How to Choose the Right Bed Linen for Your Bedroom

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The history of bed linen goes back to ancient times when the Kings of Egypt and the Emperors of Rome decorated their beds with different types of bedding. Throughout the ages, it has evolved from stiff to soft and exquisite, as we know it today. But from then until now, one thing hasn’t changed yet – linen still remains the bedroom’s most important design element.

The bed linen has a functional purpose as well, to make you feel comfortable, so you will enjoy your sleep and wake up fresh and prepared for the challenges of the new day.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to combine aesthetics and comfort in your bedroom and choose the right bed linens that will enhance the look of the entire space and ensure better sleep for you.

But choosing between so many different options can be overwhelming at times. In almost every bed linen shop, you can find individual bed coverings or bedding sets and select the perfect ones for your room and your needs. 

Knowing the type of bedding you need can help you improve sleep and prevent you from buying replacements as often. You can find a bed linen shop that offers carefully selected items that will help you turn your bedroom into a cozy and stylish spot where you can relax after a long, busy day.

Though terms may slightly vary, the following are some of the main types of bedding you need.

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Bed Sheets: The Base

The two main styles of bed sheets are flat and fitted. Even though they are both used for the same purpose, to protect the mattress and add comfort to your sleeping experience, fitted sheets are more popular these days thanks to the simplicity of use they offer.

A fitted bed sheet, known as well as the bottom sheet, features an elastic hem and pulls snugly over the mattress.

For that reason, you need the right measurements to ensure the fitted sheet will fit your mattress perfectly. You can choose a fitted bed sheet that will go neatly round the corners of your mattress, so you will not have to struggle to stretch it over the mattress just to wake up the next day and see that it came loose.

The flat sheet also referred to as the top sheet, goes on the top of the fitted sheet and provides an additional layer of warmth and softness. It separates you from the duvet or blanket and can keep you cozy in the winter, while in the summertime it can be used instead of a blanket to keep you cool and comfortable.

When choosing a flat sheet, make sure it’s big enough for your bed, so even if you decide to use it over the mattress, you will be able to easily tuck the corners in. 

Consider cotton, Egyptian Cotton,  Pima, and silk as these are some of the best and most popular materials for bed sheets lately. All of them are soft, comfortable, moisture-absorbing, and durable.

If you want quality bed sheets that give a subtle sheen and a smooth touch, then you may consider sateen bed sheets.

Regardless of your bed sheet preference, new bed linen is always a great way to refresh your bedroom.

Duvet: The Keeper of the Warmth

A duvet is a piece of bedding filled with down, feathers, wool, or a synthetic alternative. It’s flat and soft and a great choice when the colder nights come.

When choosing your duvet, base your decision on the filling, depending on how warm you want it to be. You can choose from natural and synthetic fillings.

Usually, natural fillings are preferred as they are very warm in addition to being breathable, something that synthetic fillings cannot brag with. 

Very often a duvet is confused with a comforter, however, they are two different bedding options. Simply put, a duvet is a thicker version of a comforter.

Duvet Cover: The Protector

Every duvet cover has an opening where the duvet is inserted and which is typically closed with buttons or a zipper. Purchasing a duvet cover offers the best from two aspects, decorative and protective.

A duvet cover can be found in a variety of colors, textures, styles, and patterns that will match the rest of your bedroom décor. Interestingly, but in the UK the duvet cover is often used as a flat sheet.

Pillows and Pillowcases: The Supporters

A pillow is probably one of the most important bedding items. It’s used to support your body when you sleep and there are a few different types of pillows, available in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can choose depending on your needs and preferences. 

The right type of pillow usually depends on your preferred sleeping position. That said, if you’re a side sleeper you’ll need a hard pillow with contours to match the curve of your neck. If you sleep on your back, you’ll need a flat pillow to keep your head and neck perfectly aligned.

On the other hand, if you’re a stomach sleeper, then you’d benefit from a soft pillow or no pillow at all. 

A pillowcase, on the other hand, is a protective cover and its purpose is to keep your pillow clean. A bedding set usually contains matching bed sheets and pillowcases or matching duvet covers and pillowcases.

However, the most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to your pillowcase is to change it at least twice a week, so you can prevent skin irritation.

Mattress Protector: The Quiet Hero

A mattress protector covers the entire mattress and keeps it safe and clean. Some mattress protectors zip the mattress inside and others have an open end. Getting a mattress protector is a well worth investment that will prolong the life of your mattress, protecting it from dirt, spills, wear and tear.

Choose the Right Bedding in a Few Simple Steps

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Let Your Imagination Take Over

When buying bed linens look for colors and patterns that will add a signature style to the room and texture that will help you achieve the maximum level of comfort. The idea is to make your bedroom a perfect place of relaxation and coziness. 

The bed is the focal point of the bedroom, so you need to make sure the colors you select complement the design. Whether you prefer striped, floral, or textured bed linens, you can buy an entire collection, mix colors and prints or coordinate various solids to create the desired look. If you are going for a perfectly coordinated look, choose your sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases from the same collection. 

Consider Thread Count 

When choosing bed linen, consider the thread count, which is an important mark of quality. To ensure the weave is tight enough to provide quality and soft bedding, choose a thread count that starts at 200 or higher. Typically, a thread count between 200 and 1000 is good. The highest thread, though, goes up to 1200.

Invest in High Quality 

Investment in your bed linen can improve the quality of your sleep, which can be beneficial for your health and your pocket in the long term. Find a bed linen store that suits your tastes and you will surely find something that suits your budget, too.

Julie Higgins
Author
Julie is a Staff Writer at momooze.com. She has been working in publishing houses before joining the editorial team at momooze. Julie's love and passion are topics around beauty, lifestyle, hair and nails.