The cotton percale
Why choose cotton percale for your bedding?
In a home, the bedroom, and especially the bed, is the ultimate sanctuary. It's where we should feel the most comfortable and secure. However, it's far from being the easiest room to furnish. It's essential to create a restful and cozy atmosphere while not skimping on the choice of materials. Using cotton percale bedding can be very beneficial in these cases. Not only is it incredibly soft, but its material also makes it particularly durable. In this article, discover all the advantages of cotton percale, why it is so appealing in a bedroom, what care is needed to make it last, and how to choose your percale wisely.
What is cotton percale?
The origins of cotton percale can be traced back to India, but it didn't arrive in France until the 18th century. Unsurprisingly, the first weavings made from percale revolutionized the French textile industry. In some countries, it's often used as a wedding gift, but today, even luxury hotels and fashion designers use it to add a certain prestige and high quality to their products.
It is made from tightly woven threads of cotton plant fibers. This is what distinguishes it from other bedding fabrics, as its weave has a minimum density of 80 threads per square centimeter. However, if you are looking for high-quality bed linens, cotton percale can go up to 200 threads per square centimeter! The higher the thread count, the silkier the fabric becomes. The weave is formed by an alternating pattern of threads, known as "one thread over, one thread under." Each additional thread adds a touch of softness and unparalleled stability to your bedding.
The fabric is thus smooth, durable, and well-combed. The interlacing of the cotton threads is so perfect that your duvet is incredibly soft. This is why cotton percale is often recommended for dressing pillows, duvet covers, sheets, bolsters, and any other elements that make up a bedding set.
Its advantages in a bedroom
The main advantage of cotton percale is its incredibly soft touch. Because the weaving of the threads is very dense and combed, it provides unmatched softness. Moreover, this fabric can easily be paired with satin pillowcases for even more elegance and softness in the bedroom. Its matte appearance adds a refined touch that almost makes us feel like we're in a hotel. If you combine your cotton percale duvet cover with satin pillowcases, you can be sure to sink into a high-quality, ultra-comfortable bed every night.
Cotton percale also has great breathability. Air can circulate naturally, and despite summer nights, you'll always feel fresh. With it, there's no risk of overheating or being disturbed in your sleep. In fact, percale can absorb up to 25% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet at all.
It is an entirely natural fabric that is hypoallergenic. Therefore, it is highly recommended for sensitive individuals who may react or be allergic to certain materials. Additionally, cotton percale is also very suitable for children's beds to avoid irritating their delicate skin.
Finally, cotton percale remains one of the most durable and eco-friendly fabrics available. Thanks to its dense weave and tightly woven threads, it can withstand the test of time despite numerous washes. All these advantages often make it a recommended choice for adult and children's bedding, as well as for other uses around the home, such as curtains!
The combination of comfort and aesthetics of percale
As you can see, the bedroom should be a true nest where we want to curl up. Cotton percale sheets and pillows are excellent for ensuring comfort throughout the year without sacrificing aesthetics.
The slightly matte finish and tight weave add a touch of elegance and simplicity to the room while providing a real feeling of freshness. A cotton percale bedding set indeed allows air circulation without trapping heat or irritating the skin. Therefore, you won't be disturbed during the night, and your sleep quality will improve.
The density of the weave also means it doesn't wrinkle as easily as some synthetic fabrics. This is a significant advantage for maintaining a tidy bedroom, with sheets looking fresh even after multiple washes.
Caring for cotton percale bedding
Cotton percale bedding is very easy to care for. Pillowcases, sheets, duvet covers-all these items can be washed at low temperatures with non-abrasive products and without fabric softener. The temperature should not be too high to avoid shrinking the fabric and losing quality. It is recommended not to exceed 40°C and to choose a gentle wash cycle. If you have white bedding, you can use a little baking soda during the wash to maintain whiteness without being too harsh on the fibers.
For drying, it's preferable to air dry. If you don't have the space or time, you can use your tumble dryer on a low-temperature cycle. This should not exceed 30°C. For a perfect finish, a quick ironing can restore structure and a softer feel to your bedding. Keep in mind that cotton percale improves with time. Wash after wash, your duvet cover and pillowcases will always look beautiful.
If you wish to store your cotton percale bedding, it is advisable to use breathable fabric bags rather than plastic storage boxes that could create humidity. Also, consider adding some lavender sachets to protect your linens from moths.
How to choose your cotton percale?
Not sure where to start? Which cotton percale to choose for your bedroom? Here are essential points to consider:
Always check the thread count. As mentioned earlier, the higher it is, the softer and more durable the cotton percale will be. To start, you can opt for a duvet cover made of 120 to 180 threads per square centimeter. If you doubt the quality of a fabric, drop a water droplet on your sheet; it should take several seconds to be completely absorbed.
Also, prefer high-quality cotton, usually with long fibers. Egyptian cotton and Supima cotton are considered the best of the best in home textiles, offering superior quality compared to what's available on the market.
Finally, keep an eye on the cotton's finishing. Ensure that there is uniformity in the cotton percale and that the seams are neat.
With all these points, you can explore the vast world of cotton, where softness and durability exist, even if it isn't satin or silk!
Cotton percale, a reliable choice for the bed
In an adult or child's room, cotton percale is an excellent option. It is a fabric that combines aesthetics and comfort without requiring you to renew your sheets every year. Cotton percale also has a very high resistance to pilling. While other fabrics may degrade quickly, percale maintains its impeccable appearance over time.
Its softness and durability provide true comfort throughout the seasons and ensure an unparalleled sleep quality. Cotton percale is particularly appreciated by those who tend to feel hot at night. Its temperature-regulating ability is undoubtedly a real plus, providing freshness throughout the night. You will discover the pleasure of sleeping in a cozy bed worthy of a luxury hotel!