The bedroom is arguably the most important room in your home, so it makes sense that you should pay close attention to what you use there. From sheets and blankets to comforters and pillows, make sure you know what to look for when buying bedding so you can find the best bedding for your needs, whether that’s comfort or allergy relief or something else entirely.
There are many types of bedding and fabrics that you can use in your home; some may be better than others depending on your needs. Keep reading to learn about the 6 most common types of bedding materials.
1) Cotton Sheets
Cotton tends to be one of the most durable materials for bedding since it doesn’t wrinkle easily. Cotton usually has the most crisp feel and durability.
However, it can lose its form quickly and isn’t great for cold weather or extremely hot summer months. It also has minimal waterproof qualities and should not be used with humidifiers or vaporizers as it absorbs moisture well.
If you have sensitive skin, then yes-cotton is a better option than synthetic materials. You’ll also benefit from better comfort with cotton sheets, as it allows your body to breathe through its pores at night.
If you don’t want to go for cotton, opt for Egyptian cotton. It tends to leave fewer fibers behind on fabric, according to Consumer Reports.
2) Polyester Sheets
One of the most common fabrics for bedding is polyester, due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. It can be a little rough on skin, but after a few washes it usually softens up nicely.
While you can find high-quality sheets made from 100% polyester, sometimes manufacturers add cotton or another natural fabric to give you a better night’s sleep. Polyester does tend to fade faster than other materials, so if you're looking for longevity with your purchase you may want to invest in one of our higher-end options instead.
3) Microfiber Sheets
Microfiber sheets are a low-cost option for those looking to replace their current set of sheets. The material’s elasticity makes it ideal for even use by people with many different types of mattresses and bed frames.
Additionally, because microfiber is more durable than most other materials, microfiber sheets can be used for years without needing to replace them.
Of course, there are some downsides to owning a set of microfiber sheets-they don’t feel quite as nice against your skin when you first buy them, and they tend not to breathe quite as well either. Despite these drawbacks, microfiber sheets are an inexpensive way to turn any standard bed into one that feels like luxury.
4) Flannel Sheets
Flannel sheets are very soft and comfortable. They’re also quite warm, making them perfect for winter, but not so great for hot summer nights. Flannel sheets tend to be on the more expensive side of bedding materials.
If you’re going to be living in a cold-weather climate and want soft sheets that feel like you’re sleeping on an adult-sized teddy bear (without breaking your budget), flannel might be a good option for you.
However, if you prefer lighter linens or live in a warmer climate, it may be best to steer clear of flannel. You won’t save any money by buying it; rather, you could end up having to buy another set later! Be sure your bedroom is cool enough for flannel-and then keep it clean with regular washes in cold water with mild detergent-to ensure longevity of use.
5) Silk Sheets
Silk sheets are luxurious, comfortable and incredibly soft. Silk sheets are hypoallergenic, which means that they can reduce allergic reactions. Silk is also known to provide a cozy, soothing environment for sleeping. Plus, silk sheets aren’t susceptible to dust mites and other allergens like cotton sheets are.
6) Linen Sheets
Linen is a type of fabric made from fibers of flax plants. It is considered to be one of nature’s most breathable fabrics, meaning it will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Additionally, it is among some of the most durable and long-lasting fabrics you can buy. This combination makes linen sheets an ideal choice for a number of environments.
When purchasing linens, look for smooth even fibers with no signs of cracking or fraying. Even if you plan on making your own bedding out of other materials, choosing sheets made from high-quality linen has many advantages as well: not only do they provide durability over time, but they are also very easy to care for (many people skip them through their washer/dryer regularly) and reduce moisture buildup that promotes odor over time.
Ultimately, using quality linens for your bed will likely save you money-they tend to last longer than other types of sheets, so there’s less reason to replace them regularly. Also note that there are two varieties of linen: raw, which is stiff and rough; washed linen which has been pre-shrunk and softened by either machine or hand washing (therefore labeled pre-washed). Always opt for washed!
