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Essentials of Selecting a Bedsheet

Buying new bedsheets is a little more complicated than just going to a store and buying some.  You have to take into account the material type, the size you need, and the care instructions. It is also an essential part of home furnishing. 

If you’ve ever had a sleepless night, you know how difficult it can be to get through the following day.  Getting a good night’s sleep is very important, and one factor in sleeping well is sleeping on the right sheets.  Selecting a bedsheet is a little more complicated than simply going to a department store or an online shop and buying the right size sheets.  If you need to go shopping for some new bedsheets, here are the essential things to look for before you make your purchase. 

The type of fiber used in the sheets is what makes them comfortable or scratchy.  Egyptian cotton is known as being one of the softest, most comfortable materials out there, and it’s usually pretty affordable.  If you’re in a colder area, you may want to use a linen sheet or a linen/cotton blend because they’re usually warmer.  Silk is also another warm material that can be perfect for those in colder areas.  It’s also usually considered one of themost luxurious materials for bedsheets, which makes it fairly expensive.  If you really want a really warm bed, go with flannel. 

Check the Care Instructions 

While silk sheets are sleek and amazing, they’re not easy to clean.  In fact, you have to have them dry cleaned.  That’s going to get very expensive pretty quickly.  Cotton, linen, and flannel sheets are much easier to wash because you can do so in your own washer and dryer.  If you don’t want to deal with dry cleaning every week or so, don’t buy sheets that need it. 

Make sure you have the Right Size 

Buying sheets seems simple—there aren’t that many different options: twin, full, queen, or king.  But there are a few different variations.  For example, there’s a difference in “king” and “California king” beds.  Bed sizes also differ between the U.S. and some other countries.  For example, the UK has different sheet sizes, so if you’re buying online, make sure the measurements are in U.S. sizes.  Another thing to pay attention to is the depth of your mattress.  Some are deeper than others, so you will need sheets with extra deep pockets for these.  Otherwise, the sheets won’t come down far enough and will constantly be coming off of your bed.  Also remember that some sheets may shrink a bit the first time you wash them. 

Shop Around 

While you can buy sheets at most department stores, you may want to go to a specialty store.  Some of these specialty stores offer more brands, more colors, and authentic bedding collections.  They may also have better deals. 

Decide if you Need Matching Items

Do you need pillowcases that match the sheets?  What about things like pillow shams or a bed skirt?  If so, you may want to find matching sets.  Most manufacturers do offer all of these items in the same color, but that’s not always true.  Make sure to check before you buy.  Also decide if you need just a fitted sheet or both a fitted and a flat sheet.  Be sure you buy pillowcases that fit your pillows, too. 

Enjoy a Good Night’s Sleep 

Once you’ve purchased your new sheets, give them a try for a few days.  If you really enjoy them, you might want to go back to the store and purchase a few other sets in different colors.  This way, you don’t have to go on a search for bedsheets again later.  Stock up on sheets once you know the ones you love and enjoy a good night’s sleep for years.

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