Cotton sheets and bed linen are the norm in Ireland, unless you're buying really cheap stuff.
Beds are usually dressed like this over here:
1) Mattress protector: fitted quilted pad with elasticated sides that goes right over the mattress. These are either made from cotton fibers or manmade fibers. Cotton is best though as it's more comfortable, absorbs any moisture and can be washed at 60C or even higher.
2) Flat sheet tucked in, or fitted sheet (cotton)
3) Duvet (type of quilt) and fitted duvet cover, which is like a large bag that contains the quilt. Think of it as an enormous pillow case with fasteners to close the end.
The duvets are usually either made from fluffy cotton fibers, man made materials or, traditionally down and feathers.
Personally, I don't approve and won't use down duvets or pillows as I do not agree with the use of animal products, particularly feathers as they are sometimes sourced in developing countries and may come from quite crewel processes.
I have some really nice spun cotton duvets and also some that are filled with silk fibers.
Some people like to put a flat sheet under the duvet, but, it's relatively unusual these days.
Then, a decorative throw goes over the top of the bed e.g. something woven that matches the decor of the room. This basically hides the lack of ironing
Pillows in my house are all either cotton or synthetic fibres.
Laundering:
Weekly: wash sheets, duvet covers, pillow cases and mattress protector. This all fits into one load in the washing machine. Dry in the dryer and fold while still hot. No need to iron, unless you're being fussy.
If I have guests, I might iron the bed directly with a good steam iron
Duvet : Change every once in a while (launder professionally).
Pillows : pop into washing machine as necessary, tumble dry and fluff up.
Also, Irish homes (and British homes) tend to have an "airing cupboard" This is a large closet which contains the storage tank for the water heating system. Over the tank there are wooden rack shelves and this is usually where we store our bed linen and towels. They come out nice and warm.
Our water is typically indirectly heated by a heat-exchanger coil in the tank. This is fed with hot water from the radiator heating system. (and also from Solar panels in more modern installations) Most tanks also have an electric heater for use if the temp is insufficient e.g. in summer.
It's not direct heating with gas or oil, so there is no risk of fire etc and it's ideal for keeping the airing cupboard nice and warm.
It's also a handy place to hang up delicate items to dry, but it's never used for general laundry drying as it would not be suitable.
Beds are usually dressed like this over here:
1) Mattress protector: fitted quilted pad with elasticated sides that goes right over the mattress. These are either made from cotton fibers or manmade fibers. Cotton is best though as it's more comfortable, absorbs any moisture and can be washed at 60C or even higher.
2) Flat sheet tucked in, or fitted sheet (cotton)
3) Duvet (type of quilt) and fitted duvet cover, which is like a large bag that contains the quilt. Think of it as an enormous pillow case with fasteners to close the end.
The duvets are usually either made from fluffy cotton fibers, man made materials or, traditionally down and feathers.
Personally, I don't approve and won't use down duvets or pillows as I do not agree with the use of animal products, particularly feathers as they are sometimes sourced in developing countries and may come from quite crewel processes.
I have some really nice spun cotton duvets and also some that are filled with silk fibers.
Some people like to put a flat sheet under the duvet, but, it's relatively unusual these days.
Then, a decorative throw goes over the top of the bed e.g. something woven that matches the decor of the room. This basically hides the lack of ironing
Pillows in my house are all either cotton or synthetic fibres.
Laundering:
Weekly: wash sheets, duvet covers, pillow cases and mattress protector. This all fits into one load in the washing machine. Dry in the dryer and fold while still hot. No need to iron, unless you're being fussy.
If I have guests, I might iron the bed directly with a good steam iron
Duvet : Change every once in a while (launder professionally).
Pillows : pop into washing machine as necessary, tumble dry and fluff up.
Also, Irish homes (and British homes) tend to have an "airing cupboard" This is a large closet which contains the storage tank for the water heating system. Over the tank there are wooden rack shelves and this is usually where we store our bed linen and towels. They come out nice and warm.
Our water is typically indirectly heated by a heat-exchanger coil in the tank. This is fed with hot water from the radiator heating system. (and also from Solar panels in more modern installations) Most tanks also have an electric heater for use if the temp is insufficient e.g. in summer.
It's not direct heating with gas or oil, so there is no risk of fire etc and it's ideal for keeping the airing cupboard nice and warm.
It's also a handy place to hang up delicate items to dry, but it's never used for general laundry drying as it would not be suitable.
