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ON THE COVER

People spend one third of their lives in bed- and newlyweds even longer-which makes registering for the right bedding essentials extremely important. When it comes time to feather your love nest, here's what you need to know.

Cheat Sheets

When it comes to choosing linens, your personal preferences on color, pattern, size, and price come first. "Price is the major consideration because you can find linens ranging from $25 to well over $500," says Elizabeth King, of The Linen Shop (21 Elm St.; New Canaan, CT; 203-972-0433). Here's a quick rundown of what linens you'll need and how many:
• Two to four pillows
• Three sets of sheets (one on the bed, one in the closet, one in the laundry). A set consists of a fl at sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.
•One comforter, duvet, or bedspread
• Two cotton blankets (winter and summer weight)
•Optional accessories might include an assortment of shams, small decorative pillows, a bed skirt, and a bed tray (perfect for sharing breakfast in bed).

Take a Thread Count

Thread count is the number of threads woven lengthwise and crosswise into one square inch of fabric. For example, a thread count of 180 means a weave of 100 vertical threads per square inch, called the warp, and 80 horizontal threads, called the weft. Fabrics with a high thread count will be softer and more luxurious (and more delicate, so those 1,020-thread count Millesimo sheets you're considering need to be treated very gently!), while those with a tighter weave will be more durable. Top quality luxury sheets, such as those from Frette, Porthault, and Prasetti, can easily exceed 500-thread count, but most range from 180 to 250.

Jersey Girl?

Don't just rely on thread count alone. "Thread count is very overrated," says Rosemary Iverson of Tesori Fine Linens and Gifts (618 Valley Rd.; Montclair, NJ; 973-655- 1511). "Fibers and finish are as important to the sheet's comfort and durability." Sheets made of linen, fl annel, or jersey (those teeshirt sheets) have low thread counts due to the type of fabric. The stretchy knit of jersey sheets is breathable and wrinkle-free. Another type of fabric, Egyptian cotton-the king of fibers-is softer, stronger, and more absorbent, while the fibers of Pima cotton make it silky and durable.

Price Points

"You should buy the best quality linen you can afford, and view it as an investment," says Iverson. "Better-quality, more sophisticated linen will last longer and provide you with years of enjoyment."

Ralph Lauren's new Landing's Collection starts at $39 for a full-fitted sheet and runs to $289 for a king-size quilt (www.polo.com). High-end and custom linens can sell for far more, depending on what you choose for your registry. Bella Note, a romantic Shabby-Chicish line of linens that come in printed linen and velvet, ranges from $1,200 to $2,400 for a complete set at Carol E. Charny Vintage (1905 Palmer Ave.; Larchmont, NY; 914-834-4793). "Buying quality linen is not an inexpensive venture," says Charny, "but there's nothing better to sleep on!"

A Heavenly Bed Helps

Heaven help you if you've ever honeymooned at a Westin hotel or resort where you fall asleep in a "Heavenly Bed." This may be the best sleep you'll ever have. Good news: You can bring the bed home with you. Westin Hotels sells their Heavenly Beds-and all those fl oaty, dreamy linens-at www.westinhotelsathome.com, or at Nordstrom (www.nordstom.com).

The entire all-white 10 layer ensemble- Heavenly mattress and box spring, pillows, 300-thread-count, 100-percent Egyptian cotton sheets, pillowcases, goose-down blanket, jacquard duvet cover, goose-feather pillows, and boudoir pillow-is priced from $3,115 to $3,615. Individual linens run from $35 to $300; and the mattress costs about $1,200.

Dream a Little Dream

The way your man sleeps says a lot about him.

Is your fiance always curled in a fetal position at the edge or the bed with his back to you? Does he wrap an arm protectively over your back when you sleep? Your sleep patterns say a lot about your personality, says the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service.

For instance, when your man takes up his and your side of the bed, he's gregarious and brash, but he can also be selfish and thinskinned. Instead of living with a Mason/Dixon Line in bed, encourage him to share by getting rid of extra pillows, so you'll have to stay close for comfort.

If he sleeps on his back, it shows openness and an optimistic view on life-good for you. But if he's curled up on his side, facing away from you, he's tough on the outside and sensitive at heart.

Does he fall asleep with his arms around the pillow instead of you? Not all bad. It means he's always ready to listen and offer help when needed. As for that guy who spends the night peacefully dreaming with you wrapped in his arms? He's perfect. Don't wake him!

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