How to Choose Bed Linen for Maximum Comfort

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How to choose the perfect bed linen

Before selecting colours and materials, you'll need to figure out which types of bed sheets you need. Your mattress, pillows and duvet all call for a different protector, padding or cover,
depending on what you prefer. Want to refresh the whole bed? Bed linen sets can help make choosing easier.

Fitted sheets

Fitted sheets are an essential base layer, providing a layer of protection between you and your mattress to keep it clean. They’re elasticated at the corners for a secure fit and available to suit all mattress sizes and depths, so be sure to check before you buy. Fitted bed sheets slip on and off in no time and can be thrown in the washing machine every couple of weeks – much easier than washing a mattress!

Pillow cases

Pillowcases are covers for pillows that keep them clean while you sleep; they can be removed and washed effortlessly. Pillowcases are available in breathable cotton, linen and silk blends. Not to mention many colours that can transform your bed into an eye-catching feature.

Duvet covers

Like fitted sheets and pillowcases, duvet covers help keep your bedding clean by providing a protective layer that can be removed and washed. The best duvet covers can also make your bed softer and more comfortable. Duvet covers are also decorative, available in many materials, colours and styles. Enjoy a fresh, neutral décor or pick a fun patterned duvet cover to add personality to a bedroom.

Bedding sets

Bedding sets usually include a fitted sheet, two pillowcases and a duvet cover, so you can choose the type you prefer and buy everything together. Picking a bedding set is straightforward and often more cost-effective than buying elements separately – win-win!

Toppers

Mattress toppers are designed to sit between a mattress and sheet, providing an extra layer of protection against sweat and spills and often making a bed more comfortable. Toppers are particularly useful for improving old mattresses when you aren't ready to invest in a new one.

Bedding features

When you know which bed linens you need, you can move on to considering the various bedding features.
These include thread count, size, anti-allergy and waterproof options. washable wallpapers are perfect for children's bedrooms and kitchens.

Linen thread count

Thread count is the number of threads woven into each square inch of fabric. The higher the count, the softer and more luxurious the material.
When you're considering bed linen thread counts, between 150 and 300 is an excellent place to start. 200 thread count bed sheets are soft and light,
letting your body breathe and helping to regulate temperature through the night. Sheets with a thread count above 800 are often very high quality.
For example, 1000 thread count sheets are soft and can soften even more over time. These sheets have highly concentrated fibres,
so they're great for staying warm in the winter months.

Linen sizing

It’s also essential to choose sheets in a size that matches your mattress and bedding. This might be single, small double, double, king-size or super king.
Getting it right means perfectly fitted sheets, while getting it wrong means loose fabric disrupting your sleep.

Anti-allergy options

Anti-allergy bed sheets are ideal for people with sensitive skin or feather allergies.
Choose hypoallergenic fitted sheets and mattress toppers to protect against natural or synthetic allergens in your mattress.

Waterproof options

Waterproof bedding helps prolong the life of your mattress, protecting against light spillages while maintaining comfort and breathability.
Choose a washable waterproof mattress protector in the correct size and sleep easy every night.

Bedding fabrics

Bedding comes in many materials and colours, so you can choose an option that suits your preference.
Each fabric has its own benefits, from classic cotton and linen to velvet, fleece and silk bed sheets.

Cotton

Cotton bed sheets are natural and breathable and often the best option for sensitive skin. It’s an easy choice for year-round comfort. Cotton bedding can be cost-effective or indulgent; choose a higher thread count for extra softness. Pick white cotton bedding for a flexible go-to, perfect for any bed in your home. This type of bedding also comes in many colours to add a new dimension to your bedroom décor.

Linen

For a beautiful, timeless look and feel, you can't go wrong with linen bed sheets. Natural linen is temperature-regulating, keeping you warm on cold nights and cool in the summer. It’s also anti-static and bacteria-resistant.

Velvet

Velvet bedding tends to be thicker and heavier than cotton and linen alternatives, making it a perfect companion for cold winter nights. It’s often chosen for its aesthetic benefits – velvet bedding looks luxurious and elegant, a stylish choice for a guest bedroom. Enjoy the best of both worlds with a velvet quilted bedspread thrown over versatile cotton or linen sheets.

Fleece

If you often get cold in the night or just want an extra snuggly sleeping situation, fleece bedding could be the best choice for you. Fleece is a soft, teddy-like material that helps you stay warm and comfy all night long. It’s available in various colours to suit your taste – choose a fluffy blue, grey, pink or patterned fleece for a cute addition to a little one’s bedroom.

Silk

Silk bedding is favoured for its soft, indulgent texture and natural breathability. This fabric is temperature-regulating, which means silk bed sheets can help you stay warm or keep you cool, depending on the season. Silk sheets also help reduce static, making them ideal for preventing messy morning hair.

From duvet sets to pillowcases, sheets to cosy throws, get the perfect night's sleep with bed linen at Next. Explore 100s of on-trend designs in a full spectrum of colours and prints,
including branded bed linen from Catherine Lansfield Home, Laura Ashley, Joules and more.

Bed linen buying guide

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