Ideally, we should be getting eight hours of sleep every night. That means that we’re likely spending 1/3 of our lives in bed! When that’s the case, you want to make sure you have the most comfortable bed possible.

Two of the most popular fabric options for bedding and queen sheet sets are cotton and flax linen. The kind you choose may be mostly based on personal preference, but there are some key factors that might influence your decision from the start. Bear these considerations in mind before your next new purchase.

• Climate
  Linen sheets are ideal for climates that experience seasonal peaks of heat and cold. Their natural breathability helps keep things cool in the summer — some studies suggest that people dressed in flax sweat 1.5 times less than people in cotton. And in the winter, linen queen sheet sets also keep the warm with you.
• Cost
  Cotton is definitely more affordable than linen. That is, in the short term. Again, in a changing climate, you may find yourself needing to buy additional coverage for those cold winter nights. And linen is also renowned for its durability: it’s twice as strong as cotton and three times more than wool.
• Cleaning
  Cotton sheets have the advantage that they can be machine-washed, and actually become softer with every use. However, be sure to purchase pre-shrunken sets so that those queen sheet sets don’t suddenly become twin-sized. On the other hand, linen should typically be hand-washed and line-dried, and often times even ironed. Depending on how many beds you have to dress, that could be a lot of work.

Bedsheets aren’t just another piece of clothing. They’re something you live in every night. If there’s one thing around the house you ought to spoil yourself on, it’s the bed. That’s because it’s the place where you go to rejuvenate, relax, and make yourself ready for whatever the day brings.

Linen is definitely the finer choice in most situations, but that doesn’t mean that high-quality cotton can’t be equally as effective. Some people simply prefer the feel of cotton because it’s what they’ve grown up with. Before you make a bedsheet investment, do your research, and learn what makes you comfortable!