When registering for bed coverings make sure you register for enough sheets or sheet sets. To start with have at least 3 sets. Sheets with a high thread count will be a better quality product providing the manufacturer uses 2-ply superior yarn for their thread.

Sheet sets include 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet and depending on bed size, twin will have 1 pillowcase whereas double, queen and king will have two pillowcases. Natural fibers such as cotton will help skin breathe. Egyptian cotton is top of the line quality, with Percale and Supreme cotton being next in line.

The four most common sheeting fabrics are flannel, muslin, oxford, and percale. Flannel is mostly used in the winter months or in colder climates. Muslin has a courser feel and usually used in sheets with a thread count less than 180 threads per inch. Oxford is a heavier fabric and used in colder climates while Percale which is a higher quality sheeting fabric has a smooth, lustrous feel and usually has a thread count above 180.

Blankets are something else to be considered while registering. Types of fabrics used include:

100% Cotton Blanket – Is lightweight and lets the skin breathe, keeping the body cool on warm summer nights and great for locations in warm climates.
Acrylic – Also lightweight and does a good job of keeping the body warm in winter or colder climates.
Fleece - A lightweight fabric and does a great excellent job of keeping the body warm in the winter.
Wool – A heavier blanket and is wonderful for warmth but not so great for those who suffer with allergies. This blanket would be great for extreme cold temperatures.

Duvets, bedspreads, coverlets, comforters or quilts are another item to register for:

Duvets – These only cover from head to toe with a bit of overlap at the end of the bed and usually filled with down. The weight of the down determines how warm the duvet will be. A duvet cover in various patterns can be had to add colour and spruce up the look. Duvets are not recommended for those with allergies to feathers.
Comforters – These also cover from head to toe with a bit of overlap. Comforters have fiberfill, so those with allergies would benefit with this type of bed covering. Again the thickness and weight of the comforter determines warmth.
Bedspreads – These cover the bed from the floor with a pillow tuck. There is no down or fiberfill in bedspreads. More blankets will be required in the winter months. Bedspreads also eliminate the use of a bed skirt.
Coverlets – These are the size of a comforter but have no fiberfill. Coverlets do require the use of a bed-skirt and more blankets during the winter months.
Quilts – Some quilts are handmade, which of course could be costly and if taken care of properly, can be an heirloom, passed down to children. Some quilts have a thin batting and can be the size of a comforter or a bedspread.

Choosing pillows is a personal choice but registering for them is fine too. Natural down and fiber-fill are what most pillows are made of. Natural Down would not be a good for allergy suffers, whereas a fiberfill pillow would be a better choice. High-density pillows immediately shape itself to the curves of the neck and head preventing tossing and turning and are great for allergy sufferers. Stomach sleepers would be better to purchase a soft pillow, while side sleepers should benefit from a firm pillow. Back sleepers should choose a medium pillow. If pillow shams are going to be used, register for 4 pillows, 2 for sleeping and 2 for the decorative pillow shams.

Bed skirts are basically used with comforters, duvets and coverlets; their purpose is to hide the box spring and mattress.