Common Bed Linen Materials

The right material can make your bed inviting and comfortable. Bed Linen is crafted of a variety of materials, and finding the right one for you depends, in part, on your preference. Cotton is a popular choice for bed linen because of its practicality and durability. Cotton bed linen is soft and breathable, which maximises your comfort. At the same time, it's durable and easy to clean in the washing machine. Some cotton bed linen pieces are blended with polyester, a synthetic fibre, to enhance their durability and minimise wrinkles and shrinking.

Consider your comfort level when selecting bed linen materials. If you're seeking warmth when you sleep, try a flannel set of sheets. Flannel is soft and traps body heat for added warmth. On the other hand, silk sheets are cool and smooth, perfect for people who are prone to overheating when they sleep. Plus, silk sheets add a layer of luxury to your bed linen. Linen bed linen adds a lightweight, airy quality to the bedroom. Plus, it's durable, breathable and absorbent. Thanks to these materials and more, there's bed linen constructed to suit your needs.

Tip: If you desire cotton bed linen, look for pure Egyptian cotton, which is the most luxurious and softest style available.

Thread Count Basics

Thread count allows you to easily determine the sheet's softness. Simply put, thread count is the number of threads horizontally and vertically per square cm of fabric. The higher the thread count, the softer the sheets. Generally, bed linen with a 200-thread-count or higher will be soft and comfortable. You'll discover bed linen with thread counts ranging from 200 to 800, while some can even exceed 1,000. The right thread count for you depends on your personal preference, so check out different thread counts to determine your desired level of softness.

Bed Linen Sets

Now that you understand bed linen materials and thread counts, it's time to shop for bed linen. Bed Linen sets are a simple way to purchase everything you need to outfit your bed in comfort. These all-inclusive sets give you a variety of pieces to transform your bed linen. Typically, a bed linen set includes some or all of the following pieces:

• Comforter, quilt cover, quilt or coverlet
• Fitted sheet
• Flat sheet
• Pillowcases
• Cushion shams
• Bed skirts
• Decorative cushions

Purchasing your bed linen in a set has its advantages and disadvantages. Its greatest advantage, of course, is convenience. You can give your bedroom a makeover in one simple purchase. Even more, you can ensure that every piece coordinates when you purchase a set. If, however, you prefer a more eclectic look for your bed linen or enjoy the hunt of finding different pieces, buying individual bed linen items might be your preference.

Bed Linen Basics

If you opt against purchasing a bed linen set, you must ensure you have everything you need to dress your bed. Start with the basics: a mattress pad. The mattress pad provides a layer of comfort and protection for your mattress. You can find styles that boast a plush down fill or cooling microfibre technology. Next, select a sheet set that serves as the underlayer of your bed. This set will include a fitted sheet that covers the mattress pad and a flat sheet that sits on top of the flat sheet. Coordinating pillowcases typically come with a sheet set. Single sheet sets include one pillowcase, while double, queen, king and California king include two. Finally, you can outfit your bed with a blanket for an added layer of warmth.

Next, you need to invest in the top layer of your bed linen. This layer adds a decorative touch to your bed. Choose from these options:

• Comforter: A comforter is thick and filled with down, polyester or another material. It typically features a dyed, non-embroidered pattern.
• Quilt: A quilt features three layers: a woven top and back and a middle layer of batting. Quilts combine different pieces of fabric in unique and often one-of-a-kind designs.
• Duvet cover: A quilt cover can give new life to an old comforter. Your existing comforter or a quilt insert can be placed inside the quilt cover, which usually zips closed.
• Coverlet: A coverlet is a lightweight, non-woven blanket that can top a thicker comforter or be used alone.

Other decorative pieces to your bed linen can add a finishing touch to your bed. Cushion shams add volume and intrigue to the bed, often coordinating with the bedspread, quilt cover, quilt or coverlet. A bed skirt adds a decorative touch to the bottom of the bed, hiding the bed frame. Selecting these items gives your bed linen a polished look.

Create an inviting and relaxing bedroom with these must-have bed linen essentials. Whether you invest in a convenient bed in a bag or carefully select each piece of bed linen, you'll enjoy the comfort and coordination that a new bed linen set brings to your space.