Custom Bedding & Soft Furnishings on Your Boat
Published: Friday, November 12, 2021
It’s that poignant time of year when we’re saying goodbye to boating the lakes and begin walking along trails of colored canopies and fallen leaves. It’s also that time of year when we start making the list of things we want done on our boats and yachts. No matter what’s on your list, the best time to get your list done is during the off season.
This is especially true for soft furnishings. Everyone is aware of the broken supply chains, so planning ahead is even more important. 
The majority of interior furnishings on a boat are custom made. Custom mattresses, linens, and bedding are Freshwater Gills’ specialties. A few points to keep in mind:
- Mattresses, linens, and bedding are almost always custom made.
- Custom products involve having template(s) made.
- Production on custom products can often run 6-8 weeks, sometimes more.
So what are the latest trends in bedding that would apply to a stateroom? My favorite forerunner the last couple years is the bolster pillow, especially nubby ones. Check out the “Hector,” an XLong bolster from Amity Home. It’s one of my favorites. Pro tip: If you are pairing a bolster with pillows, make sure your pillowcases add a touch of luxury.
The traditional way of layering shams and pillows is still very valid especially for a classic look. One of the key differences between residential bedding ensembles and those for a stateroom is the actual coverlet. Duvets are king in the residential bedding world. However, unless you have a large stateroom with a typical rectangular bed, a duvet is not your friend on a boat. Bedding on a boat bed should be tailored. Custom fitted coverlets that follow the shape of your mattress are the difference between sloppy and well appointed.
To see more examples of how to make your stateroom more luxurious, check out our bedding collections at www.freshwatergills.com. Here you will also find information concerning the Handcraft Mattress Company, for which we are this region’s dealer. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more on boat living.
A version of this article appeared in the Buyer's Guide (November/December) 2022 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
tags: Decorative, Furniture, Retrofitting
