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The 8 Linens Every Home Should Have (And the Other 4 We Wish We Did)

Linens Checklist by author Meghan Carter

  • Why it's best to have 2 sets of sheets.
  • The best sheets and towels for your climate.
  • A complete list of the basic linens for every home.
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Having a well-rounded linen cabinet makes life a bit easier. Plus, if you get duplicates, you can extend the life of your linens by giving the fibers in them a chance to rest, according to Anichini's Creative Director, Alan Jesseman.
Use the checklist below to see if you have the linens Jesseman suggests using in your home.


Bedroom Linens


Each bed should have a minimum of:
2 sets of sheets    

The ideal bed has:
2 sets of silk winter sheets
2 sets of linen summer sheets
2 sets of cotton everyday sheets


Bathroom Linens

Each bathroom should have:
2 - 3 wash cloths
2 - 3 hand towels
2 - 3 bath towels

The Ideal Bathroom also has:
2 - 3 bath sheets

Towel Materials:
  • Linen towels absorb more water and dry faster than terry towels. Linen towels are a good option in warm climates where terry towels can become mildewy if they aren't washed frequently, according to Jesseman.
  • Terry towels are a good option for colder climates. The best terry towels are made in Turkey, according to Jesseman.


Table Linens


Tables used for casual dining should have:
Casual placemats

Tables used for formal dining should have:
A formal tablecloth
Formal napkins
A Hush Cloth




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Each topic I cover is divided into three segments: a video, article and checklist. That way you can dive right in with a video, skim the quick tips from a checklists or ensure you make the right decision for your home with an in-depth article. I want you to have the information you need in the way you need it.