With Ikea’s children’s bed linen they usually don’t list the thread count on the website, which I found really frustrating… so I went in store to find out as many as I could…
What is Thread Count ?
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, typically in bed linens such as sheets and pillowcases. A higher thread count is often associated with better quality and luxurious feel, but it is not the sole determinant of the quality of the fabric. Thread count is calculated by counting the number of warp (vertical) threads and weft (horizontal) threads in a square inch. For example, a fabric with 200 warp threads and 200 weft threads per square inch would have a thread count of 400.. IMHO 200 is the minimum that I prefer (but the 190 or even 160 Ikea ones are very good quality and soft) and anything over 250 I would consider quite good.
In the past, a high thread count was considered a mark of superior quality. Manufacturers often advertised thread counts of 600, 800, or even 1000 as the epitome of luxury. However, in recent years, there has been some debate about the significance of thread count. Some experts argue that thread count alone is not a reliable indicator of quality, as it can be artificially inflated by using thinner and lower-quality threads. Consequently, consumers are now advised to consider other factors such as the type and quality of the cotton used, the weave of the fabric, and the finishing processes employed.
I do not feel that a 1000 TC is necessary though and it also does not mean it is 5x better than a 200 TC product.
When it comes to thread count, there is a point of diminishing returns. Beyond a certain threshold, higher thread counts may not necessarily result in a significantly better quality or feel. In fact, excessively high thread counts can sometimes lead to less breathable fabrics that trap heat and moisture. A moderate thread count in the range of 300-500 is often considered a good balance between comfort, durability, and breathability.
While thread count can be an indicator of fabric quality, it is not the only factor to consider. Other factors such as the type of fabric used (eg cotton, polyester, cotton/polyester, lyocell, viscose, etc), weave style, and finishing processes also play a significant role in determining the overall quality of the fabric. For instance, a lower thread count with a high-quality, long-staple cotton fibre may feel softer and more durable than a higher thread count made from a lower-quality fibre.
Ultimately, it’s important to consider thread count as part of a holistic assessment of the fabric’s overall quality rather than relying solely on this metric to determine the best choice for your needs.
It’s worth noting that some manufacturers may inflate their thread count by using multi-ply yarns or by counting individual fibres within a thread. This practice can artificially inflate the thread count number without necessarily improving the quality of the fabric. Therefore, it is essential to purchase bed linens from reputable brands and feel it yourself in store to ensure you are getting a product that lives up to its claims. Ultimately, when it comes to thread count, it’s important to strike a balance between your personal preferences, budget, and understanding the overall quality of the fabric beyond just the thread count number.
Generally the higher thread count sheets will feel very very smooth, a bit satiny or silky and may have a slight sheen, while the lower TC sheets will feel thinner and rougher. These will also not wash well over time, and may ‘pill’ (the little tiny fabric balls that appear on the surface due to friction or abrasion) much more easily.
Be careful that some brands with reversible covers (eg Adairs) may also have different thread count fabrics on each side.
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Here are the current Ikea children’s bed linen as sold in Australia, with prices in Australian dollars (as of 11 May 2023), and their thread counts (where listed in store):
Childrens’ Bed Linen, Duvet Covers and Bed Sheets (Single/Twin bed size)
DUVET COVERS AND PILLOWCASES
- BARNDRÖM Duvet cover and pillowcase, car pattern/blue, 150×200/50×80 cm – $25 – 122 Thread count
- BARNDRÖM Duvet cover and pillowcase, cat pattern/green, 150×200/50×80 cm – $30 – 152 Thread count
- BARNDRÖM Duvet cover and pillowcase, forest animal pattern/multicolour, 150×200/50×80 cm – $30 – ???
- BARNDRÖM Duvet cover and pillowcase, heart pattern white/pink, 150×200/50×80 cm – $25 – 122 Thread count
- BLÅVINGAD Duvet cover and pillowcase, ocean animals pattern/blue/multicolour, 150×200/50×80 cm – $50 – Lyocell – 164 Thread count
- BLÅVINGAD Duvet cover and pillowcase, ocean pattern/blue, 150×200/50×80 cm – $45 – 190 Thread count
- BLÅVINGAD Duvet cover and pillowcase, penguin pattern/light turquoise, 150×200/50×80 cm – $30 – 152 Thread count
- BLÅVINGAD Duvet cover and pillowcase, turtle pattern green/white, 150×200/50×80 cm – $25 – ???
- BLÅVINGAD Duvet cover and pillowcase, turtle pattern/turquoise, 150×200/50×80 cm – $40 – 190 Thread count
- BLÅVINGAD Duvet cover and pillowcase, whale pattern blue/white, 150×200/50×80 cm – $25 – 122 Thread count
- BRUMMIG Duvet cover and pillowcase, bear pattern yellow/brown, 150×200/50×80 cm – $30 – ???
- BRUMMIG Duvet cover and pillowcase, forest animal pattern/multicolour, 150×200/50×80 cm – $39 – 190 Thread count
- BUSENKEL Duvet cover and pillowcase, balloon pattern/multicolour, 150×200/50×80 cm – $20 – ???
- BUSENKEL Duvet cover and pillowcase, ballerina pattern pink/white, 150×200/50×80 cm – $39 – ???
- BUSENKEL Duvet cover and pillowcase, circus pattern red/white, 150×200/50×80 cm – $50 – Lyocell – ???
- JÄTTELIK Duvet cover and pillowcase, Dinosaurs/white, 150×200/50×80 cm – $50 – 166 Thread count
- JÄTTELIK Duvet cover and pillowcase, Tyrannosaurus Rex/Triceratops/yellow, 150×200/50×80 cm – $39 – 152 Thread count
- KANTNEPETA Duvet cover and pillowcase, white yellow/check gingham, 150×200/50×80 cm – $29 – ??
- LATTJO Duvet cover and pillowcase, animal/multicolour, 150×200/50×80 cm – $35 – 146 Thread count
- MÖJLIGHET Duvet cover and pillowcase, white/mosaic patterned, 150×200/50×80 cm – $25
- NATTSLÄNDA Duvet cover and pillowcase, floral pattern grey/white, 150×200/50×80 cm – $35
- NATTSLÄNDA Duvet cover and pillowcase, floral pattern multicolour, 150×200/50×80 cm – $50
- NATTSLÄNDA Duvet cover and pillowcase, stripe pattern/multicolour, 150×200/50×80 cm – $25
- PIPSTÄKRA Duvet cover and pillowcase, multicolour, 150×200/50×80 cm – $39 – ???
- SÅNGLÄRKA Duvet cover and pillowcase, dark blue, 150×200/50×80 cm – $50
- SPORTSLIG Duvet cover and pillowcase, bicycle pattern, 150×200/50×80 cm – $30
- SPORTSLIG Duvet cover and pillowcase, football pattern, 150×200/50×80 cm – $30
- SPORTSLIG Duvet cover and pillowcase, running track, 150×200/50×80 cm – $50
- VÄNKRETS Duvet cover and pillowcase, banana pattern blue, 150×200/50×80 cm – $30
- VÄNKRETS Duvet cover and pillowcase, banana pattern pale green, 150×200/50×80 cm – $30
- VÄNKRETS Duvet cover and pillowcase, check pattern white/yellow, 150×200/50×80 cm – $25
- VÄNKRETS Duvet cover and pillowcase, dot pattern white/pink, 150×200/50×80 cm – $30
- VITAMINER HJÄRTA Duvet cover and pillowcase, multicolour, 150×200/50×80 cm – $30 – 144 Thread count
SHEETS
- BRUMMIG Fitted sheet, acorn pattern/multicolour, 92×189 cm – $20
- BUSENKEL Fitted sheet, star pattern/white, 92×189 cm – $15
- LEN Fitted sheet, white/pink/blue/yellow, 91×120 cm – $15/pack
- LEN Fitted sheet, white/pink/blue/yellow, 91×155 cm – $15/pack
- LEN Fitted sheet, white, 70×160 cm – $12
- LENAST Waterproof mattress protector, white, 70×160 cm – $15
- LENAST Waterproof mattress protector, 97×190 cm – $20
- ULLVIDE Fitted sheet, white/grey/green/dark blue, Single – $17
Baby’s Bed Linen, Duvet Covers and Bed Sheets (Cot size)
DUVET COVERS AND PILLOWCASES
- BLOMNÄSA 3-piece bedlinen set for cot, light green, 70×132 cm – $35
- DRÖMSLOTT 3-piece bedlinen set for cot, puppy pattern/beige, 70×132 cm – $35
- DRÖMSLOTT Duvet cover 1 pillowcase for cot, puppy pattern/multicolour, 110×125/35×55 cm – $20 – ??? Thread count
- DRÖMSLOTT Duvet cover 1 pillowcase for cot, puppy pattern/pink, 110×125/35×55 cm – $20 – ??? Thread count
- GULSPARV Duvet cover 1 pillowcase for cot, striped/blue, 110×125/35×55 cm – $30 – 205 Thread count
- LEN Duvet cover 1 pillowcase for cot, white with grey spots – 110×125/35×55 cm – $12 – 122 Thread count
- LENAST Duvet cover 1 pillowcase for cot, dot pattern, grey – $25 – Thread count ??? Good quality
- LENAST Duvet cover 1 pillowcase for cot, white with tiny grey moons, 110×125/35×55 cm – $25 – Thread count ???
- RÖDHAKE Duvet cover 1 pillowcase for cot, rabbit pattern/white/beige, 110×125/35×55 cm – $35 – 305 Thread count
- TROLLDOM 3-piece bedlinen set for cot, forest animal pattern/multicolour, 70×132 cm – $30 – ???
- TROLLDOM Duvet cover 1 pillowcase for cot, deer pattern/pink, 110×125/35×55 cm – $20 – 122 Thread count
- TROLLDOM Duvet cover 1 pillowcase for cot, forest animal pattern/green, 110×125/35×55 cm – $20 – 122 Thread count
SHEETS
- DRÖMSLOTT Fitted sheet for cot, dot pattern green/multicolour, 70×132 cm – $15/2 pack
- RÖDHAKE Fitted sheet for cot, white/blueberry patterned, 70×132 cm – $10 – 152 Thread count
- TROLLDOM Fitted sheet for cot, hedgehog pattern/white, 70×132 cm – $15
