Bed Linen Basics

Robert Frank Interiors shares some helpful tips and dispels some myths about purchasing bed linens for your own home.

Working on interiors projects, we often purchase linens for our clients. And, each time we do, it is a learning process for us. Recently we learned more about thread count and discovered that there are some misconceptions around about higher thread-count linens being better quality than lower thread count linens.

Thread count is the number of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch. Not long ago, sheets typically had thread counts of 120 with 60 horizontal and 60 vertical threads. In the 1960’s sheets with a 180 thread count were considered a luxury.

Nowadays, with the availability of luxury linens with thread counts in excess of 1,000, people often use thread count as a way to compare the quality of linens. However, we found that thread count does not necessarily represent quality. Instead of relying on thread count alone when purchasing bedding, consider these factors as well:

Fiber
The majority of fibers that are used to fabricate sheets are cotton. The best sheets are long fiber cotton, which is ideal as the yarn has strength and offers less pilling. Egyptian cotton generally has a long fiber as well as pima and supima, cotton-poplin and even bamboo.

Weave
According to Real Simple, the weave of your sheet affects the way the sheet feels, the way it looks, its longevity and its price. There are many different kinds of weaves, but a percale weave is the most prominent. It is woven similar to a basket weave and it offers a crisp, cool feel to the touch. Sateen weave, which can feel a little softer than the traditional percale weave, has a slightly warmer feel to the touch.

Keep in mind that even if a sheet has a high thread count, the number can be inflated by manipulating the fabric weaving process with a lower-quality construction or thread. As a general rule, we recommend buying sheets with a thread count of 200 or higher, knowing that anything over an 800 thread count offers no more quality or softness.

Concerning quality, sourcing and fabrication standards vary in different countries. France and Italy are generally regarded as the best sheet makers in the business, although the fiber used is not necessarily from those specific countries (such as Egyptian cotton).

Two of our personal favorite linen vendors for client projects:

• Yves Delorme – This French vendors offers a great assortment of high quality bed, bath and table linens and decorative accessories. Yves Delorme offers the experience of an everyday luxury. The annual collections are built within decorating trends around four styles – the journey, the softness, luxury and timeless solids. Yves Delorme aims to create a style of living for the complete home by adding to its collections for bed and bath new developments such as table linen, lingerie, home fragrances, baby collections, even furniture.

• Frette – This Italian vendors produces high quality linens and home furnishings using the finest fibers and skilled artisans. Known for their chic, original design and inimitable finish and feel, Frette bed linens can be found in many of the world’s most prestigious hotels, from Claridge’s to The Peninsula Hotel. Historically, Frette linens have been featured everywhere from the altar of St Peter’s Basilica to the dining car of the Orient Express, and more than 500 European royal dynasties have slept beneath its sheets.

Robert Frank Interiors is a full-service interior designer located in Pasadena, California. We work in collaboration with our clients to create beautiful interior spaces that reflect our clients' lifestyles and personalities.