Page 129 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2022

time you walk into the room, but to highlight a wall or a particular feature, such as a piece of art. Recessed can lights and candle sconces can do that nicely. Ideally, your lighting should be dimmable and controllable from your bed, so you do not have to get up once you are settled in for the evening.
The icing on the cake in any master bedroom are the textiles you select for you bed. Luxurious bedding can make you feel physically and mentally pampered. Not all cotton sheets are the same. There are three factors to consider when you are looking for quality sheets: thread count, fiber length, and weave.
Most folks are familiar with thread count and believe the higher the thread count the better the sheets. But that is not always true. Fiber length is much more important. The longer the fiber, or
“staple,” the finer the yarn and the finer the sheets. Longer fibers are stronger, more durable, and softer. Shorter fibers tend to break causing the fabric to pill and feel scratchy. Pima cotton and Egyptian cotton have extra-long fibers.
The best pima cotton in the world is grown in California. If you see the term “Supima cotton” on sheet sets, don’t
be confused. It is simply a trademarked brand name of some pima cotton. Genuine Egyptian cotton, the kind famous for its quality, is grown in the Nile River Delta. Sheets made with either of these two cottons are not inexpensive, but are worth it!
Different weaving techniques are used to create different finishes on sheets. Sateen sheets are a denser weave with a silky finish but can feel heavier and hotter while percale sheets are lighter but can
wrinkle more easily if not removed from the dryer immediately when laundered. The bottom line is, you have a lot of choices. We like pima cotton sheets with a thread count between 400-600 with a sateen weave when the weather is cooler, and a percale weave when the weather is warmer, but you should always feel the sheets before you buy them. Finish your bed with good pillows and a beautiful comforter or duvet.
Even if it’s not cold outside, a cozy master bedroom is a wonderful treat any day of the year. If your master bedroom needs some TLC, make some changes, and create a peaceful, relaxing place to be with the one you love. Turn down the noise, turn off the lights, and fluff the pillows. Enjoy sweet dreams.
Holly Harrison has been a licensed interior designer for over 35 years. Shannon Stage has spent nearly 20 years in the giftware industry. Together they own Sassy Bird Interiors in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
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