How To Choose The Perfect Bed Sheets – 7 Must-Know Tips

Isn’t it something magical about slipping into a freshly made bed with perfectly soft sheets. It’s a little moment of luxury that I think we all deserve after a long day. However, when it comes to finding the perfect bed sheets, it’s not as easy and luxury. There are a lot of things to consider – material, thread count, color and so much more.

That is why I have gathered these seven must-know tips to help you pick the perfect bed sheets for your bed. So, let’s dive in!

And don’t forget to save any of these pictures to a relevant Pinterest board! Just click on the Pinterest logo!

1. Understanding Different Materials – Comfort is Key for Perfect Bed Sheets

When I first started getting interest in interior design, I spent a looot of time in stores. I was running my fingers over every fabric I could find. That was a total eye-opening experience for me and I quickly learned that materials is everything when it comes to finding the perfect bed sheets. The material makes such a huge difference, whether it’s how warm or soft it is.

Cotton: The Classic Choice

Cotton sheets are always the classic choice when choosing the perfect bed sheets. It’s a material that’s very breathable, soft and durable. So, if your someone who tends to get very warm at night, the natural fibers of cotton will keep you cool. However, you should also consider the thread count in order for you to choose the best bed sheets for you. I will talk more about this later!

Looking for the perfect balance of comfort and durability? Check out my favorite one here, I love the details on it!

Pro Tip: Look for long-staple cotton like Egyptian or Pima. These tend to be softer, stronger and more durable.

Linen: Perfect for a Relaxed, Natural Look

So, linen sheets on the other hand will give your bed that relaxed, “I’ve been on vacation” vibe. Linen is a very breathable material and is therefore the perfect bed sheets for you, if you live in a very warm climate. Here in Sweden – especially in the north of Sweden – it’s not warm more than 2 months a year. However, under these months I always switch to linen bedding. I love the texture of it, how well it breaths, but also the look of it. It almost look like summer, don’t it? Plus, it gets softer with each wash.

If you want more tips on how to create a light and airy summer feel in your home, check out my post on affordable Summer Home Decor here.

Do you want to experience this amazing feeling yourself? Check out these linen sheets.

Pro Tip: Linen has a natural crinkled look. If you like smooth, crisp sheets, this might not be the right material for you.

Bamboo: Super Soft & Eco-Friendly

Bamboo is a relatively new material but definitely one to keep in mind. It’s a very soft, moisture-wicking and eco-friendly material. I actually tried bamboo bed sheets and was impressed by how smooth, soft and cool they felt. So, it’s a perfect bed sheets choice for anyone who gets warm at night.

Are you curious to try this new material and experience the feeling of sleeping on clouds? Check out these bamboo sheets!

2. Consider Thread Count – More Isn’t Always Better

When I first started shopping for my perfect bed sheets, I actually didn’t know why some was much softer and some felt more rougher. After a while I saw that there were different thread counts to it. And I thought – the higher the number, the better, right? Well, not exactly. While thread count is important, it doesn’t necessarily mean that higher is always better.

What is Thread Count, Anyway?

Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. While bed sheets with a higher thread count (say, 600 or 800) can feel silky and luxuorious, it’s not the only factor to consider. Sometimes, a lower thread count bed sheet made of high-quality cotton can be softer and more breathable than a high-thread-count sheet made of cheaper cotton.

Pro Tip: A thread count of 200 to 400 is generally a good sweet spot for comfort and durability.

3. Choose the Right Weave – Feel the Difference

If you want your bed sheets to feel crisp and cool, you should look for a percale weave. This is a plain weave that gives your sheets that smooth, matte feel. These have been an absolute game changer for me! I love this material since it keeps me cool at night and it’s soo soft, some are almost like silk.

On the other hand, if you prefer something softer and more luxurious, you should try sateen weave sheets. These have a silky and glossy finish – and it feels so smooth against your skin. I remember getting my grandmas sateen sheets and I could not believe how soft they felt. However, I do believe they tend to be a bit slippery!

Pro Tip: Choose percale for a cooler, crisper feel and sateen for a smooth, soft texture.

4. Pick the Right Size – Don’t Underestimate the Fit

I once bought a beautiful set of bed sheets that I thought would fit my bed perfectly – until it didn’t. That’s why it’s important to make sure you don’t make my mistake when you shop – check the size of it. Most beds are either twin, full, queen or king size. However, that’s not usually the problem, often it’s the thickness of the mattress. Many brands offer deep-pocket sheets for thicker mattresses and trust me, they make a huge difference.

Pro Tip: Always check your mattress dimensions before buying sheets, especially if you have a memory foam or pillow-top mattress.

5. Think About Color and Design For The Perfect Bed Sheets

Choosing the perfect material and weaving is of course important for the quality of your sleep – and that’s the most important thing. However, if you are interested in interior design you probably care about how the bed sheets look as well. That’s why it’s important to choose the right color and design for your bedroom.

Personally, I love mixing neutral sheets with vibrant throws or pillows. It’s a great way to add a pop of color without going overboard.

Neutral Tones for a Timeless Look

If you want a timeless, relaxed look, you should choose bed sheets in neutral tones such as white, beige or grey. These will match almost anything and give your room that clean and fresh look you’d want in a minimalist or japandi bedroom.

Bold Prints for Personality

On the other hand, if you want to make a statement with your sheets, try patterns! There are loots of beautiful bed sheet prints out there and you can find something that fits every style. There are floral, geometric or even stripes that will add character to your bedroom. In the summer I love to go for a cute floral print to enhance the summer vibes.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about color, start with neutrals. You can always switch out accessories like pillows or duvet covers to change up the look.

6. Maintain Your Sheets – Proper Care for Longevity

No matter how great and perfect your bed sheets are when you first buy them – it’s important to take proper care of them. This will make sure that they stay fresh and soft for years to come. I will give you a few tips to from my own experience on how you can make them last longer:

Wash Them Regularly, But Don’t Overdo It

I used to wash my bed sheets very often, especially my pillow covers since I thought it would give me better skin throughout my teenage years! However, that wasn’t the case and the pillow covers quickly lost their shape and started looking worn out instead.

Now I wash my bed sheets once a week or every two weeks. Also, make sure to follow the care instructions, it is different depending on the material you choose.

Skip the Fabric Softener

I know how tempting it can be to use a fabric softener. However, I’ve found that it can coat the fibers and reduce the breathability of the sheets over time. Also, there are other options that you can do to make sure the sheets stay soft, for instance by adding half a cup of vinegar to your wash cycle. This will soften them naturally.

Pro Tip: Rotate between a couple of sets of sheets to extend their lifespan and keep them feeling fresh.

7. Price vs. Quality – Know What You’re Paying For

I get it – quality sheets can seem expensive, but trust me, they’re worth the investment. It might feel like a splurge at first, but in the long run, they’re actually more cost-effective. I’ve started to invest in high-quality bed sheets and my sleep has definitely improved since! It’s such a huge difference.

Invest in Quality, Not Quantity

You don’t need to buy sheets for every day of the week. Instead, choose two or three sets of high-quality sheets that will last longer and feel better. Your skin (and your sleep) will thank you.

Pro Tip: Look for sales or promotions from trusted brands to score a great deal on high-quality sheets.

Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Bed Sheets Are Waiting

So, choosing the perfect bed sheets is all about balancing comfort, style and practicality. No matter the material you choose – these bed sheets will have a huge impact on your sleep and the aesthetic of your bedroom.

You can easily improve the quality of your sleep if you consider factors such as material, weave, thread count and care.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to treat yourself to the perfect set of bed sheets and enjoy a good night’s sleep every night!