Investing in new bed linen is a quick and easy way to give your bedroom a modern update. Here's our guide to the latest trends and how to choose and care for your bedding...
Thinking of updating your bedroom? One of the simplest and most affordable ways to give your sleeping space a fresh look is with a new set of bed linen. 'The bed is one of the easiest places to make a style statement of colour, texture and personality - of any kind and at any budget,' says Polly Dickens, creative director at The Conran Shop. 'A set of linen can provide a block of focal colour, while an inexpensive throw or pair of contrasting or textured pillowcases are a quick fix to lift any bedroom.'
Hoover Windtunnel
But with literally stacks of bed linen to choose from, where do you invest for the best? Does thread count really count, and what's in a weave? If you don't know your sateen from your seersucker, or are puzzled by pattern, fear not: we've asked the experts for all the tips to make buying bed linen a breeze.
BEFORE YOUR BUY BED LINEN
'The first thing to consider when you're buying your bed linen is whether you're happy to get the iron out,' says Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company. 'If you are, there are plenty of fabulous qualities and weaves available.' The majority of bed linen is woven from cotton, which is durable and easy to care for, as well as being a natural, breathable fibre, making it ideal for sheets. But top-class bed linen is not all about the thread count.
Thread count refers to the number of strands woven into one square inch of fabric - generally a higher number means a denser weave and a softer, smoother product. Thread counts can range from 180 through to 1,000, but it's the quality of the fibre used that really makes the difference - a 200 thread count fine cotton sheet can have a softer feel than a 400 thread count sheet made from inferior cotton (Egyptian cotton is considered to be the finest quality).
Finishing processes have a lot to do with the way bedding feels and can help reduce wrinkling and maintain colour. 'The way a sheet feels matters most,' says Richard Boyle, CEO of Yves Delorme UK. 'It's important to touch the sheets before you buy, and bear in mind that cotton gets softer with use.'
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
If you'd rather not use the iron, then choose pure cotton with a textural finish, such as a seersucker. Another option is polycotton. 'There are some excellent polycotton sheets on the market, but also some nasty ones,' says Chrissie Rucker. 'Choose 50/50 polyester/cotton and always buy a percale with a thread count of 180 or more.' The other alternative to cotton is linen. Woven from flax, it's cool and crisp with amazing breathability, although it can be tricky to press. 'And there are eco-friendly options available,' says Sue Roberts, design manager for homewares at House of Fraser. 'Look for 100 per cent organic cotton and even cotton bamboo, an all-natural product that feels luxurious.'
'The weave describes the way the individual yarns were woven or twisted together when the fabric was made,' says designer Lulu Guinness. 'It will make a difference to the look and feel of your bed linen.'
Percale has been through a process that combs out the shorter, rougher fibres to make a fine-quality cotton. It has at least 180 threads per square inch and is smooth, crisp and cool to the touch.
Sateen has a more glamorous feel, as it is woven from finer threads and has a higher thread count (typically 300+). There's a slight lustre to the finished fabric and a softer handle. It's slightly less hardwearing than percale, but very smooth and can look great in colour.
Jacquard has a soft feel like sateen rather than the crisper feel of percale. A special loom is used to create a matt/sateen self-pattern on the fabric. This can be a stripe, floral or a check.
Oxford weave is made from yarns that have been doubled and woven into a particular pattern, a bit like basket weave. This thicker type of weave is often used for making high-quality men's shirts.
Flannel is brushed after weaving to give a soft, fluffy surface texture. This makes it lightweight but warm and ideal for winter use.
BED LINEN TRENDS
Classic whites
'The world is awash with plain-white bedding so, for 2009, look for linen that is more crafted,' says Polly Dickens, creative director at The Conran Shop. 'The new whites are heavily textured. Choose pieces that will last and look good for years.' The key to an all-white bed is to use a mixture of finishes and weaves - perhaps a waffle duvet cover teamed with self-stripe sheets and a cashmere throw. Seersucker, pleats, embroidery, broderie anglaise and subtle cording can add interest. Manufacturers are picking up on the nostalgic trend, too. 'For summer, we're going for a classic feel,' says Kristina Lindhe, CEO of Lexington. 'We're mixing old with new for a fresh vintage look.'
Neutrals and naturals
'If you want your bedroom to feel like a Zen retreat, choose calm neutrals and soft shades,' suggests Siobhan King, managing director of Aura. Soft hues create a relaxing, sanctuary feel, and layering is an easy way to liven up your bed, by adding a dash of another daring shade in the form of the odd pillowcase, throw or boudoir cushion. And you can ring the changes as often as you launder your sheets. Lift a chic, pale-grey set with a hit of hot pink, or add another dimension to a latte shade with a touch of pale blue. It's also nice to mix different textures and levels of colour rather than everything matching exactly, which can appear rather flat. 'It looks fantastic - and you can add or remove sheets and throws as the temperature changes,' says Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company.
Colour and pattern
'The key to successfully combining colours and patterns is to understand that patterns that are too similar will compete,' says Richard Boyle, CEO of Yves Delorme UK. 'Instead, mix florals with stripes or plaids, and bold patterns with delicate prints or block colours, and let them play off one another.' Now bed linen is becoming more fashion-orientated, pattern is officially 'in' and most companies produce twice-yearly collections. 'Be adventurous,' says Richard. 'Patterned bed linen can be so versatile. Even if you're unsure, there's the option to team a patterned duvet cover with plain sheets.'
CARING FOR YOUR BED LINEN
Steer clear of products with blueing agents or whiteners, which can age sheets prematurely. And don't overload the machine as it breaks down the fibres in cotton.
Rotate your sheets with a set in the cupboard, a set on the bed and a set in the wash. This ensures that no one set receives more wear than another, and consider having different summer and winter sets, so you can slip from crisp cotton to cosy flannel.
Ensure your linen is perfectly dry before storing, and keep it in a dust-free place away from direct sunlight, which can bleach it. If you don't have a linen cupboard, use divan drawers, an ottoman, a trunk, or a lined bottom drawer.
For the whitest whites, don't overload your machine (keep it two-thirds full), use a good-quality detergent (if you don't have sensitive skin, opt for bio over non-bio) and wash at 60ºC.
Turn items inside-out before washing to help protect colours and to prevent embroidery or detailing catching on other items.
The experts at Yves Delorme recommend avoiding washing cotton bed linen with other fabrics like polyester to prevent pilling, and either line dry, or tumble dry on a low heat until slightly damp (over-drying is the biggest way to shorten the life of your linen).
For allergy sufferers and those with sensitive skin, avoid any bed linen that's labelled 'easy iron' as its fibres have been coated in a chemical solution of polymers to make them lie flat.
Ensure your beauty sleep by investing in quality bedding - read our buyer's guide to quilts and pillows.
Buyers Guide to Bedlinen
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