Bed linen refers to fabric items used to cover and protect a bed, including sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and bedspreads. They enhance comfort, hygiene, and aesthetics, available in various materials like cotton, linen, silk, and polyester.
6 Buying Considerations For Bed linen
Choose breathable fabric like cotton, check thread count, pick a comfy weave, ensure the right size, easy care, durability, and matching style.
Thread count
Thread count = threads per inch; higher means softer.
1
Weight
Linen weight affects feel we offer various options.
2
Fabric Composition
Hotel linen uses cotton or a cotton-poly blend.
3
Weave
Refers to the way the threads are woven on the loom.
4
Sizing
Linen fits UK sizesācheck our guide for nonstandard beds.
5
Colour ID
ID threads help housekeepers identify items quickly.
6
1. Thread Count
Many people are deceived into thinking that a higher thread count always means better bed linen.
This is not always true, as different types of linen require different thread counts to achieve the desired quality.
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric.
As a general rule, a higher thread count results in a smoother fabric.
However, extremely high thread counts (like 800ā1000+) can be misleading and may use multi-ply, lower-quality threads.
Fabric type and weave (like percale or sateen) often have a greater impact on feel and comfort than thread count alone.
2. Weight
GSM refers to the weight and density of the fabric.
It is also an important indicator of fabric quality and durability.
The thickness of the thread is independent of the thread count.
Thinner threads weigh less, while thicker threads are heavier.
A very high thread count may use thinner threads, which can result in less durable fabric over time.
Higher GSM fabrics generally feel more substantial and luxurious.
Lower GSM fabrics may feel lighter and cooler but could wear out faster with regular use.
3. Fabric Composition
Fabric composition affects the feel, durability, weight, and luxury of bed linen.
Pure Cotton 100% cotton is breathable, cool, and very comfortable. Sateen weave with long-staple cotton creates a soft, strong, and long-lasting fabric.
Cotton Rich A polycotton blend combining durable polyester with soft cotton. Offers good comfort at a competitive price.
Plain Weave A basic over-under crisscross pattern. Itās lightweight, soft, and breathableāperfect for everyday comfort.
Percale A tighter weave than plain weave, offering a smooth, crisp feel. Usually made with high-quality combed cotton and 180+ thread count.
Sateen Woven differently for a silky, lustrous finish. It has a higher thread count and feels soft, smooth, and luxuriousāgreat for a hotel-like sleep.
Dobby A decorative weave featuring small, repeated geometric patterns. Common in stripe, microstripe, and check designs for a refined look.
5. Sizingā
Fabric Composition Matters
Affects handle (feel), durability, and weight
Impacts how luxurious the linen feels to guests
Bed Sizes: Standard vs Non-Standard
Most UK linen is made for standard UK bed sizes
Many hotels, especially chains, use non-standard bed and mattress sizes
Always check bed dimensions (width & length) before purchasing linen
Pro tip: Go up a size for a fuller, more luxurious bed appearance
6. Colour Identification
We use industry-standard colour identification threads to help housekeepers quickly identify linen items.
Duvet covers feature a coloured identification tab
Flat sheets feature a coloured selvedge
Industry Standard Colour ID Thread:
Single ā Blue
Double ā Red
Large Duvet Cover ā Peach
King ā Gold
Large King ā Grey
Super King ā Green
7. Duvet Covers
Bag Style Duvet Covers ā Hotel Industry Ki First Choice
Due to their overwhelming popularity with hoteliers, we only offer bag style duvet covers across all three product ranges. Theyāre the easiest and quickest to change, making them a favorite among housekeepers and hotel owners.
Why hoteliers love bag style duvet covers:
The open end can be tucked under the mattress for a plush, boxed-in look.
Prevents the duvet from slipping out during use.
The open design is a big plus for quick room turnovers.
Many styles include hand holes to make the changeover even faster.
Housekeepers can simply reach inside the cover to grab the duvet easily.
8. Pillow In a progrss
Bag Style Duvet Covers ā Hotel Industry Ki First Choice
Due to their overwhelming popularity with hoteliers, we only offer bag style duvet covers across all three product ranges. Theyāre the easiest and quickest to change, making them a favorite among housekeepers and hotel owners.
Why hoteliers love bag style duvet covers:
The open end can be tucked under the mattress for a plush, boxed-in look.
Prevents the duvet from slipping out during use.
The open design is a big plus for quick room turnovers.
Many styles include hand holes to make the changeover even faster.
Housekeepers can simply reach inside the cover to grab the duvet easily.