By: Alisa Manzelli
Choosing the right bed linen is important when it comes to improving your quality of sleep. And although bedding can be a potentially expensive purchase, it is worthwhile as high-quality bed sheets can last several years. Yet, there are several factors one must take into consideration when searching for new bedding. Here are four things to think about when choosing your next set of bed linen:
1. Color- Choose the right color bedding so that the bed sheets match the comforter and throw pillows as well as the rest of the bedroom. Keep in mind that lighter colored bed linen will show stains easier than darker colors, while darker colors will reveal more signs of fading.
2. Size- Make sure to choose the right size of bed sheets. Take into consideration the bed type (king, queen, full, or twin) and the depth (or thickness) of the mattress, measured in inches. The depth is usually listed as the “pocket” on bed linen packaging.
3. Material- Cotton is by far the most popular choice when it comes to choosing bed linen. However, synthetic cotton blends and polyester are also common choices. However, keep in mind that polyester-blend fabrics tend to feel less comfortable in high humidity while rayon is often a cooler option than cotton. Flannel, satin, and silk are other bed fabric choices, however they are not practical for everyday use.
4. Quality- To start, consider the thread count number. Thread count is the number of threads per square inch of fabric, so the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric. Thread count can range from 180 to over 2000 threads per square inch. Look for a thread count that is at least between 200 and 250. Secondly, consider the weave—the way in which individual fibers have been woven or twisted together when the fabric was first made. If fabric is twisted tightly, then the material is much stronger and smoother than if fabric is woven loosely.
