Comfortable beddings mean the difference between getting a good night’s rest and tossing and turning in bed. Along with a comfortable mattress and firm pillows, you need bed sheets that will help you relax and fall asleep.
When shopping for those perfect sheets, you will discover that not all bed sheets are created equal. Thread count, fabric, size, and weave type all play a role in determining how suitable they will be. We know that’s a lot to consider, which is why we’ve put together this guide. If you are stumped about what bedding to buy, keep reading to find the right set for you.
What You Should Consider When Buying Bedding Sets UK
While it is important to have a comfortable mattress, it is also essential to have good-quality bed sheets. Well-made sheets will provide you with a better sleeping experience and enhance the appearance of the room, turning it into a space that feels cosy and comfortable. Here’s what you should consider when shopping for bedding.
Size
One of the first things to consider when buying bedding sets UK is the size of your sheets is, nobody wants to end up with linen that doesn’t quite cover the mattress, as you will be tangled up in them the coming morning. The ideal bed sheet should be slightly bigger than your mattress so that you can tuck in the fabric at the sides.
Thread Count
The thread count is the number of vertical and horizontal threads in a square inch of fabric. A higher thread count means a softer bed sheet, which is the goal here. Linens with a thread count of 200 – 800 are considered good quality, although you can find some sets with a count that goes as high as 1000.
Although thread count is an essential aspect of the quality of a bedsheet, it’s not the sole factor that determines its comfort. Another crucial factor is the type of yarn used for the fabric. For instance, if you’re looking for a soft bed sheet with a relatively low thread count, a combed cotton set would be the way to go.
Modern techniques like twisting multiple yarns together can significantly improve the feel of the fabric, increasing thread count without necessarily enhancing the sheet itself. This means you can get a good quality set of sheets with a lower thread count.
Therefore, a low number doesn’t necessarily mean a poor-quality bed sheet when considering thread count. Beddings made from superior yarn with a good finish can prove to be as comfortable as linens with a higher thread count.
Fabric
The fabric determines the feel, durability, and comfort of your bed sheet, which makes this the most important aspect to consider. A high thread count linen made from poor fabric will still be scratchy and uncomfortable. When purchasing bedding, these are the fabric choices that should be at the top of your list.
Cotton
Cotton is the most popular fabric for bed sheets, and with good reason. It’s lightweight, breathable, and can be spun into fine, strong yarn that makes it durable. Cotton also gets softer over time and is an affordable fabric.
Flannel
Flannel bed sheets are made from cotton, wool, and other materials. They are soft and warm, making them perfect for those cold winter nights. Unlike cotton sheets, your bed won’t feel cold when you first slip in, and flannel’s ability to trap body heat will keep you snug all night.
Silk
Silk is an excellent alternative to cotton for those looking for a more luxurious feel. It’s soft and breathable while also being hypoallergenic. Silk sheets might be more challenging to maintain, but they will last longer than your cotton bed linen.
Weaves
Percale, sateen, and flannel are the three most commonly used weaves for making bed linens.
Percale sheets are crisp, and although they wrinkle easily, their lightweight design makes them great for warmer climates. Meanwhile, sateen sheets have a weave that produces an elegant, wrinkle-resistant fabric.
If you opt for flannel bedsheets, you can enjoy the unique brushed technique used in their creation, resulting in warm, cosy beddings.
Take Your Pick
With so many bedding options to choose from, shopping for bed sheets can be overwhelming. However, this guide will help you better understand what’s on offer, helping you make an informed decision.
