For most people, climbing into bed at the end of a long and tiring day is long anticipated and most appreciated. This experience, however, is more pleasurable when climbing into a bed made with soft, comfortable and inviting bedding. Bedding is defined as anything that is used to make up your bed, including blankets, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, duvets, duvet covers and bed skirts (dust ruffles). From satin to sateen and flannel to polyester, the options for bedding fabric seem unlimited. To help make the selection process an easy one, Valley Homeowner has compiled a comprehensive bedding guide that will help both homeowners and renters find the perfect bedding to create a great night's sleep.

Iron Bed with Canopy

How to Search for Bed Sheets and Pillowcases
Bed sheets and pillowcases are the most important components of a bedding collection. These items protect the bed from dirt, sweat and spills that can damage the mattress and blanket. When it comes to selecting bed sheets, consumers must consider both the fabric and the thread count. The thread count is the number of horizontal and vertical threads that are present in one square inch of the fabric. A higher thread count generally indicates a softer sheet. However, it is important to realize that bed sheets with very high thread counts are often made from thinner fabrics, which may wear out more quickly than sheets with a lower thread count. For this reason, it is recommended to purchase sheets with a thread count between 175 and 250.

Wood Canopy Bedding

Choosing Bedding Fabrics Bed sheets are available in a plethora of fabrics, each of which has its own distinct advantages. 100% cotton is the most popular choice of fabric for bedding, as it is soft, durable and breathable. Many consumers, however, prefer to sacrifice a bit of their bedding's softness in favor of a cotton-polyester blend which is wrinkle-free, unlike 100% cotton. Those with distinctively fancy beds, such as canopy beds or iron beds may prefer to dress up the look of their bed with fancier bedding, such as silk or sateen. Silk sheets are ideal for year round use, as they warm bodies in the winter and keep them cool in the summer. Silk sheets are remarkably soft, hypoallergenic, and distinctly luxurious. Although they are often quite expensive, silk sheets are extremely durable and will provide years of lush comfort. Sateen sheets are made from cotton that is sewn in a specific way to give it a shine and softness reminiscent of silk sheets. Sateen sheets are perfect for those who desire luxurious bedding at more affordable prices.

Those who prefer cozy sheets may want to consider flannel sheets or sheets made from a jersey-knit. These sheets can be quite soft while providing extra warmth in the winter or in specifically cold regions. Perfect for everything from college loft beds to children's beds and cribs, flannel bedding is available in every color of solid fabrics and in an array of patterned fabrics from plaid to floral, providing a splash of style to any bedroom. Flannel and jersey fabrics are also ideal fabrics for duvet covers, as they create a warm and cozy blanket for any sized bed.

Selecting Bedding Accessories
After selecting the ideal fabric and pattern for bed sheets and pillowcases, one must consider whether to match bedding accessories such as dust ruffles or decorative pillows. It is recommended to choose a neutral dust ruffle that will match many sheets, so that the dust ruffle doesn't need to be changed every time the sheet is changed. However, bedding sets that come with matching dust ruffles are certainly a decorative and easy way to create a sophisticated look in any bedroom. The same principle applies to choosing decorative pillows and shams for the bed. Solid-colored decorative pillows can bring a new design element into the bedroom by introducing a new fabric to the bed. Chenille throw pillows, for example, are a beautiful decoration for any bed, especially when contrasted against cotton or silk sheets.

Have It All With the Right Bedding
Finally, when searching for the best bedding, it is important to remember to launder sheets frequently. Those who can't decide between cotton or silk bedding or who enjoy the look of different patterns can have it all. Rotate your sheets often, and enjoy the new look they provide each week. Changing the bedding is an easy way to update the look of any bedroom while enjoying the feel of different fabrics and textures. With so many fabrics and patterns from which to choose, every homeowner can find bedding that will provide a comfortable sleep in a beautifully made bed.