Size Matters
When buying new sheets, the first thing to consider is your bed size. If you have a hard-to-fit mattress, like a twin XL or California king, you’ll have a much easier time outfitting your bed with cotton sheets. While harder to find, satin sheets do occasionally come in specialty sizes if you don’t mind hunting around a little bit. Take a look at the chart in our Bed Sheet Sizes Guide to find your size range.
Feel It Out
Satin sheets have a silky feeling that is cool to the touch, while cotton sheets are often heavier and coarser. Like luxury silk sheets, satin has a tendency to feel smooth from the minute you put them on the bed. Fine cotton sheets will take a little more effort to break in, but can get cozier after each wash. Cotton is also better for creating warmth. Many people prefer cool satin sheets in the summer and cotton in winter. Enjoy year-round bedtime comfort with the Best Bed Sheets for Every Season.
Take Your Style Into Account
Satin sheets often fit a very specific decorating style and are not suitable for all bedrooms. Cotton sheets are more versatile and can be found in a number of colors, patterns, and thicknesses. If you’re hoping for a romantic vibe in the bedroom, satin sheets are probably your best choice. If you want more variety or need specific sheets, you may want to stick with cotton. Choose the Best Bed Sheets for Your Decor Style.
Consider Cost
Made from a mixture of polyester and silk, quality satin bedding often has a higher price tag than lower-quality cotton sheets. However, luxury cotton bedding can often be expensive as well if you choose a high thread count. Cotton has the widest price range because it has a bigger thread-count variety, so take a look at your budget before choosing which type of sheets you want to adorn your bed. To help you find affordable bed sheets, read our guide to Bed Sheets Under $100.
