Bedsheets - high thread count

LondonDiva

I posted this on the wanna board, but no luck, so I'm hoping things pick up on this thread:)

A friend is having a big birthday ending with a 0 soon, and after much arm twisting has finally admitted that something she's always wanted, but never got round to buying/could never justify are very high thread count sheets.

As I think big birthdays are few & far between, I'd like to get a sheet & a couple of pillowcases for her.

My starting point is home and first call for all things domestic, John Lewis M&S and I've seen this:
http://www.johnlewis.com/Home+and+Ga...3/Product.aspx

Which is "Pure white sheets made from 100% fine Egyptian cotton percale for the ultimate in luxury and comfort. The closely woven percale fabric – with 200 threads per square inch – gives a finer, softer feel and the easy-care finish minimises ironing. Pillowcases sold separately."

The double fitted sheet is £24, oxford pillowcases are £11 ea & square are £15 ea

At M&S:
http://www.marksandspencer.com/IWCat...uct_Id=1282457

Woven satin stripe, Percale weave, 280 thread count, 100% cotton, Machine washable, Tumble dry
The double fitted sheet is £29, oxford pillowcases are £15 ea

As a buyer of quality bedlinen novice, question is:

*are these high thread count? is 200 / 280 too low or about right, what would you look for?
*What pillowcases would you go for - Oxford or Square?
*Is there another reliable site/shop you'd recommend?
*Is just under £50 for sheet & two covers reasonable? :confiused:

I would be very grateful if anyone has any tips or ideas.

thanks

Diva

jaymac_2

Take a look in TK Maxx, I got a 600 thread count fitted double sheet with pillowcases for £17.99...it's fantastic! 180/200 seems about the lowest count( threads per inch I think) Also look at Dunelm Mill which has a web site now.

Milky_Mocha

I've noticed that some bedsheets after a few washes end up with little knots in the threading that make the sheets fairly rough to sleep on. Is this a symptom of low thread count??

Apparently Harrods have some very good quality bedding but they are only worth buying during their sale.

LondonDiva

jaymac wrote:

Take a look in TK Maxx, I got a 600 thread count fitted double sheet with pillowcases for £17.99...it's fantastic! 180/200 seems about the lowest count( threads per inch I think) Also look at Dunelm Mill which has a web site now.

Thanks for this, it didn't occurr to me to look beyond their shoes

There's a TK Maxx close by to me (well 20 mins away!) and I'll pop in and have a look.

Who are Dunelm Mill? have never heard of them, have you used them before?

thanks

LondonDiva

Milky_Mocha wrote:

I've noticed that some bedsheets after a few washes end up with little knots in the threading that make the sheets fairly rough to sleep on. Is this a symptom of low thread count??

Apparently Harrods have some very good quality bedding but they are only worth buying during their sale.

I hate the bobble, it's dreadful and I end up chucking sheets out anyway - so if the costs end up reasonable, I may invest in some fancy sheets myself as a christmas present

:think: not sure that I'm up to Harrod's financially, but will have a look there and a Selfridge's in case ... they do somethimes do the cunning little bargain.

myrnahaz

Try to choose a make that's been recommended by someone who's washed the sheets a few times - or stick to un-fitted sheets. I bought three king sized fitted sheets from Asda's Extra Special range (they were reduced to half price), and was so pleased that I told everyone how gorgeous they were, really soft and expensive to touch - BUT, that was until I washed them - they all shrunk, but I didn't know until after I'd washed the third one and put the first one back on the bed and found it wouldn't stay in place. I think it'll only fit a double bed now, and I didn't keep the receipt AND there's no label on them that mentions Asda, so I can't even take them back without a receipt. I washed them at 40 degrees (albeit with a biological powder), so they should have been ok.

myrnahaz

PS - they didn't bobble.

Godiva500

Hi
You could also look for Northern Nights bedding at 300+ thread count - its lovely stuff. Mainly sold on QVC, but can get some real bargains on ebay.

Regards

Vicki

babybimbles

I bought some Sheridan bedding (Australian make) sold in Debenhams, House of Frazer etc. when I got married 7 years ago. I still use the bedding, the fitted sheet feels very silky and soft, it doesnt come cheap but I waited for it to go down 70%. Not sure if it is still same quality, maybe someone else can say?

jaymac_2

LondonDiva wrote:

Who are Dunelm Mill? have never heard of them, have you used them before?

thanks

http://www.dunelm-mill.com/DunElmSite/pages/home/default.asp
Dunelm Mill is a fantastic place to get towels, bedding, curtains, fabrics etc. especially in their sale - on now. Check out the site but it doesn't stock everything. I got a fabulous memory foam mattress topper last week and I get all my towels and bedding there.

KMK

Another good source of cotton bedding is https://www.thelinenchest and https://www.kingofcottton.com. If you quote the Good Housekeeping magazine, you will get 15% off the latter until Aug 31st.