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Did you know that, on average, we spend 26 years in bed? That’s a whopping third of our lives, which is certainly an impressive number. Bear in mind that these figures don’t include all the long Netflix sessions or mindless scrolls through our newsfeeds. If you add all of that up, you might end up doubling the original statistics. Either way, you can clearly see the importance of retreating to your bed for some rest so it makes sense that we pay so much attention to the kind of bedding we choose.
You know the drill, you go through piles upon piles of pillows and blankets until you find one that seems just right for you. But there’s only one deal-breaker that stands between you and your bed, both literally and figuratively. Can you guess what that is? Bingo, it’s your sheets. This might as well be the single most important piece of bedding you can get because it basically determines how the whole thing plays out.
What Kinds of Bed Sheets Are There?
You might think that the type of sheets you get doesn’t actually mean anything but it actually does. There are two basic kinds of sheets out there and each one has its own benefits that will ultimately assist you in catching some z’s.
Flat Sheets
While there aren’t any bumpy sheets on the market, a flat sheet is essentially a large piece of cloth that spreads out over your mattress and prevents it from getting dirty over time. It can be tucked in on the sides if you want to keep it in place the whole time. If you do this, you need to be extra careful when tucking it in so that it doesn’t slip out later on. Once it moves from its intended location, there’s no doubt the sheet will most certainly be moving around with you during the night. As a result, it’s bound to become completely tangled at some point.
In any case, the role of these sheets extends far beyond keeping your mattress safe. In fact, comfortable flat bed sheets act as a barrier between your skin and a number of irritants and allergens, such as dust mites and bacteria. This is especially important for those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. This additional layer of cosiness is definitely going to help you get a good night’s sleep.
One particularly useful feature of these sheets is their multi-purpose nature. Sure, the whole point is to use them as flat bed sheets to cover your mattress with but you can get creative and experiment a bit with how you incorporate them into your home. Lots of people use patterned flat sheets as decorative throws in various locations whereas some prefer to use them as light blankets during the warm summer nights. Why not try it out yourself?
Fitted Sheets
If you hate adjusting your sheets the whole time and are looking for something that’s pretty low maintenance instead, then fitted sheets are just the answer. You’ll easily recognise them by the four elastic corners that line up the periphery of the sheet. These corners go under your mattress to make sure it doesn’t budge, no matter how much you toss and turn in your bed.
Unfortunately, due to their specific design, putting them on top of your mattress in the first place is a hassle. We’ve all been there, the second you think you’ve tucked in another corner, the one at the opposite end decides to play with your nerves by coming up to say hello. And here you thought you were almost done. But on the bright side, once it’s secured into place, you’re all set.
What Are Bed Sheets Usually Made Of?
Fabrics are important because they determine the way the sheet feels on your skin, regardless of its flat or fitted. The right materials won’t trap moisture or cause you to sweat so you should be very picky about the materials.
Cotton
Cotton and all of its variants such as Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton and various cotton blends are all quite soft and breathable. Moreover, they have excellent moisture-wicking properties so you can rest assured that you won’t be sweating buckets on even the hottest of days. This relatively inexpensive natural fabric is quite possibly the most sought-after and beloved material ever to exist, and for a good reason too.
Satin
This is an incredibly soft and silky smooth material that feels heavenly on your skin. Despite its delicate appearance and shiny exterior, it’s actually pretty tough and durable so it’ll likely last a really long time. Plus, it provides adequate warmth and cosiness on chilly nights. The only downside is that it requires special care and washing conditions which might be a deterrent for some people.
Linen
Last but not least, linen allows air to flow freely and the tiny fibres are all incredibly absorbent, which means they’ll swoop up those sweat droplets like there’s no tomorrow. Its soft finish and luxurious appearance will surely make you feel like royalty every time you lay in your bed.
How Do You Find the Right Bed Sheet?
With the typology out of the way, it’s time to dive into a few additional factors that can help you find the most suitable bed sheet for your needs.
Size
Believe it or not, one of the most common mistakes people make when shopping for bedding is assuming that it automatically fits their mattress. They’re not universal by any means so make sure you always check the size to see if it’s a good fit for you. There’s certainly no point in getting an ill-fitting bed sheet anyway.
Thread Count
This measures the exact number of threads per square centimetre of fabric. A general consensus is that a higher thread count usually goes hand in hand with great quality but you don’t have to go overboard there either. Truth be told, a sweet spot of around 350 to 500 threads should be more than enough for most people, without cutting down on either price or quality.
Weave
Don’t overlook the impact that weave can have on your sheets. On the one hand, plain weaves in the likes of Percale, have the same number of vertical and horizontal fabric yarns woven together. This contributes to their durability and sturdy feel. On the other hand, Santeen weaves have a larger number of vertical lines which gives the fabric an extra dose of softness and comfort