Between fabric, thread count and duvet types, shopping for bedding can seem daunting. We spend roughly 26 years of our lives sleeping, so it makes sense to invest time and thought into choosing linen that suits your lifestyle.

Not to worry, we’re here to help!

To make everything a little easier to digest, we’ve put together the ultimate bedding guide.  We hope to cover everything you need to know about navigating the world of bed linen, with plenty of handy tips and tricks thrown in along the way.

We’ll cover the basic items you should always have in the linen cupboard to the more elaborate finishes, then the products that will help your bedding last.  Fabric is always important as well so we have information on what fabrics and thread counts you should definitely consider.

Bedding basics

There are the fundamental linen products that should always be in place on your bed.  This bedding will add comfort to your bed and aid you in getting the best nights sleep.

Bed Sheets

Probably the most important part of your bedding, after all its what you’ll be lay on for the entire night.  For sheets, (and most bedding products) they should always be made with high thread count fabrics.  These will last longer and be much softer to the touch.  Sheets made in high thread counts are also less likely to suffer from ‘pilling’.

Sheets can come in a few variations as explained here:

Fitted Sheet

Designed to slip easily over your mattress.  A good fitted sheet is made to size (and depth) with enough tuck under and hemmed elastic to keep it in place.  Additionally always look for a double stitched or French corner, these extra finishes will ensure the sheet will last much longer, (as well as a high thread count).

Flat Sheet / Top Sheet

The perfect sheet to snuggle underneath.  A flat sheet can be used on its own on hot summer nights or combined with a duvet for an extra layer of snug warmth.  Your top sheet should be big enough to accommodate you, your bed size and your mattress depth including tuck under.

Semi Fitted Sheet

When you sleep under a flat sheet you’ll probably spend a lot of mornings tucking it back into place to keep it neat.

A semi fitted sheet is a great alternative. It combines the best qualities of a top sheet and a fitted sheet.  The sheet is made with an elastic hem and corners that fit around the foot of your bed.  At the head of the bed the sheet opens out and is hemmed like a flat sheet. 

You can snuggle down under a semi fitted sheet and the tucked in corners at the foot of the bed will keep it in neatly place.

Protect Your Bed & Bedding

Looking after your bed and your bedding makes sense, it can also help maintain a healthy nights sleep.  A good protector will keep everything fresh and clear of dirt and allergens plus pet lovers can sleep easy knowing their loved ones can join them on the bed without spoiling anything.

Modern protectors are not the same as the plastic sheets of old.  With new fabrics such as Lyocell and TENCEL new protectors are barely noticeable but very effective.

We recommend TENCEL protectors for your bed.  The mattress protector will ensure its kept clean while duvet and pillow protectors will keep fluids, dirt and bed bugs away from you and your bedding.

Should I buy a mattress protector?

When it comes to keeping your mattress in tip-top condition, a mattress protector is a must. From spilt tea to pet accidents, mattress protectors act as a last line of defence. This makes them one of the most important additions to our bedding guide.

The main goal of a mattress protector is to keep your mattress feeling and looking fresh for longer. Most mattresses have a lifespan of around eight years, though this can decrease significantly without the right protection. The best way to extend the life of your mattress is to invest in a protector. Most are machine washable, which means you can toss them in with your other bed linen. They’re generally thin and unnoticeable, unless you opt for a quilted mattress protector designed to add a little extra padding to your bed.

If you suffer from allergies, an anti-allergy mattress protector can be a fantastic investment. They create a barrier designed to keep dust mites and other irritants from infiltrating your mattress. Regular washing will keep your bed clean, hygienic and allergen free. If liquid spills are a concern, you can’t look past a waterproof mattress protector. Perfect for kids, they create a water-resistant barrier that prevents liquid from reaching the mattress.

Are duvet protectors worth it?

Encasing your duvet in a good quality protector will keep it fresh and prolong its life.  If you have a pet it will also keep it free of smells and pet hair. We recommend a breathable, waterproof material for the ultimate protection.

Should I get a pillow protector?

Keeping your pillow fresh and clean should also be a priority, after all its where you lay your head every night. A simple pillow protector will keep allergens at bay and keep your pillow super fresh.

Duvets / Comforters & Duvet Cover

Duvets are perfect for keeping you snug at night.  They can be filled with any number of natural or man made fillings, the most popular being hollow fibre or duck feather.

They come in a number of sizes that cover most beds and come in a range of weights or togs that is determined by the amount of filling in the duvet. 

Which duvet is right for me?

A few factors can come into play when deciding on a new duvet.  Firstly do you have any allergies?  Natural feathers such as Duck and Goose may cause adverse reactions so its always good to check. If this is the case hollow fibre may be the better option.  Always take into consideration how you feel at night when selecting a duvet.  Do you wake up hot or cold at night.  Hot sleepers might look for a natural breathable filling or a lighter tog.  Cold sleepers may look at high tog duvets and good insulating fillings such as Goose Down.

A good duvet cover is essential.  It will protect your duvet from dirt and sweat and keep it fresh.  As with fitted sheets a duvet cover made from good quality fabric with a high thread count will be much comfier and last longer.  Find out more about duvets in our duvet guide.

Pillows & Pillow Cases

Where you rest your head is as important when it comes to your bed.  A good quality pillow is essential, preferably cotton encased and in a natural or fibre filling.  Although standard pillows are popular your pillow needs to be perfectly suited.  As with duvets if you get hot at night you need to consider your pillow filling.  Also you may need more support, in which case a firm fill pillow is best.  Again as with duvets get a pillow case in a high thread count quality fabric. Find out more about pillows in our pillow guide.

Fabrics

No bed linen guide would be complete without a section on fabric. Without a doubt, it’s one of the biggest variables to consider when shopping for bedding. Below, we take a closer look at some of the different types of fabrics available and their unique pros and cons.

Cotton

Cotton sheets are a classic for a reason. As a natural fibre, cotton is incredibly soft and breathable. It actively absorbs body heat throughout the night, which helps you stay cool and dry, even in the height of summer. Cotton is also a natural ventilator, which means you won’t overheat. As well as feeling amazing, cotton is easy to wash and care for. Plus, it’s astoundingly durable. Yes, 100% cotton sheets will set you back a little more than a polyester set. But the comfort factor is worth the investment.

Looking for something even softer? When winter rolls around, you’ll love the cosy feel of brushed cotton. A special technique is used to ‘brush’ the fibres and create a cashmere-soft feel. Think ultra-fine wool, without any itchiness or irritation.

Bamboo

If you love natural fibres, you’ll adore bamboo bed linen. Soft, breathable and durable, bamboo bed sheets are manufactured using fibres from the bamboo plant. Bamboo is naturally moisture wicking, making it a great choice for hot sleepers. The material is also hypoallergenic and helps to keep dust mites and bacteria at bay. It’s these terrific qualities that have won it a place in our ultimate bedding guide.

When it comes to sustainability, bamboo bedding is best-in-class. Unlike other species, bamboo is easy to grow and harvest. In fact, according to Guinness World Records, some bamboo species can grow more than three centimeters per hour! There’s definitely no shortage of bamboo out there, which also helps to keep prices down.

Cotton/poly blend

Combining cotton and polyester is a great way to improve the durability of sheets and bring down the cost. If you’re looking for affordable bed linen, cotton/poly blends are a great choice. Also referred to as percale sheets, they benefit from being wrinkle resistant too, which helps create a hotel-inspired aesthetic with minimal effort.

Cotton vs Egyptian cotton

The cotton vs Egyptian cotton debate comes up a lot. That’s why we’ve dedicated an entire section of our bed linen guide to the topic. When browsing bed linen, you’ll notice Egyptian cotton generally comes with a higher price tag. It has a luxurious reputation and is the linen of choice for five-star hotels.

So, what makes Egyptian cotton so special? Unlike regular cotton, which is sourced from several different types of plants, Egyptian cotton is harvested exclusively from Gossypium Barbadense. This type of cotton is cultivated along the Nile Delta and picked by hand. Amazingly fertile soil and lashings of sunshine provide prime growing conditions.

When it comes to the bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets raise the bar with incredibly fine fibres. All Egyptian cotton is picked by hand to preserve the ultra-fine fibres and keep them straight. This helps create a tight, extra smooth weave. You can literally feel the difference! Egyptian cotton feels thick yet soft to the touch, with a signature ‘crisp’ quality. Despite its thickness, Egyptian cotton is amazingly breathable. This makes it perfect for hot sleepers who don’t want to compromise on quality. Don’t be scared to wash your Egyptian cotton. Like linen, it gets softer with every use! 

Thread count

Of all the bedding guide indicators that determine sheet quality, thread count is one of the most important. It’s also one of the most recognised! Most people know that a higher thread count generally correlates with better quality sheets. This is generally true. But there are some important factors to consider.

First, let’s take a moment to define what thread count actually means. The term indicates how many vertical and horizonal threads are woven into every square inch of the material. This brings us to warp and weft. Both terms describe the orientation of the weave. Warp threads run vertically along the fabric and weft threads run horizontally.

So, a 400 thread count sheet will feature 200 warp threads and 200 weft threads per square inch. Similarly, a 1000 thread count sheet will feature 500 warp threads and 500 weft threads per square inch. The maths is pretty simple. Generally, a higher thread count indicates better quality sheets. However, this isn’t always the case. This is where ply comes in.

Some manufacturers attempt to dupe customers by using double or triple ply threads to manufacture high thread count sheets. By using threads made with multiple fibres they can artificially inflate the thread count. The result is a high thread count sheet with serious quality issues. True high thread count sheets should feature 1000 individual, single ply threads in every square inch of fabric. This genuine high thread count is what creates sheets that are extraordinarily soft and durable.

1000 thread count sheets

There’s a reason 1000 thread count sheets are a staple in five-star hotels. They’re the crème de la crème of bed linen and promise the highest level of comfort. You’ll see them mentioned in any bed linen guide worth reading. Yes, they come with a higher price tag. But if you’re willing to invest in a good night’s sleep, there’s really no substitute for high thread count sheets.

Weave

Weave is another variable that can have a big impact on the overall feel of your sheets. Different weaves can be applied to different materials and thread counts. For example, you can have Egyptian cotton sheets in a sateen weave or a percale weave. Continue reading our bed linen guide to find out more about the different types of weaves.

Percale weave

Percale sheets feature a tight weave and a smooth yet slightly stiff feel. They’re luxurious and lightweight, with just the right amount of starchiness. If you love the sensation of sliding into a set of crisp, freshly laundered sheets, you’ll love the percale weave. Thanks to the tight weave, percale sheets are also amazingly durable.

Sateen weave

If you love the feel of silky soft sheets, sateen weave is a match made in heaven. A unique ‘four over, one under’ weave is used to create a lustrous texture that glides across your skin. As well as being soft to the touch, sateen sheets have a beautiful drape. As an added bonus, they’re wrinkle resistant!  

Mattress toppers

Craving a little more softness when you hit the sack? A mattress topper could be the solution you’re dreaming of. These clever accessories are a fast and affordable way to breathe new life into a lacklustre mattress. When it comes to value for money, they’re one of the best additions to our bed linen guide.

They add an extra later of cushioning onto the mattress and are generally at least a few inches thick. Even better, they double as mattress protectors. There are a few different types of mattress toppers to choose from. We take a closer look below.

Memory foam mattress topper

Soft and supportive, memory foam cushions your body and adapts to its natural contours. If you suffer from back pain, memory foam toppers can offer instant relief.

Cooling mattress toppers

If you find it hard to sleep in the summer months due to feeling too hot, a cooling mattress topper can be a life changing investment. They’re manufactured from intelligent materials designed to regulate your body temperature and keep you as cool as possible.  

Feather topper

The ultimate mattress upgrade, feather toppers feel like sleeping on a cloud. They’re naturally breathable and usually made with duck feathers or ultra-fluffy down. If you’re a cold sleeper, feather toppers can offer an extra layer of insulation on frosty nights.

Valances

Think linen stops with sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers? Think again. Valances are a fantastic way to complete your bedroom and tie everything together. If you’re not sure what a bed valance is, let’s get you up to speed in this bed linen guide.

These decorative sheets drop down from the mattress and hide the base of your bed. They’re suitable for all bed sizes, from singles to super kings. If you’re looking to create a clean and polished aesthetic in your bedroom, a bed valance is a must. They essentially create a screen between the base of your bed and the floor. It’s a clever way to hide unsightly storage space and prevent the dreaded dust bunnies.

Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose a base valance fitted underneath the mattress or a valance sheet fitted over the top of the mattress. The latter is a great choice for busy households and rolls a fitted sheet and valance into one.

Find out more about the different types of valances in our valance guide.

Mattress, bed and duvet sizes

Understanding the difference between UK and US bed sizes can save you a lot of hassle. Most British-owned companies stick with UK bedding sizes, which apply to both mattresses and duvets. The smallest size is single, which is typically suitable for one person. Doubles are next and have space for two adults, though they can be snug. These are often used in teenager bedrooms or guest rooms with limited space. King size is significantly larger and is a solid choice for couples - hence why most British adults prefer to snooze in king beds.

Next in line is the super king, one of the largest standard mattresses available in the UK. Most companies stop at super kings, though some raise the bar with options like the Emperor and Caesar. Between all these sizes, you’ll see less common options like small singles and small doubles.

Have a question about something not covered in this bedding guide? We always love to connect with our customers so don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team. Whether it’s a simple question about thread count or an inquiry about a custom set of bed sheets, we’re here to help.

Sweet dreams!