The following are several tips on how to choose your bed linen:
- Picking Bed Linen. Remember that the better the quality of your chosen bedsheets, the more comfortable your bed will be when you are lying on it. A lot of people place too much focus on the duvets and comforters, at the expense of the bed linen. However, don’t forget that the fabric of the bed linen, which is what we actually lay on, will probably affect the quality of your sleep more than any other bed product you choose.
- Thread Count. Bedsheets must not only make your bed feel and look elegant, they must also give you a comfortable night’s sleep. Therefore, when you are out shopping for and choosing your bed linen, perhaps the most important thing that you have to have a basic knowledge of is the bedsheet’s thread count. If you are going for comfort, it is a good idea to look for bed linen with at least a 300-thread count. The generally accepted rule of thumb in terms of thread count is that the higher the number of the bed linen in terms of thread count, the softer that particular bed linen will be. Most of the cheaper bed linen and sheets that are composed mostly of cotton type blends will typically have a 150-thread count. You must also consider that due to the low thread count, these cheaper blends are usually less durable.
- Fiber Content. Aside from thread count, another important factor in terms of quality is the fiber content of the bed linen. Most linen and duvet cover sets come in silk, Pima cotton, bamboo, or Egyptian cotton, generally regarded as the best quality fiber for beddings. The highest quality bed linens are made completely of cotton, with single ply fibers. The longer the fibers, the better the quality — as a rule of thumb, 2-inch fibers make for the best quality sheets. Another excellent fiber is silk, which will impart not only a sensation of softness, but smoothness as well.
- Proper Fit. Another general rule is that you should only purchase and use bed linen that will suit your bed size. When purchasing bed linen, remember to give some allowance for possible shrinkage after washing.
- Design. In terms of design, this should not a problem. Most bed stores offer bed linen in a vast variety of textures and styles. Whether you prefer monogrammed, printed, scalloped, or embroidered sheets, you’re sure to find the one that suits your taste.
When choosing your bed linen, remember that better quality usually translates to greater comfort for you.