Bed sheets do double duty—they’re essential to your comfort but also add a stylish accent to your bed. Use these tips to choose sheets that will match your tastes and promote a good night’s sleep.
Thread Count and Material
Thread count measures the number of threads woven into a square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the smoother the sheets will feel. Those with a high thread count that are made with a high-quality cotton, such as
Egyptian cotton or
Supima cotton, will have the most luxurious feel. For a low-maintenance option, try
polyester-cotton blend sheets, which are wrinkle-free and easy to care for.
Stylish Trends Select a set that fits your bedroom’s decor.
Sheet sets typically include fitted sheets, flat sheets and pillowcases.
• Use blush or
rose-colored sheets for a feminine master bedroom or little girl’s room.
•
White and
beige styles pair well with classic furniture and traditional interiors. They’re also great for spare rooms and guest rooms.
• For visual interest that’s not overwhelming, try floral or pinstriped sheets.
Double-check that the set you choose is the correct size for your mattress. If you’re shopping for
queen-size bed sheets, for example, make sure you buy sheets that are the correct depth. Standard-pocket sheets fit mattresses up to 12 inches deep.
Deep-pocket sheets will fit a mattress between 13 and 17 inches deep. Extra-deep pocket sheets are needed for a mattress up to 24 inches deep.
Care and Storage
Stay comfortable all year and switch out your
bedding as the seasons change. In the summer months, choose cool, breathable cotton or
linen sheets sets. Swap them for
flannel sheet sets when the chilly weather hits—they have a thicker ply and are soft and cozy to the touch.
You should wash your sheets once a week in hot water. To keep your linen closet organized (and find that missing flat sheet in a pinch), tuck folded sheet sets inside their matching pillowcase. You’ll have everything you need to make the bed in an easy-to-grab bundle.
It’s a good idea to have two sets of sheets for every bed in your home. That way you’ll always have a clean set while the other is in the wash.