DECORATING
in d o o rs
The Best of Bedding
We spend nearly one-third of our lives
sleeping, so it pays to know all the options and choose which types of pillows,
sheets, and comforters are right for you.
THE PILLOW TEST
Stop punching pillows in the store.
Instead use these easy indicators to
check a pillow’s quality.
■ Down or feather-filled: Fold pillow
in half on the floor or a flat surface.
Squeeze out the air and release. It
should return to its original shape.
■ Synthetic: Fold pillow in half on the
floor or a flat surface and place a
tennis shoe on top; release. The pillow
should pop out from under the shoe
and return to its original shape.
THREAD COUNT
Thread count is the number of threads
woven into one square inch of fabric. A
higher number equals softer linens. Take
care of your bed linens by laundering
them once a week in warm water.
■ 140 to 180 count (muslin sheets):
Usually at a lower price point.
■ 180+ count (percale sheets): A tightly
woven, smooth cotton.
■ 250 to 300 count: Sheets begin to
feel silky and are more durable.
■ 300 to 400 count: Considered
luxury sheets.
■ 400+ count: The added comfort is slight;
it’s not worth spending the extra money.
FEATHER AND DOWN
Down comforters (also called duvets)
are usually the top layer of bedding.
Inexpensive duvet covers can quickly
change the look of your bed.
■ Goose down is fluffier than duck.
■ Fluff down comforters by hand
frequently. Feather comforters
should occasionally be put in a
dryer on the highest heat setting
to battle dust mites.
■ If you dry-clean down comforters
once or twice yearly, they should
last 8 to 10 years.
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS MARCH 2009
103
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i n y l
R e c o r d s
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T rad e m arks ow ned by S o c iltld e x P ro d u its N estle S . A .
.V evey. Sw itzerland
