10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bed Linen
Should you pick crisp cotton or rumpled linen – and does thread count really matter? Bed linen can be baffling – here's all you need to know
Never underestimate the power of quality bed linen: it gives your bedroom an instant uplift and helps you to get a better night’s sleep. “Remember that you get what you pay for,” Sam Hood of Amara says. “Good-quality bed linen will last for many years and will improve with age.”
We spend about a third of our lives in bed, so it’s worth investing in quality. But there are so many factors to think about when choosing your linen, from thread count to fabrics and how it will need looking after. What’s the right option for you?
Professional advice from: Kate Mooney, founder of Houseology; Sam Hood of Amara; Sarah Smith of Soak & Sleep
We spend about a third of our lives in bed, so it’s worth investing in quality. But there are so many factors to think about when choosing your linen, from thread count to fabrics and how it will need looking after. What’s the right option for you?
Professional advice from: Kate Mooney, founder of Houseology; Sam Hood of Amara; Sarah Smith of Soak & Sleep
Know your yarn…
“The fineness and quality of the yarn is another hugely important factor – a sheet of better quality fibre with a lower thread count will feel softer and stand up to washing better than a lower quality fabric with a higher thread count,” says Kate Mooney of Houseology.
“As a general rule, look for a thread count of 200 or above, which should be clearly labelled on the packaging. Good-quality yarns of cottons or linen will feel better after every subsequent wash and last for a lot longer.”
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“The fineness and quality of the yarn is another hugely important factor – a sheet of better quality fibre with a lower thread count will feel softer and stand up to washing better than a lower quality fabric with a higher thread count,” says Kate Mooney of Houseology.
“As a general rule, look for a thread count of 200 or above, which should be clearly labelled on the packaging. Good-quality yarns of cottons or linen will feel better after every subsequent wash and last for a lot longer.”
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…and your weaves
The weave of your sheet also affects the way it feels and looks. The two most common weaves are sateen (or satin) and percale.
“Sateen, as you would expect, has a smoother feel, with some sheen due to the raised yarn profile in the weave, meaning that the top layer of yarn will weave across several cross-layer yarns, producing a satiny, reflective finish. Good-quality yarns are really key here to give strength to the construction,” Sarah Smith of Soak & Sleep explains.
“Percale feels crisp and fresh and is based on a simple weaving construction that gives an even, flat finish,” she says.
The weave of your sheet also affects the way it feels and looks. The two most common weaves are sateen (or satin) and percale.
“Sateen, as you would expect, has a smoother feel, with some sheen due to the raised yarn profile in the weave, meaning that the top layer of yarn will weave across several cross-layer yarns, producing a satiny, reflective finish. Good-quality yarns are really key here to give strength to the construction,” Sarah Smith of Soak & Sleep explains.
“Percale feels crisp and fresh and is based on a simple weaving construction that gives an even, flat finish,” she says.
The case for cotton
Cotton is cool, absorbent and affordable. “Naturally breathable, easy to wash and incredibly durable, it tends to be a popular choice, particularly with families and busy households,” Kate says. “Egyptian cotton is probably one of the most luxurious cottons available. Although it tends to be more expensive, its high quality makes it soft to the touch, strong and durable.”
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that all Egyptian cotton is the best quality. “You can find very good quality and very poor quality from this region,” Sam says. “The most important factor is not where the cotton is from, but that it’s a good quality.”
So how do you know if the cotton is good quality? Ultimately, it comes down to the old rule of thumb – you get what you pay for.
If you can, always try to go for organic cotton, which is significantly more sustainable.
Cotton is cool, absorbent and affordable. “Naturally breathable, easy to wash and incredibly durable, it tends to be a popular choice, particularly with families and busy households,” Kate says. “Egyptian cotton is probably one of the most luxurious cottons available. Although it tends to be more expensive, its high quality makes it soft to the touch, strong and durable.”
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that all Egyptian cotton is the best quality. “You can find very good quality and very poor quality from this region,” Sam says. “The most important factor is not where the cotton is from, but that it’s a good quality.”
So how do you know if the cotton is good quality? Ultimately, it comes down to the old rule of thumb – you get what you pay for.
If you can, always try to go for organic cotton, which is significantly more sustainable.
Mix it up
If you prefer fuss-free bed linen, choose a man-made material such as a polycotton mix – a blend of synthetic polyester and natural cotton. “Easycare polycotton is a great option for people with a busy life looking for bed linen that requires minimal care,” Kate explains. “It’s comfortable to touch, dries quickly and requires little ironing, so it’s a great solution for families and works well on children’s beds.”
To make sure the bed linen you buy is good quality, look for a thread count of at least 180 to help guard against any wearing and pulling. “Always choose the option with the larger cotton quantity, so you have a higher amount of natural fibres compared to man-made,” Sam advises.
If you prefer fuss-free bed linen, choose a man-made material such as a polycotton mix – a blend of synthetic polyester and natural cotton. “Easycare polycotton is a great option for people with a busy life looking for bed linen that requires minimal care,” Kate explains. “It’s comfortable to touch, dries quickly and requires little ironing, so it’s a great solution for families and works well on children’s beds.”
To make sure the bed linen you buy is good quality, look for a thread count of at least 180 to help guard against any wearing and pulling. “Always choose the option with the larger cotton quantity, so you have a higher amount of natural fibres compared to man-made,” Sam advises.
Fall in love with linen
Sustainable linen is a great option in warmer climates: it’s breathable and great at drawing moisture away from the body. Plus, Sam advises, it’s said to be twice as durable as cotton.
For the ultimate easy-care option, opt for a 100% pure-linen product. Linen arguably looks at its best when it’s creased and gets better with every wash.
It can have a starchy finish and feel rough to the touch, though, so opting for pre-washed linen will ensure softness. However, not all linens are pre-washed, as it does cost more, resulting in a pricier product.
There are lots of wash treatments used, including stone wash and garment wash, that have similar properties. These will also change the look, especially on dyed colours.
Sustainable linen is a great option in warmer climates: it’s breathable and great at drawing moisture away from the body. Plus, Sam advises, it’s said to be twice as durable as cotton.
For the ultimate easy-care option, opt for a 100% pure-linen product. Linen arguably looks at its best when it’s creased and gets better with every wash.
It can have a starchy finish and feel rough to the touch, though, so opting for pre-washed linen will ensure softness. However, not all linens are pre-washed, as it does cost more, resulting in a pricier product.
There are lots of wash treatments used, including stone wash and garment wash, that have similar properties. These will also change the look, especially on dyed colours.
Invest in silk…
Silk bed linen is naturally hypo-allergenic and versatile enough to provide warmth in the winter and still be cooling in the summer. “It’s a more delicate fabric than cottons and linens, so is less likely to irritate sensitive skin; it’s a great choice if you suffer from acne, for example, as it won’t irritate or absorb any skin products,” Kate says. “It can also help you avoid the dreaded ‘bed head’ look, as it prevents frizz and static,” she adds.
The downside to silk bed linen is that it’s high maintenance. It’s delicate and needs more care, especially during washing, so it’s not ideal for families or busy homes.
Silk bed linen is naturally hypo-allergenic and versatile enough to provide warmth in the winter and still be cooling in the summer. “It’s a more delicate fabric than cottons and linens, so is less likely to irritate sensitive skin; it’s a great choice if you suffer from acne, for example, as it won’t irritate or absorb any skin products,” Kate says. “It can also help you avoid the dreaded ‘bed head’ look, as it prevents frizz and static,” she adds.
The downside to silk bed linen is that it’s high maintenance. It’s delicate and needs more care, especially during washing, so it’s not ideal for families or busy homes.
…but not just any silk
Many experts believe mulberry silk is the best. The fine grade of silk produced by the mulberry silkworms creates bed linen with a softer feel and silkier drape.
While such luxury inevitably comes with a higher price tag, if you care for your sheets they will last for years.
Many experts believe mulberry silk is the best. The fine grade of silk produced by the mulberry silkworms creates bed linen with a softer feel and silkier drape.
While such luxury inevitably comes with a higher price tag, if you care for your sheets they will last for years.
But how do I pick the perfect fabric for me?
Remember that the materials used will determine the overall finish and feel of your bed linen. A 100% pure-cotton range will be completely different to a polycotton mix or linen product.
It’s important to consider the overall look and feel that you’re hoping to achieve. If you’re after Scandi style, for instance, opt for a linen material. However, if hotel luxury is more for you, choose cotton with a minimum 600TC for a smooth, silky finish.
Remember that the materials used will determine the overall finish and feel of your bed linen. A 100% pure-cotton range will be completely different to a polycotton mix or linen product.
It’s important to consider the overall look and feel that you’re hoping to achieve. If you’re after Scandi style, for instance, opt for a linen material. However, if hotel luxury is more for you, choose cotton with a minimum 600TC for a smooth, silky finish.
Take care
Care for your linens and you’ll help to keep your duvets, pillows and mattresses in top condition.
“We sweat and shed tiny flakes of skin when we sleep, so it’s important to protect pillows and mattresses,” Kate advises. To help, wash your bed linen weekly to avoid a build-up of bacteria that can exacerbate lung and skin problems.
Different products need different washes, so always follow the guidelines on individual labels. Linen and cotton can usually go in the washing machine, and often the tumble dryer, but it’s best to hand-wash silk sheets and allow them to air dry.
Tell us…
What kind of bed linen do you have – or crave? Share your thoughts or photos in the Comments.
Care for your linens and you’ll help to keep your duvets, pillows and mattresses in top condition.
“We sweat and shed tiny flakes of skin when we sleep, so it’s important to protect pillows and mattresses,” Kate advises. To help, wash your bed linen weekly to avoid a build-up of bacteria that can exacerbate lung and skin problems.
Different products need different washes, so always follow the guidelines on individual labels. Linen and cotton can usually go in the washing machine, and often the tumble dryer, but it’s best to hand-wash silk sheets and allow them to air dry.
Tell us…
What kind of bed linen do you have – or crave? Share your thoughts or photos in the Comments.
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This refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads in one square inch of fabric. “For example, if a fabric is 200TC (thread count), it means there are 200 threads per one square inch of fabric,” Sam explains.
It is often said that the higher the thread count, the better the quality of the bed linen, but this isn’t the only factor to take into consideration.