What are the true hallmarks of luxury bedding?

To truly upgrade your sleeping setup, it’s important to prioritise high-quality duvets and pillows. The right duvet makes the difference between deep, restful sleep and a night of tossing and turning from being too hot or too cold. The right pillow ensures you wake up without an aching neck or headache. After a brief look at each one, you'll have a better idea of what to look for when upgrading this part of your sleeping set-up.

Duvets

Every duvet has a tog rating, which indicates its warmth. For warmer months, look for duvets with ratings between 2.5 and 7 togs to keep cool and comfortable. When the weather cools down, use duvets with ratings between 9 and 13.5 togs to stay cosy and snug. Duvets with natural fillings are more breathable than those with synthetic fillings. Natural fillings also have better thermal properties and tend to last longer than synthetic. For soft and warm duvets, look for feathers and down that come from birds native to areas with cool climates. If you or a family member is allergic to feather and down duvets, you can use high-quality alternatives that mimic the thermal properties of natural fillings.

Pillows

When choosing luxury pillows for your home, you need to find the perfect balance between comfort and support. Your pillow is meant to keep your spine in a neutral position as you sleep. This keeps your neck, shoulders, and back in alignment throughout the night. If you share a bed - you might have different pillow needs. Soft to medium pillows are best for those who sleep on their fronts. Medium pillows are best for those who sleep on their backs. Medium to firm pillows are best for those who sleep on their sides. Similar to duvets, it’s best to choose pillows filled with natural filling. These remain breathable throughout the night and hold their shape for longer than synthetic pillows. Opt for a high down-to-feather ratio if you want a soft pillow, 50/50 for medium pillow support, and 100 per cent feather for firm support. Polyester mix pillows are a good option for those with feather and down allergies. If your pillow feels too firm to be comfortable, use a soft down pillow on top or purchase a pillow insert. This doesn’t lessen the support of your main pillow but makes for a more comfortable sleep.

Related article: How to choose a pillow that's perfect for you

Now that you’ve got luxurious bedding inners, it’s time to cover them with high-quality bed linen. The best bed linen not only looks good but also increases your quality of sleep by helping with temperature regulation. It’s a common misconception that a higher thread count is always the better option, as different thread counts result in different textures. When making your decision, also look at the quality of the raw material, the fabric’s weave and the overall design.

Material

Just like with your duvets and pillows, natural materials are the way to go for bed linens. Synthetic fibres are less expensive, but the money you save isn’t worth the uncomfortable and hot sleep you’ll get. High-quality, 100% natural fibres respond to changes in temperature and humidity. This ensures comfortable, cosy and restful nights year-round.

Cotton

Cotton is the most common material for luxury bed linens. Soft, cool, comfortable, and durable, the list of benefits seems to go on forever! The best organic cotton for a feeling of luxury is long-staple cotton, particularly Egyptian cotton.

Linen

Linen is breathable, comfortable, and absorbent. Its higher absorbance is ideal for those who tend to get hot while they sleep. Although linen can feel stiff when it’s brand new, it softens after a few washes, resulting in a smooth and luxurious bedding texture.

Weave

Weave refers to how threads are arranged in linens, with choices depending on preference and budget. Plain weave is soft, light, and breathable, offering great value. Percale has a tighter weave for a crisp, smooth, matte finish. Twill features a diagonal weave, giving a soft, weighty feel with a distinct drape. Sateen uses fine threads and high thread counts for a smooth texture and subtle sheen. Patterned options include dobby weave with geometric details and jacquard weave, a thick, textured fabric with intricate patterns, often more expensive.

Related article: 9 different types of bed sheets and their pros and cons

Visually, design is the most important aspect of your bed linen. The design of your bedding determines how well your bed fits into your bedroom’s aesthetic. Do you want your bed to blend into the surroundings, or should it stand out? For versatile and timeless bed linens, don’t be tempted by trendy designs and patterns. Opt for neutral colour options and steer clear of bold patterns. To keep things interesting, look for fabrics that have subtle, intentional textures. For this reason, most bedding companies have a staple range. Once you have an adaptable base, you can experiment with coloured and patterned throws and pillowcases to bring the latest interior design trends into your home.

Luxury bedding only works when you have all the necessary pieces. To have a comfortable rest, make sure you have the following bedding pieces:

Mattress toppers

A mattress topper goes on top of your mattress underneath the sheets. They help to prolong the life of your mattress and can aid with back support and overall comfort. Also, mattress toppers are available in various materials, including memory foam, latex, and down, each offering unique benefits. Choosing the right topper can also regulate temperature, providing a cooler or warmer sleep environment depending on the season.

Sheets

Fitted (elasticated) sheets are easy to put on and will stay in place, keeping the bed looking tidy and inviting. Flat sheets create a gorgeous multi-layered effect. These sit between the fitted sheet and the duvet. This setup is great if you don’t enjoy the feeling of your duvet cover but love its look.

Pillowcases and duvet covers

When deciding on pillowcases and duvet covers, you can choose between two types of edging. Housewife edges fit the contours of the pillows and duvets exactly. Oxford edges have a border around the edge of the pillows and duvets. You can choose to use a combination of both options to add depth to your bedding set-up.

Blankets and throw pillows

The final layer of your luxury bed includes blankets and throws as well as thow pillows. These elements add decorative flair and an extra layer of warmth during the cooler months. The velvet fabric and quilted pattern add depth to your bed, resulting in inviting luxury displays. Available in navy and vanilla tones, this throw celebrates the subtlety of texture.

Related article: A guide to bed sheets: thread counts, sizes and more

From the materials and weight of the inners to the weave and design of the covers, there are plenty of traits and hallmarks that make luxury bedding stand out from the rest. Within these, you also have the flexibility to customise and stylise your choices to match your personal aesthetic and tastes. With the right inners and outers, you can bring hotel-style comfort to every bed in your home.

This article was updated on 26th November 2024

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