How to Shop for Bed Sheets

Bed sheets can determine whether you get a good night's sleep. With the wrong sheets, you could be uncomfortable at best--or up all night tossing and turning at worst. Select bed sheets that are appropriate for the season as well as your budget, and rest easy.

Things You'll Need

• Measurements of your mattress for proper sheet size selection

Instructions

1. Measure your bed. Not all beds are standard sizes--nor are all sheets. Measure the length, width and depth of your mattress to ensure that the sheets you buy will fit.

2. Decide on your budget. Consider whether you want to spend a lot of money on high end sheets, or if you're looking for a set of comfortable linens.

3. Think about the fabric--slinky silk or crisp cotton.

4. Consider your decor. Ask yourself what color sheets would fit best with the style of your bedroom and if you want sheets that coordinate with your bedspread or comforter, carpet, or drapes.

5. Touch and feel the sheets at the store. Notice if they feel smooth, soft and free of snags or imperfections. Check the thread count. While a higher thread count means softer, more durable fabric, it can also mean more expensive sheets. For good quality, middle of the road priced-sheets, select a thread count of more than 250.

6. Think about the washing instructions for the sheets, iand f they require ironing or dry cleaning. Make sure that the sheets you select are easy to care for.

Tips & Warnings

• Many department and specialty stores frequently have white sales, with deep discounts on sheets and other linens.

• Don’t purchase sheets online unless you’ve already seen and felt them in person first, or you may be disappointed with the color, style or quality