So you have these flannel sheets that you have had for quite some time. They are worn in just how you like them and you have managed to keep them soft by following these instructions for flannel sheet care, but now you want to redesign your bedroom decor. You suddenly realize that those favorite flannel sheets are an eyesore for what you had in mind and you despair to think that you can never have a pair of flannel sheets and a fabulously decorated bedroom. Fear not dear reader for this is not so! I will show you that you can enjoy your cozy sheets and your bedroom design both at that the same time in an installment of articles.  Flannel sheets should not be discarded at any cost, you can make them work!

There are some standard points that you should learn about sheets in both form and function. Thread count, material and size are all important factors when choosing your sheets, not just their color or design. The material of the bed linens will greatly increase or decrease the overall look you are trying to acheive. I will discuss the different types of sheets even though we are mainly concerned with flannel sheets for this article.

Most sheets, except for satin sheets, linen sheets and silk sheets are made from some variation of cotton. With that in mind, the thread count, length of the staple or yarn, and process in which the threads are weaved all constitute a different type of sheet.

• Standard Cotton Sheets - These sheets are you everyday garden variety sheets. A quality set will have a thread count of at least 180 and up to 350, with the average good quality set being 200 thread count. These sheets will not be as soft as your higher thread count sheets, but will be suitable for most people.
  
• Egyptian Cotton Sheets - Egyptian cotton sheets tend to be of a much higher quality then your standard cotton sheets, even when comparing the same thread count. The reason for this is that the Egyptian cotton sheets are made from cotton that is grown right along the banks of the Nile river. The rich fertilized soil of the river, when the water recedes, produces cotton like nowhere else in the world. This cotton is special because of it's long staple, the longest in the world. The long staple produces high quality, softer sheets. You will definitely see a price increase when buying Egyptian cotton sheets.
• Jersey Sheets - Jersey sheets are made from cotton. They have the texture of a nicely broken in T-shirt. That favorite soft comfy T-shirt that you cannot throw away no matter what. The weave is what makes jersey cotton sheets the way they are. These tend to be a little more expensive then your standard cotton sheets.
• Flannel Sheets - Flannel sheets, the reason we are all here reading this. These sheets were typically wool, but now are made from a wool/cotton blend (for the most part). They have a fantastic insulating quality. The wool adds the warmth and the cotton adds the softness to the flannel sheets. Thread count is not normally advertised on flannel sheet sets as it is important compared to the percentage of each material used in the set.

Flannel sheets are by far the most comfy and cozy of the cotton sheet family. They are also the preferred bed sheets for those cold months! Stay tuned for the next installment where I will discuss actual bedroom design and decor using flannel sheets.

Below is a video instruction on how to make a room with a modern or contemporary feel.