Freshen up with new linens

Southern Living, Mar 2002 by Hamilton, Majella Chube

An expert gives us her take on bedding options for the home.

KEEP THREAD COUNT IN MIND

The feel of various fabrics used in bed linens results from the fineness of yarn and the number of threads present per square inch. Generally, a high thread count means a softer and more comfortable feel.

One sheet, two sheets, three sheets, four! I could go on, but you get my drift. I'm here at Three Sheets: A Linen Shop to learn what's new and fresh in linens.

This store in Homewood, Alabama, has a huge selection of quality bedding and gifts. There isn't an inch of froufrou in sight-just a fun, eclectic mix of choices.

"Many linen stores are small and high end," owner Babbie Seibels explains. "We offer a linen selection for all age groups in a variety of fabrics, colors, designs, and price points."

Carrying more than 400 lines of bed and bath linens and furniture, Three Sheets has a great inventory with personality. Its assortment of bedding for adults and children is displayed with bath products, beds, lamps, dressers, bookcases, frames, mirrors, and more. All these items help you see how to pull a room's look together.

At Three Sheets, variety and innovative merchandise invite you in, while the array of textile choices leads you back for fear you've missed something delightful.

I know I've come to the right place for an expert opinion on linens.

Babble Seibels Shares Linen Trends

* Simplicity is important. People are tired of fussy linens. They believe the bedroom needs to be livable.

* People no longer look for bedroom suites. Now folks want to put together their own looks, mixing painted wood with natural finishes, metal furniture with wood, and a host of fabric colors and textures.

* Quilts are extremely popular. Formerly only country in their appeal, quilts today are beautiful and diverse-- from French toiles to garden florals, geometrics to madras plaids.

* Using only one set of bedding year-round requires too much compromise these days. Coverlets are the solution. Homeowners want a fluffy down comforter in the winter and lightweight bedding for summer. Everything from matelasse to textured blankets are interesting options.

* Bold colors are dominant. Gold and copper tones are replacing taupes. Reds and oranges are gaining in popularity.

* Today's shopper wants practicality and elegance. Look for washable bedding options such as velvet and chenille, especially for a child's room.