I won’t necessarily be listing terms in alphabetical order, but will be sharing terms from which you can pick and choose to create your own glossary of terms that will help you with your bedroom decorating idea and interior decor.

Valance

Valances are a popular window treatment decorating tool born from the Victorian Era.  They are an attractive window treatment that effectively and discreetly conceal drapery hardware.  Valances can be used in conjunction with blinds and curtains or hung alone for a clean, modern look.  Sometimes referred to as swag, valances are a great way to personalize your bedroom decorating idea and bedding accessories.

Ascot Valance

Ascot valances are usually made with ornate materials such as silk or velvet and are often adorned with tassels and fringe.  It is a triangular treatment usually used on a double rod between two matching panels. This elaborate valance will add a traditional sense of  luxury to any room in your house.

Balloon Valance
Just as the name implies, a balloon valance provides a full, puffy appearance.  It is a straight across valance that contains sewn pockets that can be filled with tissue paper or left empty for a more stream lined and tailored look.  Balloon valances are often made of lightweight cotton material. These valances are great in feminine and little girls’ bedrooms.

Cornice Valance

Unlike other valances, the cornice valance is mounted to a cornice board.  This provides for a clean look and the boards can be covered in any material you desire–flat, padded or pleated.  The beauty of the the cornice valance is that you can change your look without changing all of your curtains or drapes.

Festoon Valance

From the Latin festa, this decorative valance is just what the Latin origin implies–festive!  The Festoon valance is characterized by folded fabric that hangs in a curved shape and frames the top of the window.

Jabot Valance

A three pieced valance, the jabot valance is versatile on many levels.  The two side pieces hand down the sides of the window and the center piece fits the width of the window.  This look often has a scalloped effect, but can be manipulated in many ways to produce a number of desired looks from elegant to funky.

Swag Valances

Searching for that “Pottery Barn Perfect” look?  Look no further, the swag window valance is for you!  A swag is a style where the fabric hangs in semicircular folds.  The swag can be fashioned in a number of ways to produce a formal/draped look or a more casual, ruffled look.  The swag can be elaborate or simply a loosely draped piece of fabric, making it one of the more versatile, and depending on your fabric choice economical valance options.

These are just a few examples of some of the more popular valances.  I look forward to any feedback or suggestions regarding some of your favorite types of valances or if you want some more information I would be happy to provide you with more options.  Valances are a nice way to change the look of a room without changing all of your window treatments.  I love the versatile valance!

In our next glossary of terms post, we will talk about comforters, coverlets and others. If there is a term that I haven’t covered that you would like to know about, just drop me a comment. In the mean time I hope this helps with choosing your quality bedding.

I found an interesting video on how to hang a valance. Here it is on youtube in case you want to see the larger version.

As I was saying in the last post, sometimes it’s a bit confusing if you don’t understand the difference between bedding sets, comforters, duvets, quilts and some other terms with out a bedding glossary of terms. There are terms that describe all types of bed covers, materials and woven fabrics. I hope the glossary of terms I am creating here will help you in the decision process of finding the bedroom furnishings that are right for you, your family and all your bedroom retreats. It doesn’t really matter what type of interior decor you are searching for. It can be lodge and cabin cotton bedding or southwest bedding sets. Maybe you want decorative rugs or western decor. These terms will help you understand the information you are viewing.

Cotton
An all natural fiber that grows in a boll, or protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants. Pure cotton is the supplest and breathable natural fabrics available. The length of its fiber known as the the “staple” equates to the quality of the cotton. Through the acceptance of other applications it can be made resistant to flame, water, stains and shrinking.

There are several types of cotton and they include:

• Combed cotton –Cotton fibers which have undergone an additional manufacturing process called “combing.” Combing the fibres removes the short fibres and arranges the fibre in a flat bundle, with all the fibres going the same direction and leaves stronger, longer fibers for the weaving process.

• Cotton sateen – Sateen produces the sheen and softer feel through the use of a different structure in the weaving process creating soft and luxurious fabric weave creating a satin-like sheen. The sateen structure is four over, one under, placing the most threads on the surface, making it extremely soft but slightly less durable. Better qualities are mercerized to add strength and a higher sheen.

• Egyptian Cotton – Also known as gossypium barbadense or extra long staple (ELS) cotton as it generally has a staple of at least 1 3/8″ or longer. Considered the finest grade of cotton, with the longest fibers, resulting in an exceptionally soft and luxurious fabric and hand. There are also grades of Egyptian cotton. For the most durable and wrinkle free linens I suggest Egyptian Giza cotton. If the labeling does not say Giza then it is not Giza cotton.
  Note: Be prepared to pay more for Giza cotton and remember it is well worth the add cost.

• Percale – A smooth woven fabric of combed or carded yarn with a medium weight and no gloss. Remember the term describes the weave style of the fabric and not its content.  Percale could be a blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, 100% cotton, or a blend of other fabrics in any ratio. Percale weave is a round 200 thread count of or higher and noticeably tighter than other standard type of weaves used for bed-sheets.

• Supima –is a non-profit organization in the United States whose main objective is to promote the use of American Pima cotton around the world. Today the name “Pima” is the generic term generally applied to Extra-Long Staple cotton grown in the U.S. Soft, superior-grade durable cotton produced in the desert region of the United States; comparable in quality to Egyptian cotton.

Down
Another all natural fiber consisting of the soft, fluffy feathers gathered from the underside of what is usually a goose or duck. The down is used to fill pillows, comforters, mattress toppers and outerwear. It is prized for its light weight and unique thermal properties. As the temperature decreases, down naturally contracts to retain warmth. White Down whether it is goose, duck or some other foul is finer and silkier than darker toned down. Goose Down is considered to be the more opulent fill as compared to duck or hen’s down.
Down alternative
Synthetic or natural filling material used in comforters and duvets, with insulating and warming properties similar to down. Primaloft® is a top quality, hypoallergenic synthetic fill; wool and silk are popular natural fills. polyester fills make outstanding alternatives at lower costs.

I will be putting other posts as well in between, like room painting ideas and native American art.
Please keep checking back.

I won’t necessarily be listing terms in alphabetical…

Hi to all folks out there patiently waiting for new Bedroom Decorating Idea posts. I have taken a bit of a hiatus here, but I’m back. Today I will be giving you a few bedding terms. I will, through a series of posts be creating a glossary of terms for bedding. Sometimes it can be confusing to get through some of the more obscure descriptions of bedding sets, comforters, duvets and quilts with out a bedding glossary of terms. There are terms that describe all types of bed covers, materials and woven fabrics. I will start with a few more common today and more will give some others in future posts. I hope the glossary of terms I am creating here will help you figure out all the available options so you can find the bedroom furnishings that are right for you, your family and all your bedroom retreats.

Duvet- Comforter Cover: A sack or pillowcase-like covering, constructed with three closed sides and one open side for the insertion of a comforter or duvet fill. The open end is typically closed by buttons, ties, Velcro, or a zipper. It helps to protect a comforter and offers expanded decorating options as it allows you to change the look without the expense of purchasing a new comforter.

I have talked a some folks that have exclaimed there exasperation with duvet covers. Duvets and comforter covers are excellent bedding choices with their ability to be stuffed for the cold winter months and left empty for the warmer summer nights. That versatility makes a duvet cover the perfect year around choice for your bedding collections. It’s always easier to make the right choice in western bedding, southwestern bedspreads or cabin bedding when you know what the terms your reading about mean.

So here’s a helping hand for those of us that have that duvet stuffing deficiency. I found a two videos that show different and simple methods of getting your duvet cover filled.

Video one:
Video two.
I also have provided you the links so you can view them on youtube in a larger size.
Video # one

Video # two

Well I hope that the video’s are helpful.

Here’s a Couple other term’s:

Bedding
Refers to all the linens that are laid above the mattress for warmth, comfort and decorative effect. This typically includes the bed sheet, pillows, duvet, duvet cover, quilt or a bedspread.

Bed-in-a-Bag Set
A completely coordinated bed ensemble that includes a comforter, bed skirt and two standard shams.  A twin size usually comes with one sham, while a king size usually has two king shams or three standard shams. Some bed in a bag sets include a Bed sheet set with one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and two standard pillowcases A twin will include one pillowcase while a king has two king or three standard cases.

Bedspread  A decorative lightweight topper that covers the bed may reach to the floor at the foot and sides.

Deep Pockets
The corners of fitted sheets sized specifically to accommodate today’s thicker mattresses.

I will be back with more terms shortly. I the mean time take a look at the new bedroom furnishing choices at Quality Bedding Sets. com

I got it from reliable sources that they are adding new bedding on a weekly basis. As well as creating new navigation and user friendly options that make easier to find the bedding you are looking for.

And I almost forgot, Here’s their new video

So your decorating your bedroom again and want a great quality bedding at good price and not sure what to get. Let me suggest you take a look at Mystic Valley Traders bedding. Their bedding is made to order and still pretty reasonably priced for custom made bedding. They have many styles to choose from but i got to tell you that they have some of the nicest solid color bedding I have seen with their Cafe Cinnamon bedding. With The Profiles Series solid bedding also comes in colors such as bronze, plum and turquoise for colorful bedding that will give you an outstanding bedroom retreat that you will enjoy spending time in at your busy days end. But it doesn’t stop there, they also have stripes and plaids, flora’s and nautical bedding styles. Mystic Valley Traders exemplifies their motto “How To Make A Bed” by creating there bedding collections with hand picked fabrics like Silk Dupioni with solids,  patterns and textures in cotton prints, linen, damask, velvet, silk, chenille and tapestry. They were founded in 1984 and have been creating fine bedding and bedroom furnishing ever since from right here in the U.S.A. And this is one guy that can tell you with 27 years in bedding creation Mystic Valley Traders does know how to make a bed.

I know you all ready know how to make a bed right. Well Just in case you have gotten your new Mystic Valley Traders Bedding and want  a few pointers on “How To Make A Bed”, here you go.

When I think of lodge and cabin bedding I picture the North Woods or the Rocky Mountains with bear, moose ,elk and a host of other animals. Tall pine trees, pine cones, streams and small pieces of drift wood come to mind and of coarse campfires if your a camper. Many of these things can be used as decor items in your lodge and cabin bedroom retreat. Now if you plan to change your furniture there are some great options from large carved wood pieces to pine log furniture.

Now that you know what furniture is to be in the room you can select your bedding and then move on to colors and decor items like table and wall art, lamps and wall colors if you want to do some painting.

Carstens Juneau Lodge And Cabin Bedding At Quality Bedding Sets.com

Ok for lodge and cabin bedding there are some great choices here. You can get an inexpensive bed in a bag or higher end custom made, of coarse i think you get what you pay for and this really rings true with furniture and bedding collections. I usually go middle of the road on most things I buy, but when it comes to my bedding I go with spending a little more so I won’t need to replace it every couple of years. If you want to get some descent bedding and spend a little less one choice is Carstens and their Juneau Bedding Collection pictured at the right is one of their many choices. If you want to get some very well made lodge and cabin bedding then I think hands down the best choice is Wooded River Lodge and Cabin Bedding.

Woodsman Bedding Collection from Quality Bedding Sets.com

For example the Woodsman bedding from Wooded River pictured to the left is very handsome and they have a moose bedding in forest green that is equally awesome.

I think that the best place to find these and other excellent lodge and cabin bedding choices is over at Quality Bedding Sets.com. They have Bedding in a full range of prices.

So you have made your bedding choice and so now you can do the rest. If you are going to do some painting I would suggest that you take a piece of your bedding or a swatch of it with you to your local paint store. That way you will be able to make great choices for the main and accent paints without spending a lot of time with samples and running back and forth or even choosing the wrong colors.

The next and last step is to decide on your decor accessories and well that could be the funnest part. Maybe you have picture or statuary of bear or moose or some other forest animals. Grab a basket or two and fill them with pine cones or get some pine bows from your local crafts store and display them on a dresser or head or foot board. Remember that cool rock or little piece of drift wood you found on your last camping trip? Perfect! Maybe you have some of those beautiful fall leaves you can flatten and put in a picture frame in an artistic display or some old snowshoes. Maybe grandpa will let you have one of those old row boat oars or that old fishin pole in the basement to hang on the wall . The options here are endless just keep it natural and outdoors themed for the best results.

Time to get going so let me close with this video from our own back yard.

Rocky Mountains: the source of the Colorado

I have talked about bedroom decorating and room decor and i would like to tell what I think of a couple bedding designers. One of what I think is a premier bedding designer is Wooded River. They were launched in 1994 and sense become one of the largest manufactures of western, southwestern and lodge and cabin bedroom furnishing in the U.S. And yes I can say Made In America, in Idaho in fact.

Wooded River has over 30 duvet, comforter cover, bedspread and comforter sets to choose from. They come in tapestry, wool blends and others and use the best quality materials available. They don’t spare any expense on their weavers either by employing high quality mills they assure their retailers that the consumers will be purchasing the best bedroom furnishings available.

Winged Backed Chair. Available Through Quality Bedding Sets.com

Wooded River also produces fine furniture such as headboards ottomans, chairs, recliners, loveseats and sofas. A great place to get this furniture is at Quality Bedding Sets.com. It’s not on there website like all the bedding collections are but they can make it available to you with just a simple phone call.

Leather And Hair On Hide Headboard. Available Through Quality Bedding Sets.com

They use beautiful combination’s of fabric, hair on hide, leather and faux leather to create the fantastic furniture and bedding that has become the pinnacle of the Wooded River brand.

All of their bedroom furnishing are made by one at a time by the artisans they employ so when you buy a Wooded River home furnishing you will know you have purchased quality made custom bedding and furniture. And when I say custom that is precisely what I mean. They will custom make any and all their furnishings with the materials you want to mix and match and they will give that personal care to make sure you get furnishings that use the right materials to look great and match from bedding to furniture and room to room.

I have had the pleasure of working closely with them on several projects for my customers over the last 5 years and I can say with confidence that I have never had a dissatisfied client. In fact I have had only one return in that time and it was because colors were perceived  differently by the customer and so we sent fabric swatches for to match and got the bedding she needed to complete the look she wanted for her bedroom. Wooded River got involved in that process to make sure she got exactly what she wanted.

Woodsman Lodge And Caibn Bedding From Quality Bedding Sets.com

One of my favorite styles is the Lodge and Cabin or North Woods bedding. It is so easy to combine decor and is always very outdoorsy in appearance. The Woodsman pictured on the left is one of my favorites, I guess because of the red plaid accents that make the earth tone tapestry stand out.You can get a real cozy mountain ambiance with the lodge and cabin bedding styling, all you need is the campfire and and a few pine boughs.

Wooded River Tombstone Western Bedding Available From Quality Bedding Sets.com

I also have got to mention the great western bedding Wooded River has with that always inviting cowboy country home on the range look. It also is very easy to decorate around with the use of natural materials decor pieces. If you are a lover of horses then Wooded River has several bedding collections you will enjoy and the same is true if your rodeo fan. Bring out the cowboy and cowgirl with this awesome western bedding styling

Yellowstone Southwestern Bedding By Wooded River Is Available At Quality Bedding Sets.com

I guess there is only one more style to talk about here and that is the Wooded River southwestern bedding with it’s Native American, Spanish and desert influence that makes it a colorful earthy warm and inviting bedding collection that everyone will admire. Toss a couple pieces of potter here and there and maybe a cactus or two and you have a great southwestern decor in your bedroom retreat to enjoy at the end of your busy day.

Well it’s time to wrap this up. All I want to say is if these bedroom decor or interior decorating styles are what you are looking for then Wooded River is a awesome choice not only because of its styling but more importantly it’s value and quality bedding.

As a kid I loved the old west. The Cowboys and Indians, bucking broncos, ridin the range and the cook outs. Old western movies, John Wayne and Cowboys and Aliens. And well you know I still like that western decor style and have a lot of adult friends that do as well.

Western bedding By Wooded River Bedding Collections At Quality Bedding Sets.com

Western Bedding gives you a intangible and classic old west feeling, encompassing a wide range of influences. Western bedding gives you that familiar feeling which creates a relaxing and comforting ambiance not always found in other rustic bedding designs. It doesn’t have to be like a kids room either, it can bring your bedroom retreat a mature sophisticated feel. Custom western bedding collections have always added that home on the range feel no matter if your home is on the range or the city block. you don’t have to be on a ranch, bull ride or go on round ups to enjoy what a western decorating style will bring to the bedroom or bedrooms you choose to decorate with it. Here is a photo series on HGTV that shows what a difference and warmth a western style can make with rustic bedding, blankets and a little imagination. You can never go wrong with this decor and it is reasonably easy to create. Everyone loves the feel of the old west.

With the range of colors in solids stripes or patterns, western bedspreads or a cowboy comforter are always inviting and cozy. Western comforters, Western blankets and other Western bedding designs are all available at a website that has come to be known for having some of the nicest western bedding collections available from bedding designers such as Wooded Rive, Carstens Blue Barn and others. At Quality Bedding Sets.com I think that you’ll find the perfect one for your bedroom.

Find Western bedding in the form of comforters, blankets, duvets and unique bedding sets to add a rustic and romanticized new element to your bedding collection and bedrooms.

Choose western bedding sets and sleep well. I know you’ll be tempted but don’t build a campfire in your bedroom. It’s much easier just show a video or hang a picture of one.

We have been talking about bedroom decorating and design.  And one of the focal points that we haven’t talked much about is the bedding collection you choose for your bedroom retreat. So lets say you chose a southwestern theme.  As we talked about before southwestern decor and southwestern bedding brings rich colors, textures and a warm cozy ambiance to your bedroom. You can give every bedroom in your home a rustic Southwestern touch with bedding sets from designers such as Wooded River, Carstens Blue Barn and others. They are perfect examples of signature Southwestern style bedding collections. I have found an awesome online store Quality Bedding Sets that features Southwestern bedding sets, a casual yet elegant style that was inspired by nature and the Spanish and Pioneer settlers that populated the American Southwest in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Southwestern bedspreads or comforter covers, desert bedding and comforters reflect the colors and textures of the desert with Mexican and Spanish additions of textiles. Southwestern style interior design follows the soft lines of traditional adobe houses and reflects the easy, relaxed Southwestern lifestyle. It’s a simple and affordable style to achieve, if you pay attention to the details and get a southwest comforter or southwestern duvet to complete the look. It’s easy to accessorize as well with simple pottery and plants such as cactus and succulents.

With the addition of wall hangings, table art and lamps a southwestern bedroom can be quite colorful, warm, tranquil and inviting at the days end. I think that the most important thing to remember is to purchase your bedding first with the colors you like and it will be a lot easier to match the colors in your accents and walls also if you had the desire to change wall colors as well. So just keep in mind that southwestern bedrooms are desert colors and use elements of nature and let your imagination create a room that reflects your personality and you will have a bedroom retreat you will enjoy. It is also possible to to shift the theme to alternative styles such as western since they use the same elements in nature. All you need is a western bedding collection with similar or complimenting colors and you have the ability to change the look of your bedroom periodically.

You spend a lot of time in your bedroom so when you create it think of it as an oasis or a retreat from your busy day. Giving it your own personal style with your color choices, accent pieces and bedding. you can use your large furniture pieces to set a theme or style and accent with smaller items like lighting, table art or wall hangings. I like to use area rugs because they add warmth and color. I found an interesting video on how to choose your area rugs. What I have found helpful is to create an out line or list that breaks down the different elements. Furniture, wall and ceiling finishes, carpeting and area rugs, wall hangings, lamps and plants and so on. I am sure you get the idea. Then break that list down a little further by price, style, colors, materials, etc. with that information on paper you can begin to visualize your project and break it down into smaller objectives so it will be easier to accomplish and control with costs and time lines.
Ok so know you have a plan and you could use some inspiration or even some how to’s. There are many places to get that inspiration and how to do it. First your local home store such as Lowes or home depot have a number books and magazines that can help with most any project. And lets don’t forget the obvious like the internet, after all you found this right, so use this tool as well. you can find interior design magazines that have a web presence such as Interior Design Magazine or Traditional Home and Better Homes and Garden. And then just look at some pictures of what  others have done.

Look for bedroom images that are in the decor style that you have chosen for your bedroom retreat, for example if you chose western.

You can even go to furniture stores and look at their displays and you might find something you want to take home to your bedroom retreat.

The thing to keep in mind is that your bedroom retreat is just that, yours. So make it something you are comfortable in that reflects your personality and lets you relax and rest well. Your bedroom retreat may be the one place in your home that allows you piece and serenity so take the time to design it with yourself in mind and create that bedroom that functions as your home away from home, your night time refuge from the day to relax, refresh and renew your mind, body and soul. Create your master bedroom retreat today and sleep well tonight and all nights.