Bed linen guide
Good bed linen is like a love letter to your sleep quality. Explore everything from bedroom basics to luxury bedding and find the best bed linen for your home.
Shop all bedding&poi={$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.x},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.y},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.w},{$this.metadata.pointOfInterest.h}&scaleFit={($this.metadata.pointOfInterest.x>0)?$sfpoi:$sfcenter}&sm=aspect&aspect=3:2&sfcenter=center&sfpoi=poi&qlt=50&fmt=auto&noiser=0&fmt.jpeg.interlaced=true&fmt.jp2.qlt=40&)
Choosing the best bed linen
The quality of your bed linen and bedding can make or break a good night’s sleep, but it can be hard to thread your way through the world of options out there. Sheets, duvets and pillowcases come in a variety of fabrics and finishes, each with their own look, feel and advantages. This guide unravels all the features you need to consider so you can find the right bed linen for a cosy, restful bedroom.
Types of bed linen fabrics
Bed linen comes in several different fabric types. Some are made of 100% natural fibres like cotton which tends to have a super soft finish, while others are made of synthetic blends including materials like polyester, making them wrinkle-resistant and easy to care for. These are also usually quick-drying – a bonus in wet and/or cold weather. Be sure to read fabric descriptions carefully when choosing the right bed linen for your home.
100% cotton bedding
As a natural fibre, 100% cotton bed linen is a popular choice due to its super soft and breathable feel. You also get a wide range of choices when it comes to cotton bedding.
- 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 wrinkle-free 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.
Carousel
Bed linen finishes
Every type of bed linen fabric has a particular finish - a specific look and feel that affects the style and comfort of your bedroom. There are subtle differences between each type and we're here to help you pick the right one according to your personal preferences.
Carousel
Printed bedding
Printed bedding is made up of fabric with designs and pattern applied to it via various methods like screen printing, digital printing to name a couple. Prints may be festive, geometric, floral, nature-inspired and more. Find the right sheets to match your aesthetic.
Jacquard bed linen
Jacquard is a woven fabric that tends to feature intricate patterns in the weave, as opposed to printing them on top of the fabric. Jacquard is considered a durable weave, and feels luxurious, making it a popular choice for bedding.
Tufted bedding
When it comes to duvets and bedspreads, a tufted finish offers a sense of plush comfort and breathability. Tufted bedding also adds a touch of visual interest and can transform your bedroom in a blink.
Muslin bed linen
Muslin is a light, airy weave that’s great for wicking away moisture and keeping you cool in warmer weather. Cotton muslin feels wonderful on the skin, and is so soft, it’s often used for babies too. So, if you’re looking to pamper yourself with a good night’s sleep, this may be the choice for you.
Linen look bedding
Linen fabric is made from flax fibres, but linen look cotton bedding is made of cotton fabric. It is natural slub cotton finished with a technique that makes it visually resemble the texture and drape of linen fabric. A great option for those with flax allergies or any other concerns about linen fabric maintenance.
Carousel
Pintuck bed linen
Pintucks on fabric are created by folding the cloth and sewing it in position to create a pleat that stays. Pintuck bedding features this type of sewn pleating in parallel or criss-cross patterns. The finish lends a luxurious look to bed linen and some people value it for the tactile texture it offers.
Waffle textured bedding
When it comes to comfort, waffle woven bed linen doesn’t waffle about. This finish is popular for being breathable and warm – but not too warm – all while elevating bedroom aesthetics. And the gridded honeycomb texture of the weave is comforting to lay on at the end of a tiring day.
Fleece bedding
Fleece bedding is fluffy, soft and offers great insulation; perfect for staying deliciously warm in colder weather. It’s also durable and tends to be lightweight, making it easy to maintain in the long run.
Seersucker bed linen
Seersucker finish bedsheets have a special puckered look, achieved when some threads of fabric are woven tighter than others. This makes the cloth look crinkly and feel light and airy, making it a convenient summer bedding choice.
Sateen bed linen
Sateen finish cotton bedding is created using a particular weaving technique that produces a buttery smooth fabric with a slightly lustrous sheen. Think satin, but made with cotton instead of synthetic fibres or silk. Sateen can bring a touch of elegance to your bedroom all while keeping you comfy.
Bed linen thread count and weight
Thread count refers to the total number of horizontal (weft) and vertical (warp) threads per square inch of fabric. For instance, a thread count of 300 means there are 300 threads per every square inch of the bedding. A higher thread count means softer and smoother duvet covers, pillowcases or bedsheets. It also results in a tighter weave, making your bedding more durable.
When it comes to picking bed linen with the right thread count you should consider the weight of your bedding depending on the season. Light bed linen is better suited to summer, while heavier pieces help you feel snug in the winter.
For a more information on thread count selection, you may want to check out this detailed guide.
Bed linen size guide
Carousel
Pillowcase styles to consider
Carousel
Oxford pillowcases
An Oxford pillowcase can be identified by the decorative fabric trim that runs around its edges. This simple addition to the basic structure of a pillowcase is usually about 5-10 cm wide and brings a touch of comfort and style to your bedroom.
Standard pillowcases
A standard pillowcase is like a simple sleeve that holds your pillow just right. It has plain sewn edges and no decorative trim. Perfect for a neat and no-frills (pun intended) night of rest. But if a pillow-laden bed is more your style, you could pair these with Oxford pillowcases for a layered, plush vibe.
Kids' bedding
How to pick bedding for kids
Getting your little ones to bed can often turn into a battle. So why not do everything you can to make their sleeping arrangement as comfy and inviting as possible? Here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Opt for soft fabrics for an oh-so-cosy feel that will have them tucked in for a bedtime story.
- Make your child's bed visually appealing to them with kid-friendly prints like dinosaurs or cartoon characters and football bed linen.
- Go for easycare fabrics for hassle-free maintenance because kids can get messy and you don't need the extra laundry weighing you down.
Maintaining your bedding and bed linen
Basic tips to maintain your bedding
- 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 using 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.
- If possible, hang your sheets out to air dry; this keeps them soft for longer.
- Store bed linen in a cool, dry place away from harsh sunlight.
Check out this handy article for more linen laundry lessons.
Looking for something else?
Carousel
FAQs about buying bed linen
What are the best fabrics for bed linen?
Each type of bed linen fabric has its own advantages. The most popular choices tend to be cotton-based, including Egyptian cotton and brushed cotton for luxurious comfort and durability. Some people love linen for the airy look and feel, while others prefer bamboo as it is often hypoallergenic.
How do I choose the right size bed linen?
Finding the right size bed linen starts with checking your mattress size first. Bed linen should match the dimensions of your bed. Consider whether the bed in question has a single, double, queen, or king size mattress. For fitted sheets, measure mattress depth to ensure a snug fit.
What are the benefits of different bed linen finishes?
Each finish brings different benefits to the table (or the bed as is the case here). The best way to choose is based on personal comfort and seasonal temperatures. For instance, sateen gives a silky feel, linen look cotton offers crisp coolness, and brushed cotton adds warmth and softness.
What thread count is best?
A thread count of 200–400 is great for everyday comfort. Higher counts (400+) feel more luxurious, but they can also prove more insulating and less breathable, meaning they may trap heat and keep you warmer than intended. Keep in mind your personal preferences for warmth and any seasonal changes you may face while exploring different thread counts. Aim to balance softness with breathability.
Brushed cotton vs. Egyptian cotton - what's the difference?
Brushed cotton is made by brushing woven cotton fabric with fine, metal-bristled brushes. This results in a fuzzy, soft feel that makes your bed linen warmer. Egyptian cotton is woven from longer strands of cotton (long-staple fibres), resulting in particularly smooth, strong and durable bed linen. Brushed cotton may be a wise choice in cooler weather, while Egyptian cotton is better suited to see you through a hot summer.
Discover more inspiration
Carousel
Pillows and duvets guide
Need a new duvet and pillow set? Explore our helpful guide to find the best one for your bedroom.
Mattress guide
Find a mattress that truly has your back. Learn all about sizing, firmness and material options right here.
Bedroom ideas
Find inspiration for your next bedroom refresh. We've got you covered on everything from storage and bedding to fragrance and lighting.
