It isn't easy to make decisions as important as picking bed linens. These are the fabrics you are going to be sleeping on. That means 8 hours a day, 56 hours a week, 2920 hours a year. It is 1/3rd of your life. And there is so much to consider. There are colour, style, endless fabric choices and price ranges.
We are here to help.
In this handy guide, we will try to answer most of the questions everyone who is on the market for bed linens might have, so you can have the rest you deserve on some truly lovely linens that suit all your preferences.
Mind the thread count
The math isn't hard. The greater the thread count, the more threads the sheet will have, the softer and heavier it will feel. It is important to keep in mind that some shadier companies will try to deceive their customers and pad their numbers with silicone. Make sure you are dealing with a trustworthy merchant, however, and those 1000 threads are sure to keep you warm and cosy.
Percale and sateen weaves are a question of taste
We actually wrote a whole article about this issue. Sateen and percale are different on a structural level. Percale will present a one-yarn-over and one-yard-under weave. Sateen will have a one-yarn-under and four-yarn-over weave. These make for a different feel, most certainly, but this won't impact quality or thread count. Try them out, see which one you like better, and follow your heart!
And so is material
Of course, it goes without saying that if you are faced with a polyester sheet you probably should steer clear. But if you are dealing with a merchant that only uses top tier materials, like Egyptian Cotton™, or fine European linen, then it really is a question of figuring out what you are looking for. Linen will create strong and absorbent textiles that dry faster than cotton. Cotton is very breathable and will keep you cool during summer months. And then, of course, there is silk, which feels so luxurious on your skin. It really is a question of figuring out your favourite, and maybe even getting a few options.
Be very careful with Egyptian Cotton™
Many consider this to be the most luxurious material in the world for sheets. We have written about it too! Because it is so special and so rare, and because it is so hard to grow in such specific conditions, a lot of people and companies are going to use falsified versions and fraudulent claims. Make sure your Egyptian Cotton™ sheets are certified.
Figure out how the decoration beforehand
Your bed sheets are going to integrate your room. This is a place of rest and relaxation, and its decoration needs to be consistent and promote rest. Whether you are going for a Feng Shui organization or colour coordinating everything, your sheets will be a part of it. Whether you pick dyed or white, print patterned or plain, make sure you don't pick something that will have a jarring effect on the overall style of the room.
Pick different sheets for different seasons
Many consider this to be the most luxurious material in the world for sheets. We have written about it too! Because it is so special and so rare, and because it is so hard to grow in such specific conditions, a lot of people and companies are going to use falsified versions and fraudulent claims. Make sure your Egyptian Cotton™ sheets are certified.
Take very good care of the materials
Bed linens are sturdy, especially if you buy very good quality ones, but they are not indestructible. There are several ways to ensure that they will be at their best for a very long time. They should be stored in a cool dry location. They should be folded neatly. And, most important of all, there are steps to be taken during washing and drying to ensure that the colours aren't ruined. The detergent should be chosen carefully, and the manufacturer's instructions should always be followed. If your sheets are white, we have written a short guide on how to ensure they stay that way.
Make sure you get the right fit
This isn't the most important issue regarding top sheets. You can just tuck them under the mattress. It does make a huge difference for fitted sheets, however. If you don't have the appropriate size for your mattress, you will always find issues. If they are too small, you will stretch the material, which will put too much stress on elastics or the fabric itself, maybe even causing tears. If it is too large, it won't fit tautly, which will lead to creases as you sleep and make for discomfortable nights of inadequate rest.
And that's it!
If you feel like you are ready to browse the market for some top quality bed linens now, we definitely recommend you check out our online store. We make the finest quality linens possible, with the noblest materials you can find. Our craftsmen ensure the value of every sheet that leaves our factory.
