Archive for the 'linens' Category

September
10th 2007
Thread Count – What does it mean to your linen?

Posted under allergies & bed bugs & bedroom decor & camping beds & children's beds & guest beds & linens & pillow & spare beds

We have all heard of thread count and seen those mysterious numbers labeling the linen on our store shelves, but what do those numbers mean?

Basically, thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads in one square inch of fabric. Thread counts range from 80 to 700, but most linen is sold in counts from 180 to 320. But what does this mean to you?

In many circles, higher thread counts are supposed to increase the “softness” quality of linen, but contrary to popular belief, they don’t necessarily extend the wear-life of your sheets.

Thread counts are not the be-all and end-all of the linen world however. Many industry professionals believe it is the fiber used and the final finish surface of the linen that contribute to its comfortability and wear life.

It should be noted that thread counts above 380 are a result of an industry dirty secret. Manufacturers will actually twist two threads together in a manner that doubles the thread count.

Also consider the fabric as you choose your thread count. For instance, linen (made from the flax plant), flannel (originally made from carded wool, but now made from wool and cotton, 100% cotton or wool and a synthetic fiber) and jersey (the same fabric used to make t-shirts) all have lower thread counts. If they had higher thread counts, they would lose their uniquely soft qualities.

What fabric do you pick? Well, sheet sets can be made of a long list of fibers, so I’ll list a few of the naturally occurring ones:

Silk – expensive for obvious reasons. Silk sheets require special attention, but promise a luxurious rest. That said, there are people who dislike silk because it feels like sleeping on teflon.

Cotton – expense depends on thread count and designer. 100% cotton is a popular choice as it provides comfort and durability for a reasonable price. Cotton/synthetic blends tend to breath less and, depending on the person, can result in uncomfortably clammy sleepless nights.

Hemp – moderately expensive. Hemp is a sturdy fiber and can have a cotton-like feel. Hemp’s advantages are that it is stronger than cotton and is chemical-free.

Do your research and with the help of qualified professionals, you will obtain a bedding set that is beautiful, durable and soft without sacrificing your ethics.

While online, you may want to visit www.designerlinensoutlet.com. They are one of the largest online linen suppliers in North America. But don’t let their size scare you, they have a staff ready to answer your purchase questions, a satisfaction guarantee and an easily accessible customer service department.

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September
7th 2007
Sleeping in Style: how bedroom aesthetics can help you rest easy

Posted under bed frames & bedroom decor & linens

Now that you’ve found the perfect mattress, it’s time to explore the intangible quality that makes your bedtime sojourn a treat – style.

Visual appeal adds to the pleasure of nodding off, so what is it that pleases you? Dutch Modern, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Post Modern or Rustic bedding?

Examination of what your bedroom already offers as an artistic base and a little research of what’s available will give you a style to start from. Once you’ve established your nocturnal theme, it’s time to shop around. Many designer linens can be found online. If price is a consideration, which it usually is, you may want to explore discount designer linen outlets for products within your budget – many offer free delivery, which makes shopping easy.

Once you’ve satisfied your bedding needs, you may find that your sleeping space needs some adjustment. Moving around your furniture and/or adding appropriate bedroom decor does wonders for improving your slumber. Feng Shui is a term that has been used and abused to describe the arrangement of objects to optimize energy flow. Now this may seem a little metaphysical to be practical, but trust me, when you are laying awake for the fifth night in a row for no other reason that you can’t seem to shut off, Feng Shui may be your hidden answer.

Now, Feng Shui is a method that can be applied to most style choices, so have no fear that it may damage your creative vision, unless you are a clutter addict who loves the feeling of being spatially trapped.

Sleep is important and the quality of it is dependant on your ability to relax. If you manage to create a pleasant world of dreams, your daytime endeavors will benefit from a clear mind and rested body.

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September
6th 2007
Product Review: PoshTots childrens products

Posted under children's beds & linens & mattresses


About the company: Your child’s room is the place where they will grow and learn, so why shouldn’t they get the very best? At PoshTots.com, you can find all of the things you will need to create a space for your child to call their own. From cribs to bunk beds, diaper bags to playhouses, Posh Tots is a one-stop resource for parents who want to provide all the essentials—and more—to their growing and ever-changing children to ensure a world that will inspire and enrich.

The big pitch: Your Children Deserve the Very Best. PoshTots provides parents with items for their children, including furniture, bedding, home décor items, diaper bags, gifts, toys, lighting, rugs, playhouses, apparel and strollers. On their easy-to-use website, you can search through these categories to find the perfect items for any child’s room. You won’t find discount items here, but you’re paying for luxury and that’s what you get.

For the busy yet loving parents, PoshTots not only provides everything you need for your child’s room, but also provides a database of ready-made rooms. PoshTots designs match together the exact things you need to create beautiful rooms. With one click of the mouse, you can order every item you see in the room to easily produce the same room in your own home. Alternatively, you can pick and choose the items you want from a specific design.

Have some time on your hands? PoshTots also organizes their inventory by theme. If you want to get creative with your child’s décor, you can choose a theme from the 30+ ideas provided and then choose among the beds, dressers, lamps, etc that could fit that theme. Home décor has never been so easy and never looked so good!

And PoshTots isn’t just home décor. We know that your child’s playtime is important to foster learning and creativity. That’s why PoshTots provides a large section devoted to fun—our playhouses. PoshTot playhouses aren’t your ordinary playhouses; each one is a miniature world for your child. Furnishings are also available for the playhouses, as well as a variety of toys to make the houses into home.

You can give your child a comfortable room at a low cost by shopping at almost any child’s company or department store, but PoshTots is the only place where you can find everything you need to give your child the exact room to complement their own tastes and personality. PoshTots will help you give your child the room of their dreams.

The Product Trends rating: PoshTots is a friendly company with an website you can navigate effortlessly and a catalogue of all the items you can ever need to furnish your child’s life. The company provides luxury for children’s rooms and gives parents a place to shop for the very best, whether they have a lot of time or not. Attracting everyone from celebrities to parents on a budget, PoshTots has something to meet the needs of anyone who visits their website.

Five stars. –Reviewed by Allison Boyer

To try PoshTots for yourself, click the image below:
PoshTots

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