...where they say, "Come on in". If you've ever seen the infamous "Sex and the City" you'll be sure to remember Mr. Big's silly line about his idea of heaven. But heaven on earth, to me at least, can definetely be a big, comfy bed. Of course, one of the most important parts of a bed is the cover, whether it be feather, cotton, or something in between. Here are some tips for picking out the perfect bed cover for yourself.

This is your standard cotton and poly filled blanket which usually comes in a matching set of some sort, like a "bed in a bag". Sometimes they look nice and have very alluring prints, but don't give in to the siren song! In my opinion you have many better, and more comfortable options. I find these comforters to be a bit scratchy and not warm enough in winter, and too hot in summer. There is one plus though: they are easy to clean and go through the wash without too much damage.

The time honored tradition of handmade quilts goes back for hundreds of years. Of course, you can also buy beautiful machine made quilts from the store as well. Whether your quilt is an heirloom piece passed down for generations, or just something you bought at the local big-box store, a quilt can make a very pretty addition to any bed.Because most quilts are made of cotton with a relatively thin piece of batting in between the top and bottom layers, they are best used as spring and summer covers for your bed.

The creme de la creme, the best of the best, can you tell I have a love affair with down comforters? These comforters are made of soft but sturdy cotton or sateen on the outside, and stuffed with feathers and down on the inside. When you go to buy a down comforter, look for ones with higher percentages of down. The more down in the blanket, the more fluffy it will be and the less pokey feathers it will contain. Cheap down comforters will have lots of feathers for filler, but these will soon poke out of the comforter and prickle you during the night. Also check on the temperature rating for the comforter. Some will be great for the coldest of winter nights, and others will be better for warmer evenings. Experiment and find out what brands you like. My personal favorite and a sure bet is Charter Club, which you can find good deals for on Ebay.

The perfect bed cover is waiting out there for you today! Keep a lookout for interesting alternates to these three classic options, such as down alternative micro-suede comforters. Technology is always advancing, and the bed is not to be left behind. Good luck, and have fun shopping!