The Beginner’s Guide to Luxurious Bedding

Are you looking to upgrade your bedroom with some luxurious bedding? Sleeping on high-quality linens can make a world of difference when it comes to getting a good night’s rest. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about choosing and caring for luxurious bedding.

What Makes Bedding Luxurious?

Luxurious bedding goes beyond just being soft and comfortable. True luxury bedding is characterized by exceptional quality, premium materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and extra touches that pamper you into a blissful sleep.

Some key features of luxurious bedding include:

  • Comfort – Made from smooth, breathable fabrics that feel gentle against the skin. Provides cushioning and contouring.
  • Durability – Well-constructed from durable fabrics that maintain their quality wash after wash.
  • Quality Materials – Made from high-end materials like Egyptian or Pima cotton, mulberry silk, cashmere, linen, wool.
  • High Thread Count – Bed sheets with a thread count of 300 or above feel more luxurious.
  • Craftsmanship – Meticulous attention to detail and artisanal construction.
  • Design – Elegant styles and ornamental accents like embroidery, lace, or satin trim.
  • Customization – Monogramming and other personal custom touches.
  • Special Technologies – Features like moisture-wicking, temperature regulation, hypoallergenic properties.
  • Prestige – An aura of luxury from established high-end brands. Limited editions.
  • Eco-Friendly – Made from organic, sustainable materials with ethical manufacturing.

The Importance of Luxurious Bed Sheets

Out of all bedding, luxury sheets make the biggest impact on your sleeping experience. Here’s why it’s worth investing in high-quality bed sheets:

  • Enhanced Comfort – Smooth, breathable sheets keep you cool and comfortable all night long. Less tossing and turning equals better sleep.
  • Health Benefits – Hypoallergenic sheets reduce allergens for more restful sleep. Temperature regulating sheets can aid insomnia.
  • Durability – Quality sheets retain their softness and resist pilling far longer than cheap sheets.
  • Aesthetics – Luxe sheets add style and elegance to a bedroom. Look and feel great on the skin.
  • Self Care – Slipping into luxurious bedding is a little act of self-indulgence at the end of the day.

Fabrics Guide: Types of Luxury Bed Sheets

When shopping for luxury bed sheets, you’ll come across a variety of luxurious fabrics. Here’s an overview of the most common types and their key characteristics.

Egyptian Cotton

Egyptian cotton is one of the highest quality cottons available. Here’s what makes it so luxurious:

  • Grown exclusively in Egypt’s hot, arid climate which produces extra long cotton fibers.
  • Longer fibers create thinner, stronger threads with a very high thread count.
  • Lightweight, breathable, and gets softer with every wash.
  • Known for its durability and resistance to pilling.
  • Key thread counts to look for: 300, 400, 500 and above.

Pima Cotton

Pima cotton is another one of the finest cotton types. Its key features include:

  • Extra long fibers grown in the American southwest.
  • Yields a very smooth, silky sheet with luminosity.
  • Breathable, strong and resistant to pilling.
  • More moisture absorbent than Egyptian cotton.
  • Look for a 300 thread count or higher.

Silk

Silk sheets provide the ultimate luxury sleeping experience:

  • Made from the natural protein fibers of the mulberry silkworm.
  • Incredibly soft, lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking.
  • Maintains body temperature very well.
  • Has a subtle luster and glow that feels indulgent against the skin.
  • Durable but requires delicate washing.

Linen

Linen sheets have a relaxed, lived-in luxury:

  • Made from the fibers of the flax plant.
  • Highly breathable, moisture wicking, and stays cool to the touch.
  • Gets softer over time but has a crisp texture at first.
  • Extremely durable, can last decades with proper care.
  • Has a casual, rumpled look that relaxes over time.

Bamboo

Bamboo sheets offer sustainability and softness:

  • Made from renewable bamboo grass that requires less water and pesticides to grow.
  • Bamboo viscose has a silky soft feel, similar to silk.
  • More moisture wicking than traditional cotton. Thermoregulating.
  • Antimicrobial properties help reduce odor and allergens.
  • Look for 100% bamboo lyocell for best quality.

Percale

Percale refers to a finely-woven, crisp type of cotton sheet:

  • Made from either Egyptian or Pima cotton.
  • Has a matte finish and tightly woven threads, creating a smooth surface.
  • Lightweight yet durable. Gets softer with washing.
  • Has a cool, crisp feel ideal for hot sleepers.

Sateen

Sateen describes a style of weaving that creates a luxuriously smooth sheet:

  • Made from silk, cotton or other blends.
  • Has a luminous sheen and shiny surface finish from the weaving style.
  • Drapes well and feels lightweight.
  • Less breathable than percale but very soft and silky.

Tips for Buying Luxury Sheets

Ready to start shopping for high quality bed sheets? Keep these tips in mind:

  • Set a budget – Be prepared to spend $100 to $500+ on a set of luxury sheets.
  • Feel the fabric – Touch sample sheets in stores to assess softness and texture.
  • Read the tag – Check the materials used and the thread count.
  • Consider sleeping style – Think about bedding breathability if you sleep hot.
  • Choose the right size – Measure your mattress, especially thickness.
  • Buy complete sets – Get pillowcases, duvet covers etc. in matching sets.
  • Check reviews – Look at feedback from other customers on fit, comfort and durability.
  • Consider sales – High-end sheets go on sale periodically, sign up for brand emails.

Caring for Luxury Sheets

Investing in luxury sheets means you’ll want to take pristine care of them. Follow these tips:

  • Wash in cool water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Never use hot water.
  • Air dry or use low heat when machine drying. High heat damages fibers.
  • Spot clean stains gently instead of full washes to preserve fibers.
  • Use a mattress pad to prevent body oils and lotions from contacting sheets.
  • Wash silk or linen sheets separately from cottons to prevent pilling.
  • Iron on low if needed, avoid direct contact with decorative accents.
  • Fold neatly and store flat to prevent wrinkling of unused sets.

With proper care, luxury sheets can last for many years while maintaining their indulgent softness and quality.

Luxury Bed Sheets Shopping Guide

If you’re ready to start browsing top luxury sheet brands, here is a quick guide to some of the most reputable retailers and their key offerings.

BrandMaterialsPrice RangeSignature Features
FretteEgyptian Cotton, Linen$200-$1500Elegant embroidery, tailored Italian craftsmanship
SferraEgyptian Cotton, Silk$140-$1000Wide range of solid colors, patterns, and monogramming options
Boll & BranchOrganic Cotton, Flannel$200-$500Eco-friendly materials, fair trade certified
BrooklinenPercale, Linen, Heathered Cotton$100-$300Minimally branded, relaxed chic styles
ParachuteEgyptian Cotton, Linen, Percale$100-$300Stylish designs, direct-to-consumer brand
SnoweCotton, Linen, Percale$200-$500Modern and minimalist aesthetic

This covers just a sample of the many exceptional luxury sheet brands available. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500+ for a queen sheet set from most high-end retailers. Shopping sales and clearance for luxury bedding can help you save substantially on indulgent quality sheets.

Creating a Luxurious Bed Oasis

A stunning bed is about more than just exquisite sheets. Here are some other bedding elements to create a majestic master suite oasis:

Mattress

The right mattress provides the foundation (literally) for luxurious sleep. Look for these features in a high-end mattress:

  • Premium materials like natural latex or memory foam
  • Zoned ergonomic support with soft yet firm layers
  • Plush top layer for pressure relief
  • Temperature regulating technology if you sleep hot
  • Natural and organic certifications for eco-friendly materials

Expect to spend $1000 to $5000+ for a luxury quality mattress. Top brands include Stearns & Foster, Tempur-Pedic, and Saatva.

Pillows

Splurge on comfortable pillows to cradle your head in decadence. Opt for these luxurious fills and fabrics:

  • Down and down alternative – soft, lofty, adaptable support
  • Memory foam – pressure relieving contours
  • Microfiber or bamboo – silky soft, breathable
  • 100% cotton or linen covers – cool and breathable

Purchase 2-4 pillows per person to mix and match densities. Pillow protectors keep them fresh.

Comforter

Choose a plush down or down-alternative comforter for blissful coziness:

  • Fill power of 600-900+ means more insulation from lofty down clusters
  • Baffle box design prevents fill from shifting
  • Cover materials like cotton sateen for smooth softness
  • Hypoallergenic options for allergy sufferers
  • Lightweight warmth without heaviness

Duvet Cover

A duvet cover adds a decorative shell and protects the comforter inside.

  • Choose a design that complements your sheets
  • Hidden button closures for a sleek look
  • Fabrics like linen, cotton, velvet, or silk
  • Machine washable for easy cleaning
  • Many luxury sets include shams for pillows

Blankets

Layer on extra blanketing if desired. Choose from:

  • Fleece for plush warmth
  • Cashmere for pure luxury
  • Wool for temperature regulation
  • Cotton for lightweight coverage
  • Faux fur for cozy glam

Designing a Luxe Bedroom Sanctuary

Elevate the ambiance of your master suite for an immersive luxury experience:

  • Invest in a plush area rug to sink your feet into
  • Incorporate tactile elements like velvet and leather
  • Include soft lighting like table lamps, sconces and candles
  • Display fresh flowers and aromatic diffusers
  • Add art, sculptures or greenery for visual interest
  • Play relaxing background music
  • Reserve the space for sleep and intimacy to set the mood

With ultra-comfortable bedding and a soothing atmosphere, your bedroom becomes a luxe sanctuary for rejuvenation.

Luxury Bedding: Final Thoughts

Upgrading your bedding can make a world of difference when it comes to getting your best rest. By investing in quality materials, taking proper care, and designing a relaxing ambiance, you can make your master suite an indulgent escape.

Luxury bedding does come at a price, but proper maintenance allows it to last for years. And there’s nothing quite like crawling into a dreamy bed after a long day – your future, well-rested self will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What thread count is best for luxurious sheets?

For exceptional luxury, look for sheets with a thread count of at least 300. Egyptian cotton sheets with a 400, 500 or higher thread count will have an ultra-soft, silky feel. High thread counts also tend to be more durable.

What are the softest bed sheet materials?

The softest, most luxurious sheet materials include silk, Pima cotton, Egyptian cotton, and high-quality linen and bamboo sheets. Silk and long-staple cottons like Pima and Egyptian have longer fibers that create smoother, softer fabrics. Linen and bamboo sheets are naturally breathable and get softer over time.

Which is better: percale or sateen sheets?

Percale sheets have a cooler, crisper hand feel, while sateen develops a lustrous sheen and ultra-soft drape from the weave style. Percale tends to be more breathable while sateen provides a silky-smooth texture. The choice comes down to your personal preference.

Should I buy bed sheets in a set or separately?

Buying sheet sets that include pillowcases, duvet covers and shams can provide a cohesive, high-end look. However, mixing and matching luxury bedding from different brands allows you to customize your combo. Buy pillowcases in sets of 4 or more for a hotel-like presentation.

How often should you replace luxury bed sheets?

With proper care, you can enjoy luxury bed sheets for 5-10 years or longer. Signs it’s time to replace them include thinning fabric, holes, shrinking fit, and excessive pilling. Higher thread count sheets tend to have greater longevity than lower quality textiles.

What is the best mattress for luxurious bedding?

Look for a high-quality mattress made with dense foam, innersprings or latex that provides contouring support. Features like pillow-tops, Euro-style tops, and plush comfort layers paired with firm support create a sumptuous sleep surface for luxury bedding.

Where can I buy discounted luxury sheets online?

Online specialty shops like Brooklinen, Snowe and Parachute offer direct-to-consumer luxury sheets at lower prices. Watch for sales, promotions and clearance events at retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom for luxury bedding deals. Sign up for email lists to receive exclusive discounts.