The purchase of bed sheets is a big investment and shouldn't be taken lightly. You must be aware of the size bedding you need. Twin, twin XL, double, queen or king sheets to fit the bed you have are also significant items that must be considered when buying bed sheets. Measuring the mattress to know the height will help you decide on deep pockets or standard pockets for the fitted sheet. Color, texture, weave and thread count are the important components in a bedding purchase. All these factors will make the purchase of new bedding much more satisfying and leave you feeling accomplished at the end of the day.
Mattress Size
Measurement of the mattress height will prevent the frustration of having the wrong fitted sheet that just doesn't fit the mattress. Use a standard measuring tape, place the end of the tape at the bottom of the mattress and measure up to the top marking the height down on paper. A standard set of bed sheets with a fitted bottom sheet will have a 12 to 14 inch pocket. The pocket size is normally not mentioned on the label unless it is a deep pocket sheet. A deep pocket sheet set will have a pocket size between 15 and 22 inches. Knowing the size of the mattress will prevent the erroneous purchase of sheets that don't fit the mattress. Check the label for the pocket size and you will be much happier with your purchase.
Double Bed Mattress
Another factor in bed sheets is the size of the bed. Each mattress manufacturer has a standard that is used to make the mattress. Sheets are manufactured by this same standard. A fitted sheet for a twin is 39inch x 75inch, twin XL is 39inch x 80inch, a full is 54inch x 75inch, a queen is 60inch x 80inch, a king is 76inch x 80inch and a California king is 72inch x 84inch.
After determining the size of the bed, finding the sheets that are perfect for you is the next big step. Thread count, weave, texture and color are the next items to consider when purchasing bed sheets. If you want soft, durable sheets that hold their color and maintain their crisp look, buy 100% cotton, single ply sheets. These sheets will compliment the bedroom decor while adding style and flare to the bedding.
Bed Sheets Thread count
Any sheets that have a thread count of single ply 100% cotton fiber greater that 250 will sustain longer against wear and tear and come out looking good wash after wash. Each step up on the thread count such as 300, 400, 450, 500 or 600 thread count will become softer, feeling more like satin with each increase in thread count. Cotton is the most durable and single ply will be the softest sheet available.
There are several different cotton sheets types to choose from when considering thread count: Egyptian, Pima, Supima, and Organic. Each of these is created from high quality long fibers that are durable and soft and feel natural against the skin.
Other sheet types that are not cotton are: Synthetic (polyester), Polyester blend (cotton and polyester), Bamboo (bamboo grass) and Silk. All of these can be soft and silky, wrinkle resistant and drape well but may not be as soft and natural as 100% cotton sheets.
Bed Sheets Weave
Jacquard and damask weave are the most luxurious and display a variety of stripes and patterns that will be the high spot of your decorating style. Special looms create the sateen weave next to matte weave creating stripes and can bring out the shine or mute the room decor.
Other weaves that are available are solid sateen weave where a single vertical thread is woven over four to eight horizontal threads is soft but less durable. Pinpoint weave which is two threads over and one under but it is not as soft as a true sateen weave. Percale weave where each yarn alternately crosses over and under another will feel rougher at first but may get softer after several washings.
Bed Sheets Texture
100% cotton provides the most opulent feel when combined with a thread count greater than 250. The texture of the sheet can propel the bed from ordinary to extra-ordinary. Soft, silken sheets with a high thread count will provide hours of comfort and rest without chafing or rubbing like lower thread count sheets will. The texture of the sheet is paramount to a restful sleep and high thread count bed sheets will provide the texture needed to achieve this goal.
Bed Sheets Color
Matching or highlighting the colors in the bedroom with the bed sheets will bring out the room's theme while giving an added warmth or coolness with accents and bedding. A burgundy bed cover with matching or lighter sheets will compliment the room decorating theme or a lighter bed cover with a dark sheet that accentuates the highlights in the room will make you a star for decorating ideas. The color of the sheets can be found is such variety and will enhance the room whether you need navy blue, green, yellow, burgundy, black or white bedding sheets. Every color can be matched to a color scheme to bring out the room's accents or highlight the room's qualities.