Given that we spend approximately a third of our lives in bed, it makes sense to invest in the best bed sheets possible. But with so many bedding brands on the market offering a whole array of weaves, weights and fabrics, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, we've got you sorted: follow these tips for a cosier bedroom and a better night's sleep.
First things first: Does thread count matter?
Thread count means the density of threads per square inch: generally, a higher thread count means a softer and smoother feel to the fabric. However the thread count isn't the be all and end all when it comes to choosing bed sheets. You should also take into consideration the quality of the fabric: a low quality fabric with a high thread-count will result in more uncomfortable bedding than a high-end fabric like Egyptian cotton, even if it has a lower thread count.
What type of fabric should you choose?
Once cotton is harvested, it is spun into thread and woven into a wide variety of different fabrics, such as sateen and percale. Each weave has its benefits, so choosing the one for you is really a matter of personal taste.
Percale is a matte weave that has a crisp, cool feel, making it a great option for the hot summer months. It's durable and resistant to pilling, so you won't have to replace your sheets every six months. Sateen has a smooth and lustrous satin-like finish. Naturally wrinkle-resistant, it's more tightly woven and typically heavier than percale, making it ideal for year-round use.
Linen is in a different class altogether, as it's made from the flax plant, rather than cotton. Renowned for its natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties, it's an exceptionally soft fabric that's perfect for every season – crisp and cool in summer and warm and cosy in winter. It also happens to one of the most sustainable fabrics as every part of the flax plant can be used and it's a rotation crop, farmed naturally in small batches.
What is the highest-quality cotton?
Not all cottons are created equal. 100% Egyptian cotton is generally considered to be the highest-quality cotton thanks to its extra long staple fibres – fibres longer than 34 millimetres – which are associated with a high quality cotton cloth. The fibres are thinner than other cottons yet stronger, resulting in some of the best bed sheets in the world. Pima cotton, also known by the trademarked name Supima, is another great option, also woven with extra long fibres for ultimate durability and softness.
5 bedding brands to know
Piglet
British bedding brand Piglet specialises in the use of 100% natural stonewashed French flax. Its durable and lightweight linen bedding and pyjamas are designed to soften with wear and age gracefully over time. Choose from a range of elegantly understated hues, including Charcoal, Blush Pink and Deep Teal.
House Bablyon
House Babylon’s bed linen fuses contemporary designs with quality construction. Sustainability is high up on House Babylon’s list too: the brand sources ethical materials – most notably 100% Oeko-tex certified extra long staple Egyptian cotton – for its bedding as well as wrapping it all in biodegradable packaging. If you’re after eco-conscious, high quality bed linen and duvets, look no further.
Beddable
Beddable simplifies the process of making the bed by offering affordable, specially designed sets that include everything you need. Everything is made in a family-run factory in Guimarães, a region in northern Portugal with a rich textile manufacturing heritage. The key fabrics that it works with are sateen, percale and, more recently, washed cotton, a luxurious alternative to linen that is ultra-breathable and designed for a softer feel.
Soho Home
Soho Home is the perfect go-to for all manner of luxury interior additions, including premium bed linen. You'll find super soft linen bed sheets alongside goose down pillows and duvets, all guaranteed to enhance your bedroom with a signature aesthetic inspired by the look and feel of the Soho Houses around the world.
Cap D'Arsène
Cap D'Arsène is a French beach and homewares label whose products are luxurious in that understated Parisian way. Case in point: its handcrafted bed covers and pillows made from a durable and ultra-cosy blend of linen and cotton. The elegant stripes will bring a touch of sophistication to any room.
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