The average person spends over 25 years of their lifetime sleeping, which makes shopping for bed sheets an art worth mastering. It is a genuine and much needed investment which can serve to make a considerable portion of our existence more comfortable and pleasant. Subtle details like composition and finish can elevate the status of a bedsheet from a mere necessity to a luxury. Vice versa, there may be opulent features to a bedsheet, distracting one from checking key identifiers of comfort and high quality, especially when shopping online for home decor.
Regardless of personal preferences, premium quality bed linen will always display certain features which are indicative of the artistry behind the product, thus making the process of selecting a bed sheet much easier.
Thread Count Matters: The horizontal and vertical threads within per square inch of a bed sheet denote its thread count. Usually a higher thread count is associated with better quality as it makes for a softer hand feel and a more durable product. However, there are exceptions to this rule owing to other factors like weaving technique and materials used. Usually, it is a safe bet to invest in solid colored or Pure White Cotton Bed sheets which come in a range of 200 - 600 thread count. A lower thread count of 160 -180 is also acceptable when opting for patterned or printed bed sheets as these features add sturdiness while keeping the minimal softness of the fabric intact.
From Fiber to Fabrics: It is the norm for longer fibers to be used for crafting a smoother and stronger weave. Both Egyptian and Pima cotton are popular choices for making premium quality bed linen, owing to their longer fibers. Regardless of the variant used or the nature of fibers, Cotton based bed sheets remain the most desired option for daily use, due to their crisp physicality and breathability.
Lately, an emergence of poly based and synthetic blend alternatives is also being observed as these variants are cheaper to produce, durable to use and easier to maintain. However, a blend of Jersey and Cotton offers the same benefits while also retaining the softness of pure cotton sheets.
When it comes to natural fabrics, novelties like bamboo and tencel fibers are being used to create sustainable and durable options, however they do not offer the universal comfort associated with a classic pure white cotton bed sheet which is compatible with any lifestyle.
The Art Of Weaving:When it comes to selecting a lightweight and sturdy bed sheet, look out for a Percale or plain weave which usually has a smooth finish and distinct crispness. Not only is this technique most commonly used but it also makes for a cost-effective end product. A more luxurious but higher cost alternative can be found in the Satin weave which can be identified by the bed sheet’s lustrous appearance and smoother feel.
Dobby weave sheets, which usually result in a fine patterned look or mix of satin and plain weave stripes, is also a popular technique for making high quality and soft bed sheets.
Popular Finishes: Fabrics used to make bed sheets often undergo a chemical or wet treatment to enhance strength and alter the dirt releasing properties of a material. Some chemical treatments also make them resistant to creasing. Others make the fabric UV protected, hence preserving the pigment of a bed sheet.
Other industrial finishes include a stone wash, which gives the bed sheet a soft and worn out texture from the get go while sand wash finish gives the fabric an ability to be effortlessly draped. In colder regions, a flannel finish which usually features a mix of twill and plain weaves are popular. These sheets are remarkably fuzzy due to brushing of the surface and usually feature napped or raised fibers to add warmth.
The Right Fit: Bed Sheets are commonly made in two variants, namely fitted and flat. Flat bed sheets are rectangular or square shaped based on the size of a bed and come with straight edges which lay flat on the surface and hang loosely at the edges of a bed, if not tucked under the mattress. Fitted sheets come with an inlay of elastic on their corners which provide a snug and closely formed fit to the mattress. While fitted sheets add an aesthetically pleasing crisp look to your soft furnishings, flat bed sheets are easier to fold and store. Flat sheets are also used to underline the duvet covers or quilts.
Functional details like these ought to be taken into consideration when making a purchase for sheets, especially since they can aid a good night’s sleep, crucial for your well-being.