Every major retailer seems to have a full wall devoted to cheap comforter sets. You've unintentionally seen them. You can purchase a comforter, sheets, pillow cases, pillow shams and a dust ruffle in one bundle, often at a very low price.
These "bed in a bag" combinations are a mainstay of the retail scene, but are they right for your home? Let's look at the pros and cons of cheap comforter sets.
The Upside of Cheap Beds in Bags
There are a number of reasons why you might want to purchase an inexpensive bundle of bedding.
First, the prices on these combination sets are usually quite low. They are much cheaper than assembling a full set of bedding on a piece-by-piece basis.
Second, cheap comforter sets are available in a variety of patterns and colors. It is not hard to find several options for almost any room that will look wonderful.
Third, they offer fabulous convenience. You do not need to struggle to find complementary sheets or pore over stacks of bedding to find matching pillowcases. These complete bedding sets are such an easy solution.
The Downside of Cheap Comforter Sets
There are persuasive arguments in favor of cheap bedding bundles, but there are some very good reasons to think twice before buying a bargain-basement bedding set.
First, these comforter sets will not provide a top-notch level of comfort. The comforters may keep you warm, but the low thread count of the sheets and pillowcases leave a great deal to be desired.
Second, quality is an issue. It is simply another example of "you get what you pay for." These sets are cheap for a reason – the materials and manufacturing just are not top notch. You can expect your sheets and pillowcases to fade. You can also expect the cheap comforters' poly fill to break down.
Third, cheap comforter sets can limit your flexibility. What happens if you want to add one more pillow to the mix? If you buy your bedding a la carte, it's as easy as buying a new pillowcase. That's not true with packaged cheap comforter sets. Many of the patterns and color combinations are particular to the bundle in which they're sold. It can be potentially impossible to get additional matching pieces.
So, what's the bottom line? Should you purchase cheap comforter sets or not?
In the end, it depends upon how the individual values the various advantages and disadvantages of the sets. What may be right in a little-used guest room may be wrong for the master bedroom. Those who are not picky about their sheets may be willing to sacrifice some smoothness for economy. It's all a matter of what one likes and what he or she might prioritize.