How To Choose Bedding

What Are the Best Bedding Materials?

When thinking about the best bedding materials, you might be tempted to ask about thread count. Unfortunately, this is the ultimate contributor to your confusion. Believe it or not, thread count no longer indicates quality. Some companies will make higher thread count sheets with cheaper fabric. They double twist their yarn so they can claim a higher thread count.

Rather than worry about the thread count, instead consider the type of fabric. A jersey knit stretch fabric can be soft and warm while a single pick percale is crisp and cool. Here are some of your best choices:

• Cotton is a high quality material but it's also the most expensive one. If you want the highest quality money can buy, choose 100% Egyptian cotton. The extra-long fibers are soft and luxurious but very durable.

  You may also want to choose supima or pima cotton for medium fibers that are soft and sheen, but a bit more affordable.

• Linen sheets are also pricey, but they're excellent quality, durable, and perfect for hot climates. They're breathable, they wear well, and they will quite literally last for dozens of years. In fact, some linen sheets you can buy to look worn already, and they simply get better with time.

• Jersey knit is thick, soft, and warm. It's perfect for cool climates because it doesn't breath as well, so it holds in your body heat. A jersey fabric is also stretchy and versatile, but it can get misshapen and wear out over time, so it doesn't last as long as cotton or linen.

• Silk is a luxurious fabric that many people don't use, simply because they don't understand the benefits. It feels pretentious, but it's well worth it if you're looking for something that feels great and is healthy for you.

  Yes, it's true. Because silk retains moisture, sleeping on silk sheets can do wonders for your complexion and your hair. You'll wake feeling refreshed, your skin will glow, and your hair will have a healthy shine.

  It's also naturally hypoallergenic, so for people who suffer from asthma or allergies, silk is a great solution.

• Poly-blend sheets are easy to care for and resistant to wrinkles, so they're the least labor intensive type of sheets you can buy. They're great for all climates, so if you're looking for less maintenance, this is the way to go.

  Different materials fit in a variety of climates, but if you live in a place where the temperature changes with the seasons, you may need to vary your bedding according to the time of year. When choosing your material, think about it in terms of what kind of clothing you wear all day. This will help you understand a little bit better how it will feel sleeping on it all night.

What Type of Weave is Best for Bedding?

There are many different types of weaves, leading to a variety of qualities you may want to watch out for. For instance, a dense weave makes the fabric more wrinkle resistant. Tightly woven materials are also extra soft and water-repellant.

Something labeled ultra-soft or lustrous sheen will retain moisture, which can be better for your skin, but they stain easier.

Flannel-type textures are tightly woven and great for cooler climates while linen is loosely woven for breathability in hot climates.

How to Select a Bedding Pattern?

Of course you want your sheets to match your decor. The color, pattern, or design is important for a cohesive look and relaxing experience. You want your bed to welcome you to crawl in at night rather than stimulating your senses.

Busy Bohemian patterns may be fun, but they can excite your brain activity and prevent you from entering into the deep sleep you need. However, that doesn't mean you should rule out all patterns.

Patterned bedding can draw on accent colors from other decor in your room, pulling it all together. It gives you the ability to highlight small doses of your favorite color without being overwhelming.

Florals are also great ways to invite relaxation while making the colors in your bedroom pop. The secret is to mix your patterned bedding with solid colors, too. This balances out your bedding, making your accent pieces pop against your pattern. Tiny floral prints are

If you'd rather choose a solid color, layer your colors by starting with your main color and then choose accent pieces that feature lighter and darker shades of that same color. This monochromatic scheme encourages relaxation and feels luxurious.

Should I Choose a Duvet, Comforter, or Quilt?

What goes on top of your bedding is just as important as the bedding itself. It often comes as a set, so you'll need to factor in what you want to cover your sheets with to offer the best look and sleeping experience. People tend to throw around the terms 'duvet,' 'quilt,' and 'comforter' willy nilly, and it gets confusing to say the least.

Duvet

Here's where things get confusing. A duvet cover is the covering that goes over your comforter. They're usually sold in sets with matching pillow shams. However, many of these terms are used interchangeably.

The idea of a duvet is that you have a plain comforter that goes inside the duvet cover. You use the comforter repeatedly while changing out the cover. It's a great way to mix it up and change the look of your bedding more often.

A duvet is also a great option for tying your covering to your pillows, and it also makes your bedding much easier to wash. The cover comes off so you don't have the throw a giant comforter in the machine.

Comforter

A comforter is a topper that features a plush feel and appearance. It can make your bed look incredibly fluffy and welcoming. They're soft, but can be heavy, making for a cozier experience when snuggling up at night.

A plain comforter could go inside a duvet cover, but many comforters come with their own outer layer sewn on so you only have one piece. While it can eliminate the hassle of having to put a cover on what is essentially a giant pillow, it also means you're cramming the whole thing in your washing machine when it's time to do laundry.

Quilt

What springs to mind when hearing the word quilt is probably Grandma's vintage patterns in some pretty unattractive color combinations. While you have the right idea, quilts don't have to be ugly.

A quilt is simply a bed covering that's thinner than a comforter. It's not as plush, but it's also not as warm, so it's a better option for warm climates.

Typically quilts have patchwork designs, but that's only because of the way they're made. Quilts are sewn in sections and then each section is stitched together to make the final product.

It gave quilters an excellent opportunity to create elaborate designs, but you can find more modern quilts in solids or muted colors as well.

How Many Pillows Do I Need?

How many pillows you sleep with is entirely up to you. It's more a matter of comfort than style. However, when making your bed every morning, you can choose the size and number of pillows you have based on the size of your bed.

• A twin bed looks great with a king pillow that covers the width of the bed with one or two accent pillows.

• A full size bed welcomes two standard size pillows, two standard size or Euro shams, with one or two accent pillows.

• Queen size beds hold two queen pillows, two queen shams, and three accent pillows. You can also replace the accent pillows with a single bolster if you prefer.

• King beds hold three standard pillows and two king shams, with three standard pillows or three Euro shams, and three smaller accent pillows.

• For a more plush look, really load it up with fluffy pillows that make it more welcoming.

However, you can overdo it, so make sure that your pillows span the width of your bed, but make sure they're between one quarter and one third of the length.

While this is largely a personal choice, this buying guide should help you determine what types of bedding are best for you based on climate, decor, and budget. There's no wrong answer, as long as you're sure you're going to love it.