When we think about fine homes, many luxuries may come to mind – intricate architectural detail, opulent chandeliers, high-quality custom furniture. One important feature that is often overlooked is one that could easily be the most luxurious of all – fine linens.
We spend about one-third of our lives in bed. When you invest in a set of sheets, you’re buying something that you’ll be in the closest contact with much more frequently than any item of clothing you could ever own. Here are some tips for choosing the best bedding.
What Thread Count Really Means
We’ve been taught to think that a value can be assigned to the quality of a linen simply by studying the thread count. This number refers to the number of threads, both in length and width, used to create the fabric. But a higher thread count is not a straightforward measurement of quality. There are several other factors to consider when researching the perfect set of luxurious linens.
What To Look For Instead
So instead of using thread count as the sole criteria to guide you toward the right linens to complement your fine home, what should you be looking for?
Fibers: Most sheets are made from cotton.If you are choosing this variety, be sure to look for material that is100 percent cotton. There is also a wide range of quality of fabric based on how the fiber is spun. The longer a fiber is, the more durable it will be, the softer it will feel and the longer it will keep that nice, cool feeling. The types of cotton with the longest fibers are Egyptian, Pima and Supima.
Weave: How the fibers are woven affects the durability and how the sheet feels. Percale is a fairly basic box weave that keeps cool and has great longevity. Sateen sheets have more vertical than horizontal threads, which means they have a softer feel but are more prone to pilling and tears. Jacquard and damasks are more intricate weaves that create a variety of textures. These luxurious options are also the priciest. Some of the most beautiful examples come from Frette and Sferra which have been providing luxury linens for fine homes for well over a century.
Dye: The vast majority of sheets are dyed after they have been woven, creating a stiffness at the beginning of the sheet’s lifespan. This can be avoided—and richer colors achieved—when sheets are woven from yarn that is pre-dyed.
Finish: Almost all sheets are treated with chemicals to help them keep their shape, reduce wrinkling and create any desired shine. If your skin is prone to sensitivity or you prefer a chemical-free lifestyle, check out Garnet Hill for a chemical-free option.
As you can see, there are myriad options when it comes to luxurious bedding. If you are fortunate enough to live in one of Arizona’s fine homes, you will want only the best linens for your home. Be sure to check out our Houzz galleries for color and style inspiration as you set out to choose your perfect bedding.
