indiansummerlinen-blog

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

WHAT'S THE USE OF THE TOP SHEET IN YOUR BED

Did you know that on average, human beings spend about 25 years asleep, so it's understandable we have strong feelings about how we like our bed.

We argue about bedtimes and the ideal amount of hours of sleep, and have preferences about the number of pillows and sides of the mattress.  When it comes to bed linen, the debate becomes even more heated.

Bed sheets can bungle themselves into a long coil, where the sheet has wrapped around itself in a central spin that resembles a twisted Parmesan breadstick.  And it can drift up to bother your pillows.  Most often, it forms a baseboard mountain range if it has been kicked during the night.

The top sheet also disturbs the duvet and creates a suffocating veil if not folded over. Prints only on one side can also be annoying.  

So the solution?

Forget the top bed sheet and stick to just a duvet with a cover. Easy. Grab one side of it and throw it and let it land over the bed.

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR BED LINEN

The best bed is the one you want to dive straight into.  Its beautifully dressed, lofty and full and it is accessorised with perfectly plump pillows, a soft throw and a lovely duvet.  But when do we need to replace these key items?

Mattress

When looking to select a quality mattress, think about your age and your body type.  Look for a mattress that will help promote the perfect posture and comfort for you, while also reducing the pressure on your entire body.  The mattress should be constructed from natural materials and not include metals, latex or synthetic fabrics.

A premium mattress should not require maintenance and should not need to be flipped.  A quality mattress should also feature removable breathable covers and should sit on a bed base with quality solid slats that provide good ventilation.

Mattresses should be changed every 7-10 years, this is also for hygiene and health reasons.  Make sure there are no lumps in the pillow top, dead spots in the springs or sleep impressions.

Pillows

When selecting your perfect pillow you should be aware of what your habitual sleep positions are to be able to make the right selection, you may be a back, tummy or side sleeper or a bit of everything.

Different pillow styles are designed to support your head and neck on how your body will be positioned at night.  If you are a side-sleeper or a larger frame a high loft pillow might be better for you.

A pillow is only as comfortable as what is inside it. If it's microfibre, ensure it is soft, long-stapled and high quality, not cheap, rough polyfill. If the filling is natural fibres like feathers, ensure they are virgin. It means it is animal-friendly and a better quality filling.

Daily plumping is also essential for keeping your pillows in tip-top condition it is effective for ensuring good air flow throughout and keeping fibres soft and supple.

Every 12 months check your pillows for signs of wear and tear. You spend a lot of time in close contact with your pillow, for your own comfort and health it pays to replace them. If they feel flat or lumpy or show signs of holding too much dust, there could be dust mites trapped inside.

Bed Linen

You know you have high-quality bed linen, when it's still the set you want to dress your bed in years after you purchased it.

When purchasing, look for fabrics that will really last.  They need to be good quality and can mix and match well. Always select for the season. I  For long-lasting, dreamy bed linen, be sure to launder mindfully. Bed linen doesn't have a use-by date but it will last a long time if you follow the care instructions.

When the fabric begins to look worn out or threadbare, it's time to be replaced. For longevity, let each set of bed linen rest by rotating it regularly. Each season, add to your collection, but don't throw out your old stuff. Changing it up means it lasts longer and is a great way to refresh the whole look and feel of your bedroom.

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

SIX STEPS TO A BETTER SLEEP

Here are some simple tips to help you get a better nights sleep.  While you may not be able to control the factors that can interfere with your sleep, you can try to adopt habits that help encourage sleep.

1. Stick to a sleep schedule

Try to set aside no more than eight hours for sleep. The recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult is at least seven hours. Despite what people think, most people don't need more than eight hours in bed.

Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try to limit the difference in your sleep schedule on weeknights and weekends by no more than one hour. Being consistent reinforces your body's sleep-wake cycle.

If you don't fall asleep within about 20 minutes, leave your bedroom and do something relaxing. Read or listen to soothing music. Go back to bed when you're tired. Repeat as needed.

2. Pay attention to what you eat and drink

Never go to bed hungry or having over eaten. In particular, avoid heavy or large meals within a couple of hours of bedtime. Your discomfort may keep you up.

Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol should be rationed. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine take hours to wear off and can have an effect on quality sleep. Despite the fact that alcohol might make you feel sleepy, it can disrupt sleep later in the night.

3. Create a restful environment

Create a room that's ideal for sleeping. This means cool, dark and quiet. Exposure to light can make it harder to fall asleep. Avoid prolonged use of light-emitting screens just before bedtime. Consider using room-darkening shades, earplugs or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs.

Doing calming activities before bedtime, such as taking a bath or using relaxation techniques, can help promote better sleep.

4. Limit daytime naps

Long daytime naps can interfere with your night sleep. If you choose to nap, limit yourself to up to 30 minutes and avoid doing so late in the day.  If you work nights, you might need to nap late in the day before work to help make up your sleep debt.

5. Include physical activity in your daily routine

Regular physical activity can promote better sleep. But avoid being active too close to bedtime.  Spending time outside every day might be helpful, too.

6. Manage worries

Try to resolve your worries or concerns before bedtime. Jot down what's on your mind and then set it aside for tomorrow.  Stress management may help. Start with the basics, such as getting organized, setting priorities and delegating tasks. Meditation also can ease anxiety.

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

THE GREAT BEDDING DEBATE – DO YOU REALLY NEED

While some people believe the top bed sheet is necessary as a layer that keeps their duvet cover clean, others see it is an unnecessary expense that just ends up tangled at the bottom of the bed.  Whatever your thoughts are on the subject of bed linen, it seems some are quite passionate about it.

According to traditional European style bed linen, a duvet and a fitted bottom sheet is all a bed needs, while American style bed linen adds a flat top sheet in between.  While a lot of people believe the top sheet is unnecessary, others cannot sleep without it.  Many years ago all bed sheets were flat sheets, there was no such thing as a fitted sheet until in 1959 when the fitted sheet was patented by Bertha Berman.  This design took off and now can be found on most beds around the world.

Traditionally if only a fitted sheet is used, a duvet is the preferred topper because the duvet cover can easily be washed.  However when a top bed sheet is added, blankets and bedspreads that are harder to clean can be used because the top bed sheet acts as a hygienic buffer.  It is then unhygienic to sleep in a bed directly under the duvet without a top bed sheet?  It all depends on how often you wash your duvet cover.  Ultimately the decision comes down to a personal preference and what you are used to and how often you are willing to wash your bed linen.

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

HOW TO IRON COTTON BED SHEETS

Ironing cotton bed sheets is a hassle, but everyone loves slipping into clean, freshly ironed sheets.

Here are some tips to make ironing those cotton bed sheets easier.

The easiest way is to start with damp bed sheets. Tumble dry your bed sheets and remove them while they are still damp, but not wet. This will help make smoothing out wrinkles easier

Use starch – a starch spray will make your sheets feel crisp, but not stiff, it also helps to maintain their wrinkle-free state for longer

Use a hot iron – using a high temperature will help get the wrinkles out. But test a small part of the cotton first; you don’t want to scorch the fabric. Always use a steam setting for your cotton

Use water from a spray bottle for stubborn creases. While ironing spritz the problem area and spritz it out with your hands before ironing

Fold the top sheet down to a manageable size by folding it in half or thirds, with the hem on your right or left side. Make sure you fold crosswise so the creases won’t show and work in sections, flattening the wrinkles with your hands as you go

Tuck the fitted sheet – tuck one elasticized inside-out corner into the other, then secure over the end of the ironing board. Work in sections, similar to the top sheet.  Steer clear of the edges – the heat may cause damage to the elastic

Don’t forget the pillowcases. It may seem like a small thing but everyone loves resting their heads on a silky smooth pillowcases, it’s the perfect finishing touch

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

WHAT'S THE USE OF THE TOP SHEET IN YOUR BED

Did you know that on average, human beings spend about 25 years asleep, so it's understandable we have strong feelings about how we like our bed.

We argue about bedtimes and the ideal amount of hours of sleep, and have preferences about the number of pillows and sides of the mattress.  When it comes to bed linen, the debate becomes even more heated.

Bed sheets can bungle themselves into a long coil, where the sheet has wrapped around itself in a central spin that resembles a twisted Parmesan breadstick.  And it can drift up to bother your pillows.  Most often, it forms a baseboard mountain range if it has been kicked during the night.

The top sheet also disturbs the duvet and creates a suffocating veil if not folded over. Prints only on one side can also be annoying.  

So the solution?

Forget the top bed sheet and stick to just a duvet with a cover. Easy. Grab one side of it and throw it and let it land over the bed.  

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR BED LINEN

The best bed is the one you want to dive straight into.  Its beautifully dressed, lofty and full and it is accessorised with perfectly plump pillows, a soft throw and a lovely duvet.  But when do we need to replace these key items?

Mattress

When looking to select a quality mattress, think about your age and your body type.  Look for a mattress that will help promote the perfect posture and comfort for you, while also reducing the pressure on your entire body.  The mattress should be constructed from natural materials and not include metals, latex or synthetic fabrics.

A premium mattress should not require maintenance and should not need to be flipped.  A quality mattress should also feature removable breathable covers and should sit on a bed base with quality solid slats that provide good ventilation.

Mattresses should be changed every 7-10 years, this is also for hygiene and health reasons.  Make sure there are no lumps in the pillow top, dead spots in the springs or sleep impressions.

Pillows

When selecting your perfect pillow you should be aware of what your habitual sleep positions are to be able to make the right selection, you may be a back, tummy or side sleeper or a bit of everything.

Different pillow styles are designed to support your head and neck on how your body will be positioned at night.  If you are a side-sleeper or a larger frame a high loft pillow might be better for you.

A pillow is only as comfortable as what is inside it. If it's microfibre, ensure it is soft, long-stapled and high quality, not cheap, rough polyfill. If the filling is natural fibres like feathers, ensure they are virgin. It means it is animal-friendly and a better quality filling.

Daily plumping is also essential for keeping your pillows in tip-top condition it is effective for ensuring good air flow throughout and keeping fibres soft and supple.

Every 12 months check your pillows for signs of wear and tear. You spend a lot of time in close contact with your pillow, for your own comfort and health it pays to replace them. If they feel flat or lumpy or show signs of holding too much dust, there could be dust mites trapped inside.

Bed Linen

You know you have high-quality bed linen, when it's still the set you want to dress your bed in years after you purchased it.

When purchasing, look for fabrics that will really last.  They need to be good quality and can mix and match well. Always select for the season. I  For long-lasting, dreamy bed linen, be sure to launder mindfully. Bed linen doesn't have a use-by date but it will last a long time if you follow the care instructions.

When the fabric begins to look worn out or threadbare, it's time to be replaced. For longevity, let each set of bed linen rest by rotating it regularly. Each season, add to your collection, but don't throw out your old stuff. Changing it up means it lasts longer and is a great way to refresh the whole look and feel of your bedroom.

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

SIX STEPS TO A BETTER SLEEP

Here are some simple tips to help you get a better nights sleep.  While you may not be able to control the factors that can interfere with your sleep, you can try to adopt habits that help encourage sleep.

1. Stick to a sleep schedule

Try to set aside no more than eight hours for sleep. The recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult is at least seven hours. Despite what people think, most people don't need more than eight hours in bed.

Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try to limit the difference in your sleep schedule on weeknights and weekends by no more than one hour. Being consistent reinforces your body's sleep-wake cycle.

If you don't fall asleep within about 20 minutes, leave your bedroom and do something relaxing. Read or listen to soothing music. Go back to bed when you're tired. Repeat as needed.

2. Pay attention to what you eat and drink

Never go to bed hungry or having over eaten. In particular, avoid heavy or large meals within a couple of hours of bedtime. Your discomfort may keep you up.

Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol should be rationed. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine take hours to wear off and can have an effect on quality sleep. Despite the fact that alcohol might make you feel sleepy, it can disrupt sleep later in the night.

3. Create a restful environment

Create a room that's ideal for sleeping. This means cool, dark and quiet. Exposure to light can make it harder to fall asleep. Avoid prolonged use of light-emitting screens just before bedtime. Consider using room-darkening shades, earplugs or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs.

Doing calming activities before bedtime, such as taking a bath or using relaxation techniques, can help promote better sleep.

4. Limit daytime naps

Long daytime naps can interfere with your night sleep. If you choose to nap, limit yourself to up to 30 minutes and avoid doing so late in the day.  If you work nights, you might need to nap late in the day before work to help make up your sleep debt.

5. Include physical activity in your daily routine

Regular physical activity can promote better sleep. But avoid being active too close to bedtime.  Spending time outside every day might be helpful, too.

6. Manage worries

Try to resolve your worries or concerns before bedtime. Jot down what's on your mind and then set it aside for tomorrow.  Stress management may help. Start with the basics, such as getting organized, setting priorities and delegating tasks. Meditation also can ease anxiety.

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

THE GREAT BEDDING DEBATE – DO YOU REALLY NEED

While some people believe the top bed sheet is necessary as a layer that keeps their duvet cover clean, others see it is an unnecessary expense that just ends up tangled at the bottom of the bed.  Whatever your thoughts are on the subject of bed linen, it seems some are quite passionate about it.

According to traditional European style bed linen, a duvet and a fitted bottom sheet is all a bed needs, while American style bed linen adds a flat top sheet in between.  While a lot of people believe the top sheet is unnecessary, others cannot sleep without it.  Many years ago all bed sheets were flat sheets, there was no such thing as a fitted sheet until in 1959 when the fitted sheet was patented by Bertha Berman.  This design took off and now can be found on most beds around the world.

Traditionally if only a fitted sheet is used, a duvet is the preferred topper because the duvet cover can easily be washed.  However when a top bed sheet is added, blankets and bedspreads that are harder to clean can be used because the top bed sheet acts as a hygienic buffer.  It is then unhygienic to sleep in a bed directly under the duvet without a top bed sheet?  It all depends on how often you wash your duvet cover.  Ultimately the decision comes down to a personal preference and what you are used to and how often you are willing to wash your bed linen.

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

HOW TO IRON COTTON BED SHEETS

Ironing cotton bed sheets is a hassle, but everyone loves slipping into clean, freshly ironed sheets.

Here are some tips to make ironing those cotton bed sheets easier.

The easiest way is to start with damp bed sheets. Tumble dry your bed sheets and remove them while they are still damp, but not wet. This will help make smoothing out wrinkles easier

Use starch – a starch spray will make your sheets feel crisp, but not stiff, it also helps to maintain their wrinkle-free state for longer

Use a hot iron – using a high temperature will help get the wrinkles out. But test a small part of the cotton first; you don’t want to scorch the fabric. Always use a steam setting for your cotton

Use water from a spray bottle for stubborn creases. While ironing spritz the problem area and spritz it out with your hands before ironing

Fold the top sheet down to a manageable size by folding it in half or thirds, with the hem on your right or left side. Make sure you fold crosswise so the creases won’t show and work in sections, flattening the    wrinkles with your hands as you go

Tuck the fitted sheet – tuck one elasticized inside-out corner into the other, then secure over the end of the ironing board. Work in sections, similar to the top sheet.  Steer clear of the edges – the heat may       cause damage to the elastic

Don’t forget the pillowcases. It may seem like a small thing but everyone loves resting their heads on a silky smooth pillowcases, it’s the perfect finishing touch

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

HOW TO IRON COTTON BED SHEETS

Ironing cotton bed sheets is a hassle, but everyone loves slipping into clean, freshly ironed sheets.

Here are some tips to make ironing those cotton bed sheets easier.

The easiest way is to start with damp bed sheets. Tumble dry your bed sheets and remove them while they are still damp, but not wet. This will help make smoothing out wrinkles easier

Use starch – a starch spray will make your sheets feel crisp, but not stiff, it also helps to maintain their wrinkle-free state for longer

Use a hot iron – using a high temperature will help get the wrinkles out. But test a small part of the cotton first; you don’t want to scorch the fabric. Always use a steam setting for your cotton

Use water from a spray bottle for stubborn creases. While ironing spritz the problem area and spritz it out with your hands before ironing

Fold the top sheet down to a manageable size by folding it in half or thirds, with the hem on your right or left side. Make sure you fold crosswise so the creases won’t show and work in sections, flattening the    wrinkles with your hands as you go

Tuck the fitted sheet – tuck one elasticized inside-out corner into the other, then secure over the end of the ironing board. Work in sections, similar to the top sheet.  Steer clear of the edges – the heat may       cause damage to the elastic

Don’t forget the pillowcases. It may seem like a small thing but everyone loves resting their heads on a silky smooth pillowcases, it’s the perfect finishing touch

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

BEDSPREAD OR DUVET? PROS AND CONS

What is a duvet?

A duvet is a type of bedding that is a soft flat bag filled with down, feathers, wool, or a synthetic alternative. It is protected with a removable cover, the duvet cover.

What are the pros of a duvet?

1. Duvets are easily washable. Once you strip a duvet cover from the duvet (the down or synthetic blanket insert), it can easily be thrown into the wash like a regular sheet

2. Less steps to a made bed. Since the duvet cover is removable and easily laundered, it can essentially replace the top sheet, giving you one less thing to have to fight with when making the bed

3. Perfect for the fussy decorator. Duvet covers are often less expensive than bedspreads, so it's easy and cost effective to change the look of your bedroom by swapping out your duvet cover. Plus, you're likely to find far more style options than you would bedspread sets

What are the cons of a duvet?

1. A duvet doesn't always stay in place. No matter how much you pin, tie and pray to keep the duvet cover in place, it rarely stays where it should. Unless you readjust it every day, you're likely to end up with a totally twisted duvet bedding set

2. Finding the right sized duvet insert can be tricky. Often, duvet covers are square in shape, so digging up a down or synthetic duvet that is just the right size can feel near impossible. A high-quality, properly sized duvet can also be pricey, but once you have the perfect match, sleeping feels like a total luxury

What is a bedspread?

A bedspread is often commonly known as a comforter.  It is usually a thick, quilted, fluffy blanket that is used to keep you warm. It is usually filled with synthetic fiber filler which is quilted or stitched to secure the filling and keep it evenly distributed.

What are the pros of a bedspread?

1. No-fuss. A bedspread will stay put on your bed, it rarely shifts/twists which makes it a lot lower maintenance than a duvet cover. It is also a one-package deal which means it doesn’t need any extra covers

2. Good for the coordination-challenged. If you are not so good with mixing and matching shams, throw pillows and cushions, a bedspread set is going to be the best option for you

What are the cons of a bedspread?

1. Not always easy to wash. Check the label on the bedspread you might be considering to buy.  Some can be thrown in the wash like a normal blanket, but others need to be dry cleaned

2. May need a top sheet. When a bedspread is dry-cleaning only, you should consider using a top sheet (as you can wash that regularly) If you make your bed every day, tidying up the top sheet can add a few minutes to the routine

3. Seems to go flat easily. Its not often a bedspread will stay fluffy and luxurious for extended periods of time. There's typically less fill in bedspreads, which mean they will get lumpy and flat much faster than a down duvet insert, no matter how much you try to fluff it

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR BED SHEETS?

Some people think there is nothing more luxurious in the world then slipping into clean crisp bed sheets. It makes us feel great and it is easy to achieve. So why do so many people put off their bed sheet washing and how often should we really be doing it?

Washing your bed sheets regularly is a health issue, it’s not just about having good quality bed linen and a fresh smelling fabric softener.

We all spend a lot of time in bed. In fact, did you know the average person spends around 25 years of their life in bed – and that is just sleeping. So naturally your bed sheets are going to need to be washed regularly. An adult can lose up to a liter of sweat in one night alone and that’s not the only thing that’s getting absorbed by your bed sheets - skin, food, cosmetics, creams and general dirt and dust are also ending up on them.

These things all create a build up of bacteria which will naturally fester for longer as your bed sheets get dirtier. Exposing your skin to this can cause irritations, particularly if you have sensitive skin.  Ironically any preventative creams you apply to combat this will add to the situation. Dirty pillowcases in particular can cause spots and pimples on the face and neck.

Spots and itchy skin can be irritating but the build up of sweat helps mould and fungi to grow within the fibres of your bed sheets, and this can also lead to a range of infections. So clean, good quality bed sheets are a must for a healthy night’s sleep.

The general advice is to change your bed sheets at least once a week. Ensure that they are washed in the highest temperature your bed linen will tolerate. In between washes, turn down your duvet in the morning to give your bed a good airing. Vacuum around the bed and over the mattress to reduce dust levels and don’t forget to wash your pillows and duvets every month or so too.

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

TIPS FOR DECORATING CHILDREN’S BEDROOMS

Does your teenager or child’s bedroom need a makeover? Just like adults, kids want a comfortable, functional bedroom that is a pleasure to retreat to at the end of the day. Here’s a few tricks for to create children’s bedroom spaces.

Wall Decals

Peel and stick decals are a perfect way to decorate the walls of your child’s bedroom, especially if you rent and are not able to paint. Use decals as part of an overall scheme, or just as a fun extra on plain walls. Let your children pick out the decals and place them in position, as your child grows older, or tires of the theme it is easy to remove the decals.

Get in the Zone

Once your child is old enough to have regular homework, they need an area designed for focused schoolwork and another area to relax and daydream. You don't need anything elaborate -- a simple desk and adjustable chair is enough for homework time, and a comfortable chair, beanbag is perfect for much-needed downtime after a hard day at school.

Shared but not Alike

Don’t automatically assume that when children share a bedroom it means matching bed linen or even matching furniture. While some children enjoy having a symmetrical room, others prefer to set a more individual style. If that’s the case for your children, let each pick out their own bed linen, bedside lamp, and artwork to hang over their side of the room. Keep coherency to the style by choosing matching beds but paint them different colors.

Follow Their Interests

Most children have a passion for something: space, insects, the color pink, Hello Kitty, or a popular cartoon character. If possible, work your child’s favorite subject into the bedroom theme. It doesn’t take much – a few wall decals and a duvet cover selected by your child are enough to set a theme and delight your child.

Indian Summer Linen stock a variety of children’s bed linen and baby linen that would create a wonderful personal space for your child.

Does your teenager or child’s bedroom need a makeover? Just like adults, kids want a comfortable, functional bedroom that is a pleasure to retreat to at the end of the day. Here’s a few tricks for to create children’s bedroom spaces.

Wall Decals

Peel and stick decals are a perfect way to decorate the walls of your child’s bedroom, especially if you rent and are not able to paint. Use decals as part of an overall scheme, or just as a fun extra on plain walls. Let your children pick out the decals and place them in position, as your child grows older, or tires of the theme it is easy to remove the decals.

Get in the Zone

Once your child is old enough to have regular homework, they need an area designed for focused schoolwork and another area to relax and daydream. You don't need anything elaborate -- a simple desk and adjustable chair is enough for homework time, and a comfortable chair, beanbag is perfect for much-needed downtime after a hard day at school.

Shared but not Alike

Don’t automatically assume that when children share a bedroom it means matching bed linen or even matching furniture. While some children enjoy having a symmetrical room, others prefer to set a more individual style. If that’s the case for your children, let each pick out their own bed linen, bedside lamp, and artwork to hang over their side of the room. Keep coherency to the style by choosing matching beds but paint them different colors.

Follow Their Interests

Most children have a passion for something: space, insects, the color pink, Hello Kitty, or a popular cartoon character. If possible, work your child’s favorite subject into the bedroom theme. It doesn’t take much – a few wall decals and a duvet cover selected by your child are enough to set a theme and delight your child.

Indian Summer Linen stock a variety of children’s bed linen and baby linen that would create a wonderful personal space for your child.

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

BED LINEN COLOURS - INDIAN SUMMER LINEN

When buying bed linen you can buy almost any colour to suit your mood, your bedroom, your taste and style. But have you ever noticed that luxury hotels, luxury home furnishing brands and stylists design bedrooms with stark white bed linen?

There is a good reason for this. White represents purity; it is pristine, elegant, sophisticated and classy. If you are looking to create an effortless look for your bedroom with a limited budget then starts with an all white bed linen set. White sheets, duvet, and pillows on your bed can give your bedroom a very fresh updated look and make your bedroom feel like an entirely new space.

The starkness of white bed linen also makes it easier to accessorise.  White goes with everything, so you can jazz it up with fun, vibrant colourful items such as cushions, pillows and throws and when it all gets too much for you then you can easily change these few items to transform your bedroom into a whole new look without having the expense of the purchase of a whole new set of bed linen.

White bed linen is also easy to clean – despite the myths because it can be washed at really high temperatures unlike most coloured bedding. Not only does it make a bedroom feel less cluttered and calmer but it can also brighten up a dark bedroom, after all the bed is the largest part of most bedrooms.

Nothing is more inviting and comforting after a long day than the look and feel of pure white cotton bed linenand of course white is totally gender neutral. So to create your chic and sophisticated look opt for white bed linen.

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

TIPS WHEN BUYING BED LINEN

When looking to buy bed linen, it is true - high thread counts definitely make better bed linen, but it's the thread that matters the most. In fact, a sheet of a better-quality fibre but a lower thread count will feel softer and stand up to washing better than a sheet of a lower-quality fibre with a higher thread count.

So what should you look for?

Fibre-

Cotton-polyester blend sheets are wrinkle-resistant, reasonably inexpensive and durable – this is because polyester lasts longer than cotton.  But if you are wanting a cool, soft feel, nothing beats 100% cotton. You'll hardly ever wake up feeling clammy on cotton sheets, this is because the fibre wicks moisture away from your skin.   Cotton sheets are also less likely to stain than polyester blends, cotton releases dirt easily when wet.

Weave-

The weave can affect the way a sheet feels, the way it looks, its longevity, and its price. Basic plain weaves, which are woven from an equal number of vertical and horizontal yarns, are least expensive and may not rate a mention on the label. Percale is an upscale plain weave with a thread count of 180 or higher and is known for its longevity and crisp feel. Sateen weaves have more vertical than horizontal yarns. The higher proportion of vertical threads results in an extremely soft fabric, but it also means its more likely to pill and tear than a plain weave. Intricate weaves, such as jacquards and damasks feel textured, with a pattern alternating from satiny soft to coarser and nubby. They can be as durable as plain weaves, but they are made on special looms and are considerably more expensive.

Finish-

Most sheets are treated with chemicals (including chlorine, formaldehyde, and silicon) to keep them from shrinking, losing their shape, and wrinkling. Some are treated with alkalis to produce a sheen. A handful of manufacturers offer pure-finish sheets, meaning that no chemicals were used or that all traces of chemicals used during manufacturing have been removed. You'll have a harder time keeping these sheets wrinkle-free, but it may be worth it if you suffer from allergies or chemical sensitivities.

Dye-

Patterns and colors are usually applied to sheets after they are woven, this means your sheets may feel stiff until they have been washed a few times. The softest (and most expensive) coloured or patterned sheets, including jacquard weaves, are made of yarn-dyed fabrics, woven from coloured yarns.

[indiansummerlinen-blog]

HOW TO FOLD A FITTED BED SHEET IN EASY STEPS

1. Hold the sheet lengthwise in your hands – Tuck your finger into the corner seams at the two far ends of the bed sheet. This means that you should now have a hand in the one of the "foot" corners and one of the "head" corners, on the same side. Make sure the bed sheet is inside out the whole way around (even in the corners you're not holding), with the label side facing away from your body

2. Fold one corner over the other – Bring the tips of your fingers together and flip one of the corners over the other, switching it to so it is facing right-side-out. Now you should have both corners on one hand

3. Take hold of the next corner – You should now have a short loop of the edge on one side of your arm and a long side on the other. Now place your fingers on the hem that is touching your arm (the lower of the two that you should have), and follow it down the long seam, until you reach the next corner of the sheet

4. Now tuck this corner – Pick up this section of the bed sheet and tuck it underneath the first two corners, you should now have the right side of the fabric touching the inside of the group you are holding

5. Take hold of the final corner – All of the corners at this point should now be folded together except one

6. Tuck this corner – This corner should now be placed underneath the three corners in your hand, so that the wrong side of the fabric is touching the inside of the group you are holding

7. Shake out the sheet – You should now have a long edge of the fitted fabric on one side of your arm and a short side on the other. Taking the short side fold or corner with your free hand, give the whole bed sheet a good shake – this will help to straighten it out. You are trying to form a square or rectangle with the sheet. The “L” of the fitted fabric will form two sides

8. Smooth out the sheet – Now lay the bed sheet down on a flat surface and smooth it out into a square. You might need to "pleat" the fitted corner in order to get it to lie flat. Smooth as many wrinkles as you can

9. Keeping the corners together - fold the sheet in a way that lines up with the border created by the fitted sections – This is likely be in thirds, but it may be in quarters, depending on the size of your bed sheet

10. Fold the sheet into thirds or quarters – The way you fold it will depend on your own preferences, the thickness of the fabric, and the size of the bed sheet

11. Straighten your fold – Straighten and tuck as you need to flatten the fabric. This will prevent wrinkles

12. Finished - You’re done!