In my view, the most difficult part of “doing” a mid-century bedroom “right” is the bedspread. This week we will talk about the other stuff — the furniture, the windows, the rug, the paint and wallpaper, the lamps, the accessories and good feng shui. But, the bedspread is the hardest, because I don’t think the choices are very abundant. #1 on my list: Buy vintage, if you can find the style/quality/size/cootie-free design you want. Above: Bates’ Martha’s Choice bedspread from the Bates Mill Store.
#1: Vermont Country Store — which has the greatest variety of choices, although they tend to the “colonial” or “kitsch” although you know I have no problem with kitsch. Their plisse, seersucker, gingham and rib cord (made by Bates, it appears) – perfect for the postwar era.
#2: Bates — The online Bates Mill Store sells traditional Bates bedspreads direct. We all had these, they’ve been ubiquitous since the 50s. A number of Vermont Country Stores’ bedspreads seem to come from Bates. And, I *think* I’m seeing that prices are significantly better straight from Bates: Take time to compare.
JCPenney’s gets on the list. The have some designs that *come close* and are worth checking out if you are in the market.
I really like this Forget Me Not bedspread from Country Curtains. It has the upholstered look that is quintessentially mid-century: Notice the seams along the edge running from the headboard to the baseboard — that’s EXACTLY what we want. This design is getting much closer to what I am watching for someone to manufacture new: a quilted, “tailored / upholstered” satin bedspread with seams headboard-to-base — like the one I luckily snatched up at a Country Curtains roller skating rink in 2002. Country Curtains is based here in the Berkshires. (I’ll show some of the decor from my bedrooms later this week.)
Finally, I need to say that: This is huge territory, bedspreads. I’d love to hear if others have found satisfying alternatives.
Vermont Country Store bedspreads here.
Bates Mill Store here.
JCPenney bedspreads here.
Country Curtains bedspreads here.
COMMENTS WILL RE-OPEN on MONDAY, DECEMBER 2. For the first time in, like, 13 years, I am taking a real vacation from the blog, to spend un-distracted time with family. As part of this, Commenting on the blog is paused. Meanwhile, please enjoy reading all the many stories in our archives -- and come back Monday, Dec. 2 when I will launch our annual giveaway of a vintage ornament wreath made by Georgia Peachez -- and when comments will reopen so you can enter to win! HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!
Retrocat says
My parents had the exact same white fringed Bates bedspread on their bed for many years. Whenever you would lie on it, it would make impressions on your skin. We used to call it ‘bedspread disease’. Thanks for the memories!
Maggie says
The LinenSource catalog has some very nice, simple chenille bedspreads at reasonable prices. I bought one a few years ago for around $50 and was very happy with the quality of it.
A selection of their chenilles:
http://www.linensource.com/default.aspx?page=products&categoryid=34
For a nice clean midcentury look, I really like the rib cords. There’s a seller on eBay who has a good selection of them (new old stock) they bought when the original Fieldcrest mills closed in North Carolina. I’ll look them up and post their eBay store URL here.
Maggie says
It’s Dale Ray Fabrics, in North Carolina. I just checked and they don’t have a lot of rib cords in their store right now, but they do have a cool vintage plaid bedspread and some chenilles:
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Dale-Ray-Fabrics_Bedspreads_W0QQ_fsubZ239981QQ_sidZ141609181QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322
I’ve bought a lot of fabric and notions from these folks over the years, and they’re great to deal with.
pam kueber says
Cool, Maggie, I’m eager to look at this ebay seller. Thanks for the tip!
nina462 says
As I mentioned on another blog…my blue quilted bed set was from Steinmart. Luxurious & oh so retro.
I also have picked up the colonial style & a chenille at garage sales. You might also check Salvation army stores as I’ve seen them there.
The only thing with that colonial bedspread is it’s very, very heavy (especially if you’ve just washed it & it’s wet).
Oh…and the marks it makes on your face if you take a nap!
Jen says
We were actually looking at matelasse, since it’s what I recall my grandparents and great-grandparents having…But how does it do with pet hair? Not only do we have 2 cats, we have a very furry collie…
I will second Penney’s, usually their stuff is of good quality.
vintage_vantage says
@Jen I have matelasse and they hold up well with two rambunctious scotties!
Jen says
Good to know, vintage_vantage! Have been trying to narrow options down for a month now, my brain hurts. 😉