Spend vs Save: Bed Edition Where to invest and where to edit when it comes to your most personal space

If there’s one place worth spending a bit more, it’s the bed. Not just for the obvious eight-hours-a-night reason, but because your bed is the anchor of your bedroom – visually, emotionally and functionally.

That said, not everything needs to break the bank. Here’s my breakdown of what to spend on and what to save on to create a bed that looks (and feels) five-star, without going five times over budget.

SPEND ON:

1. Mattress
This one’s a no-brainer. Your mattress directly affects your sleep, posture, and recovery. A good mattress will last you 7–10 years, and when you divide the cost over nightly use, it’s probably the best cost-per-wear you’ll ever get.

2. Sleeping Pillows
Not all pillows are created equal. Invest in quality inserts that support your neck properly. They don’t need to be fancy – they just need to be functional. You can always dress them up with nice pillowcases.

3. Accent Cushions
These are your styling statement. Opt for better quality fabrics and tailored shapes that bring sophistication to the whole setup. Whether it’s linen, velvet, or bouclé, a couple of well-made accent cushions elevate the entire bed.

4. Coverlets / Bed Covers
A lightweight coverlet in a beautiful texture or colour can pull everything together and give your bed that designer-finished feel. Unlike a duvet, it’s always on show – so go for one that makes the bed look intentional even when it’s quickly made.

5. Bed Frame
Your bed frame sets the tone for the room. Choose one that suits your space and adds structure and style. It doesn’t have to be trendy, but it should be solid, well-proportioned, and ideally with a bit of personality. Think of it like good furniture – not a throwaway item.

SAVE ON:

1. Bedding Basics (Sheets, Quilt Covers, Duvet Inserts)
Let’s be honest – plain linen sheets and duvet covers can look luxe without being expensive. Stick to classics like white, beige or olive, and layer with styling pieces. As for quilt inserts and toppers, middle-of-the-road is fine – you don’t need hotel-grade goose down unless you’re really fussy.

2. Decorative/Extra Sleeping Pillows
Those extra pillows behind or ontop of the ones you actually use? Keep them simple. They’re more for shape and layering than actual comfort. Buy affordable inserts and cover them in quality pillowcases if you need the look, not the function. Not to be confused with that gorgeous lumbar cushion. I’m talking the two extra pillows you have for your duvet set.

3. Plain Bedlinen Sets
You don’t need six sets of designer sheets. A few classic sets in solid colours or subtle stripes will do the job perfectly. Rotate and refresh as needed, and save the splurge for your accent pieces.

Final Thought:

Put your money where it matters – under you, behind your head, and in the styling details that tie it all together. When you know where to spend and where to save, your bed can feel just as good as it looks. And really, isn’t that the point?

Sweet dreams,
Loui x
Your guide to living well, layering better, and waking up in style