Which Bedding set up works best for you?

[G-C-R-M0]

Hey fellow hosts,

I wanted to send out a poll here on how hosts usually set up your bedroom beddings.  What I mean by this is the way you put together the bottom sheet, top sheet vs duvet, comforter.

Please respond to the thread using 1 or 2:
1. American/Traditional set up - bottom sheet, top/flat sheet, comforter without duvet

2. European/Millenial set up - bottom sheet, NO top/flat sheet, comforter inside duvet cover

And if you have additional thoughts/comments on why one over the other, that'd be appreciated.

I read somewhere that set up with top sheet is really impractical and is going away, to the point that most sellers now do not even sell top sheet in the set anymore, and you have to purchase it separately.

Duvet covers make sense because you just wrap your comforter and voila! you're done. This is the standard in Europe, and now millenials are adopting it.

Thanks for your time and input!

[Helen427]

hahahaha @G-C-R-M0 @Mark116 @Ann489 @Paul154 @Kira32@Gordon0 @Kath9 @Wende2

@Paul154 @Anonymous @Ann489 @Inna22 @Helen3 @Lawrene0 and whoever else is reading this.

A bed time story ...

I once upon a time worked in hospitality and have also worked in home help roles.

I agree 100% re what we in New Zealand also call bedspreads in hotels and not getting cleaned.

It used to gross us staff out that they were not changed and cleaned on a regular basis, or between guests. They were always quite heavyweight for those of us pipsqueaks at the time.

It was an American based "5 star" hotel.

They used, and still do use 3 sheets, 1 on the base, then one on top of that with a duvet/ comforter on top of it with a sheet on top followed by a bedspread.

There was a skirt on top of the base of the bed with a mattress protector on the mattress.

Lots of layers of dust, body fluids and other stuff it puts one off staying in hotels.

It's still traditional to use a bottom sheet, fitted or flat on top of a mattress protector / under-blanket with a sheet on top of that and a choice of duvet inside a duvet cover or blankets and bedspread in New Zealand.

I understand much of the world is still like that subject to weather temperatures.

I personally use my discretion as to have 2 sheets or one and a duvet inside a duvet cover for each guest as I wash the sheets & duvet cover regardless between guests.

For some people they love wrapping up with a duvet around them, others prefer the comfort of 2 sheets - if it's cooler weather 2 sheets stops the cooler air hitting one's body.

Sometimes I've asked the guest when they arrive if they prefer to have 2 sheets or one and ask them if they will kindly take it of the bed and fold it away.

I also use a base skirt on top of the base of the bed and between the mattress, it helps protect it from potential accidents.

Mattresses may be damaged/stained without them dependent on the type of guests.

In my own bedroom I like a little variety so switch between whatever mood & style I feel inclined to be in.

Over winter I love an extra natural blanket for warmth & comfort.

In summer I lavish and enjoy my Greek bedspread & reminisce of a fabulous holiday in Greece or cotton antique cover and it's history of who made it in challenging times & who had it before me, for cooler nights.

Bed linen can and does tell a story and provides people with a story to reminisce on so you may like to consider that to in your decision making.

All the best, tucked up in bed from New Zealand 🙂

(nb, a guest woke me up with an early morning booking!!)

[Kira32]

I do not use decorative pillows because I know that my guests will put their heads on it anyway.

The stuffing of the pillow is a light synthetic material and dries quikly so I can  easily trow them in the washing machine every once a while especially after longterm guests. 

[Susan1404]

@G-C-R-M0- I'm a traditionalist and use 1 only.  I hate duvets - they seem difficult to use and the only time I tried to use one was on my own bed quite a few years ago.  I use a fitted bottom sheet, flat top sheet, a thin bedspread, and when it is cold enough, blankets are offered to put on top of the spread.  I have had a few guests from out of the country and they have all used them in the order I placed them in.  I guess I will continue in this fashion unless and until guests ask for something different.

[Helen427]

@Susan1404there's a knack to duvets, you soon get over getting caught up in them ...giggle as I picture you trying to get the knack 🙂

[Susan1404]

@Helen427it's been so long ago that I don't remember all the reasons why I hated it, but you may very well be right.  I can be quite klutzy at times. 🙂

[Helen427]

@Susan1404Me too, that's why I laughed and had to be a bit naughty with my reply 🙂

If you stand at the end of the bed it's so much easier to roll them into the cover - give it a shake like a wave rippling on the beach - it's a little like making sushi, one gets there in the end.

[Susan1404]

HAHA - I don't make sushi either.  If I ever have guests complaining, I will probably give a duvet another try, but until then I'm being a stick in the mud traditionalist.

[Helen427]

@Kira32 

It's so important to wash pillows for hygiene.

I often wonder how those who have overnight only guests and solid bookings clean or keep up to health standards, or if they simply throw out and don't think where those items end up going to - that of landfill - yuk

[Ann489]

@Helen427   we have down pillows and I use washable covers on the pillows in addition to the pillow cases.  Those zippered covers/protectors are quite inexpensive, and I have a stack of them handy.  I change them after every guest.  😉

[Sarah977]

@Helen427  I made zippered covers for the bed pillows. The pillowcase goes over all and I can take off the zippered cover and wash that as well.

[Kira32]

@Helen427  So true. Everything stays fresh without buying new ones until the pillows are discolored and stinky after years of intensive usage.

Just some baking soda and a bit of apple cider vinegar together with detergent removes all odors and stains. 

Some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and every once in a while I give the matrass a spritz. Between washings of the pillows, they get a little tipsy every once in a while too lol!  

[Emilia42]

@Helen427 Hotels use the exact same methods so I wonder what those health standards are?

[Helen427]

@Emilia42 

I'm not sure on health standards but those bedspreads & comforters/ duvets never got changed very often even when us staff raised concerns about hygiene.

They used to have in-house Hotel Laundry where I worked.

Can't recall what type of washing machine they used as it's been a while.

They used a roller type of press machine to iron them & 2 staff to fold the linen.

It used to be like an oven going past there with the driers going.

I've stayed in Motels and honestly the standard of cleaning was appalling in a couple of local ones - look out for how staff act and their standards when staying in places.

Hygiene & Hotel/Motel standards reflects on the managers of those places and sometimes what they are used to in their own country of origin.

It always pays to strip the bed back and check that sheets have been changed & not just smoothed out.

Had some fun discussions on Hotel standards & looks of aghast when traveling with friends.

[Helen427]

@Ann489 @G-C-R-M0 @Kira32 @Sarah977 @Susan1404 

Yes I use those pillow protector covers to as well as wash the pillows.

@Sarah977It's fabulous to see another who has sewing skills, it sure saves money and a useful talent to have.

All the best

[Sarah977]

@Helen427  Yes, sewing skills are quite handy- it's actually my profession- I do soft furnishings for homes,- throw pillows, curtains, duvet covers and entire couch cushions from the foam core up. All my daughters know how to sew, altho one doesn't enjoy it, and my 18 year old grandson has also gotten into it. None of the granddaughters, though 🙂

I feel a bit sorry for people who don't even know how to sew on a button.