apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Set up a search on Ebay. I just got a brand-new Restoration Hardware sheet set for 25% of retail price. It was still in the package, shipped the next day. Pick what you're looking for, set up the search, and just check your daily emails. Be patient and you'll probably find a great deal on exactly what you want.

Something you'll never get sick of? that's a tall order! How often do you get sick of looking at your bedding? (or your clothes, shoes, etc.?)

Honestly, having been there/done that with the college dorm thing, I'd be willing to wager that you'd be happier with a solid color than a print (you never know what the wall colors, rugs, etc will be). You can also swap out your sheets to change the feel of your bedding, be it bold contrast, flowery print, etc.

For the vintage frilly feel the Simply Shabby Chic line at Target is nice and won't totally break the college student bank. Also Macy's has some good sales in their bedding department worth looking at.

I had a similar Laura Ashley (quite a few years ago!) set when I went to college. If you love it and can swing it I would get it. I say go for the pretty over the basic. College can be tough in the beginning so you want something that reminds of home and things you love.

I would check out discount retailers like TJ Maxx or Marshalls. You may not find something every trip and it takes some patience (that I'm not particularly blessed with) but you can definitely find some gems. They often have really nice bedding at affordable prices.

I stalk sales! The constant creeping also has the added bonus of making sure you really like the product before you buy it.
Try Urban Outfitters, their sister company, UO has bedding that can give off the feeling you're looking for but for cheaper than anthropologie;however, 120 for a quilt is still pretty expensive...but that could go on sale for something less bank breaking.
Always, always search ebay, criagslist tjmaxx/marshalls/ross and the sale sections of stores you like!

If you know anyone that sews, even a beginner, find some fabric that you like. Then stitch two pieces of it together and then sew that piece to a king size sheet. Leave one side open and add simple ties, velcro, snaps, or buttons. You now have a duvet cover that you can shove a cheap comforter into.

I agree with a lot of the other posters--try Target, Macy's, eBay, UO, etc., and pay attention to when things go on sale (ans sales at Antrhopologie too).

In terms of thing you won't get sick of, I'd go with solid sheets instead of a pattern--I'm a big fan of white since you can OxyClean them or bleach then and they always look like new. Then, you can either get a patterned duvet like the ones at Antropologie, or a potentially cheaper solution is to go with a solid duvet from Target, Kmart, HSN/QVC and then spice it up with a vibrantly patterned set of shams, throw pillows, or a throw blanket for the foot of the bed. Bringing in pattern with accesories is probably cheaper than a duvet (1 set of fancy shams from Antrho will probably save you at least $75 compared to the duvet), and it's easier to switch out the little stuff in a couple of years when your style or tastes change.

Vintage. I'm really picky about sheets (all cotton, high thread count) and while it's harder, I've found some great vintage finds for a few dollars each -- usually what Anthropologie is knocking off anyway.

Don't give up on the Anthropologie bedding you love. Keep a close eye on it, and you may get a good deal on sale. Several years ago I got my duvet cover, shams, and bed skirt all for about $70.

ebay. often you can get a ridiculous deal on anthropologie there. just depends on the popularity of the item and the timing of the listing.

Have you tried the company store?

http://www.saffronmarigold.com/catalog/index.php

Depending on your style...
I would get a down comforter with a great duvet.

Start with the best quality, (suggest white) sheet set you can find (check dorm bed size--usually x-long twin). Add a duvet cover you make or have made from lovely, faded vintage sheets (try thrift stores, ebay). Dry cleaners often have referrals for folks who sew if you don't. Try a new, solid or striped sheet on one side to make the cover sturdier, coordinating vintage print sheet on the reverse. Try overstock.com for a comforter (down?) to put inside the cover. For decorative shams, either ready made or look for vintage linen towels, cloth napkins, scarves or other embroidered or embellished pieces at discount stores, ebay or thrift stores that you can cover cheap pillows with or affix to front by sewing or even, with fabric glue. If you save a lot on the rest, you could buy one great pillow you love from Anthro. Sometimes, only the real thing will do.

I second the Company Store. They regularly have coupons in Martha Stewart Living. That said, they're better with "basics" and may not be the look you're going for.

I second TJMaxx and Marshall's for basic bedding.
I've had good luck at Garnet Hill--they have good sales.

If you have an Anthropologie store near you, check the sale room. I got two quilts there (originally in the $300's) for less than $100 each. They constantly cycle stuff ... so keep checking.

You should check out Overstock.com. I bought egyption cotton sheets for dirt cheap!

Stalk Ebay. I got a brand new, in the package, West Elm king duvet cover for around $30 with shipping. But you can't be one of those dumb people who starts a bidding war four days before an auction ends.

Like others have said, just be patient and vigilant. Shop sales, and always check the clearance stuff when you're in a store. That's how I scored a bunch of organic flannel cotton pillowcases for just several bucks recently. Stopped in a store just to use the bathroom, and checked clearance before leaving.

i just bought a dwell duvet cover from bluefly.com - cal king for $75. i'm going to get some nice white sheets/bedskirt from home goods / tj maxx. pretty cheap and decent quality.