Different Bed Linens | Slumber Village

Silk and Satin Bed Sheets

Up to this point, most of my blogs have been about cotton bed sheets including the pros and cons of high thread counts as well as types of cotton. However, if you are want something more sumptuous and luxurious, you will probably want to seek out satin or silk bed sheets. Silk is a natural fiber spun by silkworms; satin is woven from a natural fiber (silk) or a synthetic (polyester). This type of bed sheets has become more reasonably priced than ever before, however, reasonably priced to some might mean “out of price range” to others.

Sleeping between silk or satin sheets is a sensual experience as the bedding just seems to flow around your body. You

Luxurious Satin Sheets

might say that satin or silk bed sheets show an opulence you don’t often feel from any other type of fabric. Often we think of castles and bridal suites when this subject comes to mind. The luxury satin sheets are more affordable than pure silk sheets but will still add style and class to your bedroom decor. There are so many colors to add to the overall ambience of your bedroom. Another plus is that you can often find bedskirts, throws, or pillows in the satin fabric to add wonderful accents to your decorating style.

The shopper no longer has to go to special shops to find these bed sheets as most can be found locally. Online shopping has opened a different way of finding many different styles and colors in the price range the shopper is looking for. Whereas satin or silk sheets were something that only the “rich and famous” could afford, now they are available to everyone because of the cost effective way of producing them.

The silk satin sheets are made of 100% silk which makes it soft and durable. Silk satin is also known as silk charmeuse and has a very lustrous sheen to it. The silk is blended with the satin to give an almost liquid feel to the fabric; just imagine having it flow around you. The fabric is spun from very fine threads so the thread count is nearly impossible to determine. Therefore, the measurement is made in momme with higher units of momme denoting heavier fabrics. A momme measurement of 19 seems to be good for sleeping in warmer weather or to prevent discomfort when sleeping in heated rooms.

For those with allergies, silk is naturally hypoallergenic, inhospitable to dust mites, and resistant to mold and mildew which might make it a good choice for you. However, the fact that it needs to be dry cleaned which might use chemicals might also be a negative factor. Another thing that might be a drawback to the silk satin sheets is the fact that care needs to be taken to avoid snags from anything that comes into contact with the fabric such as buttons, zippers, or such.

One factor that may influence your purchase of satin or silk sheets is the cleaning process. Some need to be dry cleaned, some need to be hand washed and cannot tolerate heat such as from a dryer. These conditions need to be considered as you shop for sheets. Be sure to read the care label and be prepared to follow the directions there. The cost and care need to be weighed against the luxury of silk or satin on your bed.

Types of cotton bed sheets

It's all in the length of fiber!

Cotton is cotton, right? However, there are different types of cotton such as Egyptian, pima, and supima. Here are some tips about cotton that might help you find what you are looking for in a bed sheet.

A sheet made of 100% cotton is cool, soft, and breathable so it doesn’t feel sticky against your body to keep you cool but not clammy. High-quality cotton achieves a softness that you will come to appreciate. Contrast this with polyester which wears well, doesn’t need to be ironed, but may not feel soft and luxurious against your skin.

There are generally four main types of cotton containing many categories in each type. These types of cotton are classified based on appearance and staple length. The longer the staple, the finer the fabric.

The American Upland cotton is grown in most cotton-producing countries, however, these fibers are not suited for the finer sheets. Egyptian cotton is a long staple cotton, and so growers in the United States have developed varieties known as Pima cottons. Pima cotton is in between Egyptian Cotton and American Upland long staple in length and price. It is a very good quality. Sheets made from this cotton are preferable because of their softness and durability. Supima cotton is Pima cotton grown in the United States.

Cotton sheets release soil easily and so are less care. Because the fibers provide cool comfort in the summer and hold a layer of warmth in winter, sheets made from cotton are versatile for year-round use. These sheets wear well and even become softer the more they are used and washed. In fact, many believe that cotton sheets are kinder to those suffering with eczema or having sensitive skin when compared to other fabrics.