Backup sheets

Need a little boost? Change the sheets. Whether your day didn’t go well or you’re feeling a bit under the weather, changing the sheets is like giving yourself a present. Smooth, fresh, clean sheets; lowered lights; a good book; and a lit candle can help your evening end on a brighter note.

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Start with the best mattress you can afford. If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you’ve probably heard the advice to get the best one you can, and with good reason. A mattress with proper support can help you sleep better and wake with fewer kinks in your back.Add a mattress topper to increase comfort. Even if you aren’t buying a new bed, adding an ultracomfortable mattress topper can transform the way your bed feels. Try out memory foam, merino wool or a classic feather bed.

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Choose breathable natural fibers. Pure Egyptian or Supima cotton, brushed cotton flannel and linen are the best choices; choose the one that feels best on your skin. Be willing to experiment too — you may be surprised to find you prefer the feel of nubby linen over extra-smooth sateen.Consider a silk pillowcase. While silk is too slippery to make for comfortable sheets, pillowcases are another matter entirely! The luxuriously smooth fabric is especially gentle on the skin and hair.

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Roll out a soft and fluffy bedside rug. When you need to get up to grab a glass of water, make that first step plush and warm by laying a sheepskin or fluffy shag rug beside the bed. If you want to use a larger rug in the bedroom, choose a large flat-weave one and layer a small, fluffy rug on top.

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Prop up extra pillows for reading in bed. Big Euro-size square pillows look smart sitting in front of regular, standard-size bed pillows and make sitting up to read in bed more comfortable. Don’t forget to change the shams on your Euro pillows when you change the sheets — regular laundering will keep your bed fresh and dust free.How to Choose the Perfect Pillow — and Sleep Better

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Go Euro and skip the top sheet. In much of Europe, it’s common to use the duvet cover in place of a top sheet. If you find that your sheets often get tangled around your legs, you may want to consider adopting this method.13 Steps to a Perfectly Made Bed

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Dust and declutter your nightstand. It’s easy to forget about the state of the nightstand, but a quick cleaning can get it spick-and-span in no time. Wipe up those coffee rings, dust the lamp base and clear away the clutter. Your nightstand should be a helpful little spot that holds only what you want close at hand while you’re in bed — your current reading material, a glass of water and perhaps a candle, for instance.

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Don’t forget the throw. A soft and cuddly throw adds a touch of softness to the foot of the bed, and can come in handy when you’re sitting up in bed to read on a chilly night.Tell us: What are your favorite sheets?Shop for fresh sheets

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