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Bed Sheets
Bed sheets are important both for a comfortable
night's rest and to project an impression
of comfort, luxury, and taste. Bed sheets
are sold separately, but since they are almost
always intended to match, they more commonly
come in sets. A set of sheets includes a
fitted bottom sheet, a flat top sheet and
one pillow case (in a twin set ) or two standard,
queen or king pillow cases. A 'bed in a box'
set may also include a matching comforter.
Sets of sheets can cost as little
as $30,
but more expensive designer sheets
can run
hundreds of dollars. Sheets are
made to fit
the standard bed sizes: twin,
full, queen
and king. The larger sheet sizes
almost always
cost more. Odd sizes such as
twin extra long
and California king may only
be available
for purchase online or through
catalogs.
Consider the following when buying
sheets:
- One measure of sheets is thread count, or
the number of individual threads
per inch
of fabric. The higher the thread
count, the
softer and more luxurious the
sheet will
feel:
- Muslin sheets have a low thread count and
can feel coarse.
- Percale sheets have thread counts up to about
250. These sheets will wrinkle
less and will
generally last longer than
higher thread
counts, but they also feel
stiffer.
- Sateen sheets have treat counts of 300 and
above.
- Very expensive sheets have thread counts
over 1000.
- The second measure of sheets is their fabric's
composition. Sheets made by
blending cotton
with polyester are available,
but better
sheets are 100% cotton.
- Egyptian cotton has extra long threads, which
result in stronger fabric. The best American
cotton is pima. Cotton can be combed to make
it softer, but this process also makes the
sheet thinner.
- Lawn is cotton that is thin and lightweight,
and is often used in hot climates.
- Flannel sheets are soft, warm, and very durable
but more suited to cold temperatures or air
conditioned rooms. Look for flannel sheets
that are pill resistant.
Remember to measure your mattress. New mattresses
are thicker and will need fitted bottom sheets
that are 12 to 15 inches deep (often referred
to as "deep pocket" sheets). |
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