My friend has often bragged that she has the highest thread count sheets on her bed. I’ve heard her make that claim so many times that I finally wanted to see if she had any bragging rights. Are higher thread count sheets actually better than the average?
The answer is yes and no. The higher the thread count is the more delicate and thin the fibers will be, meaning the sheets will be softer. If the thread count is incredibly high, then the sheets may be so delicate that they break down easily and are difficult to clean and maintain for fear of damage.
Egyptian cotton bed sheets require special handling when it comes to cleaning. For starters, don’t ever put your Egyptian cotton bed sheets in the washing machine with any other materials – especially not jeans or other heavy materials that could damage the soft fabric. Second, make sure not to use too much laundry detergent because it can clog and break down fibers.
When the machine is loaded, set the wash cycle on delicate or low-spin. Only cool or warm water should be used. Check the spin cycle halfway through to make sure the sheets aren’t getting too tangled. Finally, place the Egyptian cotton bed sheets in the dryer, set on low or air fluff only, and remove them immediately when the cycle is done.
Our kitten is a little diva. Well, diva may be an understatement. She turns her nose up at food that isn’t from her favorite brand. If she isn’t pet and shown affection when she wants it, then she’ll throw a hissy fit.
The funniest diva attitude of hers is her attachment to a blue cotton organic sheet. (That’s how she acquired her nickname ‘Linus’). She often drags the blanket to whatever location she wants to lounge in and then worms her way into the blanket so it becomes cocooned around her. It’s really comical to watch; just make sure you don’t take her blanket away when she wants it or she will swipe at you.
What is the difference between 600 and 800 thread count sheets? This is a question that has often crossed my mind, so I decided to do a little research. What I discovered is that there is a large difference in texture.
Sheets with a 600 thread count are pretty standard in hotels and people’s homes. It’s not coarse, per se, but there may be some lumps. The higher the thread count, the tighter the weave, and thus, the smoother the feel of the sheet. As a result, 800 thread count sheets feel smoother and more luxurious to the touch.
Not everyone can afford to make their homes look like the inside of celebrity homes featured in magazines. If you’re like me, then your style runs along the lines of “affordable chic.” There are a few places in the home that I like to splurge on luxury items, the bedroom being the primary place.
We spend nearly a third of our lives asleep, so our beds should be a luxurious oasis. Nowadays, you can scoop up 1200 thread count sheets at affordable rates, ensuring great value for your hard earned dollars. Save some money by making your own accent pillows and refurbishing existing quilts and comforters.
When I struck out on my own after college, all I thought about was pinching pennies. Every piece of furniture in my apartment was a leftover from relatives, scooped up at garage sales and flea markets. Even the mattress I slept on was from my childhood bedroom. I was convinced that I should spend as little money as possible in order to save for a fabulous future.
Looking back, I wish I had splurged on some essentials. For instance, I bought the cheapest sheets I could find. They were ugly and rough on the skin, but worst of all they fell apart after a few months. After that, I learned my lesson and bought 1000 thread count sheets that have lasted me years. As my mother always says, “you get what you pay for” and in the end investing in a good night’s rest was worth it.
Even though Egyptian cotton bedding is considered to be incredibly luxurious, like any other sheets, it still needs to be broken in. As fabrics age the fibers relax giving a softer overall feel. Here is a method for hastening softening without damaging an Egyptian cotton bed sheet:
Separate the sheets from other laundry and run it through the washing machine with half the amount of detergent you would normally use. Be sure to run the sheets on cold water using the gentle cycle. As soon as the sheets are finished washing, put them in the dryer on warm until they are mostly, but not completely, dry. Finally, take an iron to the slightly damp sheets. This should sufficiently soften Egyptian cotton bedding.
Monogramming fell out of fashion for a number of years, but is now coming back strong. Newlyweds in particular like the style and subtle nod to past traditions. In fact, I recently attended a wedding where the bride and groom had Egyptian cotton bedding on their registry.
I approached the couple a few months before the wedding and asked them if they would like any of the bedding to be monogrammed. The bride enthusiastically agreed and emailed me her favorite fonts and colors. I monogrammed the cotton pillow cases, European sham pillows, and the edge of the top sheet with the new couple’s initials, much to the delight of the bride.
Organic fruits, organic vegetables, organic meat – we’re being told that purchasing all organic essentials is important for our health and for the environment. What the experts fail to mention is that buying organic can be expensive. Or at least, that’s what I thought.
Every few years I replace my old sheets with new ones. This year I wanted to purchase cotton organic sheets, but was worried they would be out of my price range. My mind was quickly changed when I did some research and broke down the numbers. Yes, organic cotton sheets are a bit pricier than other types of bedding out there, but they have a higher value, meaning I save money in the long run.
It’s that time of year again: cold and flu season. With three kids in the house there is no way any of us are making it until spring unscathed. I’ve stocked up on vitamin C, cough syrup, and tissues to help get us through the season.
Another trick I use to help sick family members weather a cold is by running the 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets through the drier to get them nice and hot before I put them on the bed. My youngest just dives right in and wraps himself up in the toasty sheets. The warmth helps him fall asleep, allowing the body time to heal itself.