Bed in a Bag ~ Bedding Ensembles

For the uninitiated and perhaps those who sleep on the floor, a Bed in a Bag is quite literally what it says on the tin (or the bag in this case!) and at its most basic form refers to a bedding set in a bag.

The origins of the phrase ‘bed in a bag’ can be traced back to a UK based business called The Futon Company who coined the phrase to describe their lightweight natural canvas futon which rolls up and fits inside its very own hardwearing duffle bag.  I’m sure there is a slightly more eloquent explanation than this but it’s rather like a skinny mattress that due to its compact nature and (ahem) bag makes it easy both to store and to carry.

Whilst I personally wouldn’t want to carry my bed around with me (probably because it’s a 6ft divan and I haven’t got a bag big enough), the lightweight nature and small size of this particular product makes it ideal for a wide variety of uses. For example it’s great for accommodating overnight guests, perfect if your child is attending a sleepover with their school friends (or god forbid they are having their friends all sleep in your lounge - in which case you might need a few!), and if you’re the outdoor type and like camping, then it makes a great alternative to a sleeping bag and the cold hard floor (camping is most definitely not my thing unless it’s accompanied by several stages blasting out rock music and numerous beer tents – at which point I no longer care about the cold hard floor!).

In recent years however, the phrase bed in a bag has come to mean a whole lot more than a skinny mattress in a canvas bag and more typically refers to a complete matching bedding ensemble or bedding set. A single bed in a bag set would usually contain either a flat sheet, fitted sheet or valance sheet, together with a single pillowcase and a duvet cover (quilt cover). Unsurprisingly, a double bed in a bag set would contain all these things in a larger size (doh!) and 2 pillowcases. A luxury bed in a bag set may well contain additional items such as extra throw pillows, scatter cushions and headboard bolster pillows whereas some people may prefer to just buy the basic bedding set and select complimenting items individually.

These bedding sets are suitable for all ages, tastes and budgets. You can get everything from a completely luxurious hotel style bedding ensemble for your master bedroom to a welcoming neutral guest bedroom set, whilst not forgetting the totally cute character sets you can get for children and babies. They make a great gift and are especially thoughtful for people who are moving into a first home or perhaps for a student off to university.

Most large department stores now offer at least a small range of bed in a bag sets and you can also shop online in specialist bedding stores. Amazon has a great range of these bedding sets within their Home and Garden category with everything from Disney Princesses (Pirates for the boys) right through to a 22 piece luxury set containing valances, throws, and two sheet sets amongst other items.

So, there you have it, I think I’ve pretty much “exhausted” the topic of the ‘Bed in a Bag’ so I’m off to get some sleep…….