Unweaving the Thread Count in Fabrics: Does Higher Mean Better?

The bed is often the centerpiece that can make or mar a bedroom, but beyond setting the tone for the decor, it’s an essential part of everyone’s daily routine. People take the comfort their bed brings seriously; that’s why more are willing to pay top-dollar to fall asleep on what feels like cloud nine.

Beyond the bed itself, the sheets also play a role in the overall comfort it brings. The softer the sheets, the better it feels on the skin and the more luxurious it becomes. But what determines the quality of your sheets? In the lavish world of linens, they would say it’s the thread count based on this blanket rules:

• Bedding with 132 to 144 thread count is “basic quality,”
• Bedding with 180 to 220 thread count is “good quality,”
• Bedding with 300 thread count is “great quality,”
• Bedding with 400 thread count is “excellent quality,”
• Bedding with 500 or more thread count is “luxurious,”

While the thread count’s association with quality is an age-old belief, we’re here to unstitch the seams and make sense of why many think thread count matters.

An Obsession for Finer Things in Life - Does a Higher Thread Count Really Translate to Better Linen Quality?

As the moniker suggests, thread count describes the number of individual threads weaved into the fabric, but it’s a common myth that a higher count equates to luxurious quality. After all, the number of threads won’t do anything to influence the linen’s softness, breathability, comfort, or even durability!

If you compare bedding made from 100 percent bamboo fiber sheet, it’s shown that it’s softer and silkier to the touch compared to a 100 percent cotton sheet, even if both share the same thread count. With that in mind, what are the factors that make for a high-quality sheet that feels like a bed of feathers?

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Bed Sheets

1. What is the Fabric Made Up Of?

If you want to feel like sleeping in a five-star hotel with luxurious sheets, then it’s important to look at what the fabric is made up of and its fiber content. Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton such as Egyptian or Pima bedding is one of the premium choices in the market, but you can always go for affordable and comfortable with 100 percent cotton.

2. Different Weaves

Different fabrics have unique weaves that give them their characteristic softness or crispness, so for a more lightweight feel, you should go for a simple, grid-like weave such as percale. On the other hand, you can also try out satin weave for a smoother finish.

The Bottom Line: A Seamless Experience Beyond the Threads

Most textile industry use thread counts as the biggest factor behind a sheet’s quality, but getting a premium feel for your bedding takes a lot more than having a high number of threads.

How Can Legacy Door Enhance Your Space?

You can find the best decorative yet functional pieces at Legacy Door, where we offer high-quality home products like bedding, bar stools, room dividers, and other accent features. Browse our extensive selection of modern yet timeless furniture and see if something catches your eye!