Bath Linens

Because bathrooms often have neutral color schemes, one of the best ways to add some flavor and color is through the use of bath linens. By merely swapping out your bath mats and towels for newer, brighter models, you can easily turn a bland bathroom into a relaxing spa retreat or a colorful, kid-friendly haven. Here's how to effectively decorate with bath towels, bath mats and shower curtains.

What type of material is best for my bath towels?

Have you ever wondered why one towel is fluffy and soft, while another is heavier and denser? The material factors in, of course, but also of importance is the kind of yarn used. Light and fluffy bath sheets have a longer pile and are constructed using low-twist yarn. Heavier, denser bath sheets have a high-twist yarn and shorter piles, making them perfect for absorbing moisture. While the options for towel materials are numerous, here are the most effective and popular materials:
• Egyptian cotton: The fibers of this luxurious material are extra long, creating an extra-plush feel.
• Turkish cotton: This superabsorbent and plush cotton is the pinnacle of luxury. With even longer fibers than Egyptian cotton towels, Turkish cotton towels are thicker, softer and more absorbent.
• Terry cloth: This affordable natural fiber is extremely absorbent and makes a great material not only for a set of bath sheets but also for a cozy bathrobe.
• Bamboo: If you’re looking for an ecofriendly natural material, bamboo is for you. Bonuses of bamboo towels include antimicrobial qualities, super-absorbency and a soft, cozy feel.

What is the best choice for my baby towels?

You’ll want a warm, fluffy towel to reduce heat loss when you remove your baby from a nice, warm bath. The best option for this is a hooded towel, since most body heat is lost through the head. Make sure you have your baby’s towel within reach before bath time starts, so you can quickly wrap him or her up against the cold when it’s time to get out of the tub. If your baby has sensitive skin or is prone to rashes, be sure to wash your baby towels with a hypoallergenic detergent and avoid scented fabric softeners and dryer sheets. You might also want to check for loose threads and tags that might irritate your baby’s skin and remove them before use.

How do I care for my towel sets?

After investing in a new towel set, you’ll want to make sure the towels maintain their original softness and fluff for as long as possible. Here are a few towel care do’s and don’ts to get you started:
• Prewash your towels: You’ll want to wash your new beach towels or bath sheets before using them to set the color and improve their absorbency.
• Avoid at all costs: Contact with skin-care products and fabric softeners can damage your new towel. Skin-care products have been known to bleach and fade textiles, and fabric softeners can have the opposite effect than intended, stiffening your bath towels and reducing their absorbency.
• Wash with vinegar: Adding a dash of vinegar to the wash can help eliminate any musty smells and break down any unwanted residue.

Should my towels, bath mats and shower curtain match?

Instead of trying to piece together a collection one by one, invest in a towel set, which often includes multiple hand towels, washcloths and full-sized towels. If you need more than one bath mat, try to find a matching pair so they don't clash. Although the towels and bath mats don’t need to match, they should be complementary colors or include only one pattern. After all, you don’t want the room to appear too busy or overwhelming, especially if it’s a small space.

Once you have the perfect towels and mats, be sure to pick out a shower curtain that blends well with your other colors. Even though there are a lot of beautifully patterned shower curtains out there, be wary. Because of its larger surface area, a complex, multicolored curtain can appear gaudy or over the top. Once you’ve found the perfect fit, keep it nice and clean for years to come by purchasing a shower liner to act as a water barrier.

How do I select the perfect bathrobe?

If nothing sounds more relaxing than wrapping up in a cozy, soft bathrobe, you’ll definitely want to make sure you choose the right fabric. Here are some pros and cons for some common bathrobe materials:
• Microfiber: These fibers are finer than silk and are typically create a lighter and more breathable fabric. However, this superabsorbent option can run on the upper end of the price scale.
• Cotton waffle material: You’ll know this fabric when you see its distinct checkered pattern. Cotton waffle robes tend to be reasonably priced, but you’ll want to opt for one that‘s preshrunk.
• Cotton terry: Egyptian and Turkish cotton are perfect for luxuriously soft and absorbent bathrobes. They can, however, be somewhat bulkier and are prone to shrinking.
• Cotton velour: With a feel similar to velvet, these robes are soft to the touch and extra warm. They can be slightly bulky and expensive, and if you opt for this choice, you’ll want to be sure that your bathrobe’s cotton content is no lower than 80 percent.
• Silk and satin: These lightweight materials are perfect for a summer robe; however, they don’t have nearly the absorbency that a cotton robe has.