Searching for the perfect sheets? We can help! At Cozytown Linens, we know that buying new bed sheets is a significant investment, and you don’t want to waste your money on sheets you don’t absolutely love. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide for buying new bed sheets. Here’s how to find the perfect sheets for you.

Measure Your Mattress

We cannot stress enough how important it is to measure your mattress in order to get a perfect fit. It’s common for mattresses to be undercut. So purchasing bed sheets based on sizes like full, queen, or king may not give you an accurate fit. Instead, you should take a few crucial measurements. 

First, measure the length and width of your mattress. If it matches a standard size, you can purchase based on that. However, if it doesn’t, you’ll need to purchase custom sheets for a perfect fit. Fortunately, if you purchase from Cozytown Linens, that won’t cost you any extra. 

Next, measure the depth, or thickness, of your mattress. The depth of the mattress plays an important role in determining the pocket size needed for the fitted sheet. The pocket size is the seam measurement on each corner of the fitted sheet. The length of the seam needs to be 2 to 3 inches deeper than your mattress depth, so that you have a couple of extra inches for tucking under.

Consider Different Types of Fabric

When buying new bed sheets, take time to consider different types of fabric. They’ll all influence your sleep experience. Think about whether you tend to be hot or cold when you sleep, how you like your sheets to feel, and how much care and maintenance you want to put into your sheets.

For instance, cotton is a great choice if you tend to be a hot sleeper, because it is breathable and wicks moisture away from the body. The only down side is that it wrinkles. A 50/50 blend sheet is an easy care, no iron option, but it’s not as soft as cotton and creates a hotter sleep environment. Satin sheets provide you with a silky elegance fit for a queen. Satin pillowcases are gentle on your hair and helps prevent tangling.

Buy Bed Sheets for Different Seasons

Changing things up is always fun, and sometimes it makes sense, too! Buying new bed sheets for different seasons is a great idea. It allows you to refresh the look of your bedroom and stay comfortable all year round.

For instance, many people adore the unparalleled coziness of flannel sheets in winter, or you may love the feeling of crisp, clean cotton percale sheets in the summer. Alternatively, you may like changing colors with the seasons. So think about what makes you feel best in each season.

Buy Bed Sheets that Match Your Style

You should love every aspect of your new bed sheets, including the way they look. Don’t ignore your personal style and preferences when buying new bed sheets. Fortunately, there are plenty of color choices and fabric types to choose from, so you’re sure to find an option you love.

At Cozytown Linens, we understand that process and offer free fabric swatches. That way, you can see and feel the fabric before making a purchase. Simply contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

Quality sheets are an investment, so it’s important to purchase the right sheets for your bed. The material you choose will affect how long your sheets last, how much they wrinkle, how they feel when you sleep on them, and how much they cost. With that in mind, let’s examine the pros and cons of two of the most popular materials on the market: microfiber vs cotton sheets.

Benefits of Microfiber Sheets

Microfiber is a blend of ultra-fine synthetic fibers that was first created in the 1950s and has since become widely used in a variety of products, from cleaning cloths to athletic clothing to bed sheets. The fibers are made from polyester, nylon, and cellulose and must be no larger than one denier thick. These thin fibers give microfiber sheets a soft, silky texture.

Microfiber sheets are also very durable due to the fibers being so closely woven together. And they generally come at a lower price point than cotton sheets, so they’re more affordable. Plus, microfiber is wrinkle-resistant and doesn’t stain easily, so microfiber sheets are often easier to maintain than cotton.

Drawbacks of Microfiber Sheets

Because microfiber sheets are made of synthetic fibers, you’ll need to be careful when laundering. Drying on a hot setting may damage the synthetic fibers, so it’s best to dry on a medium setting or line dry your sheets.

According to Hibermate, many bed linen fabrics have a tendency to pill, but microfiber sheets are less likely to pill due to the content of the fabric.

When it comes to your sleep experience, microfiber tends to be less breathable than cotton. And that means microfiber sheets are also hotter to sleep on. So if you tend to be a hot sleeper, microfiber sheets will likely create a very uncomfortable experience. Additionally, some people are sensitive to the synthetic fibers and chemicals in microfiber sheets. So contact dermatitis could be a concern.

Benefits of Cotton Sheets

Cotton is a safe, all natural material that has been used for thousands of years and it’s one of the best materials you can choose if you want bed sheets that keep you cool. Cotton bed sheets are soft, comfortable, and breathable. So in contrast to microfiber sheets, cotton bed sheets will help you stay cool and dry all night long.

At Cozytown Linens, we use premium Pima cotton because of its long strands, which can be woven many times. This creates soft, yet durable cotton bed sheets that will help you enjoy restful nights for years to come. And because cotton is a natural fiber, it’s much less likely than microfiber to cause allergies or skin irritation. 

Drawbacks of Cotton Sheets

The benefits of cotton bed sheets have helped them remain a popular choice for centuries, but they do have a few drawbacks. High-quality cotton sheets tend to be more expensive than microfiber, so they do require a greater investment. They are made from natural fibers, so they also tend to be less durable than microfiber or blended fabrics. 

Additionally, cotton bed sheets are prone to wrinkling. So you may need to iron them or try these helpful Bed Sheet Care Tips to minimize wrinkles. Alternatively, if the benefits of cotton bed sheets appeal to you, but you hate ironing, opt for a cotton/polyester blend instead. Our 50/50 Blend Sheet Sets offer the natural softness of cotton combined with the no-iron convenience of polyester.

Need a little more guidance in selecting the perfect bed sheets for you? We’re always happy to help! Contact us here, and we’ll reach out to you soon!

Life is hectic, and nothing beats crawling into a cozy, comfortable bed at the end of an exhausting day. Properly fitted bed sheets play a significant role in achieving that level of comfort.

A fitted sheet is a bed sheet that has elastic around the edges and is designed to fit snugly over your mattress. The elastic is typically hidden within a hem for a neat and tailored look. This elastic helps keep the sheet in place, preventing it from slipping off the mattress during the night. Fitted sheets are commonly used along with flat sheets and pillowcases to make up a complete bedding sheet set.

Choosing Between Low Profile and Deep Pocket Fitted Sheets

Before we begin ….

What is the pocket on a fitted sheet?

The pocket on a fitted sheet is the seam in each corner of the fitted sheet. For a proper fit, the pocket or seam measurement should be 2″ to 3″ deeper than your mattress. For example, if your mattress measures 12″ deep, the correct size fitted pocket for your mattress would be 14″ or 15″. Although some people prefer three inches for tucking under the mattress, two extra inches is sufficient for tucking under.

For a proper fit, the fitted sheet should be sized to your mattress dimensions (width, length, and depth) allowing two inches for tucking under the mattress.

Low Profile Fitted Sheets: Perfect Fit for Shallow Mattresses

Low-profile fitted sheets are designed for thinner, shallow-depth mattresses. Many of the fitted sheets sold in stores have very deep pockets and will state that they fit mattresses “Up to 15” deep” or “Up to 18” deep. These very deep pocket sheets can be used on a thin mattress, however, they will not fit properly. The excess material creates wrinkles in the sleep surface which are uncomfortable to sleep on. Even if you are one who tosses and turns during the night, a fitted sheet made specifically for low-profile mattresses will ensure that the fitted sheet stays snugly in place.

Deep Pocket Fitted Sheets

On the other end of the spectrum, deep pocket fitted sheets are used on mattresses with a greater depth or height. Deep pocket fitted sheets are especially needed for pillow top mattresses or when using a mattress topper. The added material easily wraps around the deep corners of the mattress with enough fabric to allow a couple of inches for tucking under the mattress.  Typically pocket depths of 15″ and upward are considered deep pocket fitted sheets.

So, the next time you’re shopping for bed linens, choose fitted sheets that properly fit your mattress so that you can transform your bed into a haven of luxury and comfort, ensuring the restful night’s sleep you deserve.

With busy lives and tired bodies, there’s no better way to end the day than to nestle into a clean, cozy, freshly made bed.

Cotton bed sheets, being soft and breathable, are the most preferred bed sheets of all time. The only down side to cotton sheets is that they tend to wrinkle. Shy of ironing, here are some tips on how to minimize wrinkling.

Washing Tips

• Wash sheets separately with no other laundry. Untangle before placing them in the washer.

• If your washer has different spin speed settings, choose the low spin speed cycle. With a lower spin speed, the wrinkles are not pressed in quite so hard and are easier to come out in the dryer.

• Wash in cool to warm water and dry on a medium temperature. Never dry bed sheets with hot heat, as it will cause more wrinkling.

• Remove promptly from the dryer and either place on your bed or neatly fold the sheets until you are ready to use them.

• Drying bed sheets on a clothes line is a great way to not only save money, but it helps diminish wrinkling as they hang and leaves sheets smelling fresh.

• Launder your bed sheets weekly. Not only are fresh, clean sheets more inviting, but the more cotton sheets are washed, the softer they become. When new, the fibers are a bit stiff, however, with regular washing the fibers become more relaxed, resulting in a softer sheet that is less prone to wrinkling.

How to Make Bed Sheets Last Longer

• Do not use bleach when washing bed sheets. Even though you may be tempted to brighten up your white linens with bleach, regular washing with bleach will actually break down the fibers.

• Do not use fabric softener. Fabric softener, like bleach, will also break down the fibers over time.

• Although we may not want to admit it, we all can have rough feet from time to time.  Dry, rough skin acts like sandpaper, and as it rubs against the fabric it cuts the fibers, causing pilling and overall wear and tear. To help avoid this problem, try to keep your feet and elbows soft and moisturized.  

With proper care, you can extend the life of your sheets for long lasting comfort.

It can feel impossible to keep your child’s room stylish and clean. Between changing tastes and giant, creative play messes it is hard to make a space that works for you and your child. Here are a few easy decorating tips that are inexpensive and will help your child’s room feel personalized, homey and functional.

1. Metal Letters

Spell out your child’s name along a wall with inexpensive letters found at a hardware store. Hang the letters with ribbon. Old ribbon scraps you have laying around will work great and won’t cost you anything.

2. Wall Decals

Wall decals are a simple way to add a personalized touch to a room without changing the paint or wallpaper. Vinyl decals are easy to place and come off the wall without damaging paint. They are an easy way to cater to a child’s quickly changing tastes.

3. Geometric Painting

Canvases and acrylic paint are cheap to buy at a craft store. If you don’t have strong artistic skills, HGTV notes that geometric shapes are easy and quick to paint. You can even find forms to trace. Your kids may want to do this themselves!

4. Bulletin Boards

Bulletin boards add personality to the room, let kids express themselves and remind them of special times with friends and family. Let your child pick out his or her favorite pictures, mementos from special events, and art work to display on the board. Kids will enjoy big colorful pushpins to pin up their special treasures.

5. Chalkboard Paint

Are you tired of scrubbing crayon off the wall? Encourage your child’s creative side without all of the work. RealSimple recommends painting a designated space or even a whole wall with chalkboard paint so they can have a canvas as big as their imagination.

6. Cloth Storage Bins

Make picking up simple by placing several large cloth storage bins around the room. You can set them on bookshelves, in the closet or right on the floor. They come in all kinds of cute designs. Your kids will be encouraged to pick up when it is quick, easy and they know where everything goes. Open bins are a lot simpler than plastic containers with lids.

These six simple and inexpensive ideas will help create a space both you and your kids will enjoy. What are your favorite kid’s room decorating ideas? How do you let your kid’s personalize their space?

Image: “chalkboard paint!” by amy gizienski

It’s easy to add new style to your bedroom by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Here are few helpful tips to help make your project fun and rewarding.

Prepare

Prep work is the key to a fantastic looking paint job. While it may not be the most fun part, you certainly don’t want to cut corners. To make your room look the best prepare it carefully. First you must choose a color.

A few helpful tools will get the job done quickly.

Bring home samples and paint some swatches on the wall. You want to be fully satisfied with the color before you invest in the paint and sometimes it will look different at home than it did at the store.

Repair and Clean

Next, repair any cracks or holes in the wall. Fill them with spackle, then once it is dry sand it down with a fine sandpaper until it is nice and smooth. Then, RealSimple suggests wiping down the walls with mildly soapy water to remove any dust, dirt and oils.

Use Primer

If the walls were already a dark color you will want to use primer before you paint. Primer will help the paint look nice and even. Making it Lovely points out that primer will also help if you want to use a latex paint on top of an oil based paint.

Start With The Edges

When you are ready, you can use blue painters tape to protect any trim and windows. It can be faster to skip the tape and simply paint with a steady hand and a good angled brush. It is not too hard to get good clean lines without tape. Any mistakes can be removed quickly with a wet paper towel kept close at hand.

Always start with the edges and work your way in. Once you have the perimeter of the walls painted a few inches in, use a roller to fill in the big spaces. If you need to take a break, but aren’t ready to wash your roller or brushes, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag. This will keep the paint from drying out and ruining your brushes and rollers.

Clean Up

When you are finished you can clean latex paint out of brushes with water and a little mild dish soap. To clean oil based paints you will need to use mineral spirits. Addicted 2 Decorating provides detailed instructions for cleaning up oil based paint, if it something you’ve never done before.

Your Colors

Painting a small bedroom can be a quick project that will bring some new life into your home. Within a weekend you can have a fun new style.

What new colors would you like to try in your bedroom?

Image:Tools for the Trade by Keith Williamson

Transitional objects help children cope with stressful situations

Comfort objects such as blankets or stuffed animals are very common among babies and toddlers. Many parents wonder if it is ok to encourage the use of these comfort objects. Professionals that work with children ensure parents that there are many advantages to using comfort objects, also called transitional objects, and very few negative impacts.

Coping Without Parents Nearby

According tohealthychildren.org babies tend to form an attachment to an object between 8 and 12 months. This is when they become aware that they are a separate person from their parents. A transitional object helps them cope when babies begin to realize their parents are not always immediately present.

Choosing the Object

As you see your child begin to favor a toy or blanket you may want to encourage this attachment. Keep the blanket near you when you are feeding or rocking your baby. Before a baby is 12 months old it is recommended to remove the object from a baby’s crib while they are sleeping to prevent any risk of suffocation.

Steering your child’s attachment to a specific item may make things easier for you too. You can help them become attached to a small blanket or small plush toy, rather than something large or difficult to transport and clean. Introducing an exact double right away can help in situations when the object is being cleaned or is lost. Sometimes children will reject the object if it feels too new or different from their old one even if it looks exactly the same.

Setting Parameters

What to Expectsuggests that setting parameters right away will also make things easier for parents. You may want to only allow the object at night and nap times or when parents are away. You may also want to consider only bringing the object out of the home when the child will be in a stressful situation such as going to the doctor or traveling away from home. It can be stressful for parents if the object must go everywhere!

Emotional Development

While some parents may view a transitional object as a sign of weaknessDr. Sears reminds parents that transitional objects actually help children become more independent. They also promote emotional health by encouraging your child to develop deep bonds which will be desirable throughout their life.

A child may start to mature out of their objects between the ages of 2 and 5, but there is no need to rush the process. They will give it up when the time is right for them or the object simply disintegrates from wear.

Ultimately a comfort object will help your child go to sleep easier, feel more confident, and make important emotional connections. What comfort objects are your kids attached to?

Image: “Me and my blankie” by photosavvy

Is your teenager ready to graduate into a more grown up room? Redecorating can be a fun time of bonding for you and your teen. Just be sure to listen to their ideas and allow them some space to create, even if it isn’t exactly your taste. If you are ready to help your teenager decorate their room, here are 5 things to make sure you include.

Help your teenager create their dream room!

Bookshelf

The best way to encourage teenagers to read is to make books accessible. Having a place to keep their favorites right in their room will make it easy to grab a book, relax and read. Over time having a bookshelf in their room rather than a TV will help develop healthier life long habits.

Desk

Teenagers have plenty of homework to do, but they also need space to be creative. A desk in their room will provide quiet and private space where your teenager do homework, journal, or do art. If you choose to let your teenager have a computer in their room, make sure you know how they are spending their time on it.

Their Own Touch

Decorating the room is a perfect way to give teenagers some independence and ownership. Give your teenager a budget and let them choose paint colors, bedding and other decor. If your teenager is into art, have some of their own work framed to hang in their room. Allowing your teenager to have some say in their room decor may help them take ownership and even keep their room clean.

Storage

Teenagers can accumulate plenty of clothes, awards, pictures and other items they may want to display or stash away. Under the bed boxes, shelves, drawers and other ways to store items will help keep their room from getting cluttered.

Cool Lighting

An easy to reach bedside lamp will also encourage reading and is convenient to have. Adding a fun light fixture can be an inexpensive way to add personality to the room. Even a string of christmas lights can add character and make the room warm and inviting.

A room redo is the perfect time to let your child’s creative abilities shine. Help them create a space they love. Not only is redecorating a room fun, but a good opportunity to let your teenager exercise their decision making skills. What do you think a teenager’s room absolutely needs?

Image: “Turquoise Bedroom” by PoshSurfside.com

Are you looking for the perfect hot weather sheets to keep you comfortable during summer nights? There are three reasons you should consider using bamboo sheets instead of traditional cotton blends.

Bamboo is also a sustainable material.

1) Wicking

Bamboo fibers have natural properties that wick moisture away from your body. Bamboo sheets will help you feel dry when you sweat during the night. Wicking also reduces the humidity around your body. Water in the air conducts hot or cold quickly so that it is difficult to regulate your body temperature. By reducing the moisture in the air around your body you can stay cooler on a warm night. Moisture wicking also eliminates the discomfort of feeling damp.

2) Anti-Microbial

Bamboo fibers have natural bacteria fighting properties. Bacteria and germs just can’t hang around in these sheets.According to eHow, in 2003 the China Industrial Testing Center did a study that placed bacteria on bamboo sheets. In 24 hours the sheets were 99% bacteria free. This special quality means you don’t have to wash bamboo sheets as often as cotton sheets and you don’t have to use really hot water to get rid of any bacteria. This reduces the amount of wear and tear on the sheets so you can keep them longer.

3) Insulating

Bamboo sheets are great insulators. Hot or cold temperatures outside of the bed will move slowly between the fibers towards your body. With materials that are good insulators your body temperature is preserved so you can stay warm on a cold night and cool on a hot night.

In addition to these three very practical reasons for using bamboo in the summer, bamboo fabric is also very soft and smooth. Everyone wants soft and comfortable sheets for a good night’s rest no matter what the temperature.

Finding the right sheets so that you can sleep well can make a big difference in your overall health and well being. Sleeping well will reduce stress and improve productivity. Don’t let a hot summer leave you feeling worn out and stressed. Use bamboo sheets to feel comfortable even when temperatures soar. How do you keep your bedroom cool in the summer?

Image: “Bamboo Shining” by TheBusyBrain

There are so many exciting plans and preparations when welcoming a new baby into a home. One of the most fun projects can be decorating a nursery. With so many options available it can also be overwhelming. Here are a few tips and ideas to create a fun nursery you and your baby will love.

Style and Colors

As you start out, you should choose a style you enjoy and that is comfortable for you. Your baby probably won’t have an opinion about the decor for a few more years. Choose colors and patterns that you like. Many colors beyond the traditional pastel pinks and blues are popular right now. Try combinations like grey and orange, neutral browns and greens, and bright orange and turquoise.

Lighting

Plan several options for lighting. There will be times you want the nursery to be bright and to encourage play. Other times you will want the nursery dim and quiet. Be sure to find soft lamps to accompany any overhead lighting.

Framed Art

Babies love to look at pictures; faces, bold shapes and patterns in contrasting colors are particularly stimulating. You can easily cut pictures out of old story books, use patterned scrapbook paper, or blow up pictures of family and frame them to hang on the nursery wall. Bulletin boards are also fun to hang up pictures of friends, family, special places, and cards.

Decals

Wall decals are particularly popular right now. They are an easy way to add a personal touch to a wall. They are also removable once your child becomes old enough to want something different.

Mobiles

Mobiles are also an attractive addition that can stimulate your baby in the crib or on the changing table. There are all kinds of do it yourself mobile ideas available, like using colorful pictures from magazines cut into shapes and strung on fishing line or colorful ribbon. BabyMobile.com offers some mobile safety tips to keep in mind as you craft your mobile.

Just Right for You

Ultimately, your baby’s nursery should be just right for you and your family. Make sure you have everything you need easily accessible, from diapers to bedtime stories. Invest in comfortable and safe furniture and decorations. Sleepless nights might be more bearable when you are cuddling your baby in a room you love.

Photo “Baby’s Nursery” courtesy of Caleb Zahnd