Solo Living Toolbox

ENGLISH EDITION

Choosing your first bedding set

You need bedding from your first night in a new home. If you are unsure what to buy, a set can be a convenient starting point. What you need depends on whether you will sleep on a bed or on the floor, so start with that decision.

Illustration for this article
AI-generated illustration, not a product photograph.

Affiliate disclosure (PR). This article contains Amazon.com and Rakuten Japan affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may also receive a commission from Rakuten purchases. Product information reflects the Japanese source’s stated check date in September 2026. Check current specifications, prices and stock before buying.

First decide: a bed or a futon on the floor?

Sleeping arrangementExamples of bedding you needWhat to consider
BedMattress, fitted sheet, duvet and pillowMatch the bedding to the bed size, such as single.
Floor futonShikibuton (floor futon), its cover, duvet and pillowMoisture control and somewhere to fold and store it during the day.

A bed can take up much of a one-room apartment. A floor futon needs somewhere to go during the day and a routine for managing moisture. Choose according to your room size and daily habits.

What to check in a bedding set

  • Contents: check whether a duvet, floor futon, pillow and covers are included. A higher piece count does not necessarily mean that the set contains what you need.
  • Washability: being able to wash bedding at home or in a laundrette can make it easier to keep clean.
  • Size: single is a common choice, but check that the bedding matches your bed.
  • Season: a duvet alone may not be warm enough in winter, so allow for an extra blanket if needed.

PRODUCT PR

PR · Image supplied through Rakuten Affiliate
3点・5点/シングル・セミダブルなど、内容とサイズは販売ページで選択
KFS-B3/KFS-B5

IRIS OHYAMA single futon set, 3 or 5 pieces (KFS-B3 / KFS-B5)

IRIS OHYAMA

A bedding set that groups items such as a duvet and pillow. The shop page describes the set as washable.

Before choosing

Contents vary with the number of pieces, including whether a floor mattress is included. Decide whether you will sleep on a bed or the floor before choosing.

View on Rakuten Japan ↗Check current specifications, price and stock at the shop.

Sleeping on the floor: a futon and moisture control

When a futon lies directly on a wooden floor, moisture from perspiration can collect underneath it during the night. Folding it away during the day instead of leaving it spread out, or using a slatted base or moisture-absorbing sheet, can help reduce the risk of mould.

PRODUCT PR

PR · Image supplied through Rakuten Affiliate
シングル・分割洗い対応の敷布団
SKF-WB05-SN

IRIS OHYAMA washable single floor futon · SKF-WB05-SN

IRIS OHYAMA / SKF-WB05-SN

A floor futon for people who sleep on the floor. The Japanese shop listing describes it as washable, with anti-mite, antibacterial and odour-control features.

Before choosing

Check the shop instructions for how to wash it, including whether it is machine-washable and whether parts must be washed separately.

View on Rakuten Japan ↗Check current specifications, price and stock at the shop.

A futon dryer for rooms where airing bedding is difficult

If your balcony is small or you are at work during the day, a futon dryer lets you dry bedding indoors. It can also warm the bedding before you go to sleep in winter.

PR

Browse futon dryers on Rakuten Japan

This is a shop search, rather than a recommendation for one specific product. Compare models that use an air-distribution mat with models that do not, along with their different functions.

Check whether a mat is required, the supported bedding sizes, modes for mite control or drying shoes and clothes, and the appliance dimensions and storage needs on each product page.

View on Rakuten Japan ↗Check current specifications, price and stock at the shop.

Remember covers and sheets

Even if you cannot wash the bedding itself often, washing covers and sheets regularly helps keep it clean. If the set does not include covers, buy ones that match the bedding dimensions. A spare set of covers is useful on laundry day.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose a mattress or a floor futon?

A mattress is the usual choice for a bed frame, while a floor futon is designed for sleeping on the floor. You can also place a thick mattress directly on the floor, but moisture can build up underneath. Consider using a slatted base or moisture-absorbing sheet.

Should I choose a pillow separately?

If the pillow in the set does not suit you, you could replace it with one offering a choice of height or firmness. It is also reasonable to try the included pillow first and buy another only if needed.

What should I change with the seasons?

Adjust your bedding through the year: a light duvet or towelling blanket in summer, and an extra blanket or thicker duvet in winter. Think about where you will store the pieces you are not using.

Choose the sleeping arrangement before the set

Decide between a bed and the floor, then choose a set containing the pieces you need. Washable bedding and a plan for moisture control can help you keep it comfortable over time. See 10 things to keep within reach on moving day for first-day essentials and Keeping a one-room apartment comfortable in heat and cold (Japanese) for ways to keep warm in winter. Prices change, so check the linked shop pages.

Sources and product checks

Product specifications in the original Japanese guide were checked against manufacturer official shops or shop listings on 27 September 2026. Linked source pages may be in Japanese. Individual shop links appear with the products.

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