After a long day, you probably look forward to climbing into bed. After all, there’s nothing like the warm welcome of your bed to signal the end of the day and the restful sleep that awaits you. But the quality and condition of your bed linens can mean all the difference between a good night’s sleep–or a night spent tossing and turning. Yet, finding the perfect bedding can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you don’t know what to look for. If you’re still unsure, these tips can teach you how to pick the best bedding…and get the sleep you deserve.
Thread Count
If you thought those numbers on the bedding package didn’t mean anything, think again. Thread count matters when it comes to sheets…a lot. But here’s the problem: While most people think the higher the thread count the higher the quality, some manufacturers use ply to artificially inflate the thread count. Ply is the number of threads wound together in a single thread. While most high-quality bed linens are made with a single ply, manufacturers will use two-ply to double the numbers and, in turn, increase the thread count. So, try to look for the highest number you can get in a single ply instead of just the highest thread count.
Duvets and Pillows
When it comes to bedding, it’s no secret that a duvet with a duvet cover is more convenient than a comforter. All you do is slip off the cover for washing, instead of lugging a huge comforter down to your washing machine or the dry cleaners. When it comes to duvets and pillows, pure down is a warmer but more expensive option. If you’re looking for a less expensive choice, feathers can be the next best option. Keep in mind that quills can irritate the skin, which isn’t how you want to feel when you’re trying to score some zzz’s.
Seasonal Adjustments
As seasons change, you may want to make some modifications to your bedding. For example, it’s always nice to have a coverlet or quilt at the end of the bed for those warmer seasons. However, you can purchase duvets of different thicknesses. When it comes to sheets, cotton percale works best for year-round use since they can adapt to various temperatures. Case in point: Cotton percale sheets stay cool during warmer months but are still warm when used with a duvet.
Material
When it comes to bed sheets, the most important factor is the material. Cotton percale can be very cool and crisp. Cotton sateen sheets are smooth on the skin. Oxford sheets are made with the same material that you see in shirting, and are recommended for colder climates because they tend to be heavier. Jersey fabric is soft but can be a little clingy. And for those long winter months, nothing beats flannel, which is ideal for colder areas. But if it’s possible, try to stay away from cotton-poly blends, which might be less expensive, but tend to be scratchier.
How you dress up your bed with sheets and spreads will make a huge difference in the quality of sleep you get at night. So, make the investment in bedding to ensure that you’ll always have sweet dreams.
