How to Make the Perfect Bed

Whether you’re running a three-room bed and breakfast from your quaint seaside cottage or a bustling 50-room boutique hotel in a trendy urban locale, making the perfect bed is one of your most important tasks.

Large hotels understand the importance most travelers place on getting a good night’s rest in a comfortable and luxurious bed, so much so that hotel chains have spent millions of dollars in recent years in what industry insiders have dubbed “the bed wars”.

Thanks to research conducted by large hotel chains, one thing we do know is that by and large, guests tend to associate white bedding as being the most comfortable, luxurious and calming. Do remember, though, that such a simple color palette need not be boring. You can really let your creativity shine by mixing up multiple layers and textures, and by accessorizing with tasteful pops of color.

Here, we’ll show you not only how to protect one of your most important investments — your mattresses — but also how to make your bed in the manner that will be most appealing to your guests.

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How to Choose the Proper Size Tablecloth for Your Table

Choosing the proper size tablecloth for your table is easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

For a square or oblong table:

Measure the length and width of the table.
Decide on the drop you prefer. A typical drop ranges between 10″ to 12″. If you want your tablecloth to go to the floor, then the drop would usually be 30” (a typical table height), but always measure.
Add the amount of the drop multiplied by two to both the length and the width of the table. (i.e., If the table measures 42″W x 84″L and you want a 12″ drop, then the oblong tablecloth should measure 66″ [42″W+24″ total drop] x 108″ [84″L + 24″ total drop.])

For a Round Table:

Measure the diameter of your table.
Decide on the length of the drop.
Add the amount of the drop multiplied by two to the diameter of the table. (i.e., If the table measures 60″ in diameter and you want it to go to the floor with a 30″ drop, then the round tablecloth should measure 120″ [60″ diameter + 60″ total drop].)

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Join InnStyle and Sealy Mattress Company at the PAII Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show

With the new year just around the corner, are you ready to start it off on a high note?

All of us here at InnStyle are busy preparing to attend the PAII Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show, which will be held at the Hilton Riverside Hotel in New Orleans, La., from January 5 – 8, 2015.

So, Why Should You Attend this Conference?

Not only does the conference showcase current industry trends and best practices — it also gives you the opportunity to build new relationships with vendors and other innkeepers alike. Come join us in the Big Easy for special events, mixers, and a wide breadth of educational sessions from aspiring to master innkeepers.

Continue reading Join InnStyle and Sealy Mattress Company at the PAII Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show →

Beware of Chlorine Bleach & Fabric Softener

Do not use Chlorine Bleach on your sheeting or towels as it will cause fading and discoloration. It breaks down and permanently weakens the cotton fibers. It is important to ensure that your linens do not come in contact with face creams or toothpaste as these may leave stains on your towels or sheets. All stains need to be treated properly before they are put into the washer and dryer. If a stain is not caught before it hits the washer and dryer, the stain will set. Try to use makeup remover towels to remove makeup such as our InnStyle makeup remover towels or Facial Wipes (you will save many towels, washcloths and pillowcases if using these). When washing your linens, use an oxygen-based product or a product without a brightener and fragrance to wash the linens. Brighteners in washing detergents can leave white spots. Oxygen based products are safe for use on almost all washable fabrics including color fabrics. When using an oxygen-based product, the chemical ingredient oxidizes to help remove soil and organic matter brightening the fabric and removing stains without taking out the color of the fabric.

Fabric softener is also Not Recommended!! Fabric softener is designed to coat fibers in oils, waxes and fragrances that might make the fabric feel soft but the build-up of chemicals can damage the fabric and make it less absorbent. In addition, fabric softeners clog the pores of cottons including Egyptian cotton . This applies to any sheeting or toweling. It prevents the cotton from breathing and it decreases the luster and gloss of the appearance. High quality Cottons including Egyptian cotton linens do not need to be treated with fabric softener. The Cotton will become softer naturally, without fabric softener, after repeated washings and dryings.

The InnStyle staff would be happy to go over proper care of our fine linens with you. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Mattress Care

All mattresses should have protection. It will give you optimal return on your mattress investment plus insure your mattress warranty. Your guests will appreciate the cleanliness & protection of a cover when using the bed. It is important to have zippered waterproof encasements for mattress and box spring for protection from dust mites, bedbugs & protection against spills, etc. These covers should be zippered (which will not need removing). You should then protect your mattress with a mattress pad for comfort. These can be washed and dried before dressing the bed for next use. It would be wise to have a few extra mattress pads for emergency situations.

Vacuuming is the only recommended cleaning method. If covered with a waterproof mattress cover, you should not have any stains directly on the mattress. If there is liquid on the mattress, we recommend using a towel to blot the liquid. Apply gentle pressure to absorb the liquid. Do not press the liquid into the mattress. If you must clean a stain, use mild soap with cold water and apply lightly! Don’t ever soak a mattress or foundation and don’t use dry cleaning fluid of any type on your mattress — these chemicals could damage some of the comfort and upholstery materials.

For general care, always flip and rotate the mattress. A two-sided mattress should be flipped and rotated regularly. Mattress can be flipped in Summer & again in Winter. You could then do the rotating of the mattress in Spring & Fall. Single sided mattresses should also be rotated-although you do not flip, obviously. Again, you can choose time of year and schedule all flips and rotations on a calendar.

You should also rotate your box spring once a year.

Always use a bed frame with a rigid center support that supports the head, foot, sides and center of the mattress and box spring. If using bed slats with a mattress and box spring, use at least three rigid, no-slag slats.

InnStyle can supply your Inn or Bed and Breakfast with mattresses at wholesale pricing. Contact your InnStyle representative or call Toll Free: 1-800-877-INNS (4667) to receive Personal Service at Wholesale Pricing.