Everything you've ever needed to know about buying bed linen

When purchasing a new quilt cover set, whether it’s replacing an old one or adding a new one to the collection, we understand that the outlay can be significant. When you’re doing that across a number of bedrooms in your household it can become downright exorbitant. Time after time we are made to choose between what we would like to see our room look like and what we can afford.

We have put together the ultimate guide to understanding ALL the factors that should be considered when buying your next round of bed linen. This guide works to highlight and educate on common terms you should be familiar with as well as best practice pro-tips that will help you understand all the factors that should be considered when buying and maintaining a quilt cover set. This could save you big bucks in the long-term and help you to spot a deal from a mile away.

Don’t spend money on quilt covers only to throw them away, moth-eaten and threadbare a year later. Knowledge is power and this guide will help you save money in the long term when selecting durable, quality bedding that looks great and is made to last.

Quilt Quiz:

Do you know the difference between thread count and GSM? Trick question, GSM is used in reference to towels!

Egyptian Cotton or Pima Cotton?

Sateen or Percale finishes?

Thread Count:

Thread count (TC) is a term used to describe the number of threads weaved into a one-inch piece of fabric.

In practical terms, it can be understood as an indicator of a sheets softness. Whilst higher thread count is often associated with luxury and quality, there are also many other factors which will ultimately determine the quality of a linen set such as material and weave.

So where do you start? A good starting point for your best in linen is from the 200TC mark, upwards.

Be careful to avoid dishonest sellers who may advertise dishonestly. Remember what your mumma told you, 'if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is'.

For more information about thread count and factors of fabric type and weave style, check out this awesome blog.

Which Weave?!

Whilst weave may not be a direct indicator of quality, it will be a personal preference for you and your partner, influencing the look and feel of your bed linen.

There are two main types of weave that dominate the bed linen market, these are percale and sateen.

Percale

Percale sheets are characterised by a matte finish. They make crisp and smooth feeling bed linen which washes well, without warping. Percale sheet sets are known for their durability and ability to last, wash after wash. Think crisp, hotel quality bed linen, fresh and tight time after time.

Percale sheets are typically lighter then sateen and make for the perfect summer bedding.

Sateen

Sateen sheets are generally thicker and heavier than their percale counterparts. They are known for their soft, shiny qualities and are perfect to snuggle down with during the cold winter months.

Materials

Different companies use different combinations of textiles to produce their linen sets. For example, a quilt cover might be made from a blend of cotton and polyester.

Egyptian Cotton from Egypt is widely considered the best cotton in the world. Genuine Egyptian Cotton is incredibly soft and wears extremely well. Whilst the undisputed champion of textiles, Pima cotton, grown in America, is also a commonly used and high-quality cotton to consider when choosing your bedding.

Make sure you read the label properly when choosing a quilt cover set as some suppliers misrepresent the qualities of their product. A sheet set might be labelled as being made from Egyptian Cotton, however, could be a blend, containing only 10% genuine Egyptian Cotton and 90% other, cheaper materials.

So why is material so important? Everyone’s sleep needs are different and the material of your linens can have a big impact on your sleep. For example, if you find that you tend to overheat during the night, then you should steer away from silk and opt for more breathable options such as organic cotton or microfibre materials. Different materials will help regulate your body temperature while you sleep, facilitating a peaceful nights rest.

Moreover, higher quality linens tend to last longer. Sets made from higher quality cottons tend to wash well and last the test of time. This means you will enjoy a comfier night sleep in material that feels great, looks great and washes well time and time again, without having to worry about changing linens or spending significant amounts of money replacing the set you bought just last year!

Fashion Factor:

Size Chart:

Size Bed Measurement Fitted Sheet Flat Sheet Duvet Cover
Single 915 x 1900 mm
36 x 75 in
91 x 193 + 40 cm
36 x 76 +16 in
180 x 254 cm
71 x 100 in
140 x210cm
55 x 83 in
Single XL

915 x 2030 mm
36 x 80 in

91 x 203 + 40 cm
36 x 80 +16 in
180 x 254 cm
71 x 100 in
140 x210cm
55 x 83 in
King Single 1055 x 2030 mm
41.5 x 80 in
107 x 203 + 40 cm
42 x 80 + 16 in
200 x 270 cm
79 x 106 in
180 x210cm
71 x 83 in
Double

1365 x 1900 mm
54 × 75 in

137 x 193 + 40 cm
54 x 76 + 16 in
228 x 254 cm
90 x 100 in
180 x210cm
71 x 83 in
Queen 1525 x 2030 mm
60 x 80 in
152 x 203 + 40 cm
60 x 80 + 16 in
245 x 274 cm
97 x 108 in
210 x210cm
83 x 83 in
King 1835 x 2030 mm
72.3 x 80 in
182 x 203 + 40 cm
72 x 80 + 16 in
260 x 274 cm
102 x 108 in
240 x210cm
95 x 83 in


If you're buying quilt cover sets and can foresee a change of bed in the future, we would recommend purchasing a size bigger / the size of your future doona to accommodate the growth. The loose ends also look great, draped nicely off the sides of the bed - a little bit oversized but perfect for those in a growing home.

Colours / Patterns / Prints:

Your bedroom is a sanctuary and your bed is the centrepiece which can have a big impact on the atmosphere of your space.

Whether you’re strictly white sheets only, love bold prints and patterns, pastels, neons or bright colours, it is important to contextualise your linens within the rest of your bedroom. Make sure your linens compliment, not clash, with your space.

Remember, you’re going to have to look at and sleep in these sheets and sets for the next little while so make sure to ask yourself, “am I still going to love this one day / week / month / year from now?

We recommend having at least two sets of linen for your bedroom. This gives you the choice to accessorise according to your mood and style for any given day, it also gives you breathing room when it comes to washing day.

Accessories:

If you suffer from indecisiveness, buyer’s remorse and fomo from all things pretty then committing to a quilt cover set can be a nightmare. Don't worry, we're here to let you know that you have an unprecedented number of options in accessories.

Consider using decorative cushions, throw blankets, rugs and quilts to give your room that extra touch. Your quilt cover might look perfect as it is but it might become that something special when you add feature pillows.

Layering and adding texture to your bed with a throw blanket will not only keep you warm but adds that feeling of hotel luxury to your space. Decorating in this way is a clever and much cheaper option for your home, with options for swapping and changing as necessary, seasonally or when you see the next prettiest thing.

When choosing your bed linen overall, it is good to have a clear idea of how you want your room to look. Define your style: Do you prefer plain and monochromatic colour schemes or brights and lights that pop? Are you looking to create an island vibe in your bedroom or a chic and modern atmosphere?

Care Instructions:

Storage:

When storing your linens, making sure they have been properly washed will help them to last longer. If you store your linens unwashed, then you're storing all the naturally occurring oils, bacteria, dust mites and other bits and bobs that build up over time which can cause mildew and other sheet destroying fungus to grow.

Before you put your quilt cover sets away, or back on your bed, make sure to wash them properly. If you're planning to store your quilt cover sets for a longer period of time, consider adding one cup of baking powder to your regular cycle. This helps lift any lingering quilt decaying bacterias from your bedding.

Storing your linens with natural alternatives to mothballs, such as lavender sachets or cedar blocks will help keep your linen fresh when stored.

When washing your linens always follow the instructions on the label.

Now that you're a quilt cover and bedding pro, you can make informed decisions around your next purchase.

If you have any tips or other useful hints for creating the bedroom of your dreams at prices you can afford, please leave your comments below.

For Australia’s most comprehensive selection of quality bedding online, shop the range today.

Previous article Messy vs Made: Should You Make Your Bed?

Latest Bedding and Bath Deals and Promotions

Deals and promotions delivered to your inbox every week across our entire range. We hate spam as much as you.