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Winter Bedding to Let You Keep the Thermostat Low
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No need to worry about thread counts when it comes to flannel sheets. They are sold by weight, based on ounces per square yard. A standard weight is 5 to 6 ounces.
What you can expect to pay:$10 to $40.
Things to watch out for: Flannel should feel soft and cozy, like a comfortable blanket. If your sheets are stiff, they probably were not heavily napped, or the dye may be weighing them down. Check that they are color-safe.
Basic care: Flannel is one of the few fabrics that gets better with washing, though it has a limit. Washing can make it fluffier, but at some point you start to lose the nap.
Electric Blankets
How they work: The first electric blanket came out in 1912, and while there have been many upgrades, improvements and enhanced safety measures, the basic premise remains: Heat is radiated through the blanket by a network of wires within the blanket.
There is little mystery when it comes to electric blankets. Larger blankets are sold with two controls so that two people can share the blanket and select their own heat settings. The number of heat settings ranges from three (low, medium and high) to 10.
What you can expect to pay:$30 to $100.
Things to watch out for: Electric blankets are much safer these days, but caution must still be exercised. They aren't recommended for people who have sensory deficits and wouldn't be able to tell if the blanket is getting too warm. Older blankets should be replaced with newer ones, partly because of improved technology and partly because wiring in blankets can become frayed and might spark a fire.
Basic care: Follow package directions, and take care not to damage the interior wiring or plug connections. Blankets can be laundered without problem.
