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.

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A collage featuring Habitat Vintage Rug Print Natural Bedding Set - Single and Argos Home Foliage Printed Standard Pillowcase Pair - Cream.

By Zara Flynn | Last edited: June 2026

How do you sleep at night?

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.

There's a fabric for everyone

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.

Wylder Birdie Stripe Ruffle Burgundy Bedding Set -Double.

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.

Easycare polycotton bedding
Named ‘easycare’ due to its low maintenance, polycotton is a blend of polyester and cotton. This blend of natural and synthetic fibres makes for strong, quick-drying, non-iron bed linen.
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Cotton-rich bed linen
Cotton rich bed linen has a mix of natural cotton and synthetic fibres. These pieces are called cotton rich because 60% (or more) of the fabric is made from super soft cotton.
Shop cotton rich bed linen
Microfibre bed linen
Microfibre is a soft and durable synthetic material that requires little maintenance when washing. Its tightly woven structure makes it ideal for hypoallergenic bedding, as it helps repel common allergens like dust, mites, and pollen.
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Bamboo bed linen
Bamboo bed linen is soft and durable. It also wicks away moisture and regulates temperature, helping you stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
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More than just a finishing touch

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.

Habitat x Morris & Co. Blackthorn Bedding Set - Single.

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 more information on thread count selection, you may want to check out this detailed guide.

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0 - 144 thread count

145 - 180 thread count

181 - 200 thread count

201 - 400 thread count

Bed linen size guide

table
	Toddler	Single	Double	King	Superking
Duvet cover sizes	120cm x 150cm	135cm x 200cm	200cm x 200cm	230cm x 220cm	260cm x 220cm
Flat sheet sizes	N/A	180cm x 260cm	230cm x 260cm	275cm x 275cm	275cm x 310cm
Fitted sheet sizes	70cm x 140cm	90cm x 190cm	135cm x 190cm	150cm x 200cm	180cm x 200cm

Fitted sheet depths

Deeper sheets are suited to deeper mattresses and less likely to come loose in the night. Here are some common sizes you can refer to:

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 to consider

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Yes, they really are that important

Your dream bedding would be incomplete without the right pillowcases to go with your duvet covers. While you could always buy complete sets of single, double, king size and luxury bedding, there’s a certain charm to picking out pillowcases to mix and match styles and aesthetics to your taste. Learn all about the two main types of pillowcases so you make an informed choice.

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.

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Maintaining your bedding and bed linen

Panda The Cloud 10.5 Tog Bamboo Duvet - Single.

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?

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.

What bedding is used in 5-star hotels?

5-star hotels typically use high-thread-count cotton bedding, such as Egyptian or Supima cotton, with percale or sateen weaves. These materials are breathable, soft, and durable, creating a crisp, luxurious feel. If you're trying to recreate vacation-quality sleep at home, these materials would be a good place to start.

How often should you wash bed sheets?

You should wash bed sheets once a week to maintain hygiene and freshness. If you sweat heavily or have allergies, washing them every 3–4 days is recommended. If the thought of doing that much laundry is a bit overwhelming, you could also try using a lint roller every few days to pick up loose dust and crumbs with minimal effort.

How do you make your bed look luxurious?

To make your bed look luxurious, use high-quality bedding, layer with duvets, throws, and cushions, and stick to a neutral or coordinated colour palette. Smooth, wrinkle-free sheets and well-arranged pillows also enhance the overall look.