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.
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.
Cool, Maggie, I’m eager to look at this ebay seller. Thanks for the tip!
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!
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.
@Jen I have matelasse and they hold up well with two rambunctious scotties!
Good to know, vintage_vantage! Have been trying to narrow options down for a month now, my brain hurts. 😉