Luxury Bedding is More Than Just Thread Count

Thread count is the most widely referred to term when searching for those "perfect sheets." Generally, the higher the thread count, the more costly you'll find the sheets. But is thread count the real measure of luxury bedding?

Thread count is only one factor in the equation of luxury bedding. The qualities of the fabric are what put the luxury in your sheets. There are, however, two main types of fabrics and they are natural and manufactured. Luxury bedding is almost exclusively made from high-quality natural fabrics such as Egyptian cotton.

Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric. A higher count usually indicates a finer thread. It is the finer thread that gives a sheet its softer feel, unless chemical finishers are used. These chemical finishes, which are often used on cheaper sheets, will make the sheets initially appear to be silky smooth, but after a couple washings the finish will wear off. Chemical finishes are also detrimental to those who have sensitive skin or suffer from allergies. In reality thread count is mostly a measure of a sheet's softness and not necessarily its quality. For example a 340 thread count sheet made with Egyptian cotton can feel as smooth as a 400 thread count sheet made with cheaper cotton. Does this mean that a low grade cotton sheet with 800 TC fabric feels twice as smooth as 400?

Not necessarily. If you have been shopping for luxury bedding you may have seen advertisements for 800 + TC sheets. This number can be misleading. These sheets achieve a super high thread count by adding multiple plies of fabric together. While these sheets are smooth, they are not as proportionally smooth as the high number would lead one to believe. The added plies increase the durability of the sheet which may be necessary if the bedding is made from low quality materials. High quality fabrics will be made with high quality fibers which are strong and tightly weaved. The best fabrics are generally going to have a thread count between 300 and 350.

Natural materials, such as Egyptian or Pima cotton, are preferred over manufactured materials for bedding. This is because cotton will allow the body to breathe while at rest. But if one prefers a silk-like feel then Lyocell is a good alternative. It is a manufactured material that is made from natural biodegradable materials.

So remember, when shopping for high quality sheets keep in mind that thread count is more an indicator of the smoothness of a sheet and not as much an indicator of quality. If a bedding set claims to have a high thread count check to see if it is made of a high quality fabric. One should seriously consider an investment in quality bedding materials such as Egyptian cotton for longevity, comfort, and especially if you have sensitive skin or suffer from allergies.

Kelly White is cofounder of Home Delights. You can find more info about bedding and down comforters at: http://www.sleepdelights.com.

---

Successful Motor Protection Formulae

As we have discussed before, all overload relays have one... Read More

Repairing Your Faulty uPVC Double Glazed Windows And Doors

It is an amazing fact that uPVC double glazing was... Read More

Old House Remodeling: Removing Old Tile and Glue

When you live in old house like I do, remodeling... Read More

Ladder Safety Tips

One of the many tools that home owners use regularly... Read More

The $27,000 Toilet Seat - Funny DIY Story

This story was told to me by a plumber I... Read More

Planning For a New Deck

Part of the fun of a new deck is the... Read More

The Cost of Remodeling a Bathroom

Before beginning any bathroom remodeling, you should create a budget.... Read More

Allow Me to Introduce You to the Fungus Family

What exactly is mold? There are over 100,000 different kinds... Read More

Upholstery Fabric Will Give Your Furniture a New Look!

Upholstery fabric will put some new life into your old... Read More

Choosing Your Builder: Cheapest Quote Wins?

You have your 3 quotes from each potential builder so... Read More

The Ultimate Comfort - Top 5 Reasons For Getting an Awning

Awnings are an economical and efficient way to shade a... Read More

Window Shutters On A Budget

While there is great value in installing custom-made interior wood... Read More

How To Completely Rehab Your Home In 10 Days!

This report is about taking a house and restoring it... Read More

Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages

Many of us know that solar energy is a good... Read More

Interior Design For Babies

Babies, babies, babies-yes the topic of this article is based... Read More

Home Fire Prevention Effectiveness 1

Are you aware that you can lose all your personal... Read More

Buying The Right Bed Sheets For Your Bed

You spend a lot of your life in your bed... Read More

Measuring For Your Vinyl Replacement Windows

Let's say you're tired of those old wood windows, and... Read More

Kitchen Remodel - How to Survive

You have decided to make the plunge and begin to... Read More

The Best Time to Inspect Your Home!

Home inspections conducted prior to a home being placed on... Read More

Creating Your Joyful Home: Inspiration to Make a Home Planning Journal

If you are planning a home makeover or remodeling project,... Read More

Home Automation Enhances Your Lifestyle and Saves Money - Exciting Home Automation Applications

Wouldn't it be nice to have your home take care... Read More

Fixer-Uppers: What To Fix

You've bought a house, a fixer-upper you can make some... Read More

Traditional Interior Design

Traditional interior design encompasses a great variety of elements in... Read More

Warm & Toasty Outdoors with Patio Heaters

The Heat is On with... Read More

The Wireless Home

It was only a few years ago that Real Estate... Read More

How to Design a Lighting Plan

You are doing a remodel and know that you want... Read More

Kitchen Design ? No Need to Do It Alone

You can't opt out of the process altogether, though, because... Read More

Hiring a Waterproofing Contractor

According to the National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair... Read More

Home Improvement Projects That Really Pay Off

Many of us watch TV shows and see the miraculous... Read More

Operation Closet

When the wife comes to you one fine day and... Read More

The Right Shower Curtain For Your Bathroom!

A shower curtain can add the perfect touch to any... Read More

Home Is Where The Heart Is

Every one lives in a house but every house is... Read More