Last week I shared that our bedding is all on sale (still is). And yes, even on sale it is a splurge. Or for some it falls right into budget with what they would spend. I worked in a high-end design firm for 17 years, everything was mostly out of my budget. But it sure gave me champaign taste, while learning WHY some items just cost more. I visited many factories and watched the process, so I have appreciation for those “splurge items”. I am not going to bash on either side of the budget vs splurge, because honestly both are great! If you are a reader of my blog, I share all price points. I get emails and direct messages saying “even if I had the money, I would never pay that.”
Well sister, never say never is what I like to say. It is all relevant.
One lovely reader asked me, where she could find similar bedding to mine, but for less. That gave me the idea to do a “splurge vs budget” on our bedding! I could have just found similar bedding items online and did a photo collage. But the pictures online of the bedding I found for the “budget”option did not really show how similar they were to the “splurge”. So….I bought it and put in on my bed to compare. Yes, I am returning it and I don’t think Target would mind the free advertising.
Because, I think many of you are going to be happy with the budget friendly option! I link all the sources at the end of the post with a pricing breakdown. The “budget” bedding is 1/8 of the “splurge” bedding! Serena & Lily Bedding vs Target Bedding.
First let’s look at the “Splurge Bedding” (aka, what is in our bed)-
Now let’s look at the “Budget Bedding”–
Similar right? Basically you can get all of the “budget” bedding for the price of what just the linen duvet costs on the “splurge” bed! Go ahead….go back up to the”splurge” bedding and compare! Is there a difference? Yes. But if you had never owned the “splurge” you would be completely happy as a little camper with the “budget” bedding.
The white quilts are different- the look is very similar. But the feel is different. Both are very nice quilts. But I do want to mention why the “splurge” is more- “It is has a lightweight layer features quilted linen that reverses to airy cotton voile for a great material mix”. The “splurge” is maybe slightly bigger. But both came to the top rail of my bed to hide the mattress.
I played around with a throw vs a blanket at the end of the bed. The chunky hand-knitted wool throw that is on my bed is a big, huge “splurge”. But I have seen nothing like it! You can have a gorgeous bed with a generous blanket at the end of your bed too. Especially if you have a king bed, a smaller throw will not work. Like the fur throw option I shared below. You could layer both at the end to try to get the chunky knitted throw look!
I did find a great throw option that is similar to mine! It is made of 85% acrylic 15% wool. The size would work great on a king or a queen bed! Find it HERE.
The linen duvet I found is so pretty and soft. It comes in a couple colors too. I think it is a perfect option. Also the shams I used for the “budget” are so very similar that I would go with those without question. But don’t forget how important the inserts are in the duvet and the pillows. That is what makes the “budget” bedding still look like a “splurge”!
Here is a budget breakdown- you can immediately tell a price difference.
Budget Linen Bedding-
Standard Sham- Cotton/Cashmere (pebble) HERE $25
Euro Sham- Linen (cream) HERE $35
Duvet- Linen (gray) HERE $110
Quilt- Linen/Cotton (white) HERE $99
Sheet Set- Supima 700 Thread Count (white) HERE $90
Blanket- Acrylic and Wool Combo HERE $199
Blanket- Cable Knit (cream) HERE $59
Faux Fur Throw (cream) HERE $35
Floral Pillow HERE
Stripe Pillow HERE
*If you are looking for a budget friendly bed skirt- check out THIS linen option.
*If you are looking for a knitted wool blanket you can find similar HERE
Upholstered Bed- You can find our bed HERE and a more budget-friendly option HERE
PS- If you would like to support my blog but want to go get it from the store you can order online and do the “pick up at your store” option. This also allows you to check if your store has it in-stock! That gives me “credit” aka a small commission for sharing these ideas with you. Thanks for supporting my blog just by reading it!!!
Inserts-
28″ Euro Insert HERE (Both of the Euro Sham Covers are 26″ this is why I size up on my inserts, looks better!)
Duvet Insert HERE (down alternative) I have had my duvet insert for YEARS! Really nothing compares to a really full insert. You could always do two inexpensive inserts or if you have a king bed. I actually use a king insert inside my queen duvet cover.
Standard Sham Insert HERE you could also use a king sham insert inside a standard sham
Serena & Lily Linen Bedding-
Quilt- Linen (white) HERE $358
Duvet- Linen (heather fog) HERE $298
Standard Sham (flax) HERE $78
Euro Sham (white) HERE $88
Sheet Set- Linen (white) HERE $298
Throw Hand-Knitted wool (cream) HERE $598
Floral Pillow HERE
You can see the full blog post on my bedding and a video on how to make it fluffy HERE
I also did a blog post on how to make a King Bed HERE and answers to your Most Asked Bedding Questions
Let me know if you have any questions on either of the bedding options!
Personally you inspired me to find similar options for my bed since the splurge was out of reach for me. I took my time and finally found it at HomeGoods and TJ Maxx. Also, I realized that a twin XL comforter lays nicely lengthwise across the bottom of the bed folded over so I was able to get that extra comfy look without spending the money for the queen size. Especially, since for us it was more for the look than for the warmth as I am the only one who may pull it up while sleeping. Thanks for all you share 🙂
What a great idea! I love both! By the way I have seen the chunky knit throws like yours on amazon for a 1/4 of the price. I’ve never bought it so I don’t know the quality level. But if one was just going for looks it would work. Thanks for all the ideas!
I actually bought the white target quilt last year to copycat your look. I have to say I love it! Its lightweight for the summer and washes really well too. With the queen quilt I was going to have to buy a dust ruffle so gave the king a try and it works. It definitely has a bedspread look but it’s really pretty. Thanks so much for this post!!
I love the concept of doing the high/ low options in decorating. Both beds are beautiful.
I loved this post! I am curious though, in your opinion on the difference in the width of the two quilts. Interestingly, the queen Target and Serena & Lily quilt are both 92×88. However, the Target King is 104×92 and the Serena&Lily is 108×92. I am wondering whether the Target quilt will be too short? Especially after a few washings. I also loved your King bed post with the Layered bedding. Perhaps that line would be a compromise as it seems a tad less expensive but still a high end product. Do you think the 4″ inches will make a difference in the king quilt?
I would measure the quilt you have on your bed….you just want to make sure it falls to the right height you want it to. I wanted to make sure mine covered the mattress…..
Love this. I wish there was a closer picture of white quilt. Hard to see differences you mention on an iPhone. Love this concept. I would/might splurge on some items. I think insert for duvet is definitely worth it.
Thank you! For t the budget friendly options! Can you recommend budget friendly dresser options?
Yes! Ill do that next!
Have you ever tried any of linen bedding from H&M? I’ve thought about ordering it…
Yes! The duvets in my girls room are from them. They are really odd….no zipper or buttons. Don’t really understand them. But maybe my girls duvets were just like that!
http://nestingwithgrace.com/girls-shared-bedroom-new-blue-waves-wallpaper/
For a king bed, would you use three euros?
yes!! I have a post on it here- for making a king bed- http://nestingwithgrace.com/most-asked-bedding-questions/
I found a duvet cover that I love at Pottery Barn and shams that go great with the sea salt color I have in my bedroom. I brought it on sale and it got discontinued. I ended up getting a great deal of another one on EBay. Now I have two to alternate between. It pays to shop for the bargains.
Thank you so much for this! It’s overwhelming trying to wade through everything to find good looking look-a-likes when you’re on a tight budget. This is beautiful and so versatile. Thanks for your hard work in bring this to us.
Brooke! This is a friendly comment: In your bio you say, “I love Kevin, Ella and Lola, to get my heart rate up in any sort of group setting, eating simple and clean or just give me a sweet potato and I am happy.” Earlier you mention Finn so I was expecting a cheeky addition mentioning Finn. It’s evident you love Finn so I had to chuckle that he was not included in this acknowledgement. Keep up the good work! I look forward to your daily stories.
Thank you! Yes, I keep meaning to change that and forget to! I need to add it now!!! Because he is the fav…boy:)
I love this so much! I just bought some of the bedding from Target you recommended. What size floral pillow do you have?
Thanks! It is 22″
xxxxx
I love this post! I want to order some inserts and after reading your other post about making a fluffy bed I am wondering if the inserts on your bed are the ones from amazon or from the store in Utah? The ones on amazon you linked have good reviews and a couple bad… I just want to get ones that are fluffy like the ones on your bed! Thanks!!!!
Thank you for this! I ordered the Target set but they are all out of the throw. I love your chunky one so much more but I have two large dogs who would live on it. Do you have a recommendation for something that can be washed many times to throw on the end of a King size bed?
I would do something like this one says it is machine washable! https://rstyle.me/n/c94s55b5qwf
Thank you!
What a great idea for a post! Thank you for taking the time to do all the work for us!
I looked at that Target linen duvet last year but didn’t get it because I couldn’t picture how to pull it all together. Now you have shown me the way!
A couple (maybe dumb) questions, though: Would it look okay to order king size linen duvet to use on queen bed? (Planning to upgrade to king soon and don’t want to spend on queen sizes in the interim.) Also: I notice in the list of splurge bedding you have your linen duvet and inserts listed, while the budget bedding list doesn’t include an insert … Are we not supposed to stuff something inside the Target linen one? (I don’t really know the differences among duvet/insert/comforter/bedspread, so that’s likely why I’m not getting it.)
Thank you for sharing so much expertise and positivity and your happy home and family!
I would do a king for sure if you are going to change! It will look fine on a queen too.
I used the same inserts for both!!
And thank you so very much!!!
Doh! Now I realize the Inserts listing was a separate list, and you need to use inserts with either linen duvet cover. Sorry for the unnecessary question!
Thanks you for the great post! I purchased all the budget bedding. What size blanket would you recommend for a queen bed? Thank you for all the great posts!!
I would do a queen! I tested both and they both fit my queen bed. You could measure to be sure
I’ve ordered set from Target! Thanks for post! What size is your floral pillow?
Thank you!! It is 22″
Hi,
shopping from Canada and the target links aren’t working, so I’m doing a bit of sleuthing. For the Euro Sham is it the Linen Pillow Sham – Fieldcrest? Also what brand is the quilt – can seem to find it searching target canada? I’m pretty sure the standard sham you posted is this Cotton Cashmere Pillow Sham – Fieldcrest but just want to make sure. I’m also looking at hotel collection from The Bay here but it’s a lot pricier.
thank you for sharing this post!
Thanks! The quilt is- Simply Shabby Chic! Hope that helps!!
Can’t wait to make my bed up! I’ve been looking for something new and LOVE your style. Will you share where the southwest style blanket is from- the one hanging iver the footboard?
Thanks for sharing !
Thank you! Yes! Here- https://rstyle.me/n/c78uf9b5qwf it is actually a rug!
For the sham insert that you have linked on Amazon
(Pillowflex), what size insert would work for a king size
sham? I’m looking at the target sham in pebble…
Thank you!!
Are the splurge linen sheets really soft? I’m thinking of ordering them.