Is there anything better than climbing into bed and taking in the scent of freshly washed linen? We think not. Everyone who enjoys a good night's sleep will know the importance of choosing the right bedding.
With so many options available, finding the perfect linen for your needs takes a lot of work. So, if you're wondering what the coolest linen for those summer months is or why people love Egyptian cotton, read on - because we're about to reveal the different types of linen.
What Makes Great Bed Linen?
Bed linen is essential because it's a massive part of sleep quality. Your pillowcases, duvet cover and bed sheet should be soft on the skin and cosy for you to lie on. If you don't have comfortable sheets, it will be harder to drift off.
So, it goes without saying that the right bed linen will be different for everyone, depending on their personal preferences and sleeping style.
There are a few things to consider when buying bedding:
- The Fabric: It should be soft and smooth so you can enjoy a luxurious and comforting experience every time you climb into bed.
- Thread Count: The number of threads per square inch of fabric will define the material's softness. Higher threads are always more expensive - but they're worth the extra cost.
- The Weave: If you want extra durability, choose linen with a tighter weave - but if you're looking for something softer, go for a looser weave.
- Size matters: Make sure you get sheets that fit the bed. Remember, memory foam mattress toppers can take up a lot of space, so you might need to get a larger sheet to accommodate them.
So, now you know what to consider when purchasing bed linen, it's time to look at the varieties available to select the best one for your needs.
Egyptian Cotton
Most people have heard of Egyptian cotton, as it's one of the most popular bedding types. Soft, smooth and luxurious; many retailers sell Egyptian cotton in the UK.
The price depends on the quality, but generally, it's more expensive than other types of bedding. Premium Egyptian cotton linen comes from longer fibres and has a higher threat count, but it's more costly than lower thread count linen.
Egyptian cotton is also much more durable than other kinds of cotton, so you can expect it to last longer. Taking care of it properly could last up to 20 years, so even the more expensive bedding options are worth the investment.
Pima Cotton
Pima cotton is another high-quality option similar to Egyptian cotton in many ways. Made from long fibres in the USA, many people choose Pima for bed linen because it's a lot cheaper than Egyptian linen.
However, you'll notice that while Pima is also very soft and has a silky feel, it's not quite as luxurious as Egyptian cotton. If you're looking for something that looks and feels incredible, you can't go wrong with Pima - although it is more expensive than other forms of cotton.
Flannel
Flannel is a popular choice for winter bedding as it's soft, cosy and warm. It's made from carded wool or cotton, then brushed to create a napped finish. The result? An incredibly soft fabric traps heat, making it perfect for those cold winter nights.
Although flannel sheets are more expensive than some types of bedding, they're worth the investment if you want to stay warm during winter. Getting a high thread count is best, as you want to avoid ending up with a scratchy sheet.
Linen
Linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant and has provided bedding and clothing for centuries. It's a lot stronger and more durable than cotton, which is why high-end bedding manufacturers often use it.
Linen is also very absorbent, so it's perfect for summer bedding as it will help to keep you cool during the night. Just be aware that linen can wrinkle easily, so you might need to iron your sheets before use.
Silk
Silk is one of the most luxurious fabrics on the market, so it's no surprise that it's famous for high-end bedding. Silk is incredibly smooth and soft, making it a dream to sleep on - but it comes at a price.
Silk is costly, so it's less popular than other types of bedding. However, it's definitely worth the investment if you can afford it. Just be aware that silk is delicate, so you'll need to take care of it to prevent it from tearing.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric often used in bedding because it's cheap and easy to care for. It's not as soft as natural fabrics like cotton and linen, but it is more durable - making it a good choice for those who want bedding that will last.
However, polyester is less breathable than natural fabrics, so there might be better choices for summer bedding.
Microfibre
Microfibre is a synthetic fabric that combines nylon, polyester and wood pulp. Manufacturers use it for bedding because it's soft, durable and easy to care for.
While microfibre is a good choice for people looking for a low-maintenance bedding option, it lacks the breathability of other fabrics, so it is more suitable as a summer option.
Bamboo
Bamboo is becoming increasingly popular in the bedding market, mainly attributable to its sustainable features. But don't worry about comfort because this eco option offers a soft, silky feel and is highly absorbent.
Just be aware that bamboo is more expensive than other types of bedding, so it might not be the best choice if you're on a budget.
Choosing The Right Bed Linen For Your Needs
With so many types of bed linen available, you can choose one that suits your preferences and budgets.
Rowan Homes has a wide selection of home furnishings, including headboards for beds and everything you need to make your bedroom a cosy place to relax.
