How Important Is Thread Count When Choosing A Sheet?

There’s a lot of confusion surrounding thread count in the bedding industry, and we’d like to use this blog post as an opportunity to clear up some of that misunderstanding.

First of all, it’s important to understand that bed sheets weren’t always judged by thread count alone. In fact, the high thread count story barely existed prior to the mid-1990s. And yet even today, it’s still the first question most customers ask about bed linens.

Don’t misunderstand: Thread count certainly is an important way to judge the quality — or lack thereof — of a bed sheet. But it’s only one of many factors you should consider when comparing linens. Other important sheeting quality indicators include fiber quality, yarn size, finishing, and the actual construction of the sheets.

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How to Make the Perfect Bed

Whether you’re running a three-room bed and breakfast from your quaint seaside cottage or a bustling 50-room boutique hotel in a trendy urban locale, making the perfect bed is one of your most important tasks.

Large hotels understand the importance most travelers place on getting a good night’s rest in a comfortable and luxurious bed, so much so that hotel chains have spent millions of dollars in recent years in what industry insiders have dubbed “the bed wars”.

Thanks to research conducted by large hotel chains, one thing we do know is that by and large, guests tend to associate white bedding as being the most comfortable, luxurious and calming. Do remember, though, that such a simple color palette need not be boring. You can really let your creativity shine by mixing up multiple layers and textures, and by accessorizing with tasteful pops of color.

Here, we’ll show you not only how to protect one of your most important investments — your mattresses — but also how to make your bed in the manner that will be most appealing to your guests.

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Beware of Chlorine Bleach & Fabric Softener

Do not use Chlorine Bleach on your sheeting or towels as it will cause fading and discoloration. It breaks down and permanently weakens the cotton fibers. It is important to ensure that your linens do not come in contact with face creams or toothpaste as these may leave stains on your towels or sheets. All stains need to be treated properly before they are put into the washer and dryer. If a stain is not caught before it hits the washer and dryer, the stain will set. Try to use makeup remover towels to remove makeup such as our InnStyle makeup remover towels or Facial Wipes (you will save many towels, washcloths and pillowcases if using these). When washing your linens, use an oxygen-based product or a product without a brightener and fragrance to wash the linens. Brighteners in washing detergents can leave white spots. Oxygen based products are safe for use on almost all washable fabrics including color fabrics. When using an oxygen-based product, the chemical ingredient oxidizes to help remove soil and organic matter brightening the fabric and removing stains without taking out the color of the fabric.

Fabric softener is also Not Recommended!! Fabric softener is designed to coat fibers in oils, waxes and fragrances that might make the fabric feel soft but the build-up of chemicals can damage the fabric and make it less absorbent. In addition, fabric softeners clog the pores of cottons including Egyptian cotton . This applies to any sheeting or toweling. It prevents the cotton from breathing and it decreases the luster and gloss of the appearance. High quality Cottons including Egyptian cotton linens do not need to be treated with fabric softener. The Cotton will become softer naturally, without fabric softener, after repeated washings and dryings.

The InnStyle staff would be happy to go over proper care of our fine linens with you. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Add a Gift Shop to Your Inn

All Cotton Sheets — Your inn’s comfortable sheets are a great item to sell in your gift shop.

If you are an innkeeper and you have a shelf or a corner of a room in your property, you should consider using this space for a gift shop. Gift shops are a great way for innkeepers to earn a little extra income. You do not need a lot of space, just a small area in which you can display some products that you may currently be using in your inn. Many of our innkeepers have been using our InnStyle 600 Wrinkle Free Sheets for the beds in their bed and breakfasts or inns. Their guests love these sheets, comment how wonderful they are to sleep on and want to purchase them. On a shelf, a set of sheets can be displayed with a list of sizes and prices. You can take orders to be shipped direct to your customer by InnStyle. It really is that easy!

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Purchasing Innkeeper Supplies for Yourself

I have stayed at many B&Bs and the towels and sheets are always so luxurious. What are the most popular kind of towels and sheets that inns have? Is it acceptable to ask the innkeeper where they purchase their fine linens if I want to buy them for myself?

Good question. When we started our business, InnStyle, 25 years ago, providing luxury products to innkeepers at wholesale prices, the options were very different from today’s choices. Innkeepers in 1988 preferred giving each room a different theme with different color sheets, top of bed items (including: comforters, coverlets, bedspreads, quilts, etc.) and window treatments.

Continue reading Purchasing Innkeeper Supplies for Yourself →

Savings On Essentials For Your Bed and Breakfast

InnStyle is the premier supplier of wholesale fine linens for bed, bath and dining for the inn keeping industry. We carry a wide product line in which you will find everything you need to make your inn comfortable, luxurious and unique for your guest’s − all at wholesale prices!

For innkeepers interested in even further cost savings, our clearance items are a great solution. Taking advantage of purchasing our high-quality merchandise at clearance prices is a cost-effect way to refresh tired inventory for an established business, or obtaining stock for a brand new bed and breakfast.

Examples of current clearance items include:

Windowpane Quilted Coverlet: Meticulously triple-stitched with 400-thread-count combed cotton. This coverlet is sateen, lofty and supple with a soft sheen. Generously filled for year-round use. Machine washable and dryer safe. Sample sale clearance is not returnable.
Comfort Allergy Free Eco Pillow: Comfort Allergy Free Eco Pillow made from recycled poly Fiber. Sample Sale. Clearance is not returnable.
Organic Terry Velour Robe: Plush terry organic cotton robe for men or woman. Shawl collar, Dropped shoulders and two pockets. Available in white. Vendor requires $310 minimum or 15% upcharge.
Denim Window Treatment Set: 100% Cotton. Two Blue Denim rod-pocket window panels 40″x63″ each & two rod-pocket valances 48″x20″ each with box pleat detail. Tie-backs are Velcro fasten. Clearance is not returnable.
Branston Tablecloth: 100% Polyester. Features a spillproof material fabric that beads liquids up for an easy clean. Machine wash and dry. Clearance is not returnable.

We have sales staff members who will personally assist you in finding the items you need for your particular property. We serve innkeepers throughout the United States and Canada to the Virgin Islands. Our customers vary from 2-room bed and breakfasts’ to 75 room properties. We are certain that we can service your property. Please contact us at 267-354-6020 or toll-free at 1-800-877-INNS (4667).

InnStyle Representative to Attend 2013 Innkeeping Leadership Week

The Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII), the group dedicated to the education, information, networking, advocacy, business opportunities and research relating to the innkeeping industry, will be hosting “Innkeeping Leadership Week” on
April 15 – 18, 2013, in Charleston, South Carolina.

PAII provides continuing education programs in many formats, the largest being the annual Innkeeping Conference & Tradeshow, where experienced innkeepers are challenged and new innkeepers brought up to speed at events featuring dozens of workshops, nationally known experts, and the industry’s largest trade show.

But learning extends far beyond the annual conference and include such opportunities as interactive Webinars; weekly and monthly e-newsletters; Innkeeping Quarterly (IQ) (the industry’s only magazine exclusively serving the needs of the professional innkeeping community); and a variety of areas on the Website (http://www.innkeeping.org/) most notably the Online Forums, which bring an invaluable interactive exchange that benefits both posters and readers alike.

2013 Innkeeping Leadership Week is another of the many and varied learning opportunities for innkeepers. The agenda of this event includes:

Monday, April 15th: 9:00am – 5:00pm – Key Leaders Retreat and Innkeeping Leadership Banquet – “Getting B&B Associations on the Right Track” – Workshop Facilitated by Bob Harris, 6:00pm – 7:00pm – Cocktail Hour, 7:00pm – 8:30pm - Innkeeping Leadership Banquet.
Tuesday April 16th: 9:00am – 5:00pm – Advisory Council Meeting (includes PAII board members), 6:30pm – Advisory Council and PAII Board Dinner
Wednesday April 17th: 9:00am – 12:00 pm – Advisory Council Meeting, 12:00pm – 5:00pm – PAII Board of Directors Meeting, 7:00pm+ – PAII Board Dinner
Thursday April 18th: 9:00am – 12:00pm - PAII Board of Directors Meeting

For information or to register visit http://www.innkeeping.org/event/leaders or contact Michele McVay at Michele@paii.org.

As part of the Advisory Council, InnStyle will be attending this event. InnStyle has been the source for innkeeper supplies and linens at wholesale pricing since 1952. Offering a wide variety of inn supplies including sheets, towels, blankets and much more.

Contact InnStyle for your fine linens and Personal Service at Wholesale Pricing. Or call 1-800-877-INNS (4667).

Taking Proper Care Of Your Linen Investment Is Serious Business

Now more than ever, it is imperative for the Innkeeper to conserve, and preserve, the vital resources essential to their business. Linens are one such resource. Innkeepers invest significantly into the purchase and care of linens, and it is in their best interest to do so properly, thus extending a quality lifespan and ultimately saving money on replacements.

The following are six tips for the proper care of your linen investment:

Washing – Pre-wash your linens before first use. Separate your linens from other items in the wash, especially those containing polyester, which tends to create pilling, and items with heavy zippers, which can damage the fabric. Separate light and dark colors. Avoid overloading the washing machine, which can cause fibers to break down from excessive abrasion and agitation. You can wash most linens in warm water on a gentle cycle with a cold-water rinse, but be sure to check the care label.
Detergent – Use a mild detergent without added bleach, whiteners, or fabric softeners. Do not pour detergent directly on textiles; rather, add it to the water as the wash tub fills or dilute detergent with water, then add linens. Unless linens are very soiled, you only need to use half the recommended amount of detergent.
Bleaching – Chlorine bleach will weaken fibers and cause the fabric to yellow. If white fabrics need bleaching, use only an oxygen-based bleach.
Drying – While line drying outdoors is gentle, safe, and imbues linens with the fresh scent of the outdoors and natural bleaching of the sun, it is not always practical. You can machine dry most linens on low heat, but be sure to check the care label. Shake out damp linens before placing in the dryer. Never use a high heat setting, which will weaken the fibers, damage the fabric, increase shrinkage, and shorten the life of your linens. Remove items from dryer promptly, while still damp, to minimize wrinkles. Smooth and fold, or press with an iron, if desired.
Ironing – Check to make sure your steam iron is clean – mineral deposits could cause brown spotting. Iron linens while still damp. To restore the lustrous face of sateen fabrics, iron on the reverse side. For embroidered linens, iron them on the reverse side atop a towel to preserve the three-dimensional effect of the embroidery. Use a press cloth to protect delicate lace and cutwork.
Shrinkage – All natural fibers will shrink to some extent, but in most instances we purchase products that are generously overcut to allow for shrinkage. Check the product that you purchase (for size – width & length). Do not wash or, especially, dry linens on a hot setting, which is most likely to damage the fabric and intensify shrinkage. Always follow instructions on care label.

InnStyle offers a wide variety of sheets with differing thread counts. We have 100% cotton and cotton blend sheets for your bed & breakfast, inn or hotel – all at wholesale prices.

Contact an InnStyle Representative today. Customer attention and satisfaction is our hallmark. Give us a call at 800-877-4667 and benefit from our knowledgeable staff.

Decorate Your Holiday Table Festively with Natural Elements

In our previous blog we considered how table runners are a fast, easy, inexpensive way to beautify a table. In keeping with this theme, let’s now concentrate how we can inexpensively dress-up these table runners for the holidays, simply using nature as our muse.

Many of the following eco-friendly suggestions can be found at the grocery store, in your backyard, or possibly already laying around the house just waiting to be repurposed:

Embellish cloth napkins by tying springs of herbs, such as rosemary and thyme with beautiful strips of cloth or ribbon.
Employ a pomegranate as a place card – Use silver, gold or black permanent marker to write the guests name on the deep rich red skin of the fruit before dinner, and enjoy the delicious fleshy seeds for dessert afterwards!
Dress-up a craft store cornucopia with pickling stain on the outside with burlap lining on the inside. Copiously fill with a variety of squash, apples, pears, mini pumpkins, and pomegranates. Place the cornucopia on a platter so you can move it easily without upsetting the work of art.
Place a small glass hurricane inside a larger one with about a 1/4-1/2 inch space between. Slip wheat, cranberries, acorns, leaves or another seasonal detail between the candleholders. Place a candle in the center (make sure the candle is shorter than the height of the inner glass).

These decorations inspired by nature look particularly stunning juxtaposed on href=”https://www.innstyle.com/catalog/Opal_Innocence_Tablecloth-880.html” target=”_blank”>Opal Innocence by Lenox, an elegant scroll damask.

View our large selection of fine table linens – many styles, fabrics, sizes and colors available. Or call us Toll Free: 1-800-877-INNS (4667).

Table Runners to Enhance Decor

Using Table Runners is a Fast, Easy, and Inexpensive Way to Enhance Décor

As the days grow shorter, and colder weather drives people indoors, autumn is traditionally the time that thoughts turn to creating a warm, nurturing indoor environment. Our next few blog entries will focus on small ways to enhance your living space that make a big difference in your interior refuge from the harsh winter elements.

Table runners are one such way to not only compliment a table setting for mealtime, but to create an elegant “tablescape” that inexpensively transforms a room’s décor.

First, let’s define what a table runner is: a table runner is a strip of decorative cloth that varies in width, length and adornments, which “runs” the span of a table. Ways to use a table runner in a decorating scheme is limited only by one’s imagination. When used over a beautiful wood table, one may want to use a runner alone so as to enhance the natural elegance of the table. Additional drama can be introduced into a tablescape when a runner is used over a tablecloth, especially when fabrics of differing colors and textures are used.

Table runners are not limited to use on a traditional dining room table only. Runners can enhance the look and feel of end tables, side tables, buffets, teacarts, coffee tables, or almost any piece of furniture with a flat surface.

There is no hard and fast rule regarding the size of the table runner. It can have a drop and hang over the sides of the table or it can be shorter than the table and sit in the middle. But the runner should not hang down past the drop of the tablecloth.

Establishing a mood by the imaginative use of a table runner can result in a particularly dramatic decorative effect. Colors, textures and centerpieces can be mixed and matched in order to celebrate special occasions, observe a holiday, or simply change the “feel” of a room.

Quick tips for enhancing drama by simply using table runners:

Lay two table runners across a round table, creating four “sections”. If four people are dining, each diner can be centered on the length of a runner. Eight diners can be seated with two diners per “section”, thus creating an intimate effect.
For a less formal effect, use a shorter runner (one that is one-third the length of the table) and place a visually interesting, textural centerpiece on the runner.
For longer tables, place multiple shorter table runners across the width of the table, preferably with no more than a six-inch drop. Be careful not to place the runners closer than two feet apart, otherwise the table will appear too cluttered.

InnStyle stocks table runners at wholesale pricing in many styles, fabrics, sizes and colors. You will be pleased with our selection, prices and customer service. Call us Toll Free: 1-800-877-INNS (4667) or 1-800-877-4667.