How a Duvet Can Add Style and Charm to Your Bedroom

A new duvet is a great way to add style, charm and comfort to your bedroom

There are few places more inviting at the end of a long and arduous day than your own bedroom. If that happens to be a lovely, warm and comfortable spot, you're already well on your way to sweet dreams. If that is not the case, however, maybe you should consider re-decorating. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive step, since the main investment is in new bedding.

Consider the color scheme - walls, carpet, rugs, art work, etc. - and start with complimentary colors for your bed. Consider also the 'motif, if there is one.

Heavy "rustic" furniture may not be well matched with flowers and pastels, for instance. The general décor that you find most appealing should be carried on with the bedding you choose.

Probably the first thing your eyes are drawn to when you walk in the door is the bed itself, and this can also be the "main attraction" - if it is beautifully covered with an eye-pleasing duvet. (Note that the word 'duvet' is literally translated as 'comforter'. How apt!)

There is an infinite variety of colors, patterns and fabrics to choose from when selecting the cover for your duvet/comforter. However, you should remember one important factor in the comfort department: with what is the duvet filled?

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but in this case, comfort may be in the stuffing! If you have allergies to certain substances, such as goose down, you will want to check out some other options. Allergy to goose down is fairly common, but only a few people have any problems with cotton, wool or silk.

There is really no guarantee that any material is truly "hypoallergenic". The Federal Food and Drug Administration has no standard definition for the term, since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the legal definition based on the FDA's own test results. If you are subject to this kind of allergy, you will need to do some research for yourself. Find out what the company you plan to purchase from defines as hypoallergenic. You may be among a very small minority of those allergic to a certain substance, which claims to be hypoallergenic, but will still cause a negative reaction in some people. Again, cotton, wool, or silk are pretty safe bets for almost every one, and that goes for the rest of your bedding which may be unseen under the duvet but snuggles right next to your skin!

One more thing to keep in mind is that some colors and fabrics are more stain-resistant (and stain-obscuring) than others. A certain amount of plain practicality will ultimately make your re-decoration more rewarding. You may want to try a bed-skirt, too - it can add the final classy touch to the "look" you're looking for.

Now you have the basis for a cozy and relaxing haven to come home to. It all starts with that comforting and comfortable duvet - a small investment for a very nice return!

*Hypoallergenic, (Blakiston's Medical Dictionary0 AllergyBuyersClub.com

*Hypoallergenic Label, Eco-Labels Center, GreenerChoices.org