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September 20, 2019

When it comes to investing in some new bedlinen we know how important it is to get it right. Given that we spend around one third of our lives asleep it makes sense to give your bedlinen a bit of thought. You want a bed that you can sink into after a long day, snuggle up in with a loved one, enjoy some quiet moments reading in or indulge in a lazy weekend brunch under the covers. There's nothing quite like slipping between soft, clean sheets to make you feel relaxed and cared for. If you're looking for new sheets or duvet covers, whether you're buying for a student setting up their dorm room or you simply want to zhush-up your bedroom, here's our essential guide to choosing the perfect bedlinen.

how to choose bedlinen

What's the best bedding material?

The choice of bedlinen fabric can sometimes feel overwhelming. So, how do you choose the right one for you? It comes down to what you're looking for. If price is your main focus then polycotton is cheap, but it can feel sweaty against the skin and is not particularly durable or sustainably produced. Cotton is a natural fibre and offers greater comfort than polycotton, but unless it's organic then the pesticides used in its production and its relatively high carbon footprint may put you off. You can choose different types of cotton, like brushed (or flannel), which is warmer than ordinary cotton; or Egyptian cotton, which is finer and stronger. Satin or silk sheets are smooth and cool to touch, but can feel chilly in winter and are also a very strong look thanks to their sheen. Not for the faint-hearted or those with a more minimalist, naturalistic approach to interior design.

If sustainability is important to you, then linen bedlinen is your best option. Not only does it use fewer resources in the production process, it's also biodegradable, so there's no waste once its lifetime use is over. Linen lasts for years and gets better with each wash, making it a great investment if you want household linens that stay the distance. It also helps regulate your body temperature so if you tend to feel cold in bed during the cooler months but also hate being too hot at night in summer, then linen is an ideal choice.

How important is thread count?

how to choose bedlinens

Traditionally, people have claimed that the higher the thread count, the better quality the fabric. But this isn't actually true: thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven into each square inch, but what actually matters is the quality of the original fibres. Low quality fibres with a high thread count will not be as comfortable, look as good or last as long as better quality fabrics.

How do I care for my bedlinen?

You should aim to wash your bedlinen once every one to two weeks. Linen is machine washable and can be tumble dried, so it's easy to care for. Plus, there's no need to iron as you can simply embrace its charming natural crinkles! Cotton is also machine washable, but if you buy lower quality bedlinen you may find it beginning to pill or wear thin in places after several washes. Silk sheets should be washed in cool water in protective bags, and are a more high-maintenance option.

What colour bedlinen should I choose?

choosing linen bedlinen color

As the bed is usually the biggest piece of furniture in the bedroom, it can direct the interior decor of the room. This makes your choice of colour for your bedlinen pretty important. If you love a tranquil, minimalist space opt for whites, soft greys and neutrals. You can always add a cosy wool throw or linen cushions to give some texture and subtle colour or pattern. For a bold look choose jewel coloured linen bedlinen in rich shades that complement your wall colour and other soft furnishings, like curtains. Look at a colour wheel to work out which tones work well together - bright colours can look amazing when done properly, but you want to avoid a hectic, mishmash kind of vibe.

Choose your bedlinen well and you'll create a sanctuary in your bedroom, a place that truly feels yours and that restores and revives you.

For more tips on home decorating with linen, and how to care for linen go here and here.

 

Alison Feldman
2020-09-25

Is the ‘wine’ coloured Bedding in this article available?

linenme_19
2020-09-28

Dear Alison,

Thank you for your interest. We discontinued wine, but we have really wide choice of colours. Please check our bedding section , I'm sure you will find the colour you like.

Inga

In reply to by Alison Feldman (not verified)

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