Luxury Linens 101

I love my sleep and I think investing in the best sheets and bedding you can afford is a must.  High quality sheets, a duvet cover and fluffly pillows are little luxuries that you can give to yourself for the best night’s sleep possible.

Sheets:

The quality and feel of a sheet depends on the number of threads woven per inch. The higher the thread count, the softer and more durable the sheet: Look for a thread count of at least 200, and you will see a big difference if you go up to 300-350. The fiber that the sheet is made of is also important.  It can be silk, cotton, linen (the best and most expensive) or a blend. Linen sheets are great for warmer clients (hello, Palm Beach!) and high quality linen sheets can last for ten years or more! Cotton sheets are great for all seasons and become softer the more you wash them.

Pillows:

The right pillow is everything!  It is key that your pillow supports your head and neck comfortably.  Some people love soft pillows and some firm or somewhere in between. Using a pillow protector over your pillow (in addition to a pillowcase) will help protect your pillows from wear and tear.

The filling of a pillow is also important.  Cotton pillows are naturally hypoallergenic but can become compacted over time. Down pillows are considered the best because of their  longevity.  Some pillows are down blends, but pure down is true luxury! Feather pillows are stiffer than down and can offer firmer support.  Finally, Polyester feels similar to down and maintains its resilience over time. Like cotton, polyester filling is a good choice for people with allergies.

Duvets:

This is the fun part for an interior designer.  The right duvet and and throw pillows can transform the space.   I always like to think about functionality too, though.  A beautiful duvet that is not soft enough would not work for my bed!

Hotel Beds:

Ever slept on amazing bedding in a hotel?   Many hotels now sell everything on the bed, from the pillow to the sheets to the duvet and even the mattress! I love the idea of this…it makes shopping so easy, and gives you a chance to try out different types of linens before you purchase. Some hotels even have a pillow “menu” and let guest choose firm or soft, feathers, etc…genius!

My picks: