The best way to distinguish a valance and a fitted sheet is to imagine them as jeans. The Valance is a classic denim jeans, that doesn't have any stretch but if you can get the fit right, they look amazing and are a timeless style. The fitted sheet is more akin to skinny or stretch jeans, it goes on that much easier and fits every curve perfectly. Both are beautiful but your preference is the deciding factor. The fitted sheet has an elasticated hem that helps it cling to your mattress whilst the valance is designed to hug those corners with its box stitch design. Valances also tend to feature pleated frills that cover the base of your bed depending on the design, fitted sheets showcase the frame of your bed more as they tuck under the mattress. "I like to use a flat linen sheet or a fitted linen or cotton sheet. They both do have advantages but the look makes the difference. The flat linen or cotton sheet gives a more casual look if you just place it on top of the bed - which I love - and leave the ends loose outside the bed," says German interior designer, Constanze Ladner. Ladner takes an alternative approach to the traditional and she's not alone, as we see the linen look grow in popularity, more of us are going for low-maintenance bedding looks.