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They Just Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To - In Search Of Quality Sheets

By
Home Stager with Sharon Tara Transformations

It's funny how reading someone else's blog post can inspire us to write on the same subject or even on a completely different subject. It happens to me all the time. You never know where inspiration will strike. You never know what direction that inspiration will take you.

Last week Kathy Streib shared 10 Tips To Update Your Master Bedroom.

It's a very informative post with great ideas whether you are selling your home or not.

The part of Kathy's post that struck home with me....buying quality sheets.

 

Many years ago I found the BEST bed sheets, sold at JC Penney. The Chris Madden 600 TC Tuxedo Pleat sheets were amazing. Soft and luxurious, long wearing, non-pilling awesome sheets!

Because I'm cursed the sheets were discontinued.

That's right....cursed.

 

 

Whether it's eyebrow pencil, lip liner, underwear, razor, glass cleaner, slippers or bed sheets....my favorites usually end up discontinued at some point.

 


Over the years I've tried to find new sheets and I've been disappointed each and every time. My latest set didn't even make it a year before wearing out. 

My precious Chris Madden sheets lasted well over twelve years before showing any signs of wear, and that was just a small hole on the bottom sheet at the foot of the bed. 

I've had them over 15 years and the top sheets are still good as new.

I doubt the top sheets will ever need replacing, so I continue in my search for an acceptable fitted sheet.

I swear to God I love them so much that I currently still use them even though I no longer have a matching set....the top sheet and the fitted sheet aren't even the same. The bottom sheet has a patch on it made from one of the pillow cases that had ripped on one side and I couldn't bring myself to throw it out.  

 

So, two questions....

Are you particular about your bed sheets and do you have a favorite to recommend?

What favorite product of yours has been discontinued?

 

 

UPDATE 12.20.19

 

The Bed Bath and Beyond sheets were not the answer. They didn't last more than a year and the second set I got was not the same feel. I've read complaints online that something changed. Others are complaining, so it's not just me that noticed a difference.

Also, regarding their "lifetime warranty"...I was told by a BB & B manager that they will no longer be honoring that after 180 days. He said you have to deal directly with the manufacturer.

Funny, because the packaging says to "return to the store for refund."

The hunt continues still.

 

UPDATE June 30, 2021:

I've received several private messages asking if I have found a replacement. It seems I'm not alone on my quest to replace the BEST sheets ever.

Currently I have Simply Vera by Vera Wang. 

They are 100% Supima Cotton, 600 thread count.

They are as heavy as the Chris Madden, which I love... but not quite as silky soft. I have had them 9 months now and they are holding up well.

I would purchase them again. 

I got them at Kohl's. They cost $135 for Queen Set and they were on sale for $75.

I think they frequently go on sale. 800 Thread Count are also available, but I have not tried them.

UPDATE January 1, 2024

I got a new mattress that is very deep and the Vera Wang just don't fit without a lot of stretching to get them over the corners.

I switched to Walmart Hotel Style Sheets 600 thread count. 100% cotton with sateen weave. Certainly not as silky soft as Chris Madden, but they are an acceptable choice for me. They have very deep pockets and make changing the sheets much easier than the Vera Wang sheets.

 

 

 

Comments(39)

Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Sharon Tara,  I let the sheets up to my wife to buy but long time ago, I would buy them off QVC/

 

Jan 21, 2017 10:04 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Sheila Anderson  Thank you!

Ron and Alexandra Seigel  No you didn't confuse me at all. It's just that Macy's has different thread counts listed for Hotel Collection. 

Lou Ludwig  True. I don't mind paying more for quality, but it's getting harder and harder to find.

Michael Jacobs  I don't seem to have time to have things lose their appeal. They usually end up discontinued long before I'm tired of them.

 

Jan 21, 2017 02:10 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Beth Bromund  I used to bring my pillow with me, not because of the pillow case but because I prefer my own pillow. I won't be doing that any longer since we had a bed bug scare after our last hotel stay. We ended up very lucky, but it could have been a very expensive problem to deal with. Something I don't ever want to experience again.

Will Hamm  My husband couldn't care less what sheets we use. It's me that is so fussy.

 

 

Jan 21, 2017 02:10 PM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I have a couple of sets of really soft sheets and rotate them out. I agree they are hard to find and I have bought the wrong kind many times.

Jan 22, 2017 01:22 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Debbie Reynolds  I used to consider the poor choices lost money, but I've become quite comfortable at returning the ones I don't like. I will no longer waste money on false claims of comfort and quality.

Jan 24, 2017 07:30 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

You're talking to the wrong person, Sharon Tara ... my wife's the knowledgeable one about this stuff .. and the buyer of all things in our home.  Me?  My wife says I fall asleep on the way down no matter what I land on.  I'll pass your post on to Marilyn .... 

Gene 

Jan 24, 2017 03:35 PM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

It seems like my destiny as well Sharon that everything that I love gets discontinued.  But, let me recommend Cynthia Rowley sheets-often found at TJMaxx or Homegoods - I love the quality and the prints as well as the solids.  If you can find something that you love, buy them when you see them-no pilling!

Jan 24, 2017 05:00 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi  That's funny. Men seem to fall asleep anywhere and anytime. I know my dad and husband certainly can!

Joanna Cohlan  Thank you!  I will look for them!

Jan 25, 2017 06:23 AM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

I have wondered the reason Chris Madden discontinued their relationship with JC Penney and some of their other connections, (i.e.) Wayfair on the  Chris Madden 600 TC Tuxedo Pleat Sheets; to date, I do not have an answer. 

Jan 25, 2017 02:19 PM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

Sharon Tara, I really got caught up in your post today on the Chris Madden sheets you love.  I like your post in so many ways - for information on sheets and thread count, etc.  To be honest, with 9 children in the family, I just bought sheets...no time for count.  Hahahaha ~  Only this past year did I feel I wanted a different type of sheets.

Lot and behold, up pops your post.  I did read on the Internet something about Chris Madden making partnership with a new company - perhaps partnering up with 1 special entity. Otherwise, why would previous companies who sold these Madden sheets no longer have any news on the Chris Madden company...no longer even sell them.  It is like to them, the Chris Madden Company vanished in pure air. 

Jan 25, 2017 02:29 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Jane Chaulklin-Schott  It's frustrating when you find a product you love and then lose it. It's not easy finding a replacemnt sometimes. The sheets is an example. If the Chris Madden sheets are being made under a different name, I haven't found them.  I'll let you know if I find sheets that are as good.

Jan 26, 2017 06:52 AM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

Thank you, Sharon!  I even called a few places after reading your post. Funny, I believed your post so much that I just wanted you to have those sheets.  I was even directed to Ebay and Amazon.  Hahahaha ~  

I had customer service from Way Fair trying to find an answer to the mystery :) I even conjured up why the Chris Madden company went into hiding; well, you cannot find a phone number/contact number...but, on FACEBOOK. Gee, I was on my way to writing a novel that had a genesis on 'sheets.'  Have a great day!

Jan 26, 2017 07:11 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Jane Chaulklin-Schott  OMG....you are too funny! Maybe I wasn't clear that the sheets disappeared quite a few years ago. Probably too late to track them down at this point. After they were discontinued I did find a set on Ebay. Only one set though....never saw any more.

I really appreciate you working so hard on my behalf. You don't have to go any further.  You can let it go now. LOL

Jan 26, 2017 07:19 AM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott

Yep, I did let it go ;) Yesterday.  I guess I did not really believe they would discontinue such a great sheet as you described. Originally I just put in a few key words on Google AND THEN, I got caught up into the whole thing.  Sharon, I was on a mission:  TO FIND SHARON TARA'S SHEETS SOMEWHERE HERE ON EARTH.  I know I have detective blood in me...always have. On this one, I lost.  But, Sharon, it was fun, too.  And in some ways, I got to know you a little better. Now that is n-i-c-e!

Jan 26, 2017 09:08 AM
Sharon Tara

You are awesome!

Jan 28, 2017 06:59 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I will be watching for the blog in which you share your next selection.

Jan 28, 2017 04:44 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Roy Kelley  I will update if and when I find a set I like as much.

Jan 28, 2017 07:00 AM
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

When I find sheets I love I always buy two sets. I don't think I've had any that lasted 12 years though!

Feb 19, 2017 01:25 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Kathleen Luiten  Well the top sheet and pillow cases lasted....till just as good as new. The bottom sheet ended up ripping at the foot end and I've patched it so I can still use them. That's how much I love them!

Feb 20, 2017 07:32 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

In search of the perfect set of sheets, Sharon. Whatever did you end up purchasing??

Sep 25, 2017 11:53 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Pat Starnes, Brandon, MS  Well I still haven't found anything as good as the old sheets. Bed Bath & Beyond is where I bought the most recent sheets that feel nice but wore out in less than a year. I was in there looking around and noticed that they guarantee those sheets for life. So I bought a bottom sheet and when it wears out I will just return it. I wonder if they will replace it every year? I guess I will find out. LOL

Sep 25, 2017 12:01 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

update:

12.20.19  The Bed Bath and Beyond sheets were not the answer. They didn't last more than a year and the second set I got was not the same feel. I've read complaints online that something changed. Others are complaining, so it's not just me that noticed a difference.

Also, regarding their "lifetime warranty"...I was told by a BB & B manager that they will no longer be honoring that after 180 days. He said you have to deal directly with the manufacturer.

Funny, because the packaging says to "return to the store for refund."

The hunt continues still.

Dec 20, 2019 07:33 AM