Everybody knows the feeling of sinking into a beautifully made hotel bed. Soft, cool, and comfortable, it feels like you can immediately fall asleep the moment you touch the sheets.
There are several reasons why hotel beds feel cozier, and one of them is from thoughtful choices in textiles, layering, and quality. Sleep is an essential part of a guest experience, so hotels invest in materials that feel good, breathe well, and last through constant use.
The good news is that you can achieve the same effect at home. Once you understand how to combine sheets, duvets, and the right pillow mix, you can create a bedroom that feels calm, inviting, and beautifully put together.
What Materials Do Luxury Hotels Use?
Luxury hotels tend to choose bedding materials that balance comfort, breathability, and long-term durability. Because hotel linens are laundered frequently, fabrics need to withstand repeated washing while still feeling inviting to guests.
Below is a list of bedding materials that are commonly used in luxury hotels:
Cotton percale
Percale is one of the most commonly used weaves in hotel bedding. Its plain, closely woven structure creates a crisp, matte finish and a cool, breathable feel that many guests instantly recognise as the classic "hotel sheet."
The beauty of percale lies in its simplicity. It feels fresh against the skin, softens gradually with washing, and stays smooth and structured, giving the bed a clean, tailored look.
Cotton Sateen
Some hotels and premium room categories use sateen bedding for guests who prefer a softer, smoother texture. The sateen weave gives the fabric a subtle sheen and a slightly heavier drape compared with percale.
Because sateen retains more warmth, it is often chosen in cooler climates or for guests who prefer a more enveloping sleep experience.
Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton is prized for its fine, extra-long-staple fibers, which contribute to softness and durability. It is commonly found in higher-end bedding collections used by luxury hotels.
With proper washing and care, Egyptian cotton can soften over time while maintaining strength and structure, which makes it appealing for long-term hotel use.
Linen
Linen also appears in some boutique and design-focused hotel environments. It is valued for its natural breathability, moisture-wicking capability, and relaxed texture. Linen typically softens with laundering and develops a more lived-in feel over time.
While not as widely used as cotton in global hotel chains, it remains a preferred option in properties aiming for a more natural, understated aesthetic.
Down and Down-Alternative Inserts
The signature loft and comfort of hotel bedding often come from the duvet insert rather than the outer cover. Many luxury hotels use high-quality down because it is lightweight, insulating, and adaptable across seasons.
However, down-alternative fills made from advanced microfiber are also used, particularly in properties that cater to allergy sensitivities or prefer easier laundering.
Pillows
Pillows in luxury hotels often vary in firmness to accommodate different sleep preferences. It is common for rooms to include a mix of soft and supportive pillows.
Some high-end hotels also offer a pillow menu, giving guests the option to select from materials such as down, latex, memory foam, or hypoallergenic fills.
How to Build and Style a Hotel-Quality Bed at Home
Creating a bed that feels similar to a high-end hotel experience is less about duplicating one exact formula and more about understanding the elements that contribute to comfort, support, and a polished appearance.
The Layering Technique
Hotels typically build beds in layers, and each of these layers serves a functional and aesthetic purpose. Here are some steps you can take to layer your bed as hotels do:
1. Mattress protector: This base layer shields the mattress from spills and allergens. Some protectors also provide gentle cushioning without adding noticeable heat retention.
2. Fitted sheet: Stretched smoothly over the mattress, the fitted sheet forms a clean foundation. Hotel bedding often uses white cotton percale or sateen for its durability and feel.
3. Flat sheet: The flat sheet sits between the sleeper and the duvet. It adds comfort, protects the duvet cover from frequent laundering, and contributes to the signature hotel tuck.
4. Duvet insert: The insert provides warmth and loft. Hotels select fill weight and material, whether natural down or a down alternative, based on climate, laundering needs, and guest preferences.
5. Duvet cover: The cover protects the insert and contributes to the bed’s finished look. Most hotels use a simple white cover made from the same material as the sheets for a cohesive aesthetic.
6. Pillows: A hotel bed generally includes multiple pillows to support different sleeping styles. Sleeping pillows are often paired with decorative shams for a structured, layered appearance.
Optional: A folded blanket or throw at the base of the bed adds warmth, texture, or a subtle accent of color, especially in more design-focused or boutique environments.
Should You Choose White?
Many hotels favor white bedding because it reads clean, timeless, and calm. White works with any interior style, launders well at high temperatures, and contributes to a fresh, bright visual impact.
Even at home, a white or soft-neutral palette can create an atmosphere that feels restful and refined.
Boutique Hotel Styling Ideas
If you prefer a more personalized or design-driven version of the hotel look, small styling choices can make a difference.
A textured lumbar cushion, a patterned throw in natural fibers, or linen bedding layered with cotton can introduce character while maintaining a serene, pulled-together feel.
Get the Hotel Experience at Home with ZigZagZurich Bedding!
A thoughtfully made bed can shift the atmosphere of a room. It invites you to pause, breathe, and enjoy a little everyday comfort.
If you’re already picturing softer layers, natural fibres, and a calmer colour palette, this is the perfect moment to refresh your space and make sleep feel special again!
At ZigZagZurich, we offer bedding made of high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and artistic sensibility. Made in Europe and woven from high-quality natural fibres like long-staple cotton and linen, it feels good from the first touch and continues to soften and improve with time.
Ready to build your version of the perfect bed? Explore the ZigZagZurich bedding collection now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do hotel sheets feel so soft?
Hotel sheets feel soft because they use high-quality long-staple cotton and benefit from professional laundering that includes specialized softeners and finishing techniques.
What thread count do hotels use?
Most luxury hotels stick to a thread count between 200 and 300 for percale sheets. The focus is on cotton quality rather than inflated numbers, ensuring both softness and breathability.
Are hotel-style sheets good for hot sleepers?
Yes. Cotton percale and linen, the fabrics most hotels choose, are naturally breathable and excellent at wicking moisture, making them ideal for anyone who sleeps warm.
How can I maintain the crisp feel of my sheets?
Wash in hot water, skip fabric softeners, and line-dry or tumble-dry on low. A quick steam or iron pass will bring back that fresh, hotel-like crispness.
Do hotels use duvet covers?
Absolutely. Duvet covers protect the insert and simplify laundering, keeping the bed hygienic and looking pristine for each guest.
What pillows give the hotel look?
Mix firm and soft pillows to create height and fullness. High-quality down or down-alternative fills that hold their shape give beds a plush, inviting appearance.
