Sheets & Sheet Sets

Remember when sheet sets were pure white cotton?? If so, you're probably amazed at how many options are on the market now. You can add color, pattern, style to your room with the newest bedding. Read here what you should do and know before you spend your money to buy new bed sheets.

Carefully Measure The Bed

You're probably familiar with a queen, king or twin size bed. But did you know that there is really no standard measurement for beds with these names? While the top measurements are rather consistent from maker to maker, there is some variation. So before you go shopping, measure your bed carefully, noting the dimension from top to bottom, side to side, and the thickness of the mattress. Some are wider than others or longer. Be sure you know exactly what you need when you shop.What Size is Your Bed?Select Your StoreLarge department stores carry both name-brand sheets and house-brands and offer a wide range of prices, patterns, quality and colors. You might have a specialty bedding store near you that has more luxury lines or decorated or embroidered bed sheets. Or you may choose to shop on-line where the options are almost endless. If you have something specific in mind, shop around. But if you're after sheet sets, you might find a good bargain at a close out or discount store. You'll have lots of choices.

Learn About Thread Count in Bed Sheets

Right on the top of the tag, the manufacturer will tell you the tread count of the sheets. This refers to the number of threads per square inch in both directions in the weave. The higher the thread count, the more lush the feel of a fabric. But understand this, as a higher thread count usually means that the individual threads are thinner and may not wear as well. For good wear and to get the silkiest feel, we suggest you choose a thread count above 250 but no lower than 175.

Select Cotton or Blends, Silk, Flannel or Satin:

For sheets you'll sleep on every day, treat yourself. Choose the best you can afford. After all, you'll hopefully spend 8 hours a day lying on them! Cotton is the most popular sheet set fabric, but some people prefer non-wrinkling cotton blends. For chilly evenings flannel is comfortable. For a luxurious feel, choose satin, silk, or microfiber. You might buy a pair of pillowcases in different styles and see which you like best, how they feel to sleep on, how they wash. Then decide if you want a whole set.
Check the Sheet MeasurementsYou know the exact size of your bed. Now check the exact size of the sheets. Be sure that the fitted sheet is deep enough for your mattress, or that you haven't found a California King sheet set and your bed is an California King sheet set. Remember that many sheets will shrink as much as 8% in the first washing.

Purchase More Than What Need:

If you've spent a lot of time deciding on what sheet sets to buy, you won't want to have to do it again soon. Consider buying two or three sets that are the same so you can trade off. If something spills on the bottom sheet, you can replace just that. If someone rips the top sheet, you won't have to go back and start all over. And be sure to buy extra pillow cases for freshness.

Check the Machine Washing Instructions

Silk sheets are very comfortable and great to own, but will you have to have them dry cleaned every week? Is that within your budget? Be sure that you'll be able to care for your new bed sheets the way the manufacturer recommends. They'll last a lot longer, and if you have any problem, you'll be able to return them if you've cared for them properly.