Whether you live in a climate with clearly established four seasons or your year consists of only “hot” and “extremely hot”, there are things to consider when choosing appropriate bedding. Sometimes an extra layer is needed, and sometimes a different fabric can help keep you sleep soundly at night. Keep reading to understand if your bedding can be improved.
Common types of bedding
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Fitted sheet
A fitted sheet is the bottom layer of bedding that covers the mattress. It has an elastic sewn into it so it fits snuggly around the mattress. Fitted sheets are notoriously difficult to fold but they stay in place even if you tend to toss and turn a lot in your bed.
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Flat sheet
Although usually used as a layer between you and a blanket or just a light layer in place of a blanket, it can also be used to cover your mattress. A skill to master if you do use it as a sheet is how to tuck and fold its corners around the mattress.
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Pillow
A pillow is usually a rectangular cloth case filled with a soft material (feathers, down, synthetic fillers) and used as head support when you sleep. Decorative, or throw, pillows can be a nice addition to your bedroom’s interior.
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Pillowcase
Pillowcases are used to protect your pillows from the sweat and oil your body produces during the night. They are a smooth, fresh, clean layer of bedding against your face (you can change them more frequently than other bedding too), and they protect your hair during the night if you choose the right fabric for your hair type.
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Sham
A sham is a decorative pillowcase. It’s useful if you don’t want to make your bed look tidy even when you haven’t properly made it.
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Blanket
A very common bedding item, it’s a large piece of woven fabric that can be used as a bed covering or as one of the top bedding layers.
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Quilt
A quilt is a type of covering that’s thicker than a blanket but thinner than a comforter. A quilt can double as a decorative item as well, it often features elaborate stitching patterns and can use patterned fabrics.
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Comforter
A comforter is essentially a padded blanket. It is usually used for warmth. You can certainly skip it during warmer seasons, but if you tend to run your AC on high for most of the night, it can serve as an optional layer for when you feel cold.
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Duvet
A duvet is thicker than a comforter. To protect the thick filler of a duvet and reduce the need for washing or dry-cleaning your duvets mid-winter, use a duvet cover.
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Coverlet
A coverlet is usually a bit smaller than a blanket so it only covers the top part of the bed. Coverlets, unlike most blankets, also serve a decorative function and usually have more interesting designs than regular bedding.
What’s important when choosing the right bedding
Are you a hot or cold sleeper?
If you’re a hot sleeper (tend to feel hot or overhear when you sleep), consider opting for breathable bedding fabrics, such as bamboo or bamboo cotton. It will also help you reduce water consumption around bedtime. Drinking water can help you regulate your body temperature but can also result in frequent nighttime waking because your bladder needs relief. Choosing the right bedsheets will help you solve this problem.
However, if you tend to get cold at night, too many breathable fabrics in your bedding can prevent the warmth from accumulating and therefore not allow you to get comfortable enough for deep sleep. Layering is a good solution in this case, and you can mix breathable and thicker layers to create the best experience for yourself.
Are you prone to allergies?
Skin prone to breakouts, skin conditions, sensitivity to dust, pet hair, and other airborne allergens, and difficulties breathing at daytime or nighttime can all be relieved to an extent if you opt for natural bedding fabrics, ideally those that also have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Bamboo bedding can be a great option.
Do you have pets?
Keeping your bedding fresh and pet hair free can be a challenge, especially if your pets like to sleep in your bed. Choosing a fabric with a tight weave prevents loose pet hair from getting stuck between the threads. The hair won’t get stuck and you’ll have an easier time sweeping it off the bed without needing a brush or lint roller.
Natural fabrics with an antistatic effect are a good choice too, as they don’t give the hair any additional chances to stick to the bedding. Also, antistatic fabrics (bamboo, for example) will prevent you from having a bad hair day every day.
Looking to improve your bedding? You’re in the right place. Check out our range of bedding for all seasons and needs. Antistatic, natural fabrics, a variety of colors and sizes to fit every bed. Sleep all night long.