After a long day's work, all we really want to do is just lay our heads down on a soft pillow and wrap our blankets around us, shutting out the world for eight hours of replenishing slumber. Wouldn't it be great if your bed would just hug you back, lulling you to sleep within moments each night? The type of bedding you choose has a huge impact on how comfortable you will be, so naturally you should consider all of your options. Whether you're outfitting your master bedroom, a guest bedroom, a baby's crib, a child's bed or a bed-and-breakfast, selecting the right bedding accessories is extremely important.

There are many types of coverlets and bedspreads to choose from. Luxurious bedding, like the type at the Hilton Hotel, is often referred to as "heavenly" or "fit for a king." The truth is, you don't have to be royalty to enjoy a good night's sleep. Luxury sets include items like satin sheets, down comforters, pillow-top mattresses, memory foam, high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, damask pattern sheets and hand-embroidery. This type of bedding is recommended if you require maximum comfort and durability or if your decorating scheme is upscale modern. Frette, Bellino Fine Linens, Anichini, Peacock Alley, Pratesi and Yves Delorme are just a few of the manufacturers that offer luxury bedding.

Or perhaps you're looking to accent your living room with a throw blanket. These types of blankets can be found in all patterns, colors, materials and sizes. The best thing about throws is that they're functional, as well as practical. Not only will they keep you warm while you're watching a movie, but they'll also liven up your room. Many first-time home buyers will choose a patterned throw blanket with at least three colors, and then match their furniture and wall paint to the colors in the blanket. At www.overstock.com, for instance, you can find everything from fuzzy animal fleece throws and hotel luxury throws in heavyweight chenille, Italian made cashmere and Italian lambswool. Whether you want a throw for your couch or your bed, you'll be able to blend style and comfort given the many options available.

Did you know that you can actually lower your heating bills by curling up with an electric blanket? During the winter, you'll be able to turn down the thermostat at night and slip into your toasty bed. For each degree you lower your thermostat, you'll save 1-2% off your heating bill. To be more specific, James Dudley from The Tennessee Magazine writes, "My queen-size mattress pad uses only 220 watts, and it cycles on and off to maintain a steady temperature. The average electricity usage is less than 100 watts, about as much as a standard light bulb uses. When you compare this to cutting your heating bills by up to 10%, the overall electricity savings are significant." The top brand names to consider in electric blankets are: Sunbeam, Beautyrest, Biddeford, Chattam & Wells, Martex and Sealy.

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