Silk Sheets Buyer’s Guide
Silk sheets are a great luxury to have on your bed. Everyone knows how soft and smooth silk feels. As sheets on your bed, they feel even better and definitely help people relax and enjoy their bed. With so many silk sheets out there to choose from, how do you choose the right one for you? Below are some frequently asked questions around buying silk sheets.
Mixture of silk
Q: Why buy silk sheets?
A: Silk material is very smooth and feels very luxurious
Silk is very comfortable and has a very good absorbent quality
Silk is the strongest natural fabric and does not wrinkle easily.
Your sheets will always look smooth and well maintained.
Silk sheets have many health benefits including helping with allergies, dry skin, and more
Q: What type of silk should I look for?
A: There are many brands and types of silk sheets being sold in stores and online. The best quality silk is made out of mulberry. The best silk sheets are made out of 100% mulberry silk. Make sure you buy sheets that are labeled as 100%. Oftentimes, manufacturers will blend this silk with other silks that are less expensive. 100% mulberry silk will consist of a continuous strand of silk within your sheets. When mixed with other types, the silk is broken up and you will not get the same quality and durability. There are some cases where other silks such as wild silk or what is called Habotai slik is mixed in. These sheets are still very comfortable, since oftentimes, the Habotai silk was used to make fine Japanese kimonos that ladies of high status would wear. However, if you want guaranteed quality, make sure that you go with 100% mulberry silk. When blending, you never know what types of silk the manufacturers will blend in.
Q: What is thread count and what should I look for?
A: Thread count is the number of threads per square inch in both directions in the weave. The higher the thread count of the sheets, the more luxurious the silk feel of the fabric. The problem is that a higher thread count also means that the threads are thinner. Therefore, they are subject to more tear. The benefits of silk sheets is that silk is one of the most durable threads and therefore a higher thread count won’t tear as easily. When shopping for silk sheets, look for a thread count of 400 or higher. If you go too high though, be prepared to buy a back-up in case there are tears.
White silk sheets
Q: What is the momme weight?
A: Momme is the measurement used to determine the actual weight of silk. The measurement is produced by weighing a piece of silk that is 45 inches wide and 100 yards in length. So, if the total weight is 18 pounds, then the silk is given a grading of 18 momme. Oftentimes, cheap silk will have a lower momme. This is because less silk is used in making the sheets. A good momme for silk sheets is anything that is 19 momme or higher. If the store where you are buying the sheets doesn’t know the momme weight then be careful, they may be trying to trick you into buying lower quality silk sheets. Always ask for this measurement.
Silk sheets are a fantastic investment for your bed. You sleep on the sheets more than anything else you do during the day. However, when buying silk sheets, make sure you know what you are getting. Understanding the lingo and what makes up quality is very important in making sure that you get the best silk sheets for the money you pay.
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Shop Silk Sheets
One other thing about silk sheets is that they are a great background for photos. Many wedding photographers have been known to use them to photograph against blue wedding shoes or other fantastic bridal shoes.
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Flannel Sheets Shopping Guide
Winter is here and we all need to stay warm. One of the best ways to stay warm is to put a flannel sheet set on your bed. Flannel is a soft woven fabric that feels wonderful and is excellent at keeping warmth in. Flannel is a good alternative to silk if you don’t want to spend the money on silk and still want to stay very warm.
Flannel sheet sets
Flannel Sheets - Hotel Collection
If you are considering buying flannel, consider buying an entire set of flannel sheets. Buying a set as opposed to just buying the pillowcases or the flat sheet or the fitted sheet, allows you to change your entire bed. Your head, your body and everything will feel warm. Also, with a set, you can look for something different for the winter so you can change up the look of your bedroom. Many people like to choose warm winter colors such as a burnt orange or a deep red or a darker leafy green color in order to warm up their bedrooms in the winter. In the summer, go with the whites, but in the winter, go with something richer. Buying a complete set will allow you to match everything as opposed to having mismatched pillows and sheets and blankets which will make the bed look disjointed and not comfortable to sleep in.
Flannel crib sets
Babies love touching soft items and sheets are no exception so consider flannel if you have a little one. For the winter, when he needs to be kept warmer since he can be more susceptible to the cold or germs, having warmer sheets will really help him sleep comfortably and keep him warm. This way, you won’t have to pile on hundreds of blankets since the flannel tends to keep more of the warmth in. Flannel crib sheets are very popular with many parents since they’ve found that the babies love touching the soft bedding.
Shopping for flannel sheets
Those that are looking to buy flannel should have no problem shopping for it. The biggest problem you will have is choosing which ones are the best. There are many online and offline stores that carry these sheets so look around and shop carefully. One of the best ways to choose what you like is to feel the sheets in the store. The sheets should be soft to the touch and you should want to lie in them. They should also not be pilling. The ones on display in the store should not pill or you will know that those sheets will pill easily at home.
If you are looking for a place to buy a flannel sheet, L.L. Bean is one of the first places most people look. They are makers of great winter wear and many people claim that their flannel sheet sets are wonderful and great to sleep on. They have about 10 different types of flannel sheets to choose from with many different colors and designs. Some people love their Ultrasoft flannel sheets that come in 10 different colors. These special sheets are woven in Germany and Portugal, exclusive for L.L. Bean and sold at a great price. For the flannel sheets king, the price is only $32.95 for a flat sheet.
L.L. Bean Flannel Sheets
Here is an example of one of their most popular sheets – the Premium Supima Flannel Sheets. These sheets are velvety smooth and very resistant to pilling. They are woven from extral long 100% Supima cotton fibers and people love them for their strength and softness. L.L. Bean brushes both sides to make the sheets more smooth and soft which is what makes them even more wonderful to sleep on. The flannel sheets queen and the flannel sheets king size are very popular choices.
Polka Dot Flannel from Garnet Hill
Another great place to shop for flannel is Garnet Hill. They have many different choices including some people kids flannel sheets such as the Rockets Flannel Bedding and the Snow Day Flannel Bedding. Both of these are very popular for young ones since they feature fun characters and designs for them to sleep on. Sheets from this store are not very expensive with the flannel sheets queen going for less than $50. Here is an example of their very cute polka dot sheets that many little girls and women love.
Finally, a great place to shop for sheet sets is Bed, Bath and Beyond. This place has so many items that you forget what great home bedding items they have. Here is where you can find the flannel crib sheets for your babies as well as other flannel sheet sets for yourself. There are more than 20 options to choose from and prices range from $20 to $70. The Hotel Collection flannel featured below is one of the best and the colors are so neutral that they will match with every bedroom. Their basic set is only $30 for a king size sheet which is a great deal. Check out this store for great choices, styles and prices.
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Kumi Kookoon Silk Sheets
Kookoon Dream Collection Silk Sheets
For anyone looking for some fantastic silk sheets, I wanted to introduce you to Kumi Kookoon. This is a relatively new manufacturer of silk sheets. Started a few years ago, its line of silk sheets is now being used and recognized by tons of famous actors and actresses including Claire Danes, Courtney Cox, Susan Lucci, Brooke Shields, Matthew Perry, Dustin Hoffman and more. I cannot believe the number of celebrities that have purchased their silk sheets for their own beds. It is simply incredible and really is a testament to the high quality of the items, especially because most of them do not buy or decorate their homes, but hire interior designers to do that. Therefore, a lot of decorators have probably fallen in love with these silk sheets as well.
Brooke Shields on Kookoon sheets
Courtney Cox on Kookoon sheets
After trying them out at my friend’s house, I can see why. First, they have many beautiful collections to choose from. They’ve got a beautiful butterfly collection that I fell in love with. Stitched onto the duvet or the pillow covers are these gorgeous butterflies. There is also a leaf collection, a dream collection, and a French pleat collection that is so pretty in your bedroom. Next, the colors of their silk sheets are fantastic. You’ve got beautiful pink sheets and ivory colored sheets, and beautiful sheens of bronze. Every color is chosen to enhance your bed and the room’s décor. Finally, the silk is top of the line. You cannot get higher quality. This is probably why you will pay a lot for their items. For example, a duvet cover can run around $1000 and pillow cases are around $150-$200.
Kookoon Butterfly Collection
Kookoon’s silk sheets have been known to last for a long time. They are one of the most luxurious sheets you can find and when you lie on them, you will understand. At my friend’s house, I lay down on her bed and I felt instantly more relaxed. I wanted to curl up and take a nap and dream about wonderful, fantastic things. There is something about lying on something so comfortable and relaxing that makes you feel transported.
So, consider Kookoon’s silk sheets the next time you are shopping around. Also, if you like them so much, you may want to check out the other items in their line including pajama sets, baby throws and pillows, silk slippers and more.
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Benefits of silk
Surprisingly, silk sheets have many benefits over cotton, wool or other materials that sheets are made of. These benefits provide an increased incentive to buying and using silk sheets for your family and home.
1. Silk is a natural product, whereas a lot of other materials are synthetic. Because it is natural, our bodies respond better to them. Amazingly, our bodies respond better to silk sheets. They feel more natural against our skin and allow us to feel more relaxed and therefore get better sleep at night.
Peaceful sleeping
2. Silk sheets are allergy free. To people who suffer from allergies, silk sheets will offer a dramatic improvement in their allergic reactions to dust. Dust mites tend to inhabit sheets and bedding. However, dust mites tend not to like silk, finding it to provide a much less hospitable environment for them to inhabit. Therefore, allergy sufferers have been known to sleep much better in the allergy free sheets and experience much less sneezing fits.
3. Silk material has an ability to help our skin reabsorb moisture through the amino acids in silk unlike cotton that draws the moisture out of your skin. Your skin will feel smoother and less dry as the silk sheets help them reabsorb moisture throughout the night. This benefits everyone, but especially those suffering from Eczema and dry skin. Also, since the silk surface is much smoother than cotton, silk benefits those with sensitive skin or suffering from skin inflammations, post surgery sutures, and sunburns.
4. Silk helps the body regulate heat by keeping you cool when it’s warm outside and warmer when it’s cool outside. It helps to shed excess heat during the summer to keep your skin cool. It also helps to retain heat during the winter so you can stay warm.
5. Silk contains natural protein and 18 essential amino acids. Studies have shown that amino acids can help calm the nervous system and fight against the effects of aging, especially on the skin. Silk also contains natural cellular albumen which helps speed up metabolism of skin cells and therefore will reduce signs of aging. Using silk sheets and silk pillowcases will help both your facial skin and body.
Sleeping baby
6. Silk is naturally fire retardant which makes it a safer material for babies, children, and everyone.
7. Sleeping on silk has been known to help prevent thinning of the hair since silk causes less friction and therefore disrupts the hair follicles a lot less than cotton. Therefore, hair will not experience as much breakage, split ends, and tangles. Many hair stylists recommend sleeping on silk to preserve the hair style and cut.
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Home decor blog that I love
I am constantly inspired by the home decor blogs that I see out there. Everyday, I see new ways to rearrange the things in my home. Unfortunately, I also see new things to buy that are just as lovely as my silk sheets. Here is where I get into trouble since I love all the little home decor luxuries that I found on these blogs. It’s amazing what these bloggers find on a daily basis and I am always inspired. Here is one that I’ve been reading for awhile called Belle Maison. There are so many cute things that are featured on this blog. I’ve found everything from new home accessories to great items for your tabletop. I just cannot get enough.
If you’re looking for home inspirations, add this blog to the list of blogs you read every week. I do.
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What color to buy?
Silk sheets can be purchased in many colors. How do you determine what color is best for you? Below are some tips to help you choose the right color.
Beautiful bedroom
Match your bedroom: Depending on where you are using the sheets, check to make sure the color will match the room where they will be placed. Although some people may cover the sheets so this factor won’t matter as much, you should still look over your room to make sure you don’t choose something that dramatically clashes. Look for a color that will compliment the room or brighten the room up. Complimentary colors include neutral colors like cream, beige or white, while colors to brighten the room include turquoise, yellow or green.
Match your bedroom set and comforter: Another easy way to choose is to select sheets that match your bed and comforter. For example, if you have a floral comforter, choose a color from the flowers on the comforter and buy sheets to match. The same thing applies to other designs on your comforter. Try not to choose the dominant color and instead choose the color that is less prominent on the comforter. Otherwise, your entire bed will have too much of the same color and there will be no texture.
Choosing a color
Match your mood: Think about your mood and what feelings you are trying to convey for your bed. Do you want your bed to be more sexy and alluring? If so, consider buying red silk sheets. These are wonderful to lie in and will definitely enhance those feelings. On the other hand, do you want your bed to be more comforting and cute? If so, look for pastel color silk sheets like pink sheets or lavender sheets.
Determine the use: Are your silk sheets only going to be used once in awhile? If so, what is the purpose of the sheets? Are they something you want to place on your bed for fun? If so, consider bright fun colors like purple, orange or green sheets. Or are they just a luxury you want to enjoy once in awhile? Then, choose your favorite color and buy them to use for those days when you want something luxurious to lie in.
Match your mood
Think about the meaning and how the color will make you feel: Colors have many different types of meanings and when you look at them, your body will respond in different ways. Since your silk sheet is the last thing you will look at before you go to sleep, consider how the color will affect your mood. The color blue tends to be more calming and relaxing and also helps you to feel cooler in temperature. The color green is more soothing, helps to lessen depression and anxiety, and is mentally relaxing. Purple is actually similar to green in that it is calming to the mind and nerves. The color yellow is actually more stimulating and encourages people to talk and communicate. It may be too stimulating, but on the other hand, if you enjoy talking in bed, it may lead to better communication. Orange is similar in that it stimulates activity and encourages people to socialize. Finally, red stimulates energy, enthusiasm and action, which is often why it is chosen as the sexier color.
The color of your sheets will affect your mood, feelings and indirectly, how you feel when you sleep. Choose wisely since you will see this color for a long time.
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Facts about Silk
Were you ever curious to know more about how silk is made and facts about silk. Here is additional information about the silk that you put on your bed.
How silk is made
Silkworm rolling cocoon
Special silk farms make the silk we use today. There, silk farms raise silk worms that spin the fine silk thread. The silk worms are fed mulberry leaves. Then, these silk worms will roll themselves into a cocoon of the silk thread or what is called filaments. After that, the farms will take over through a four stage process. First, the cocoons are sorted based on their color, size, shape and texture since not all silk thread is of the same quality. Depending on those attributes, the quality will be different. Second, the cocoons are put in hot and cold water to soften the sericin. Sericin is the silk gum that hold all of the silk thread together. If you soften the gum, the silk filaments on the cocoon will easily unwind into one long thread. Next the silk thread is reeled and then combined to make a single thread. Three to ten filaments have to be combined to make the thread. Finally, silk is reeled into skeins in a process called baling. After that, the silk is shipped to silk mills to be processed.
How do you determine if an item is pure silk
Silk can be determined to be pure by performing what’s called a “burn test.” If you burn the silk, it will produce an unpleasant smell and the fiber will become a powder like ash. Pure silk fibers will also dissolve in bleach.
Where is silk primarily made?
Silk is primarily made in China, India, Uzbekistan, Brazil, Iran, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Romania and Japan. The largest producer of silk is China which produces about half of the world’s silk. That is why you will most often see silk sheets made in China. You can also buy silk sheets for a much lower price in China than anywhere else.
Do other insects also make silk?
Surprisingly, silk is produced by a few other insects such as bees, wasps and ants, but only the silk of moth caterpillars are used to produce and manufacture silk.
Other surprising silk facts
-To produce 2.2 lbs. of raw silk requires about 5,500 silk caterpillars.
-A silkworm takes approximately 3-4 days to spin a full cocoon around itself.
-It takes about the following number of cocoons to make each item listed: 120 cocoons to make a men’s tie, 635 cocoons to make a woman’s silk blouse, and about 12,000 cocoons to make a silk-filled comforter.
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