Choosing Bed Sheets for Your Bedroom
Bed sheets are essential bedding items that sit directly on your mattress or over your mattress protector. Understanding what's available helps you pick sheets that suit your needs and preferences.
Sheet Set Components You'll Find
A standard sheet set typically includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases. The fitted sheet has elastic edges that pull over your mattress - it stays put while you sleep. Flat sheets sit between you and your quilt or quilt cover, though some people skip them entirely.
Pillowcases come in pairs with most sheet sets, matching the sheets themselves. If you prefer mixing and matching, you can buy fitted sheets, flat sheets, and pillowcases separately to create your own combination.
Material Options Available
Bamboo sheets are made from bamboo fibres. They're soft, breathable, and popular for warmer weather. OMF stocks bamboo options including the Algodon Bamboo Sheet Set and 3000TC Bamboo Cooling styles. Bamboo naturally wicks moisture and stays relatively cool against your skin.
Cotton and cotton-rich sheets come in different thread counts at OMF - 225TC, 375TC, and 1200TC options. Higher thread counts generally feel smoother and more substantial. Cotton is breathable, gets softer with washing, and works for year-round use. The cotton-rich blends combine cotton with other fibres for durability and easy care.
Fleece sheets feature a soft, warm surface. The Teddy Fleece options at OMF are practical for cooler months when you want extra warmth. They're cosy and comfortable, though you'll likely swap them for lighter materials once weather heats up.
Satin sheets have a smooth, silky feel. They're cool against your skin and create a luxurious sleeping surface. OMF's satin options come in 3-piece and 4-piece sets with various colour choices.
Sizes and Fitting
Bed sheets come in all standard Australian sizes - single, king single, double, queen, king, and super king. Match your sheet size to your mattress size for proper fit.
Fitted sheets typically accommodate mattresses up to 40-45cm deep. If you use a thick mattress topper or have an extra-deep mattress, check the fitted sheet depth before buying. Too shallow and the elastic won't reach under the mattress properly.
Care and Practical Considerations
Most bed sheets are machine washable - check care labels for specific temperatures and instructions. Cotton and bamboo can usually handle regular washing temperatures. Fleece and satin may need cooler washes or gentle cycles.
Sheets need washing regularly - weekly or every two weeks keeps them fresh. Having two sets lets you rotate while one's in the wash. Over time, sheets wear out from regular washing and use. Pilling, thinning fabric, or elastic that's lost its stretch means it's time to replace them.
Thread count gets mentioned often when shopping for sheets. Higher numbers don't automatically mean better quality - the material type and weave matter more than hitting a specific thread count number. Focus on how the sheets feel and whether they suit your preferences rather than chasing the highest thread count.
Visit any of our 50+ stores to feel different sheet materials in person. Our cOMFy experts can explain care requirements and help you understand what suits your budget and bedroom setup.
FAQs
What's the difference between a fitted sheet and a flat sheet?
Fitted sheets have elastic corners that pull over your mattress - they stay in place while you sleep. Flat sheets are rectangular with no elastic - they sit between you and your quilt. Many people use both together, but some skip the flat sheet and sleep directly under their quilt or quilt cover. It's personal preference.
Do I need to buy a sheet set or can I buy pieces separately?
You can do either. Sheet sets include fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases together - convenient if you want everything matching. Buying separately lets you mix colours, replace just the fitted sheet when it wears out, or skip the flat sheet entirely if you don't use one. Both options work fine.
What size bed sheets do I need?
Match your sheet size to your mattress size - if you have a queen mattress, buy queen sheets. Check your fitted sheet depth too, especially if you use a mattress topper or have a deep mattress. Most fitted sheets accommodate mattresses up to 40-45cm deep, but extra-deep options exist if you need them.
How often should I wash my bed sheets?
Every week or two keeps them reasonably fresh. Wash more often if you sweat heavily at night, eat in bed, or have pets sleeping on your bed. Check the care label for washing temperature - most cotton and bamboo sheets handle regular washing, while fleece and satin typically need cooler temperatures or gentle cycles to avoid damage.