Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the questions customers frequently ask us that are not alreadycovered in the glossary or product care sections. More detailed answers to some of these questions can be found on the Oleander blog.
- Do you have a catalogue?
- Do you ship within Canada/Internationally?
- What is your return policy?
- What methods of payment do you accept?
- How can I purchase a gift certificate?
- What is your highest thread count?/What is your best sheet?
- What does thread count mean?
- Do you sell duvet covers?
- Why don't my sheets fit properly?
- How long should my sheets last?
- Why doesn't my duvet cover the sides of my mattress?
- How do I know what size tablecloth to buy?
Do you have a catalogue?
We do not have a catalogue. However, you can find links to most of our suppliers on our website. These links will allow you to view certain collections. With very few exceptions, everything you see on our suppliers' websites can be ordered through our store.
Do you ship within Canada/Internationally?
Absolutely. We use Canada Post for all shipping within Canada. For international shipping, depending upon your location and preference, we can use Canada Post (which transfers to USPS at the Can-Am border) or UPS. Alternately, if you have a shipping account with a different carrier, we can send the shipment with your carrier. Please be aware that the receiver is responsible for all duty, brokerage and tax applied to shipments outside of Canada.
What is your return policy?
Purchases may be returned in new condition within 10 days for store credit or exchange. We are unable to give refunds of any kind, but we offer an approval system to make sure that you will be happy with your purchase. Purchases of sale items and custom orders are always final.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We gladly accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Debit/Interac and cash.
How can I purchase a gift certificate?
Gift certificates may be arranged in person, over the phone, or via email. For out of store purchases, we accept credit card information by phone or secure fax. Our gift certificates are available in any denomination and do not expire. They cannot be redeemed for cash.
What is your highest thread count?/What is your best sheet?
The highest thread count fabric we currently offer is Regency by St Geneve, a 1020 strand count, double ply fabric made of Giza Egyptian cotton. This is an unbelievably luxurious fabric that has been meticulously finished. Technically, it is both the highest thread count and the best cotton fabric we offer. Nevertheless, just because a sheet has an extremely high thread count doesn't necessarily make it the right one for you. Please read more in What is your best sheet?
What does thread count mean?
In technical terms, thread count refers to the number of vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads woven together in a one-inch square of fabric. Thread count is one characteristic used to evaluate the quality of linens. However, thread count alone is not enough to determine quality and is becoming a less reliable standard, due in part to manufacturing techniques that effectively trick the thread count higher. For a more detailed discussion, see What does thread count mean?
Do you sell duvet covers?
Absolutely. At any given time, we have between 10 and 20 different styles of duvet covers, queen and king, in stock. We also have literally hundreds of fabrics, in different colours and patterns, available to order in nearly any size. For more details on custom orders please read What's the deal with Custom Orders? But duvet covers are by no means all we sell! We have a selection of the following in the store and available to order at all times: sheets, pillowcases, coverlets, pillow shams, bed skirts, accent cushions, blankets, duvets, feather beds, pillows, pillow protectors,baby bedding and accessories, mattress protectors, beds, headboards, fabric yardage, night stands, lamps, tablecloths, napkins, table runners, placemats, towels, bathmats, bath and body products, robes, pyjamas, night gowns, night shirts, throw blankets, home décor accents and home care products. Just about the only bedroom things we don't sell are mattresses, but, if you like, we're happy to recommend a few good places to buy those.
Why don't my sheets fit properly?
Bedding fit problems can have a number of causes, ranging from incorrect size choices and shrinkage allowances to improper laundering. Please see Why don't my sheets fit properly? for details on how to measure your mattress, what to expect in shrinkage allowances and laundry advice.
How long should my sheets last?
The longevity of your sheets depends on a number of factors. Sheets made of 100% Egyptian Cotton that have been well sewn and finished, regularly rotated off the bed and into the closet for a rest after laundering, will last 10 years or more. Careful washing is also important, as harsh detergents, bleach and softeners dramatically decrease the life span of fabric. A single set of sheets, constantly used and returned to the bed immediately after laundering, will last only a few years, irrespective of quality. Look for more details in Take Care of Your Sheets.
Why doesn't my duvet cover the sides of my mattress?
This issue has emerged in the last few years as mattresses have become ever deeper with the introduction of pillowtops. Duvets are designed for sleep comfort more than for aesthetics. While in use, they aren't intended to cover the sides of a mattress which is higher than 12 inches or so. There are a few solutions to this aesthetic concern: super sized or jumbo duvets, layering a coverlet under the duvet or a high profile duvet cover that fits a regular sized duvet. We discuss these options in Super Size or High Profile?
How do I know what size tablecloth to buy?
If you have the measurements of your table, this is an easy one. A tablecloth should hang 8-18 inches from the top of the table. The shorter the drop, the more casual the look, and, conversely, the longer the cloth hangs, the more formal your table will appear. So, if you are looking for casual, everyday table linens, you'll be aiming for a tablecloth that is approximately 16-20 inches wider and 16-20 inches longer than your table. For formal or special occasion linens, the tablecloth should be approximately 24- 36 inches wider and longer than your table. See Table Linens! for more details about dressing your table.
