What Makes a Good Bed Sheet
Sleeping well is a priority everyone should keep in mind, and to aid in that, you need a good bed sheet that meets all the proper standards.
Understandably, you may ask yourself, “what makes a good bedsheet?” which is where we step in. We know that bed sheets can be expensive, and you don’t want to spend good money on something that won’t last long. Hotel-quality bedsheets are the standard you should be looking at for your family.
Comfort and durability should be first and foremost on your list. But other factors enhance the quality of your bedsheet that will provide you value for your money.
Below, we have highlighted everything you need to look out for when buying bed sheets to get a perfect sleep. We also provide a few tips on how to keep your sheets fresh and clean.
What this article covers:
What to Look for When Buying Sheets
Here are five key things to consider when buying a bedsheet.
Thread Count
When researching which bedsheets to buy, the term “thread count” usually comes up. But what does thread count mean, and does it make a difference in the quality of your sheets?
Well, thread count entails the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven into a square inch of fabric.
Different kinds of bed sheets will have differing thread counts, but thread count only matters in cotton bed sheets.
The higher the cotton thread count, the softer the sheet will be. A good-quality bedsheet will usually have a thread count between 400 and 1000.
You can decide which thread count will work for you and your family based on your budget.
For bedsheets with a thread count of 400, you need to consider the quality of the material too. Relying on thread count alone won’t mean you’re buying a low-quality sheet, but it could wear out sooner than you want it to.
Our twin bed sheets are perfect for your children who want comfortable sleep, and you don’t need to break your budget.
The thread counts of these sheets usually range from 400 to 600, but we offer some sets with thread counts up to 1000.
If you’re interested in buying microfibre sheets for you and your family, you need to consider the sheets GSM. But what is GSM in sheets?
GSM means the grams per square meter of the sheet. It measures the weight of the sheet instead of the thread count, and the higher it is, the more durable and dense the sheet.
Size
Bedsheets come in different sizes, and the size you need should correspond to the size of your bed. For instance, you can’t use a queen-sized fitted sheet for a twin bed.
By not having a sheet that fits properly onto your bed, you’ll have constant issues with slipping bed sheets and an untidy-looking bed.
When considering size, you should look at the standard sheet sizes that correspond with the size of your bed. But keep in mind that standard sheet sizes only factor in the width and height of the mattress- it does not consider how the thickness of the mattress. So you cannot assume that any sheet you pick will fit your bed.
Bedsheets come in many forms, but the most common are flat and fitted sheets. The bedsheet you decide on will also determine the size of these sheets you need to take to best fit your bed.
What comes in a sheet set usually includes both fitted and flat sheets to make your decision easier. So, you may want to consider investing in them for your household. We have a few cute purple bed sheet sets for you to choose from that could add color to any room.
One thing to remember when using fitted sheets is the pocket depth. If your fitted sheets keep slipping off the bed, the mattress is too thick to hold the sheet.
A standard pocket will fit a mattress seven to twelve inches in thickness. A deep pocket sheet will fit mattresses thirteen to seventeen inches thick, and an extra-deep pocket sheet will fit mattresses eighteen to twenty-five inches in thickness.
Fabric
When it comes to the different fabrics sheets can be made from, there are many options, all with various functions and qualities.
Certain fabrics and materials may feel fantastic but can be susceptible to a decrease in quality from repeated use and washing.
You also need to consider any skin sensitivities your family may have toward certain fabrics, the fabrics’ breathability, and your preference. A good bedsheet for you and your family should not provide you discomfort when you’re sleeping.
The best fabric for bedsheets is cotton. Not only is it breathable, but it is also great value for money because it is durable.
Cotton sheets are suitable for use in the summer season as they have a cooling effect and are capable of enduring high temperatures. For winter months, you can pair it with a 12 Ib weighted blanket. That way, you can still benefit from the breathable quality of the blanket while keeping warm.
Another factor to keep in mind when considering cotton as your fabric of choice is there are many different types of cotton.
Sateen cotton is made from a specific type of weave that results in a softer and smoother fabric compared to more expensive Egyptian cotton. Sateen cotton has a higher thread count and a more luxurious feel, making it a preferable option for sheets, bedding and other items where a soft and smooth texture is desired.
If you want a luxurious, expensive vacation feeling in your home, you can’t go wrong with bamboo and silk bed sheets.
Price
Price is another factor you should consider buying good-quality bed sheets. You want to invest in bedsheets that meet your family’s needs and provide value for money.
Fortunately, it's possible to find good quality sheets for almost every price point, so when making this decision it’s always best to go for a sheet set that fits your budget.
One misconception people have when buying sheets is the more expensive it is, the better the quality. It is reasonable to want something of good quality that fits your budget, and it’s possible.
The price of the bedsheet considers different factors. If the thread count is higher, you’ll often see that the price is higher. It also depends on where it's made, who made it, and the fabric quality.
If you want luxury sheets in your home, you’ll be looking at spending around $200. For good-quality sheets within a budget, try not to spend above $100.
By finding a sheet set that is the best quality while being within your budget, you’ll ensure that you get the best bank for your buck.
You should also check if there is a return policy on the bedsheets you purchase. If you spent money on something that is not working for you, you should be able to return it to the place you bought it.
If there’s no returns policy, ensure that the sheet you’re buying is made from good-quality fabric to ensure durability.
But you must also realize that you may need to invest more in bedsheets to meet all your needs.
Cost-effectiveness is a crucial factor in choosing sheets because you’d want your sheets to be durable and last a long time.
Durability
Durability is undoubtedly the most crucial factor that makes a good bed sheet.
We’re sure after you’ve bought your new bed sheet, you don’t want to be thinking about when to replace the sheets again.
That is why durability and quality are such important factors when it comes to a good set of sheets. Certain materials and fabrics may offer the best feel or breathability, but they may not last as long as you expect them to.
Many factors affect durability. When investing in a bedsheet, you need to consider your environment first and foremost.
If you have kids and pets, consider buying inexpensive cotton sheets because they last longer and can withstand frequent washes.
A good bedsheet you use every day should last about two years before you notice any wear and tear. Luxurious bedsheets such as sateen bedsheets should last up to 3 years, and linen bedsheets should last up to five years.
How to Keep Sheets Fresh and Clean
Now that you know all the factors to consider when buying a bed sheet, you also need to know how to take care of them. Here are a few tips to guide you in doing so.
Wash Your Bed Sheets Every Week
Regularly washing your bedsheets is a good thing. You’ll be able to wash out any sweat build-up and pick up on stains quicker.
A general rule is that you should wash your bedsheets every one or two weeks. And even more often if multiple people are sleeping in the bed.
If you have multiple bedsheet sets, you’ll be able to rotate through them as you wash out your current one. By rotating through your bedsheet sets, your sheets will last longer.
When you pick up on a stain, always use a pre-wash stain remover, so that you can remove the stain as best you can before putting it in the wash.
Another tip for washing your sheets is sticking to a cold wash. Cold washes reduce fading in dark-colored bedding, shrinking, and wear and tear.
A warm wash is permissible during flu season as it’s a good way to sanitize your sheets.
Also, remember to wash on a gentle cycle if you’re just doing a routine wash. A gentle cycle will reduce wear and tear. You should only use the heavy-duty wash setting when you have tough stains that need removing.
Remember to Clean Your Mattress
Cleaning your mattress is a vital step to take in keeping your bedsheets fresh and clean.
Mattresses can store dust, which wear down the quality of your sheet. Vacuuming your mattress or steaming it and letting it air dry is a very effective cleaning method to keep your mattress fresh.
If your mattress is fresh, your bedsheets are fresher and cleaner.
Mattress cleaning also does not need to happen as often as bedsheet cleaning. Every six months will do the trick, but if you stain your mattress it’s best to clean that as soon as possible.
A mattress protector is a good investment because it’s much easier to clean than the mattress itself.
Wash And Dry Your Bedsheets Separately from Your Clothing
Washing your bedsheets with your clothing makes your washing load heavy, which won’t make your bedsheets thoroughly clean as bedsheets need to have a lot of space.
The best way to clean bed sheets due to their size is to wash them separately. You won’t have to deal with tangled clothes in your bedsheets.
When drying your bedsheets in a dryer, add dryer balls to the machine. Dryer balls aid in drying the sheets more evenly. Remove them promptly at the end of the cycle, and then fold or use to reduce wrinkles. Any sheet can then look like wrinkle free sheets.
If you dry your clothes with your sheets, you may notice more lint on your sheets than usual, so best to dry them separately.
Sometimes Use Vinegar to Wash Your Sheets
You might think using vinegar to wash your sheets is strange, but trust us, it works when you want to keep your sheets fresh. Vinegar is a great fabric softener, and it helps whiten your sheets.
When using vinegar, you must note that you cannot use it in combination with your laundry detergent. If you use vinegar and detergent together, you’ll end up with oily clothes.
One way to wash your sheets with vinegar is to soak them in them. Put a half cup of vinegar in a gallon of hot water and soak your sheets in that mixture for at least an hour. Then wash your sheets as per usual in your machine.
Conclusion
Now that you know all the factors that make for good bedsheets, you can make an informed decision that best suits your need.
You must realize that you may have to compromise on some of the above factors. But overall, prioritize your comfort, size, and budget. Do a lot of research or inquire with the salesperson about what bedsheet could work for you.
It’s also important you take care of your bedsheets properly to keep them fresh and clean. You want to ensure its longevity, so you must implement the proper care routines and follow the wash instructions.
Here at California Design Den, you’ll see that we offer a full range of bedspreads and other room essentials, so you’re bound to find something you love.
And with our tips to find great bedsheets, you’ll always have bedspreads that make you feel like you’re staying in a hotel!
Did you find the blog beneficial? If so, consider exploring our other guides.
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