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How to choose the best bed linen

Don’t chance it, find the best style, texture and quality of bed linen for you with our essential guide.

Shop all bedding
A Habitat Loose Linear floral white single bedding set.

Bed linen guide

The right bedding is a must-have for any bedroom, but it can be tricky to know what to choose. Duvets, pillowcases and sheets can be made from a variety of fabrics and finished with a variety of techniques.

The fabric, technique and thread count define the quality of a bed linen piece, as well as how it looks and feels against your skin. Our guide breaks down all the features you need to consider, helping you find the bed linen that suits your personal preference.

    Fabric types

    The fabric type is what a piece of bed linen is made from. Some fabrics are made from 100% natural fibres such as cotton, which has a super soft finish, while others are made from synthetic fibres like polyester, which is easy to care for and quick drying. Others combine the two, giving you the best of both worlds.

      A Habitat Cotton Ikat print double bedding set.

      100% cotton

      As a natural fibre, 100% cotton is a popular choice due to its super soft and breathable feel.

      Brushed cotton is 100% cotton that has been delicately brushed, leaving a soft and snuggly feel.

      Easycare cotton is crafted to require minimal ironing, due to its easy-care finish. 

      Egyptian cotton is the very best when it comes to bed linen. It offers superior softness and durability and usually has a greater thread count than other choices.

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      1. Easycare polycotton.

        Easycare polycotton

        Named ‘easy care’ due to its low maintenance, polycotton is a blend of polyester and cotton. It’s strong, dries quickly and requires minimal ironing, making it an excellent every day choice.

      2. Cotton rich linen.

        Cotton rich linen

        Cotton rich bed linen has a mix of natural cotton and synthetic fibres. These pieces are called cotton rich because 60% of the fabric is made from super soft cotton.

      3. Microfibre.

        Microfibre

        Microfibre is a soft and durable synthetic material that requires little maintenance when washing.

      Finishes

      Finishes are the different techniques used to give a piece of bed linen a certain look and feel. There are subtle differences between each type and the best one for you depends on personal preference.

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        1. A Home City Printed Toffee Bedding set on a bed in a white bedroom.

          Printed bedding

          Printed bedding features colourful designs and patterns, added to the fabric through various techniques.

        2. Habitat feather velvet green bedding set.

          Jacquard

          Jacquard designs combine multiple coloured threads to weave intricate patterns using a weaving loom.

        3. Habitat tufted spot white and grey bedding set.

          Tufted

          Calling all the comfort-lovers! Tufted bedding involves threading all the layers and securing it with a knot. It's super cosy as well as decorative.

        4. Percale.

          Percale

          A percale finish is smooth and crisp, because of a tight weave construction. A plain, but popular technique.

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        1. A teal velvet pintuck bedding set.

          Pintuck

          A pintuck technique creates unique pleats for a sophisticated final look.

        2. A Habitat mini waffle striped white bedding set.

          Waffle

          Waffle bed linen is noticeably textured with a luxury feel.

        3. A Habitat navy blue fleece bedding set.

          Fleece

          Fleece bedding can keep you snug and warm on colder nights.

        4. Brushed.

          Brushed

          Bedding that has been delicately brushed to create a super snuggly feel.

        A Habitat Cotton 200TC Oxford Edge white single bedding set.

        Thread count and weight

        Thread count is the number of horizontal (weft) and vertical (warp) threads per square inch. Duvet covers, pillowcases and bed sheets all have a thread count.

        For example, a thread count of 300 means that a piece of fabric has 300 threads for every square inch of the bedding. The higher the thread count, the better the quality of the bedding. Higher thread count should mean increased softness and durability.

        You should consider the weight of your bedding depending on the season. Light bed linen is better suited to summer, while heavier pieces offer a cosier feel in the winter.

          Bed linen sizes

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          1. Duvet cover sizes

            You should always choose the same size cover as your duvet. A double duvet needs a double duvet cover and so on.

            • Toddler 120 x 150cm
            • Single 135 x 200cm
            • Double 200 x 200cm
            • King 230 x 220cm
            • Superking 260 x 220cm

          2. Flat sheet sizes

            Flat sheets are a flexible choice. You can use them to cover your mattress, or as a top sheet between you and a duvet.

            • Toddler N/a
            • Single 180 x 260cm
            • Double 230 x 260cm
            • King 275cm x 275cm
            • Superking 275cm x 310cm

          3. Fitted sheet sizes

            A fitted sheet wraps around the corners of a mattress, holding it in place. A double mattress needs a double fitted sheet and so on.

            • Toddler 70 x 140cm
            • Single 90 x 190cm
            • Double 135 x 190cm
            • King 150 x 200cm
            • Superking 180 x 200cm

          4. Fitted sheet depths

            Deeper sheets are suited to deeper mattresses and less likely to come loose in the night.

            • Easycare polycotton 25cm
            • Cotton rich 28cm
            • Cool cotton 28cm
            • Brushed cotton 28cm
            • Easycare 100% cotton 28cm / 35cm (extra deep)
            • 400 TC Egyptian cotton 30cm deep / 35cm extra deep

            Pillowcase styles

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            1. A set of white Egyptian cotton oxford pillowcases.

              Oxford pillowcases

              You can spot an Oxford pillowcase by the additional decorative trim around the edge.

            2. Standard pillowcases.

              Standard pillowcases

              A standard pillowcase, without the decorative border.

            Kids' bedding

            A Habitat cotton Safari kids bedding set for toddlers.

            What to keep in mind...

            • After a long day of mischief and fun, what does your little one need? Sound sleep in seconds, of course! So while picking your kid's bedding, get something soft to easily lull them to sleep. 
            • Pick fun prints like dinos, unicorns, rainbows, or whatever else they fancy- to make them look forward to bedtime.
            • Go for an easy care fabric that's lightweight and hassle-free to maintain- a blessing in a kid's room that is always prone to turning into a mess.

            Bed linen maintenance and care tips

            A Habitat Supersoft washable 7.5 tog single duvet.

            How to care for your bed linen

            • Different types of bed linen require different levels of care, so always check the care label before washing.
            • We recommend giving your new bedding a wash before you use it for the first time.
            • Do not wash bed linen together with everyday clothing. Avoid washing dark and light colours together.
            • Wash your bed linen once a week using a gentle detergent to keep it clean and fresh.
            • Hang your sheets to dry to keep them soft for longer.
            • Store bed linen in a cool and dry place. Keep it away from harsh sunlight.

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              More help and inspiration

              Carousel

              1. A Habitat Supersoft washable 10.5 tog single duvet.

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                  • A Habitat Gingham check handwoven throw.

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