Designer Bedding: The Look Without the Price Tag

Have you fallen in love with the latest Laura Ashley bedroom ensemble but almost fainted when you peeked at the price tag?  By the time you add up the comforter, sheets, shams, bed skirt, curtains and throw pillows, you will probably have to take out a second mortgage. 

If purchasing an entire designer ensemble isn't in your current budget plans, you can still achieve a similar look for pennies on the dollar.  The secret is in purchasing only the key pieces.

(Pictured: *Nautica® Blackwatch Bedding  Linens 'n Things  $14.00-$199.00)

White, white, white

Purchase a generic white comforter as your bedding base.  These can be purchased at any department store for much less than what you will pay for a designer label.  Don't worry about the fabric, by the time you are done accessorizing, it will barely show.

Now that you have your base, you can purchase white pillowcases, white sheets, and a white bed skirt all at a fraction of the cost.

Accessorize with your favorite designer label

Now you are ready to make those few carefully chosen high ticket item purchases. 

Purchase the twin comforter regardless the size of the bed

The twin comforter of an ensemble usually costs less than half of a queen or king comforter.  Lay it on top of your white comforter and fold in down to rest at the bottom of the bed.  It should come from the center of the bed to the bottom and loosely drape over the edge.

Purchase the pillowcases

Rather than purchase the designer throw pillows at astronomical prices, buy the pillow cases and use these pillows as decorative accents. Pair them in with the white pillowcases for a varied, understated look.

Skimp on the curtains

Don't purchase complete curtain ensembles. Purchasing just the valance will usually give a close effect.  Just use the valance alone with blinds, or pair it with a less expensive, no name panels.

In a recent room redo featuring a high price tag Laura Ashley collection, the total cost to dress the window with the balloon valance and two panels would have totaled $240.00.  By purchasing only the balloon valance and pairing it with generic white panels, the look was similar but boasted a savings of $!00.00 per window.  For a room with several windows the savings is dramatic.

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Choose your favorite designer bedding ensemble, choose a few key pieces, mix and match with coordinating generic pieces and there you have it!  The look without the price tag.

-Jenna Remilard
Staff Editor