Bedded Bliss

1. The ne plus ultra of bed linens—there are only eight sets of Burano sheets in existence. Intricate lace medallions embellish the long-staple Egyptian cotton and gossamer yarn sateen sheets. Each medallion was hand-woven by seven elderly women in Burano, Italy, and took three months each to complete. 1020 thread count, Egyptian–cotton Burano lace sheets, $14,000 for queen set. Polly Berg Linens, 712 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-920-0183

2. For the look and feel of silk, but the durability of cotton, try a sheet made from beach wood (known as Legna), a lustrous, long-lasting fabric that reflects light and drapes beautifully. Keep on hand for hot and humid summers—Legna absorbs moisture four times better than cotton, resulting in a cool, dry sleeping environment. Legna top sheet available in eight colors, $288. Scandia Down, Galleria, 952-920-2214

3. For a bold boudoir, layer pillows in one color in various shades and patterns over neutral sheets and shams. A paisley print stands out against its shy neighbors. Egyptian cotton Taj boudoir sham, $115 each. Euro-AM Bed and Bath, 7101 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-920-8038

4. A century-old firm in Tuscany, Pratesi has provided linens for European royalty and the wealthiest Americans. Made from Egyptian cotton, the more they are laundered, the softer and silkier they become. The chain embroidery pattern with scalloped edges is a Pratesi classic. Long-staple Egyptian–cotton fiber Chain Embroidery boudoir sham, $170 each. Lussuria Lini, 775 E. Lake St., Wayzata; 952-746-5826

5. Add depth without causing sensory overload with a throw that is textural, but devoid of any pattern. Baby mohair throw, $435. Also from Euro-AM Bed and Bath.

6. Against a  chocolate brown quilt, white sheets and orange accents pop. Egyptian cotton Masaccio quilt, by Signorina di Firenze, $415. Also from Euro-AM Bed and Bath.

Does Thread Count Count?
Before you judge a sheet by its numbers, understand that the length of the cotton fiber and the finishing are just as important as thread count. For example, over time the fibers of 800 thread count sheets made from short-staple cotton break and cause a scratchy feeling. Only the finest long-staple (up to seven and one-half inches) Egyptian cotton can be spun into gossamer yarns fine enough to allow as many as 1,020 yarns to be woven into a single square inch. Some European companies don’t even publicize thread count because of the misnomer it has in the marketplace.