Types of Sheets

When you choose the bed frame for your room, you consider how it fits in with your decor scheme. And when you choose your mattress, your comfort is your prime consideration. 

But what about your bed linens, specifically, your bed sheets? Do the types of sheets matter? Bed sheets come in different styles and colors, but they also come in different fabrics. And it is the last factor that can have a big impact on how well you sleep at night. 

So, get to know the types of sheets available, and why they matter when furnishing your bedroom.

What this article covers:

• Bed Sheet Styles
• Bed Sheet Sizes
• Bed Sheet Fabrics
• Do Ply, Weave, GSM, and Thread Count Matter?
• When to Buy New Sheets
• Our Top Sheets for Style and Comfort
• Why We Use the Fabrics and Thread Counts We Do

Bed Sheet Styles

Bed sheet styles are a matter of personal style and practicality. 

• Flat sheets are loose sheets that have to be tucked in under the mattress. A top sheet is sometimes left to lie loose and flat over a lower, tucked-in one. Flat sheets are sold in sizes that fit different mattress sizes.

• Extra-long sheets are designed for longer mattresses. They usually take the form of flat sheets.

• Fitted sheets do the work for you. They are elasticized at the corners and fit snugly to your mattress. Fitted sheets come in different sizes to match the dimensions of your mattress. 

• Extra-depth sheets. Some fitted sheets have extra depth, to accommodate the dimensions of extra-depth mattresses.

• All-in-one sheets are harder to find, but these constitute fitted sheets that have a base cover attached. This base cover may be frilled or flat. 

Bed Sheet Sizes

Bed sheets can be sold singly or in sets. What is in a sheet set? Our sheet sets include a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and matching pillowcases. Bed sheet sizes, whether sold singly or in sets, complement the more common bed/mattress sizes on the market. 

Bed sizes may differ between countries. The measurements given here apply to the US.

Twin

A twin bed measures 38x75 inches and is the most popular bed for children and teens. Single young adults also sometimes sleep on twin beds. They are the most commonly used in student hostels or backpackers’ establishments.

A twin bed for children will look fun and exciting in one of our twin fitted sheets. Deck out your kids’ beds with our striped sheets in a variety of colors, or solid colors. Young girls may appreciate our floral prints.

Twin XL

A Twin XL  bed measures  38x80 inches. It is 5” longer than a twin bed. This is more suitable for taller individuals, usually teen boys. This makes them suitable for student dorms, too. Some adults also use twin XL beds. 

Browse our collection of twin xl bed sheets in a range of colors and thread counts. 

Full / Double

A Full bed (also called a Double or Standard) is one of the most common bed sizes for adults. This is what most adults use, even those who sleep alone. Its dimensions are 54x75 inches. It is the same length as a twin bed. However, it is 16’ wide.

So, what is the size of a double bed sheet? It is a size that accommodates the dimensions of a double bed mattress, with enough excess fabric on all sides to tuck under the mattress.  A double bed flat sheet can measure 84x96 inches. 

Our Full sheets are available in a range of colors, styles, and thread counts.

Queen 

A Queen bed measures 60x80 inches and is suitable for single adults or couples. The Queen size bed is the most popular bed size in the US. Dress yours up in one of our queen-size fitted sheets in a color or print to suit your style.

King

The widest bed on the general market, a King bed, has dimensions of  76x80 inches. However, because of its width, the King bed is often too big for the average bedroom. Couples in homes with more spacious bedrooms sometimes choose this bed size.

California King

Although harder to find, and trickier to shop for linens to fit, the California King bed is popular with taller people who like a lot more room when sleeping. It’s longer than a King bed, but a bit narrower, too. The California King bed measures 72x84 inches.

Bed Sheet Fabrics

Bed sheets can be chosen in colors that match, complement, or even contrast with your bed frame and other furniture. In this way, they become an important factor in deciding on a decor scheme. 

But bed sheets differ in more than just style and color. Fabric types play a big role in the feel of your bed sheets. And to know what to look for in sheets, you need to understand how fabric types play a role.

In the wide world of bed linens, there are several natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, and even semi-synthetics to choose from. And each category of fabric has some distinct advantages, but also some slight disadvantages. 

Natural Fabrics

Natural fabrics commonly used to manufacture bed sheets include cotton, linen, and silk. Bamboo is also becoming popular in the production of top-quality bed linen. Silk is generally expensive, but an affordable alternative is cotton sateen. This offers the softness of silk in an easy-care cotton product. 

Here at California Design Den, all our sheets are made from the best natural fibers. Cotton sateen sheets and other cotton bed linens, as well as bamboo sheets, are available.

Natural fabrics are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Cotton, especially, is cool in summer yet warm in winter. Natural fabrics also have moisture-wicking properties. For these reasons, they are the best fabrics for bed sheets.

While natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, and bamboo can cause reactions in a small fraction of the population, linen is commonly viewed as a fabric that is less likely to cause reactions.

Fabric Type Variations Within Categories

There are different processes for manufacturing fabrics from natural materials. And this produces different sub-categories of those fabrics. A good example of this is the wide range of fabrics produced from cotton. Cotton can be used to produce various fabrics in the textile industry. 

The way that the cotton fibers are spun and woven can produce different textures that vastly affect the feel of the fabric. Here are a few examples that you may come across when shopping for bed linens and other soft furnishings.

• Brushed cotton - also known as flannel.
• Pima cotton.
• Egyptian cotton
• Cotton Percale
• Organic cotton
• Cotton sateen

Synthetics

Synthetic fabrics include polyester, satin, and ‘microfiber’. These are fabrics manufactured out of chemicals and sometimes petroleum byproducts. Polyester and similar synthetics are inexpensive to produce and readily available. However, they can provoke allergic reactions in certain individuals.

While some synthetics can feel very soft, they are generally not soft and smooth like fabrics made from natural fibers. Synthetics are easy-care and affordable, but they are falling out of favor.

More and more people are trying to move away from synthetic fabrics, choosing natural materials instead. Synthetic fabrics are made from materials produced in ways that are not environmentally friendly or sustainable. On the contrary, their production can be hazardous to the environment. 

Semi-Synthetics

Then there are semi-synthetic fabrics, like Tencel and Lyocell. These are man-made fibers, produced from a natural substance - wood pulp. The chemical processes that this pulp is subjected to, render it a soft and pliable material. 

Tencel and similar products are produced through environmentally-friendly processes and are generally considered hypo-allergenic.

Polycotton is a blend of natural fiber cotton and synthetic polyester. The ratio of polyester to cotton varies from one manufacturer to the next. Polycotton is typically not as comfortable during the summer season as 100% cotton due to its relatively lower breathability and reduced softness.

Do Ply, Weave, GSM, and Thread Count Matter?

Yes, ply, weave, GSM, and thread count do matter, especially when it comes to bed sheets. Let’s examine the reasons why.

Ply 

The ply is the number of yarns twisted together to make a single thread for weaving into fabric. Single-ply (or 1-ply) is one yarn, and double-ply (or 2-ply) is made of two strands. Counting of thread count should be done with single-ply yarns only. However, other factors also determine the result. In particular, the weave.

Weave

The weave of the fabric is how yarns are woven together. The weave, in combination with the fiber type, determines the type of fabric. Different weave patterns can produce distinct textures and weights. It greatly affects the density of a fabric - such as sateen, percale, twill. 

GSM

GSM stands for grams per square meter and relates to the fabric’s weight and density. A range of 90-120 is a good GSM for sheets as it means they are comfortable, soft, and breathable, yet also durable. Depending on your climate, season, and personal preferences, you may have a GSM you prefer.

Threadcount

Then there’s the thread count. In recent years, thread count has been a popular buzzword when discussing bed linens, particularly sheets. But why does the thread count matter? 

The thread count is the number of yarns that occur, even if crisscrossed, in any inch of the specific fabric. This applies to both the vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads. The higher the thread count, the softer the fabric usually feels.

Thread count is especially significant in the fabric used to make bedsheets. A softer bed sheet will add to your quality of sleep, by enhancing your comfort. It also feels luxe and therefore makes an emotional impact as well.

When to Buy New Sheets

At some point, like with towels and blankets, you’ll start thinking about getting some new bed linens. 

The first thing that you’ll consider replacing is the sheets. They get more wear and tear than duvets, comforters, quilts, and blankets. That’s because of the weight of one’s body against sheets covering the mattress, and general wear and tear with daily use.

There is no hard and fast rule about when to replace sheets. Some households will need to do so more often than others. This is largely influenced by how many items you have in rotation, and how often you change and launder your sheets. Even the way you launder them can affect their longevity.

But as a general rule of thumb. You should replace your bed sheets every 2-3 years. The quality of your sheets will largely determine if this is necessary. High-quality sheets last longer as they are more durable. But you should always replace bed sheets (and other bed linens) when they are stained beyond repair, torn, or well-worn.

The Science of Sleep

If your sheets are still in good condition but are not comfortable, it is also a sign to replace them. Here’s why. 

Science has proven that sleep is a great stress reducer. A good night’s sleep can also impact our emotions upon waking. This means that people who sleep better are happier and calmer. And you’re more likely to sleep well, on sheets that are silky soft, and comfortable.

Sleep Statistics

Just think about this. An average person with an average lifespan, sleeping for 8 hours a night, will spend 229, 961 hours of their lifetime asleep. Put another way, we spend a third of our lives asleep.

When you consider just how amazing these statistics are, it begs the question” shouldn’t we be as comfortable as possible during our sleeping hours?” And yet few people give the quality of their bed linen much thought. That’s shocking when you think about how much time you spend between the sheets.

Our Top Sheets for Style and Comfort

We know how important your comfort and that of your family are to you. But it’s just as important to have a stylish home you can be proud of. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. You can have both when you purchase our top-quality bed sheets and bed linens.

Our products are available in a range of sizes, styles, and colors, and your choice of cotton sateen or bamboo. With every purchase,  you’re assured of natural comfort that’s environmentally friendly and sustainably produced.

They’re not only great for your family’s comfort and the environment but for your pocket, too. Because our products offer hotel-quality bed linens at affordable prices. And thanks to their exceptional quality, they will stay looking and feeling good for years.

Why We Use the Fabrics and Thread Counts We Do

At California Design Den, you’ll find only the highest quality cotton, cotton sateen, and bamboo products. Our dedication to natural materials that are good for the environment, and you, is behind every product in our extensive bed linen range.

Our Bed Sheet Fabrics 

• Cotton is cool and comfortable, breathable, gentle on the skin, and has moisture-wicking properties. It is the top choice for bed sheets in most homes, and in hotels and Airbnb, thanks to its durability. 

• Cotton sateen has many benefits for the discerning buyer. It offers natural fiber cotton, in a silky soft formulation with a smooth finish and slight sheen. This makes it both an ultra-stylish addition to your home and also super soft and comfortable. 

• Bamboo has a host of benefits, too. Like cotton, it is a sustainable product. Bamboo is additionally recognized for its ability to wick away moisture and retain warmth during the colder months. 

Like our cotton sateen products, our bamboo fabric sheets are soft, smooth, and silky. Bamboo fabric is also lightweight and wrinkle-resistant.

Our Bed Sheet Thread Counts

At CDD, you’ll find a wide range of bed sheets in various thread counts. We offer thread counts of 300 up to 1000. They are all soft, smooth, and silky but the higher counts offer an even more luxe feel.

The 300 and 500-thread counts are exceptionally lightweight for summer or warmer climates. Conversely,  the 800 and 100-thread counts are more heavyweight and ideal for cooler days and climates. 

Sheets with a 600 thread count are the perfect weight for year-round use. They are smooth yet crisp and resemble hotel sheets in their texture and appearance.

Whichever thread count you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll get a good night’s rest in supreme comfort. And with so many beautiful colors, styles, and prints to choose from, you’ll find the winning combination for your unique tastes.

Conclusion

In the average home, not much thought is given to the choice of bedsheets. And yet they make such a huge difference to our quality of sleep.

We spend a large part of our lives asleep, and better sleep leads to a happier and more successful life. Can you afford not to get the best bed sheets for your family? Make the right choice, and invest in our hotel-quality, all-natural sheets and bed linens, today.

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