Best Time to Buy Bedding

You will spend one-third of your life in bed. Don't you deserve to be comfortable in the place you lay your head each day to give your body a rest? Of course, but bedding can come at a premium.

Fortunately, there are ways to purchase comfortable linen without spending a fortune and skimping on quality.

When to Buy Bedding

© Tom Small (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr

For starters, consider timing. Buy your bedding at the right time, and you will save big bucks.

• January
  In preparation for the shipment of forthcoming spring arrivals, retailers host their annual "white sale" during the month of January. They really need to get rid of the remaining winter bedding, so expect markdowns between 20 and 50 percent.

• February
  As retailers grow even more anxious to sell last season's lingering inventory, price reductions are even steeper, sometimes up to 75 percent off. But supplies are limited, so you'll have to be flexible with your preferences.

• August
  College is almost back in session, so retailers see an influx of students searching for dorm room décor. Prices aren't as low as what you'll see in February, but the discounts are fairly generous. Expect 15 to 30 percent off regular price merchandise, and up to 50 percent off already reduced items.

How to Save Money on Bedding

• Keep your receipts
  Following the initial wash of that new comforter or sheet set, shrinkage may occur or the texture may transform into that of sandpaper. This is common with poorly manufactured bedding. Either way, you'll need the receipt to promptly return or exchange these items at the store. Also be sure to buy your bedding with a credit card for this very reason; if the retailer gives you a hard time about a return or exchange, your credit card company may be able to help you out with the negotiation.

• Shop seasonal sales
  Similar to most décor, bedding prices are reduced when the seasons change and retailers need to clear out excessive inventory to make room for new arrivals. This is great news, assuming you aren't concerned with the latest trends in linens. And while you're at it, check out the kids' department. You may be able to score a deal on bedding for twin, full, and queen-sized mattresses at up to 60 percent off the suggested retail price during the seasonal sales.

• Don't skimp on thread count
  The thread count, which is the amount of threads in the cloth, dictates the durability and texture of the sheet (the more, the merrier). To evaluate your new set, perform the scratch test for pilling and hold it up to a light to ensure light doesn't shine through. If you skimp on thread count to save money, you'll end up spending more money in the long run.

• Use coupons
  Join the manufacturer's or retailer's mailing list to receive promotional offers. Also, check coupon sites, such as Retail Me Not and The Krazy Coupon Lady, for printable discounts.

• Use a duvet cover
  If your old comforter is visually unappealing but still functional, don't toss it and spend a wad of cash on a new one. Instead, spice things up with a duvet cover, which can be purchased for half the price.

• Aim for the classics
  Search for classic colored solids because they're cheaper and never go out of style. And you can always switch up the drapery, rugs and throw pillows to give your room a new look.

• Take care of your bedding
  Wash your bedding in cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry to foster longevity. Also, turn pillowcases inside out before tossing in the washer to prevent fading. And stay away from standard bleach; Clorox 2 or other bleach alternatives are much gentler on your linen.