16 Aug Answers to Britain’s most Googled bed linen questions revealed! Interiors expert shares top tips when caring for your bedding
A bed isn’t solely a cosy sleep sanctuary that’s irresistible when you’re waking up – it’s also the focal point of the bedroom; so creating a sumptuously soft and decadent display is important.
According to new data from Google Trends, searches for ‘linen bedsheets’ have increased by 110% in the past seven days, with searches for ‘egyptian cotton bedding’ and ‘autumn bed sheets’ also increasing by +50% since consumers realised the UK summer weather was far from perfect.
Speaking in the spike of interest for elegant bed linens, Sarah Link, Head of Marketing at La Redoute, said: “Carefully selecting your bedding has the power to completely change your bedroom and sleep routine, meaning a comfortable night’s sleep should no longer be a challenge.
“However, there is an art in handpicking the best bed linen for you, as well as how to effectively care for your sheets, so you can find the perfect style to suit your sleep needs.”
When it comes to bed linens, the French online retailer, La Redoute, is answering Britain’s most searched for bedding questions.
How to fold bedding to save space?
Bed linens can be bulky and take up a lot of storage space when not folded correctly.
Start by taking your flat sheet and folding this into a square, before doing the same to your fitted sheet and placing it on top. Then, neatly fold your pillowcases and other sheets, stacking these on top.
When combined, fold the corners of the flat sheet around the bundle, tucking it tightly around to create a neat parcel – store this in a cupboard and take out when needed with ease.
How to store bedding in a pillowcase?
To keep your bedding in one place and avoid mismatched sets, we recommend folding your bed linens into just one pillowcase.
Fold your fitted sheet into a rectangular shape, then combine with your bedsheet and pillowcase. To secure, take your other pillowcase and turn it inside out before weaving it over the bedding that you’ve already folded.
This is ensures your bed sheets stay clean while stored away and prevents any dust or dirt from accumulating.
How to fold a fitted sheet?
Folding a fitted sheet is a perpetual struggle, especially when the elastic edges make it tricky to get a neat finish, and it can often be tempting to roll your fitted sheet up into a ball and call it quits.
To correctly fold a fitted sheet, start by placing your hands in the corners, taking one corner in your hand and tucking it into the other. Repeat this until all four corners have been folded into each other.
Then, fold the edges from the outside in, creating a neat parcel shape without any creases. While practice makes perfect, this is the quickest and easiest method.
Our top tip is folding the fitted sheet as soon as it is dry rather than popping it in an ironing basket or in a pile of other laundry to stow away.
How to style bed linen?
Don’t let your bedding be as basic as a duvet and two plain pillows – instead, style it with cushions, throws and other soft furnishings to create the ultimate bedscape that you’ll look forward to sinking into every night.
Starting with the pillows, opt for two on either side of a double bed, fluffing them up for optimum plumpness. We recommend placing one pillow beneath the duvet, ready for sleeping on, and the second propped above the duvet for a polished finish. For a photo-ready finish, your bottom pillows should match the fitted sheet, whereas the top pillows should match your duvet.
Throws are an excellent styling device, but a neatly folded and pristine blanket along the bottom of the bed won’t add much to the sumptuous and considered aesthetic. Throws should instead look more informal, so we recommend casually draping this over the corner for a more lived-in look.
For a single bed, opt for two large upright cushions with a smaller feature cushion placed centrally. A king-sized bed, however, can be more extravagant with cushion positioning, opting for three base cushions and multiple rows of sham cushions for a lavish feel.
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Are linen sheets warmer in winter?
Linen sheets like the Linot Plain 100% Washed Linen Duvet Cover are known for their temperature regulating qualities, making them an excellent choice for hot summer slumbers; but they’re also ideal when keeping warm in the winter.
Since linen helps to regulate your body temperature, it will warm you up during the cold nights using your body heat. However, since it’s more absorbent than traditional cottons, linen will help you to feel cosy while avoiding the sweatiness that a mountain of blankets and sheets may cause.
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How long does linen bedding last?
The lifespan of linen sheets is typically three to five years, making it much more durable than cotton, although this can be extended when cared for.
Linen sheets soften over time, as washing dissolves residual pectin in the fibres. This is especially true for pillowcases and fitted sheets which bear more weight and absorb more oil and sweat. These will also experience a greater wear and tear compared to duvet covers.
Sheet lifespan can also vary depending on whether they’re used daily, monthly or seasonally, as well as the quality of the linen used.
How to wash bedding?
Bed linens can accumulate a plethora of germs, dead skin cells and dust mites, so it’s important that you regularly give them a deep, thorough clean.
When washing your bedding, the first rule of thumb is to avoid overloading your washing machine. Sheets need to properly circulate to get clean, and adding other clothes to your load could increase the risk of snagging or tears.
High temperatures are desired to kill germs, but be careful as excess heat can damage bed linens over time. Always consult the care tag to see what the recommended washing temperature is and avoid fabric softeners which may cause the fibres to become brittle.
A normal cycle is preferable when washing your linens, as a heavy-duty cycle can cause excessive tanging and wrinkling. When drying, avoid the tumble dryer and opt for air drying when possible to help your bedding last that bit longer and maintain the freshly washed scent.
What is a tog rating?
Tog is a measure of how effectively a duvet insulates heat or its thermal resistance – essentially, how warm the duvet will be. Despite what many people think, it’s not an indication of the duvet’s weight or quality.
Typically, shoppers should select a duvet according to the season. A 4.5 tog duvet is ideal for hot summer nights, preventing you from overheating, whereas a higher tog duvet is preferable for the winter months when temperatures are much lower.
If you don’t want to keep switching out your duvet, a 10.5 tog is a perfect in-between that’s most commonly used all year around.
What is thread count in bedding?
Thread count is a measure of the number of threads woven into a single square inch of fabric. These can range vastly from 180 to over 1,8000, each with its own benefits.
While thread count is often viewed as synonymous with quality, as many shoppers opt for the highest number possible in hopes of achieving luxuriously soft bedding, this isn’t always true.
A higher thread count bedsheet, such as the AM.PM Gypse 400 Thread Count Duvet Cover, will help you to replicate the buttery and dense luxury hotel bedsheets in your own home. On the other hand, a lower thread count bedding like the Duo 100% Cotton Percale 180 Thread Count Duvet Cover is preferable if you want something lighter and more breathable.
We recommend opting for bed sheets within the 200-400 thread counts range for high-quality, soft bedding.
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How to choose the right bed sheets for the temperature?
When choosing the best bed linens to match the temperature, fabric makes all the difference.
In the warmer months, we recommend sticking with lightweight linens, bamboo and cotton sheets with a percale weave. These are airy, highly breathable fabrics, making them perfect for hot summer nights and warm sleepers.
When the temperatures drop, quilted sheets like the Dojo Washed Cotton Quilted Blanket will add an extra layer of warmth. Other fabrics to consider are flannel, brushed cotton and jersey, which will help to retain heat during the cold weather.
