After a long week, there's nothing like escaping to a cozy hotel room with its crisp sheets and inviting atmosphere. But you don't have to jump on a plane to enjoy that feeling. You can recreate your favorite hotel room at home, starting with the bed. What sheets do hotels use, and how can you get some for your bedroom? In this article, we'll explore the answers to these questions and share how upgrading your sheets can transform your sleep experience. So, How to Make Your Bed More Comfortable?
Yumerest's cloud-like fluffy duvets are valuable for creating a relaxing bedroom retreat with luxurious bedding. Their cloud-like softness makes you feel like you're sleeping on a fluffy white cloud.
What Kind of Sheets Do Hotels Use?
It’s hard to find a more luxurious and decadent experience than snuggling up beneath the sheets of an elegant hotel bed. A first-class hotel bed is a place of pure extravagance, where you inevitably enjoy the best night’s sleep you’ve had in a long time. The restorative feeling of sleeping in a five-star hotel is something that we all strive to recreate in our bedrooms at home.
But why are hotel beds so luxurious? What bed sheets do hotels use? They’re just beds, after all. Why can’t we always experience the wonders of a hotel bed in our home? Buying the same bed sheets as five-star luxury hotels is possible. You just need to know what you’re looking for.
Why Luxury Hotels Invest in High-Quality Bed Linen That Lasts
Although we will further break down the elements of choosing the best bed linen in this article, luxury hotels ultimately use the best quality bed sheets they can find. Hotel bed sheets are washed often.
They must be of the finest quality, crafted from natural materials that only get softer with every wash. Many of us judge a hotel by its bed sheets, so it is more than worth investing in beautifully crafted linens that will stand the test of time. You will never find synthetic materials on a bed in a luxury hotel. Instead, you will find the highest quality cotton or sometimes linen sheets.
The Superiority of Natural Materials in Luxury Hotel Bedding
Natural materials will always be softer and more pleasant to the touch than synthetic materials:
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They wash better
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Last longer
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Guarantee a superior night’s sleep
They are also a much more sustainable option for hotels that advertise their sustainable ethos, and from the point of view, they last much longer than synthetic sheets.
Cotton is also used in hypoallergenic sheets, so hotel guests aren’t at risk of allergic reactions or irritated skin. The material is machine-washable because hotel staff can’t dry-clean or hand-wash hundreds of sheets daily. Along with choosing hotel-quality sheets, consider changing your bedroom’s color palette and upgrading your mattress to make your room similar to a hotel.
Types of Hotel Sheets
Some types of sheets are more suited to luxurious, relaxing feels than others. Some of the most common materials in hotel sheets include high-quality cotton and linen.
Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton sheets are highly popular because they’re luxurious, soft, lightweight, and have great airflow. This cotton originated in Egypt and is hand-picked to prevent breaking the fibers, resulting in a highly durable, extra-long-staple yarn for bed sheets.
Supima Cotton
Supima cotton is extra-long-staple cotton exclusively made in the USA. It’s popular in hotels since it’s smooth, long-lasting, and holds color very well compared to other fabrics. Since Supima has extra-long staples, the material is lightweight and delicate yet incredibly durable.
Cotton Sateen
Cotton sateen is a specific thread pattern of cotton, with a one-up, four-over weave. Hotels don’t use silk or satin since they’re very delicate, expensive, and can trigger allergies. Still, the sateen weave is a good alternative since it’s silky smooth, has a shiny sheen, and is excellent for hypoallergenic sheets. Also, sateen sheets are easy to care for, being machine-washable and wrinkle-resistant.
Cotton Percale
Cotton percale is an over-and-under weave type, resulting in a tight, flat weave with a matte finish. The percale weave is crisp and durable, similar to a dress shirt, but softens with every wash. Cotton percale sheets are very light and airy compared to cotton sateen, though both function similarly.
Linen
Linen is the only non-cotton type of sheet that hotels commonly use. It comes from the flax plant and is eco-friendly because it requires little water and energy.
Still, linen can be expensive to harvest and produce. However, hotels use linen since it’s low-maintenance, hypoallergenic, and soft to the touch. Linen is also breathable and moisture-wicking, so the sheets won’t become discolored over time.
Hotel Sheet Thread Count
Thread count is the number of threads used per square inch of fabric. It’s only relevant to cotton fabrics, and since hotel sheets are mainly cotton, it’s good to look for the correct thread count. High thread count is better, but only to an extent.
A 300- to 500 thread count is ideal for soft, durable, and breathable bed sheets. Lower thread counts feel rougher and can wear down quickly. You can technically find thread counts higher than this (upwards of 1000), but it’s a marketing gimmick and doesn’t add any additional softness or durability.
Why Staple Length Matters More Than Thread Count in Luxury Sheets
It’s impossible to squeeze 1000 high-quality threads into one square inch, so companies layer thin, weak threads together to boost the thread count as much as possible. While the thread count is technically higher, the threads used are low-quality and ultimately a waste of money.
A good way to determine if sheets contain low-quality threads is if the thread count is super high, but the sheets are inexpensive, costing $50 or less.
Staple Length: The Key to Softer, Longer-Lasting Cotton Sheets
The staple length of cotton sheets plays a larger role in the sheet quality and feel rather than the thread count. The staple length is the length of the fibers used in the threads. Long-staple and extra-long staple fibers are soft and supple, while short-staple fibers are rough and crisp. The best hotels use long-staple sheets since they’re long-lasting and plush.
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Top Features to Look for in Hotel-Quality Bed Sheets
When selecting sheets to replicate the luxury hotel experience, focus on fiber content. Cotton is by far the most popular material for sheets. It's soft, durable, and feels luxurious.
Long-staple cotton (like Egyptian or Pima) is considered higher quality because longer fibers make the fabric smoother and stronger. Polyester is more affordable, shrink-resistant, and wrinkle-resistant than cotton, but synthetic fabrics may not feel as luxurious as natural fibers.
A Guide to Rayon, Linen, and Silk: Exploring Alternative Sheet Fabrics
Rayon, viscose, and lyocell are called “regenerated cellulose” fibers because the raw material is a plant that is chemically processed into a fiber. These stand out for feeling incredibly soft; they're usually softer than cotton but are typically thinner and less substantial.
Linen is breathable and airy, making it most popular during summer. Linen sheets also have a textured, relaxed look and feel. Silk is incredibly smooth and naturally temperature-regulating, but it's expensive and high maintenance for sheets, making it less ideal for most shoppers.
Construction: What’s Inside Really Matters
Pay attention to a sheet set’s construction. Percale is a basic weave that feels light and crisp. It’s ideal for hot sleepers because it’s more breathable than sateen. Sateen is a satin weave that feels silky smooth.
Thanks to its softness and comfort, testers in our evaluations usually prefer this fabric over percale. Microfiber is made of polyester fibers that feel buttery soft. It’s typically inexpensive but may feel a bit flimsy compared to others.
Flannel vs. Jersey Sheets: Cozy Comforts and Key Differences
Flannel is brushed fabric that feels warm and cozy. It’s typically cotton, but you can also find it with polyester. Jersey is a stretchy knit material that feels more like a T-shirt.
Usually made with cotton, these sheets are soft, though not typically as durable as percale or sateen, and they may be prone to pilling. Synthetic jersey sheets often have performance moisture-wicking features, but may feel more like activewear than bed sheets.
Consider Your Mattress Height Before Buying Sheets
If your mattress is taller than 14 inches or you use a mattress topper, consider opting for a deep-pocket fitted sheet to ensure it stays secure without slipping. You can also consider sheets with a thick elastic band or extra straps to help secure them on the mattress, which is especially useful if you sleep on an adjustable bed.
Maintenance: Caring for Your Sheets
If you want a hotel-like bed, it’s not only about the exact bed sheets you buy. It’s also about how you maintain them to improve their feel and quality. Most sheets are machine washable, but some require cold water or delicate cycles.
Your sheets will be cleanest if washed in warm or hot water, so if you're a sweaty sleeper or don't wash sheets regularly, it’s best to opt for ones that can withstand these settings.
Organic Certifications: Go for the Real Deal
Organic claims are commonly misused with bedding items. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the easiest way to check whether sheets are truly organic because it outlines strict standards throughout the entire production process, not just the growing of the cotton or other natural fiber. You can double-check whether a brand is certified through the GOTS public database.
Pocket Depth: Make Sure Your Sheets Are Deep Enough
Make sure the sheets you choose are the right size for your mattress, including the depth of the pockets. Hotel sheets are often designed to fit deep mattresses, so be sure to measure your mattress before making a purchase.
Color: Neutral Tones Create a Relaxing Atmosphere
Hotel sheets are often available in solid colors, creating a clean and classic look in your bedroom. Consider choosing a color that complements your existing decor or opt for a neutral shade that will work with any style.
Buyer Beware: What to Avoid When Shopping for Sheets
Sometimes promises from bedding brands seem too good to be true — and usually they are. Brands can get carried away with their marketing claims, which can mislead shoppers into buying sheets for the wrong reasons. Here are some common factors that are prone to suspicious claims and what you need to know about them to avoid getting duped.
Thread Count: Not as Important as You Think
With all of the new fabrications that have been developed over the years, thread count has become much less important, especially if the sheets are not 100% cotton. Though we often see top-performing cotton sheets in the 300–500 thread count range, it’s easy for brands to inflate the number. It’s better to look at the fiber content and construction to determine whether a set is right for you.
Bamboo, Eucalyptus, and Other Tree Fibers: Watch Out for False Claims
Our scientists advise that these so-called “plant” sheets are falsely labeled and are actually rayon. While bamboo sheets may sound natural and luxurious, they undergo an intensive chemical process that removes all traces of the original plant.
Lyocell often follows a more sustainable manufacturing process than other types of rayon, but after the chemical processing, there’s still no trace of bamboo, eucalyptus, or other plant fibers. This doesn’t mean the sheets are low quality; just be wary of any plant-content claims if that’s swaying your decision.
Self-Cleaning Fabrics: Antimicrobial Claims Can Be Misleading
Some sheets claim to be “antimicrobial” because they contain silver-infused fibers or other finishes. Other sheets justify this claim because they dry faster, meaning there's less opportunity for bacteria and organisms to grow. Some even say that they stay fresher longer and you can wash them less frequently.
Regardless of which claim you see, keep in mind that anything claiming to be antimicrobial is considered a pesticide and should be EPA-registered. We've also thoroughly reviewed data for several of these sheets and are not convinced that it means you can wash your sheets less frequently.
Eco-Friendly and Health-Related Claims: Check for Certifications
Brands sometimes claim their sheets are better for you and the environment. Be wary unless they’re certified organic from a trusted source, like GOTS.
Most sheets these days are certified to the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, which means that a finished fabric has been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels of known harmful chemicals, but it does not mean a fabric is organic or free of chemicals. This standard allows for low levels of chemicals in the finished fabric, and it doesn’t mean that no toxic chemicals are used in the manufacturing process.
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- Top Luxury Bedding Brands
Tips to Make Your Bedroom Feel Like a Luxury Hotel
You don’t need to go on a vacation to sleep in luxury. Beyond getting a new sheet set, making simple changes to your bedroom can upgrade it from a modest bedroom to a sleep oasis. Hotel rooms are full of down, down alternatives, and feathers, since down feels like sleeping on a cloud, so keep this in mind when making changes to your bedroom.
Create a Calming Color Palette for Your Bedroom
Your bedroom should be a serene space that promotes relaxation and restful sleep. To achieve this calming atmosphere, stick to a neutral color palette when designing the room. Hotels are known for their minimalistic decor and use of neutral tones like:
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Beige
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Gray
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White
These inviting colors promote a tranquil vibe, especially for a bedroom where you should feel at ease. While you can certainly add pops of color to your room, avoid anything too bright or bold. Instead, opt for cool tones like light blues, greens, and purples that will complement your neutral color scheme.
Choose Crisp, White Bedding
The bedding is crucial to achieving that hotel-like feel at home. Notice how most hotel bedding is white? This was done intentionally. When you view the color white, your mind subconsciously associates it with cleanliness and freshness.
This subconscious association plays a role in why you view the best luxury hotel bedding sets as clean and fresh. You can come home daily to a clean and fresh bed using white bed sheets and bedding products. Remember this simple tip when buying bed sheets to help you achieve a hotel feel bedroom design at home!
Replace Old Bedding
To create a comfortable bed, you should replace your sheets every 2-3 years and pillows every 12 to 36 months to ensure prime quality. By replacing your pillows in shorter intervals, such as every 12 months, you would be guaranteed to be free of lumpy pillows. You can also fluff your pillows to increase their volume further.
Simply lift the pillow up and quickly compress and decompress it. By making your pillows fluffy, you can recreate hotel pillows' soft and plush experience.
Invest in a Quality Mattress
The best mattress is one of the most critical factors for a comfortable, hotel-like experience at home. Hotels often use memory foam and hybrid mattresses for their durability and pressure-relieving capabilities.
Many hotels also opt for innerspring mattresses with a pillow top since they’re durable and provide great pressure relief for sleepers. Hotel mattresses are usually soft or medium in firmness. However, you should choose the correct firmness for your sleeping position for optimal comfort and healthy spinal support:
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Back sleepers: Medium to medium-firm
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Side sleepers: Medium to soft
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Stomach sleepers: Medium-firm to firm
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Combo sleepers: Medium to medium-firm
Add a Feather Mattress Topper
If your mattress isn’t old enough to replace or getting a new one is out of budget, consider getting a feather mattress topper. They’re less expensive than a new mattress but still upgrade your current one.
While feather mattress toppers aren’t very supportive, all-foam mattress toppers are. Yet their supportive feel doesn’t necessarily mean they’re firm, as they can be quite plush and provide a “cloud-like” feel similar to a hotel mattress.
Place Extra Pillows to Your Bed
Hotels always have lots of pillows on their beds. There are usually four standard rectangle pillows and several decorative pillows, though there are many ways to arrange pillows.
The extra pillows look nice, giving sleepers the option to use a second pillow under their legs or between their knees for added comfort. Hotels commonly use feather and down pillows since they’re lightweight and durable. Other high-quality pillow fills include memory foam and latex.
Use Scents to Your Advantage
Our previous tips mainly covered how to make your room feel like a hotel in terms of:
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Aesthetics
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Texture
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Quality
To fully immerse yourself and encapsulate the ambience of a hotel-style bedroom, you need to be aware of your senses. One of the most overlooked senses is your sense of smell.
Lavender, sandalwood, vanilla, and cedar are common scents used in hotels. By using similar scents in your room, you can elevate your sleep experience. Some ways to incorporate scents into your room include a scented candle, room sprays, and essential oil diffusers. Using a pillow sleep spray can also give your room a relaxing vibe while allowing you to drift off into deeper sleep and sweet dreams.
Wash Your Sheets the Hotel Way
Most people overlook the importance of how sheets are washed. Buying the right sheets is only the first step. However, if you want your bed sheets to feel like luxury sheets over the long run, you have to wash them the same way hotels do.
They use a combination of laundry detergent, baking soda, and cold water to remove stains. Hotels would then wash the sheets with laundry detergent, better if they can find eco-friendly options that are tough on dirt but gentle on the skin, followed by fabric softener and bleach.
Use a Down Comforter or Duvet
Skip bed-in-a-bag blankets since they’re usually made from synthetic materials and aren’t high-quality. Instead, opt for down, a fluffy and luxurious blanket fill made from goose feathers. Down can be expensive, but it’s worth it for its softness and insulation, and many hotels use down in their duvets or comforters. It’s an excellent material for hypoallergenic duvets, unless you have a feather allergy.
Then we suggest looking for a high-quality down alternative duvet. Once the duvet is picked out, look for a cover to slip over it. Consider also a rich coverlet, perhaps with a matelasse weave. If you want to complete the classic look of the bed, you can complement the duvet or comforter with a bed skirt.
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Where Heritage Meets Innovation for Ultimate Sleep
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Get deep sleep every night with our cloud-like fluffy duvets.
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