Stories

Mattress shopping can be stressful, but searching for the perfect sheets, bedding, and pillows to complete your sleep oasis can feel even more daunting. Your bedroom should be the most relaxing spot in your house, so don’t stress over the details! We’re here to help you plan the ultimate bedroom setup, from the comfort of your mattress to the ideal top sheet.

Start With the Mattress

Much like a coffee table floral arrangement, the mattress serves as the focal point and sets the tone in your bedroom. Sleep isn't "one size fits all," and several factors go into finding the right mattress. Luckily, we're one step ahead of you — read more about mattress shopping here.

Upgrade Your Sleep With Sheets

Once you’ve found your mattress, enhance your comfort with a good sheet set. Sheets play a more significant role in a good night's sleep than most people realize. When choosing the best set, be sure to consider three main factors: staple length, weave, and thread count.

Cotton is the most commonly used material when it comes to sheets, but you may be surprised to learn that cotton is more complex than you realize! Staple length designates cotton into various categories and refers to the length of the fibers used to weave the cotton into a sheet. Longer staple lengths provide higher quality, more durability, and a much softer feel.*

These are the most common cotton types:

• Egyptian Cotton – Considered the highest quality cotton, made with extra-long staples. The result? Incredible softness and durability.
• Pima/Supima – Known for its durability, constructed from long staple, this cotton is more cost-effective compared to Egyptian and still provides exceptional comfort.
• American Upland – This is your typical "100% cotton," made from a shorter staple. This cotton provides adequate durability but less softness than other options.

While cotton is the most common material, you could also consider several non-cotton sheet options, each offering unique benefits. Non-cotton sheet materials include silk, TENCEL™, polyester, linen, and bamboo.

While important to consider, you shouldn’t base your decision solely on the staple length of a sheet. Weave refers to how the threads are woven together. Different weave types create various feels and can be crucial to breathability. More complex weaves provide enhanced durability, but also tend to hold heat (perhaps not ideal for those who sleep warm).

There are four popular weave types:

• Flannel – Constructed from a plain weave, flannel resulting in a soft, pliable sheet.
• Percale – Typically utilized for higher quality cotton, percale sheets are woven more tightly and result in a lighter feel – perfect for those who might sleep hot!
• Sateen – Made from a specific thread pattern intended to create a heavier lush feel, this sheet is excellent if you enjoy feeling warmer at night.
• Jersey – Knitted rather than woven, this soft, stretchy material holds heat well. 

Thread count is the last item to consider when shopping for sheet set. It's often thought that the higher the thread count, the more luxurious the sheet set will be. While thread count plays a significant role in the feel of the sheet, a higher thread count creates less breathable linen. While there's no magic number, thread counts ranging from 200-800+ are known for quality and comfort.** At a minimum, search for a set with a thread count of 200; anything lower could result in less comfort.

Discover Bedding That Fits Your Personality

Now that you’ve checked sheets off your list, let's talk layering. Do you enjoy a blanket or two between your sheet and the top layer? Or are you someone who prefers minimal coverage? There are various bedding options to consider based on how hot or cold you sleep and even your design choices. Add a thin blanket between your top sheet and comforter to maximize your comfort or incorporate a weighted blanket into your bedtime regimen. While this adds a level of warmth, there are many other benefits to using a weighted blanket. These bonus benefits include easing stress, soothing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and calming the nervous system.^

One of the last steps in creating your sleep sanctuary is to your top cover. This layer is the ideal opportunity if you're trying to add vibrancy or reflect your personal style in this space. And from quilts to coverlets, and duvets to comforters, the possibilities are nearly endless. Step out of your comfort zone and seek bold patterns, colors, and luxurious textures.

As you can see, curating a bedroom haven takes time, dedication, and a little bit of research. Tag #MyStearnsandFoster and show us yours.

_{* The Sleep Judge}

_{**The Sleep Foundation – The Many Different Types of Bed Sheets}

_{^The Sleep Foundation - Weighted Blanket Research Methodology}

_{Enchante Home}