There are many factors that contribute to a good night’s sleep. The room should be dark and quiet, the mattress firm but comfortable. However, the biggest factor might be the sheets and blankets on the bed. If the bedding is not comfortable, there is very little chance that you will sleep well.

When choosing bedding, remember to consider the following:

o Number of threads. Most people have heard of thread counting, but many don’t fully understand what it means. Thread count per inch (TPI) is a measure of the number of yards woven in a square of fabric. It is also a way to measure how soft and durable a sheet set is. The higher the thread count (look for a TPI greater than 250), the better the sheets will be. That said, even the highest thread count cannot save blades that are made from poor quality materials. This brings us to our next point…

or material. As we just mentioned, the quality of a sheet set is determined not only by the thread count, but also by the yardage (material) they are made from. Most people are looking for fine cotton. The best cotton comes from Egypt. Others prefer sheets made of flannel or a combination of flannel and cotton. If you’re looking for high-end sheets, consider a set that’s made of satin or silk.

or Design. When shopping for bedding, be sure to keep the overall look of the bedroom in mind. You’ll want to buy sheets that are in a color or design that matches the rest of the decor in the room. Alternatively, you can buy the sheets first and then match them with the rest of the room. It’s usually a smart plan to choose bedding that matches the color of the paint on the walls, although it’s safe to select bedding that has a deeper hue.

o Mattress size. This should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway. Make sure you get the correct size sheets for your mattress. Remember that custom-made mattresses (such as those with pillow tops) are larger than conventional mattresses, so larger sheets may be needed. It’s a good idea to measure beforehand, so you don’t come home to find your sheets are too small to fit.