In a sleep-deprived nation like Singapore, sinking into a comfortable bed at the end of a long day is a rare luxury. But let’s face it, buying bedsheets can be a complicated task. From getting lost in a sea of terminology like “thread count”, to the dilemma over which fabric to choose (is silk the same as sateen?), you may end up getting bedlinen that are not right for you.
That’s why we spoke with Alex and Clara, the co-founders of local bedding company Sunday Bedding, for easy tips on how to choose the right bedlinen. The duo believes that the foundation of a good night’s sleep (and therefore a better morning) is good quality bedding, and we couldn’t agree more.
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Create your own sanctuary with these expert bedsheet buying tips, plus our top product picks:
For example, if you sleep without air-conditioning, both bamboo and cotton are great for those warm nights. Bamboo wicks away moisture and has a cooler feel, whereas cotton is highly breathable. (Bamboo is also environmentally friendly as growing bamboo consumes less water than cotton.)
or those who sleep with pets or kids, cotton is more fuss-free and durable, which means it holds up well to frequent washing.
The two most common weaves are percale (closely-woven cotton) and sateen.
Percale is light and durable with a more matte finish, and becomes softer with every wash. However, it can feel a little rough and is also more prone to wrinkling.
Sateen, on the other hand, mimics silk with a smoother and more luxurious feel, but without the high cost and fragility. It is also a low-maintenance fabric as it is naturally wrinkle-resistant.
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There’s a misconception that thread count is indicative of quality, as different brands measure their thread count differently, which can be confusing.
Generally, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheets are, hence a better hand feel. (However, too high a thread count can result in heavy bedsheets that are prone to pilling and may not be as durable.)
Good sheets should balance thread count and durability. Instead of just focusing on thread count, consider other factors that go into making sheets, like material and weave, which can achieve the same effect as a higher thread count without compromising on the fabric’s durability.
We would recommend bamboo, as it is naturally more hypo-allergenic than other materials, or our 100 per cent cotton sheets. It is not just the material that can cause skin reactions. One of the main culprits of allergies is the chemicals used in fabric such as formaldehyde. Steer clear of cotton-polyester blends that use synthetic base materials which can potentially irritate skin.
Besides good bedsheets, our essentials for good quality sleep include black out curtains, fragrances or essential oils for relaxation, as well as a proper segregation between your workspace and bed.
It’s also really important to have good ventilation and reduce the amount of dust present. We used to have a thick sheepskin rug in our room, but realised it was trapping dust and affecting our sleep. Once we moved it out, our quality of sleep improved and no longer woke up with stuffy noses!
Here are seven sheet sets and duvet covers for your consideration:
Available in both bamboo sateen and cotton sateen with a well-balanced 300 to 400 thread count, each bundle set consists of a fitted sheet, two pillowcases (the Single set comes with one), a duvet cover and a laundry bag. Formaldehyde-free proprietary technology keeps the sheets wrinkle-free too. Available online.
This 300-thread count bedset is made of 100 per cent cotton sateen, and consists of two pillowcases, a fitted sheet, and a duvet cover. Available at Robinsons.
Available in three beautiful floral patterns, this 100 per cent cotton duvet cover is sure to brighten up your bedroom. Available at Marimekko at Capitol Piazza.
This pure cotton sheet features an elegant grosgrain ribbon trim to elevate the look of your bedroom from ordinary to luxury hotel. Available online.
You’ll want to wrap yourself in this 100 per cent cotton quilt cover, which is available in a range of sizes to suit your bed size. Available at Muji stores.
This vintage-inspired cotton bedset includes two standard pillowcases and a duvet cover. Available online.
Made with 100 per cent organic cotton with no toxic dyes or chemical finishes, each set comes with a fitted sheet, a duvet cover and two pillowcases. Available online.
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