The downside to having a very large mattress is that instead of having this warm and inviting sleeping area, the bigger space appear colder, bland and less intimate. So how do you make larger beds with large mattresses a cozier space?

While there is more to play around with in this case, this is actually quite a challenge for some designers or homeowners. Going overboard with the decoration may create a sleeping area that’s just too busy, it actually drains the energy of the bedroom. If you have too many pillows on the mattress, you’ll crowd the space and there might not be enough room to sleep at all. But to do away with less accessories, may mean ending up with a really boring bed.

The key is in moderation. Have a moderate number of pillows — at least two pairs for sleeping and 3 or four more extra pillows in different sizes for decoration. If you should need bolster pillows, cover them in less conspicuous fabric so that it can blend in the background. Do you need a bed spread? A bed cover? Shams? Bed skirts? Choose colors and fabrics that don’t scream attention. The decorations have to blend together. That’s why some of these already come in sets so it’s easier to coordinate.

Image from Outblush

Pretty soon, millions of young adults will head off to college with a hint of anticipation and appreciation. Many of them will expectedly be staying in tiny door rooms. But some will find the transition more difficult than others which is why it’s better to get started and make preparations earlier.

Bed Bath and Beyond has this very comprehensive tips for both incoming college students and parents. I’ll highlight the ones that relate to mattress needs:

– Check it Off. Use a comprehensive checklist to figure out what you need to buy and what you can take from home. Bedbathandbeyond.com offers a checklist broken down by category.

– Split it Up. Students should reach out to their roommates before they shop to decide who is bringing what so they avoid bringing (and buying) duplicates.

– Check it Out. Before you shop, check with your college or university on the size of your mattress. Is it a twin or extra long twin? It would be a shame to buy the perfect sheets and then find out they are too small.

– Don’t Drive Yourself Nuts! Gone are the days of bungee cording the trunk closed. Bed Bath & Beyond stores offer a unique “Pack & Hold”(TM) service that eliminates the hassle of packing the car. Students simply shop at a store near home and then pick the items up at a store near their college, or choose to have the items shipped directly to their school.

– Don’t Forget to Make Your Bed. When you get to your dorm room, cover your mattress with a mattress protector, a quilted mattress pad, a feather bed, and finally new sheets and comforter. You’ll feel like you’re sleeping at a four star hotel, not the freshman quad.

– Don’t Panic. As prepared as you are, chances are you will forget something. Relax … bedbathandbeyond.com offers a college/store locator that makes it easy to find the store closest to your college to get the things most likely forgotten, such as hangers, extension cords and surge protectors.

Via Bed Bath and Beyond

I’ve seen beds without the benefit of a mattress cover. Most of these mattresses still look new, except that the holes and stains are dead give-aways to the fact that the mattress isn’t given care. Mattresses are big investments, and as such, they need to be protected and properly cared for.

The top layer of the mattress is the most vulnerable part. It takes everything — bodily sweats and fluids, dust, wear and tear. Providing a decent cover somehow cushions it, making its quality last longer.

Having a mattress cover is also hygienic. If you are sleeping in the same mattress sans the cover for years and years, think of how much bacteria, dust mites, microorganisms and allergens remain and thrive there.

In choosing the right mattress cover, it’s best to go for materials or fabrics which are most absorbent, as it also helps in providing you quality sleep.

Mattress covers could be anything from mattress protectors, bed sets, bed linens, bed sheets, quilts and other types of beddings.

With mattress covers, you get to enjoy your mattress better and longer.

Photo: Pottery Barn Sheets

Is it necessary to also get a new box spring when splurging for a new mattress? From Star Tribune’s Fixit it’s both a yes and no.

If the box spring is still in good working condition with cracks and rips absent from the it, then maybe spoiling for a new box spring aside from the new mattress may not be needed. But do suggests to also consider what Better Sleep Council says:

A mattress and foundation are engineered to work together as a set, and the foundation takes a lot of the nightly wear and tear and contributes to the bed’s overall comfort and support. Putting a new mattress on an old foundation, pairing it with a foundation it wasn’t designed to work with or adding a board between the mattress and foundation will impede comfort and reduce the useful life of your new mattress. It may also affect the manufacturer’s warranty coverage.

Before buying a mattress do make the best informed choice first before anything.

The bedman says he has been working in the bedding industry for years and has provided this video on how to buy the right mattress and bed. This video’s topic: Firmer vs softer, different sleeping positions and comfort levels: