There are many different types of linens to choose from, so it can be tough to decide which ones are right for your home. From flat sheets to fitted sheets and everything in between, the availability of different styles can be overwhelming – especially if you’re new to shopping for linens online, such as My Linen. To help you make the best choice, this guide will show you how to choose the perfect linens for your home.
How important to change your linens?
If you’re thinking about buying new linens, whether as a gift or for yourself, then it’s probably because you want something different than what you already have. One of three things has happened: Either your style changed, your current linens are worn out and old or they simply don’t reflect who you are anymore. Not sure if it’s time to change your linens?
Here are some questions that will help give you an idea:
- How long have they been on your bed?
- Is there any sign of wear and tear?
- If yes, how much?
- Are they comfortable?
- Do they still match your home decor or would a change be nice?
They’re your answers!
How to maintain the quality of your new linens?
One great thing about high-quality linens is that they look great and you can use them for years without worrying about getting rid of them. However, if you want your new linens to look their best (and last a long time), it’s important to care for them properly.
Try these tips when washing and drying your linens:
- Wash new bedding before using it so you won’t worry about how it will hold up with your body on it. Just be sure to wash it again with a mild detergent before using it as an extra precautionary measure.
- If your sheets are 100% cotton, make sure they’re rinsed thoroughly before drying them. Otherwise, lint may accumulate on other clothes in your dryer.
Below is the list that we gathered in choosing the perfect linens:
Guide to Different Types of Linen
Choosing linens for your home is one of those things that’s best done with a little bit of time and research. If you live in an apartment and have roommates, likely, you don’t need several sets of sheets and towels. If you live alone or with family members, there are other concerns—for example, if anyone in your house has allergies, choosing certain types of material could affect their health. The more accurate you can be about what size bedding will fit and what amount of linens each person needs, the easier it will be to find something that works for everyone.
Do you prefer Cotton, Polyester, or Rayon?
When it comes to sheets, there are three main options: cotton, polyester, and rayon. Each material has unique characteristics that make them better or worse for certain uses. For example, cotton is breathable and more comfortable when you’re sleeping in warm weather; but it absorbs moisture more easily than other materials, so it might not be as great if you have very sweaty feet.
Polyester is a synthetic fiber that doesn’t wrinkle easily (although it will pill), while rayon is a 100% natural fiber made from bamboo plants that are known for its silky texture and durability. No matter what kind of linens you choose, keep these factors in mind so your sleep won’t be affected!
What is your budget?
Everyone has a budget, so start with that. What is your ideal price range? For example, if you’re shopping for sheets and don’t want to spend more than $100, set that as your limit before you start looking at prices. The same sheet may cost $100 on one site but $50 on another; knowing how much you want to spend ahead of time will help keep you from overspending and having buyer’s remorse later.
When it comes down to finding which linens are within your budget, take a good look at each set’s thread count and fabric weight. Higher thread counts mean softer sheets; heavier fabric weights mean warmer sheets—all things to keep in mind when choosing which sheet set is right for you!
What color do you like?
Before you start looking at specific styles and patterns, think about where in your home you’ll be using linens most. If you host a lot of overnight guests, for example, choose a high-quality bedspread that will stand up to heavy use; if you live with small children or pets, look for stain-resistant fabrics.
No matter what kind of linens fit your lifestyle and home, though, consider where they’ll be used most frequently before making a decision. You might also find it helpful to keep track of how long certain items last; even cheap linen can last two years or more if it isn’t exposed to a lot of wear and tear daily.
Also read: Trending Home Decor Items One Must Buy
Where will you put it?
Before you even start shopping, make sure that your linens will fit where you want them. Some duvet covers look better when paired with a full-size duvet, while others are more visually appealing when matched with a twin coverlet.
Think about how your linens will fit into your home and then buy accordingly. If you’re using bedding for a guest room, it’s not crucial that it matches any particular decor style. Many people buy extra linens specifically for their guest room—just in case they have out-of-town guests who need somewhere to sleep.
Mixing patterns in one room?
If you like both patterns, then go ahead and mix them in one room. Just remember that they need to complement each other. For example, a geometric pattern such as a damask would pair well with florals. The two patterns don’t have to match exactly, just look at what elements overlap (the circles in one could be different colors than the circles in another).
Also, keep scale in mind when mixing patterns—they shouldn’t be too big or too small for a room—and make sure there is enough contrast between both (something like a chevron print on top of stripes). You can get inspiration from these gorgeous rooms where pattern mixing rules supreme!
Where can I purchase it?
You can purchase linens at your local department store or directly from manufacturers on their websites. It’s important to pay attention to who you buy from and make sure they have a good return policy; many don’t, especially if you’re ordering online. If that’s not something you’re comfortable with, go ahead and visit one of your local stores instead.
Stores like Target, My Linen, and Macy’s are great places to start as they generally offer a wide selection at reasonable prices—and their return policies are much more generous than some online retailers. Always read reviews before making any major purchases, particularly when it comes to things like bedding. In general, customer reviews will let you know how well items stand up over time and how other people feel about different companies’ customer service.
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Conclusion
If you’re serious about decorating your home, start with your linens. The right sheets, pillowcases, and duvet cover can instantly give a room a luxurious feel. Comfort is also important, so it’s best to look for materials that will feel comfortable against your skin. Take into account what kind of weather you live in: down comforters are ideal if you live in a cold climate, while all-season duvets should do nicely if you live somewhere warmer. You can even go with microfiber or bamboo sheets if you’re looking for something eco-friendly.
