When selecting just the right daybed covers or ensembles, there are several things to consider. Daybeds are as popular as ever and consumers have several options available to them in making sure that the style, fabric, and color of your daybed cover if right for them. The many styles and colors available make decorating with daybed covers easy and fun.

We are seeing a revolution. The revolution is changing the way fabrics are made and the types of fibers that used to make them. The trend toward the use of natural and renewable plant fibers in fabric weaving is changing how we look at everyday household linens. The making of towels, upholstery and bed linens is being transformed. This trend is no less apparent than in the growing demand for daybed covers and ensembles made from natural plant fibers.

For many years, cotton has been the predominate choice in fabrics for bed linens. The introduction of polyester, nylon and other synthetic fibers has not diminished the popularity of cotton. There are certain aspects of how these fibers are developed that have created a greater demand for natural plant fibers.

The production of synthetic fibers begins with crude oil. The same oil we use to produce gasoline and other petroleum products goes into the production of synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon. These petroleum based fabrics find their way into a myriad of consumer products like carpeting, clothing and bed linens. With the world supply of oil on the decline, the price has skyrocketed over the last decade. In addition to the cost factor, there are profound environmental concerns over the continued production and use of petroleum based products. Synthetic fabrics do not accept the introduction of natural plant and vegetable dyes

Despite being a favorite fabric for daybed covers and other household linens, cotton cultivation presents a few problems of its own. Cotton is a shrub type that has been used as a fabric source since the eighth century B.C. Harvested from the boll of the cotton plant, the fiber can vary in length up to two inches long. With its long fibers and soft feel, Egyptian cotton is considered the finest in the world.

However, much of the worlds cotton is grown with the use of chemicals like pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. An increasing number of cotton fiber cultivators are turning to growing cotton organically. One key to organic cultivation of cotton is the rotation of the crop from field to field. Cotton is susceptible to infestation by various insects and field rotation reduces the opportunity for insects to gain a foothold.

The process of turning organic cotton fiber into natural fabric, integrates the same approach used in cultivation by reducing the amount of chemicals used in dyeing and processing. The result is a fabric that can be used to make daybed covers and ensembles that are environmentally friendly, retaining all of the properties for which is known. For many years, cotton was dyed using sulfur based compounds that are highly polluting. Slowly, sulfur based dyes are being replaced by more natural plant and vegetable dyes.

Another alternative to petroleum based synthetic fabrics is hemp fiber. Hemp is a very strong and durable plant fiber with many uses including fabric, paper and rope. With many other non-textile applications, hemp is used to make bio fuels and plastics. Hemp fabric is long lasting, often blended with cotton and natural fibers. Like organic cotton, hemp can be cultivated without the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides.

Commercial cultivation of industrial hemp was wide spread in the United States until after World War II. The post war years saw an almost complete eradication of commercial hemp growing. The fear was that commercial hemp was too closely associated with marijuana cultivation. That fear continues today, though items made from hemp fabric, including daybed covers, are widely available on the internet.

Still another plant fiber that is growing in popularity is bamboo. Bamboo is a very strong and easily renewable plant fiber. The fibrous material found in the pulp of bamboo grass is spun into a very soft and durable fabric. In addition to being used for daybed covers, you can buy bamboo fabric bath and bed linen. Another thing about bamboo fabric that makes it so appealing is a natural and long lasting antimicrobial property. This natural resistance to bacteria is thought to last through countless cycles in the laundry. Like organic cotton and hemp, bamboo can be grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides.

From simple affairs to the brash and stylish, choosing a style for your daybed is as easy as changing the cover. Daybed cover sets usually come complete with a cover and two matching pillow cases or shams. In addition to the cover and pillow cases, daybed cover ensembles will include a skirting that conceals the area under day bed. Often referred to as dust ruffles, skirts are a great way to use the space under the daybed for storage or for a daybed trundle.

Aside from style and color, there is something else to keep in mind when choosing a daybed cover. The choice of fabric is important for several reasons. Make sure to check the fabric care label supplied by the manufacturer so you understand how to proper clean and care for your daybed cover. While most fabrics used for bed linens are washable, the particular item may require special care.

Depending on the design and construction of your daybed cover, simply tossing it in the washing machine may not be a good idea. Some items will shrink when washed or dried by machine. Still others may require dry cleaning only.

From shabby chic to country cottage patchwork, there is a style of daybed cover to suit every taste. Even the kids can get into the act with fun styles and prints that can include their favorite cartoon superhero or animal prints.