The condition of one’s bedrooms, especially beds and the beddings, is a significant contributor to the quality of sleep occupants get every night. Countless studies have shown that bedmakers are happier, productive, and get more restful sleep than most people.
To make it easier for you, when choosing bedding or linens, make sure to consider the following factors to find the best one.
Thread Count
Just like how you can determine the quality of the materials inside a pre-cut quality kit by discovering the fabrics’ thread count, it can help you determine how smooth, soft, and durable beddings and linens are. Having a high thread count often indicates the fabric is more delicate and durable.
Material
The material you pick plays a crucial role in whether or not the bedding is comfortable for you. The following are some of the most popular materials used for beddings and linens.
Cotton
Cotton is the best option for busy households that often need to replace sheets. It’s lightweight, breathable, versatile, and incredibly easy to wash, making it the perfect ‘all-around’ material. You have three options when it comes to cotton, including Egyptian, Supima, and Hygro cotton. If you’re looking for the finest cotton worldwide, Egyptian cotton is an excellent choice as it’s soft, light, and lasts longer.
However, if you’re after more durable cotton, Supima cotton is the best option as its extra-long staples make it more resistant to abrasion or pilling. Finally, if you’re after warmer beddings, Hygro cotton is ideal as it blooms and becomes softer after several washes, regulating body temperatures.
Linen
Linen typically has better durability than cotton, offering excellent comfort during summer and winter thanks to its breathability and capability to draw moisture from your body. Plus, it looks better and more luxurious after each wash, thanks to its creases.
Flannel
Flannel is cotton that’s finely combed, fluffing up the fibers. It’s softer than cotton and can trap body heat more efficiently, promoting a more snuggly and warm feeling against the skin. This material is the best choice for winter.
Tencel
If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly material for your beddings and linens, Tencel is ideal. It’s a soft fabric made from eucalyptus tree wood pulp, making it naturally antimicrobial and durable. Tencel is highly considered eco-friendly and sustainable as it only requires minimal water, energy, and chemicals.
Silk
If you’re looking to splurge on your budget on beddings and linens, silk is the best material for that. It makes some of the most luxurious and gorgeous bed linings as it’s naturally soft and hypoallergenic. It’s also lighter than cotton and more durable. However, it requires more care and attention than most materials.
Weaves
Like materials, there are different weaves you can consider, contributing to the beddings and linens’ overall softness, comfort, and looks.
Here are some of the most common ones.
- Jersey – This includes a knit fabric, similar to how t-shirts are made, and they’re often soft and comfortable. However, they’re prone to shrinking.
- Sateen – This weave is what makes bed linen smooth with a low-key sheen. Plus, it has a unique weaving pattern, producing a satin-like finish to your beddings.
- Percale – This offers the ‘crisp’ feel you get in dress shirts, finished off with a matte color, giving beddings an even texture and improved comfort.
- Jacquard – This is a more elaborate form of weaving containing raised embroidery areas that you can feel under your hand, often used to weave the designs into bedsheets.
- Microfiber – This is lighter and usually consists of human-made fiber, producing a thicker than usual weave that makes the beddings hypoallergenic and water-resistant, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive skin and allergies.
- Damask – This is the most complex and detailed form of weaving, showing the woven patterns on both sides of the linen.
Pattern
Like other bedroom elements, beddings and linens play a crucial part in the overall design. It’s best to go for a small to large scale mix of patterns following your bedroom’s color theme—giving you an easy way to begin experimenting with prints.
Seasonality
The number of sheets you need depends on your specific needs and preferences and how often you want to change things. However, keep in mind that sheets that seem summery or perfect for winter can generally work all year. All you need to do is add blankets and coverlets, making your bed comfier during any season.
Since people spend around one-third of their lives asleep, it only makes sense to invest in quality bedding and linens that are not only comfy but durable enough to stand the test of time—and the factors mentioned can help you find the best one for you.
