A good night’s sleep is something we all want and cherish when we get one. There are many factors involved in getting that quality eight hours of blessed unconsciousness and buying the correct bedclothes for your bed is definitely one of them!
However, when it comes to buying the best bedding to keep you warm and comfortable at night it can be difficult to find the quality you want.
One of the most annoying things when buying anything in any of the major stores is packaging. Everything is trussed up in plastic and cardboard which makes actually handling and feeling the fabric nigh on impossible. Feeling the quality of the fabric is the way you are going to tell the quality, so it is important that you do so.
Some major retailers will have samples of the sheet so you can feel the softness and quality of the fabric against your skin. Does it feel silky? Can you pull it hard without mishap? You want something which is both durable and comfortable, so don’t be afraid to have a good tug. A cheaper sheet could begin to rip or show signs of stress on the weave.
If you can’t get hold of a sample don’t be afraid to wriggle a portion of fabric free from the packaging. Make sure you have enough to get hold of so you can really feel the fabric.
Of course, sheets come in all price brackets and Egyptian cotton is the best. These cottons usually come with a high thread count and should say so on the packet. The higher the thread count the softer the cotton and the more expensive the sheet. Lower thread counts mean the fabric is coarser and will feel rough against your skin.
Cheap cotton will have snubs in the fabric as well as a low thread count. You may even be able to see through the cloth when you hold it up to the light if the weave is too open. This fabric will be rough and won’t stand the test of time. Often the feel of cheap cloth is quite stiff and caused by a dressing which will come out at the first wash leaving the cloth limp and coarse.
Bedclothes also come in a variety of fabrics such as silk, satin and cotton blend. Again, the quality is what you are looking for. Polyester and cotton blends are good for those who dislike ironing as the finish is much smoother. However, search out a blend which is higher in cotton than synthetic. Again, this ensures softness and durability.
As a rule of thumb, buy the very best you can afford and don’t compromise on quality. Cheap alternatives are a false economy in the long run and, as in many things, paying the price will ensure you’ll get the best.
Susan Carruthers is an interior designer who has been writing articles for design magazines and websites for many years. Susan uses sources such as cushy bedding to keep up to date with all the latest trends in soft furnishings
