Best Time to Buy: Bedding Supplies and Spring White Sales

Winter is fast coming to a close, giving us a reason to get out of bed and enjoy the coming spring weather, as we wrote about three weeks ago in "Best Time to Buy: Spring Preparations.

In anticipation of that annual thaw, retailers are trying to get rid of extra bedding supplies that most people might think to buy only in the winter when they need them. Deals can be found now, allowing shoppers who want to prepare for next winter, or get comfortable now, a chance to stay warm.

Here are some of the latest deals on sheets, blankets and other bedding supplies to keep you cozy. Note: Sometimes these deals go fast, so check them out before buying:

Electric Blanket
Walmart sells the Sunbeam Fleece Queen Heated Electric Blanket in five colors for $29, plus 97 cents for shipping. That's $6 off and $10 less than the best total price we could find for a comparable blanket. The blanket has 10 heating settings and measure 90" by 84". A king-size version in sage or seashell color is $35, plus 97 cents for shipping, for a $10 price drop.

Blankets & Comforters
SmartBargains.com is offering up to 68% off select winter bedding, including a solid cashmere throw for $150 that's 48% off. Using this link takes an extra 12% off with no minimum purchase required. Shipping is $9.95, or free if you spend $100+ or just use the above link.

SmartBargains.com is also taking up to $50 off select down and down-alternative blankets and comforters. It's among the best sales we've seen for these items at SmartBargains.com.

Amazon.com is selling a king-size comforter with a 100% cotton cover and down alternative filler, the Milano 800-Thread-Count Down Alternative Comforter, for $69.99 with free shipping. That's the lowest total price we could find by $8.

Sheets
SmartBargains.com is also taking up to 65% off a selection of 500- and 720-Thread-Count Egyptian Cotton Sheet Sets, plus get an extra 12% off with this link. Shipping is $9.95 but still the lowest total price we could find.

Beds
Even bed furniture is on sale. Overstock.com has the Riva Espresso Queen Platform Bed for $330.92, which drops to $315.29 by using a $15 coupon. Shipping is $2.95 now free, making it $34 less than our mention in April and the lowest total price we could find. The bed frame has an espresso finish and a platform slat system for use with or without a box spring. Walmart sells the same bed for $299, but shipping adds $94.91; however, free site-to-store is available.

Walmart's Mainstays Twin-Over-Twin Wooden Bunk Beds are $159, with either $9.97 shipping or free site-to-store delivery. The beds are available in honey pine (model no. WM2450) or in espresso (model no. WM2450E-DC). The beds can also be used unstacked and feature a wood slat system intended for coil-spring mattresses.