With the amazing range of fabrics, colours, and patterns to select from, a bed sheet wasn’t always the work of art it is today. A bed sheet used to be a basic square of plain-coloured flannel, that rather than being washed, was just blown out or put on the hanging regularly. Bed sheets made of more densely woven materials, such as Upland cotton and more exotic sheets made of silk, were preferred by the rich. But as washing the sheet sets became more often among the rich, durability became essential.
Brighter colours and greater variation in the composition of the sheets grew increasingly popular as technology improved and more synthetic materials became available. Initially, matching comforter sets, bed sheets, and pillowcases were luxury goods, but they quickly became necessities. Bed linens for sofas and comforters have now become popular Xmas and birthday gifts. Meanwhile, the bed linens might be matched to the room decor and carpet colours to form a cohesive effect.
Quality Analysis
The thread count or the quantity of threads per square centimetre of the fabric is commonly used to determine the grade of bed linens. In practice, the greater the thread count, the smoother the sheet. However, the weave and the type of thread used can also alter the quality of the cloth, making a lesser thread count sheet smoother than a higher count sheet.
Materials
Cotton and cotton mixes are the most popular fabrics used in bedsheets, while cotton and polyester are the most popular blends. Polyester gives strength and wrinkle resistance, while cotton lends breathability and a gentle hand. Linen, silk, and other popular fibres are also utilised in the production of bed linens.
Sheet Hacks
Once it comes to fitted sheets, it’s a bit of a challenge. But, making your bed will be a breeze with these creative techniques:
- Striped sheets are recommended by many. Having a pattern and understanding that it runs in a certain orientation will help you identify how to put your fitted sheet together without wasting time. Moreover, the bottom right corner of the bed should always have the tag attached to the edge of the fitted sheet.
- The edges of your fitted sheet that rest against your headboard are the most difficult to pull over, especially if the sheet is quite stiff. So, start with the upper corners to make stretching the lower corners simpler. Finally, make sure the pocket on the mattress is deep enough.
- In order to prevent your bed sheet from sliding off towards the edges, attach some 1-inch elastics. One can use this simple and affordable remedy with the help of a sewing machine, thereby avoiding your fitted sheet from falling off.
How to Keep Them Fresh
In order to keep sheet sets clean in the hall closet or cartons, place lavender sachets inside the closet or carton to preserve the scent of freshly washed linens. Additionally, to keep your bedding feeling fresh, use scented, soothing dryer sheets.
Moths and pests won’t be able to get into your linens if you put cedar blocks around the cupboard. Use a package of baking soda and place it on the bottom of your cupboard for a more sensible alternative, as this will aid in the absorption of any unpleasant smells. Moreover, before putting the bedding away in cartons or cabinets, make sure it is completely dry, either by air-drying or blow-drying them. Even if slightly moist sheets are tucked away, they will develop a bad odour. Also, maintain small gaps between stacks of sheets to allow air to pass around the cupboard and bedding, which will help to minimise the bad odour.
