We're all familiar with the importance of a good night's sleep. Sleeping well helps you relax, unwind, and recharge your batteries for the next day. One of the ways to improve the quality of your sleep is to invest in high-quality bedding. Apart from looking good, luxury sheets also feel much nicer than regular ones. However, with so many material options on the market, you may be unsure where to start. If that's so, don't worry, we've got you! Check out our list of the most popular luxury bedding materials and get all the information you need to decide what type of sheets to invest in.
What Makes Bedding Sets Luxurious?
Luxury is more of a subjective concept than it is universal. Still, when it comes to luxury bedsheets, certain characteristics separate them from the rest and make them top-notch.
First, thread count is crucial for determining the quality of your bedsheets. A good rule of thumb when it comes to the thread count is "the more, the merrier." High thread count will result in a thickly woven fabric with a truly luxurious feel.
However, the most important characteristics of luxury bedding are the materials used. Whether it's a single material or a blend, your skin will be able to tell the difference from regular old bedsheets. Luxury materials will keep their shape, feel soft on your skin and make you feel like you're sleeping on clouds. So, let's go over the best material choices for a luxurious night's slumber.
Silk
Silk has been one of the most popular luxury bedding materials for quite a while now. It looks very sophisticated and has a lustrous shine that adds a touch of elegance to any bedroom. Its softness and hypoallergenic properties make silk a perfect choice for those with sensitive skin. Silk bedding is also naturally temperature-regulating. It will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making it a great choice for year-round use.
One thing to keep in mind is that silk is a sensitive material, and it requires special care. Handwashing is preferred; however, the delicate setting on your washing machine will likely do the job as well. Before you put away your sheets, make sure you iron them. This is a great trick for storing sheets and bedding that will prevent any creases and keep your silk bedding looking its best.
Egyptian Cotton
There's a reason why cotton is the most common material used for bedding. You can never go wrong with it, as it is a natural material and it's very light and breathable. There are wide varieties of cotton on the market. One of them, Egyptian cotton, is amongst the most popular luxury bedding materials. Its fibres are longer and thinner than those of ordinary cotton, allowing a high thread count. Egyptian cotton is also an extremely durable material. While it is a bit on the pricier side, the durability makes it a good investment.
Linen
If you live in a warmer climate, linen is the best luxury bedding material. It's made from the fibers of the flax plant, which are responsible for its signature look. Linen is probably the most breathable out of all luxury bedding fabrics. This makes it perfect if you're having trouble falling asleep during the hot summer nights.
Another great thing about linen is its natural crumpled texture. Apart from having a distinctly rustic look, it's also quite low maintenance. You don't ever have to iron it, which is nice if you're not a big fan of that chore. While some people avoid linen because they're afraid it will be too rough on the skin, that shouldn't be a concern. In fact, linen gets very soft after a few washes and is gentle on the skin.
Bamboo Fibre
Enjoying luxury bedding and taking care of our planet at the same time don't have to be mutually exclusive. Bamboo fibre is amongst the most sustainable materials for luxury bed sheets. This is because bamboo plants grow very quickly and don't need any potentially harmful pesticides to thrive.
Sustainability is hardly the only benefit of bamboo fibre bedding. The fibres are very soft, resulting in a cloud-like feel. Also, they're very breathable, so you won't have to worry about sweating through the night. While bamboo fibre bedding is quite durable, it will need some extra care compared to materials like cotton. Air drying is advised, as well as ironing, as these sheets are prone to wrinkling.
Percale
Percale is a special type of cotton weave used mainly for bedding. It has a high tread count, usually between 200 and 400. This makes percale much firmer than regular cotton and gives it a signature crisp feel. Despite its tight weave, percale is very breathable and more than suitable for warm climates.
Percale is fairly easy to care for, so you can easily wash and dry it in your own home. Ironing is recommended, as it will really bring out the crispness percale is so famous for. Also, if you're looking for a specific colour to match your bedroom aesthetic, you're in luck. Percale sheets are made in many different shades and patterns, so you're guaranteed to find what you're looking for.
Tencel
Tencel is a wood cellulose fabric made from a eucalyptus tree pulp. If you're not a fan of bamboo fibre sheets, this is another great eco-friendly alternative. It has a very smooth and silky feel, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. Tencel has high moisture-absorbing power, making it perfect for hot sleepers. While the price is slightly higher due to expensive production processes, these sheets are completely worth it. If you decide to get them, make sure you wash them in cold water only, as high temperatures may cause tearing.
Final Words
Investing in high-quality bed sheets is always a good idea. What's even better is the fact that there are plenty of bedding options to choose from. All of the most popular luxury bedding materials have certain characteristics that will improve your overall sleep quality. Still, you should focus on those that fit your preferences. That way, a great night's sleep is guaranteed.