Choosing bedding is one of the most enjoyable elements of interior design. Getting it right is crucial for many reasons beyond style and aesthetics. Everyone knows how essential good sleep hygiene is to overall health. According to an expert speaking to Forbes Magazine, the choice of mattress and pillow plays a central role. More than anything, be diligent when choosing bedding sets. UK sleep experts can’t emphasise that fact enough.
This post examines all the terminology while guiding you through the process of making the best bedding choices.
Demystifying Bedding Terminology
When people talk about bedding sets, they refer to sheets, duvet covers, mattress protectors, pillowcases, and accessories like quilt covers. A basic bedding set contains a fitted or flat sheet, a top sheet, a duvet cover, and one or two pillowcases, while 8-piece sets also have a comforter and bed shams.
If you’re already dazzled by some of the terms, the jargon gets even more confusing when you look at thread count and weaves.
Here are the must-know bedding terms:
- Fitted Sheet: Fitted sheets snugly envelop the mattress thanks to elasticated corners.
- Flat Sheet: Flat sheets go on top of the mattress by tucking them in. They can also go on top and serve as an additional layer between you and the quilt.
- Mattress Cover/Protector: Mattress covers prevent spills and grime from reaching the mattress. Not only do they prolong the lifespan of the mattress, but they also protect against allergens.
- Comforter: For added style and comfort, you can lay a quilt cover or comforter on top of your duvet.
- Coverlet: Measuring one to two feet, coverlets are blankets added for aesthetics.
- Thread Count: Cotton sheets have a thread count of 200 or more, indicating the number of threads woven into each square inch of material. A higher thread count does mean more durability, but it can leave the sheets feeling stiff. Besides, the thread quality matters just as much.
- Weave: The way the yarns are woven is determined by the weave. The most popular cotton weaves include sateen and percale, while the jersey weave features in t-shirt material-type sheets.
- Linen GMS and Silke Momme: The linen GMS grades linen sheets, indicating the weight in grams per metre. For silk, manufacturers use momme to indicate density and weight, with a 22-momme ranking as the highest quality.
Next, it’s time to look at the different fabric options.
Bedding Fabric Options
- Cotton: Unsurprisingly, cotton is the most sought-after fabric thanks to its breathability, softness, and biodegradability. Many different cotton types are available, from luxurious Egyptian cotton to the less expensive polycotton, featuring synthetics.
- Linen: Although it initially doesn’t feel as soft as cotton, linen is an excellent fabric-choice thanks to its breathability, weightlessness, and durability.
- Silk: Silk sheets are soft against the skin but require lots of care, including handwashing.
- Polyester: Although polyester sheets lack a natural feel, they’re inexpensive and durable.
Bedding Sets UK – How to Choose the Best Bedding for You
Now that you’re familiar with all the terminology, let’s look at the critical factors for choosing bedding:
- Comfort and Feel: Choose the fabric that feels best against your skin. Consider its weight and take your body temperature into account, too.
- Breathability: Your choice here depends on whether you tend to get hot or cold at night. In the case of the former, choose a breathable natural fabric, while adding a synthetic layer will stop you from getting cold in the latter scenario.
- Quality and Price: Good-quality bedding is affordable. At the same time, more expensive bedding sets also deliver added comfort and health benefits.
- Style: Above and beyond comfort, your bedding set choice is about creating a beautiful space for you to rest. You can get creative, choose understated, or go all-out eclectic.
A Word on Styling
Some designers recommend creating a mood board for your bedroom as the first step to choosing a style. Create a colour board featuring all the existing colours in your bedroom to help you find a design that complements the room’s overall feel.
When it comes to bedding set designs, you have three choices; solid colours, patterns, or a combination of both. Bear in mind that patterns lose their appeal over time, while solid colours may appear dull.
Your Bed Is Your Most Important Possession
Shopping for bedding is fun. If you get it right, you do so much more than create a sanctuary. Bedding contributes significantly to good sleep hygiene, plus you’ll likely only purchase bedding every few years.
Let your personality shine through in your choice of bedding sets UK design styles are abundant, so you’ll easily find a look you love.