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».How do I dress my bed?

There are three basic ways to purchase bedding.  The first is to purchase individual pieces that comprise different layers of the bed.  A complete bed is made up of the following items:

• Comforter or Quilt

• Blanket

• Decorative Pillow Shams - This can include European style shams that are typically 25" square, as opposed to standard rectangular shams.

• Decorative Pillows - It is best to use 2-3 different pillows of different sizes to help break up the bed and add some different textures.

• Bed Skirt (Dust Ruffle)

• Flat and Fitted Sheet

• Pillowcases

These items can also be purchased as part of a set.  Set configuration vary widely however the most commonly referred to configurations are bed ensembles (also known under a name of "Bed in a Bag") and comforter sets.

Bed Ensembles verses Comforter sets

Sheet sets create the distinction between bed ensembles and comforter sets.  A bed ensemble includes the sheets while a comforter set does not contain the sheets.

».Infant Bedding Trends

By Shirley Pepys

As we near the year 2000, we tend to look back through the past decades and reflect on the fashion bedding industry, which is only thirty years old. Before that, there was no such thing as coordinated linens for a crib. The way we bought these products was very different. Most of the comforters, quilts, blankets, and plastic bumpers were sold only in department stores.
It was fashion bedding that changed the juvenile industry forever. When we were a young company, all the strollers, car seats, and infant carriers were a shade of gray.
Little by little, as fashion became a bigger part of the not so exciting baby business, you started seeing fabrics with color and prints showing up in strollers and carseats. White plastic and vinyl soon became soft color and then, eventually, turned bright. Ironically, the colors of bedding 28 years ago are much the same today: Natural colors such as brown, florals yellows-yellow checks, and blues. If we look closely at what is popular today, it is very much the same color palettes.
One popular trend of today is reminiscent of our past. The retro look for baby is quite popular not only in bedding but also in apparel accessory designs. Unique fabrics and colors are appearing again.
Another look is that of the patchwork quilt, creating a comfortable, loving feeling to any nursery. Quilt designs have been tested in several of our focus groups. The always remains a favorite of both men and women, because it reminds parents of their childhood with their own special handmade blankets and accessories.
Licensing is a mainstay in the bedding industry, but appears to be at a plateau. Most licensed products have been designed for the mid-tier consumer.
The desire for a more sophisticated look in infant bedding is on the rise with many consumers not wanting a "baby" look to their nursery. Because parents can transition a nursery theme to a child's bedroom more easily with "adult designer looks", this theme is increasing in popularity. Fashion forward designs include textured fabrics. Consumers are looking for interesting mixtures of both colors and textures to make their nursery more unique. Textured terrys, seersucker, knits, and organza are just a few of the more interesting fabrics being used in bedding designs this year.
Mix-and-Match continues to be in high demand for consumers. Many consumers are choosing to decorate the nursery themselves, quite often incorporating their home decor with the baby's room. Denim has been a popular mix-and-match item that is easy to work with and blends well with several contemporary and Americana designs. I see this look continuing to grow.
Looking at the year 2000 and beyond, I see the luxury market becoming much stronger. Nostalgia is everywhere. Vintage quilt looks will gain popularity. Consumers want the handcrafted look. The closer we get to the year 2000, the farther back we reach to find the simpler times the and tastes that go with them.
As the juvenile industry looks ahead to the new millennium, it is important that manufacturers keep ahead of first time parents with research and development of new trends around the world. And as it has been for decades, what has gone around once may come around again!
Shirley Pepys is the founder of Noel Joanna (NoJo). NoJo is a manufacturer of infant bedding, accessories and basics. NoJo is a Crown Crafts Company.