Ah, bedding. We ask so much from this one element. We want it to be comfortable, easy-to-clean, and beautiful—after all, it will set the tone for the entire room.
There’s no doubt that we ask a lot from our bedding. But how do you choose the best bedding for you, given the seemingly endless options available? Here are six tips to selecting the perfect set.
Think Multiples
You will typically want at least two complete sheet sets for your bed—that way, should a cleaning disaster arise, you won’t be left sheet-less for the night. Keep it practical by choosing heavier, warmer sheets for the winter months and lighter, cooler sheets for summer.
Practically speaking, having at least one set of sheets in neutral is a good bet. Should you choose to switch up your duvet, neutral sheets will still look coordinated.
Duvet vs. Quilt
Let it be known that bedding terminology is fluid, at best: different people have different terms for various items. Tomato, to-mah-to.
The object in question is the main blanket that covers your bed and keeps you warm at night. There are two main options for this: a linen that is used to envelope a filling, like a down comforter (think a pillowcase to a pillow), and one where the filling is sewn into the cover, making it a single blanket. For simplicity sake, we’ll call the former a “duvet” and the latter a “quilt”.
Duvets offer the benefit of being easier to clean without taking up the entire washing machine, like a full quilt is apt to do—though anyone who has tried to wrangle a comforter back into a duvet cover will know that it’s still not the easiest thing to do. Perhaps the greatest benefit of a duvet cover versus a quilt is that you can fill the duvet with whatever type of comforter the season calls for.
Thread What?
Thread count is a common attribute used to describe linens. It represents the number of yarns per square inch of fabric. Traditionally, a higher thread count meant higher quality fabric. Most fabrics today are made with machines, so while a threat count of 350 in times of yore might have signified a high quality product, today’s sheets can have a thread count of 1,200.
In short, thread count today doesn’t mean as much as it once did. Marketers love to use it, but don’t let it be the only factor in your decision. Instead, give the sheets a little scratch: if the material pills, it’s probably not great quality.
Single Ply – Not Just for Toilet Paper!
Single ply means that the weaving process consists of single yarns being woven over and under another, whereas plied yarns consist of yarns that are first twisted together, then woven with other plied yarns.
Single ply fabrics are typically lighter, softer and more durable—three factors that most people look for in linens. If that sounds like your perfect sheet, then stick to single ply.
Bedding as Décor
Avoid the sterile, hospital bed look: pump up the aesthetics with throws and decorative pillows. These are some of the easiest accessories to play around with, since they are easy to switch in and out. Make them central to whatever décor theme you decide to work with in your room.
Keep it Clean
Experts say you should wash your linens once per week, rotating sets if you have multiples. Let’s be honest: washing linens is a pain, and it takes up a lot of room in the washing machine. Don’t feel bad if you stray from the weekly rule, but try to wash them at least every two to three weeks!
Washing details will always depend on the fabric, so study the labels carefully. Generally speaking, warm water with mild detergent is best.
Easy Maintenance
Bedding is awkward to iron, but it looks so much better when it’s free of wrinkles. Take a shortcut by machine drying it on a low temperature (or on “wrinkle release”, if your dryer offers that setting). Once the linens are dry, remove them immediately. Smooth them out and fold them to keep wrinkles at bay. Certain fabrics are also less prone to wrinkling. Try cotton flannel or jersey fabrics.
The top tip? Choose bedding that you love. Aim for comfort–duvet covers, throws and pillows can be used to pretty up the room. And don’t forget–if you share your bed with a significant other, make sure that they love it, too!
