Soft Furnishing Fabrics – Cotton Percale

This is the most common type of fabric used for bed sheets and bed linen. Although the name implies that it's made from 100% cotton in many cases it's a blend of cotton and polyester or other materials. To be called a percale the thread count of the fabric has to be at least 200, producing a tighter weave than used in many types of bedding.

The great advantage of cotton percale is the durability it provides. It is a medium weight which is substantial enough to withstand the rigours and usage of bed linen – it washes well and can be either plain colours or patterned. The smooth finish of cotton percale makes a fabulous surface on which to sleep.

Nowadays very few of us buy fabric and make our own bed linen as it's more cost effective to buy ready made bed sheets and duvet covers. However, if you're looking for a touch of luxury Egyptian cotton percale is the ideal choice as it's cool in the summer and yet warm in the winter.

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Soft Furnishing Fabrics – Egyptian Cotton

Renowned for its use to make the highest quality bedding Egyptian cotton provides durability, versatility and longevity. It's used to make many soft furnishings as well as bedding. Tea towels, bath towels as it has a higher absorbency than other less superior cottons.

Unlike other cottons Egyptian cotton becomes softer after each wash which is why it's used to make luxury bed linens. The thread count is what gives Egyptian cotton its longevity and durability, Typically the thread count of bedding is 200 – 600, the latter being the softest and higher quality.

Although it is deemed the best quality Egyptian cotton doesn't have to be overly expensive – especially when you factor in the durability and its longevity.

Image: amerune

Image: amerune

Soft Furnishing Fabrics – Flannel

Flannel is usually a blended fabrics made up from wool, cotton and/or synthetic polyester. It's renowned for its warming properties that's why is made into night clothes as well as blankets, bed sheets and pillow slips.

You can get brushed or un-brushed flannel, the former giving a soft touch. Flannel also comes as single or double napped, double nap flannel being brushed on both sides. Due to its warmth flannel was commonly used for bedsheets, I remember my grandmother having flannel sheets on the beds and I have to admit it was snugly warm once under the covers – the was no central heating in those days, so it was a matter of just leaving the top of your exposed during the really cold months!

You can still get flannel or flannelette sheets and bedding – not only is it warming it's also very durable and hard wearing.

Image: Melaine O