri. You get the idea. Her bed buckles under the weight of five pillows, two shams, a bolster pillow, a bed skirt, a duvet, and a throw tossed in for good measure.

They say taste isn’t genetic, but we followed our grandmothers’ example of decoration until we came across a photo similar to this one in a design magazine.

Wow.

Less really is more.

We looked at all the disposable stuff piled on our own bed and realized — if we bought quality items – we would need fewer of them. Plus, a good-looking bedroom never hurt anybody.

With this in mind, here’s what we like to call the Pillars of Modern Bedding:

• One set of pillows, pillowcases, and pillow protectors.
• A fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and a standard-weight duvet with cover.
• A throw blanket for cooler months.

Really.  That’s all you need.  If you are more adventurous you might want:

• Two sets of sheets per bed. With one set laundered, folded, and stored you’ll have less to worry about when grandma comes to visit.
• Add a throw pillow or two that reflect your sense of style for fun
• A pillow protector. Changing pillowcases and covers frequently can help keep your face and hair cleaner.
• Extra pillowcases and fitted sheets of any sheet patterns you particularly love. These will wear out the fastest and the print may get discontinued.
• If you have an ugly box spring, you probably want to cover it up with a modern skirt or solid neutral sheet.

So what are you waiting for? Start with the Modern Bedding Basics and see what happens. Everything else is really just frosting - don’t let my grandmother tell you otherwise.

Next lesson: Now that you have your target list, what level of quality do you want, and when are lower thread counts better than higher ones?