Has all this talk about “third sheets” and “triple sheeting” left you a bit bewildered?

Using the “triple sheeting” method simply means that you are using your normal sheets (2 x flat sheets or 1 x fitted and 1 x flat sheet), topping that with a warmth layer (usually a quilt or duvet inner), and then finishing that off with a “top sheet”.

The “top sheet” is quite often white, sometimes plain but self-striped is very popular. The thinking behind this is that a white sheet is easy to maintain and a guest can be assured that their bed is lovely and clean.

However, the “top sheet” doesn’t necessarily have to be white. Actil Commercial introduced patterned coloured top sheets to the market a couple of years ago and we have noticed that there has been an increasing trend towards these as operators find them very easy to maintain, they add a splash of colour to the room and add “personality” to their property, differentiating them from the “corporate” white look.

Using a top sheet means that you will need to launder the bedding each time a guest leaves to maintain its good looks and to maintain your guest’s confidence in your cleanliness standards.

So, what sort of warmth layer should you use? You basically need a “duvet inner”. Some larger properties use feather & down but you should be aware that these will need special love and attention and probably dry cleaning so if you don’t have on-site laundry facilities they can be expensive to maintain.

An excellent alternative is a microfibre boxed end quilt. The outer and fill of these have a beautiful “silky” feel, they are light but at the same time lovely and warm, and they wash up well and tumble dry in no time. The bottom corners are boxed and stitched which makes the top sheet sit nicely with its “hospital corners”.

Finished off with a throw at the foot of the bed and with the addition of a co-ordinating cushion, you will now have a bed that will look modern, clean, tastefully colourful and inviting without breaking the bank.