This content was originally published on OldHouseOnline.com and has been republished here as part of a merger between our two businesses. All copy is presented here as it originally appeared there.
The right bed sheet set will make you feel comfortable in terms of its softness and temperature. It will also make your room look fabulous and match your style perfectly. In addition, sheet sets should be easy to care for and fast drying. This means you should only need to buy two sets, and one can be used whilst the other is washed and drying.
There are many sets available made from different materials with various designs. Some are more suited to warm weather, and some for cooler weather. Similarly, some materials are better suited to sensitive or acne-prone skin than others. With so many products to choose from, you may find it difficult to pick the best sheet set. Later in this article, we will discuss some of the features you should consider when choosing the right sheets for your home. You might find your perfect sheet set in our top picks.
Buyer’s Guide to Finding a First-Rate Sheet Set
There is no singular sheet set that will fit everyone’s tastes, budget, and bed. To find the best sheet set for your tastes and needs, there are several factors and features you should consider before you shop. Continue reading to see what we suggest.
Things To Consider When Choosing a Sheet Set
Size
Ensure you get the right-sized sheets. The most common sizes available are twin (or single), twin XL, full (double), Queen, King, or California king. In addition, you may wish to use an oversized duvet and buy a duvet cover separately to the bottom sheet and pillowcases.
Fitted or flat bottom sheet
The bottom sheet can be flat or fitted. Fitted flat sheets fit securely around your mattress and remain in place thanks to their elasticated corners. A fitted sheet will protect your mattress and is easily removed so it can be cleaned. A flat sheet is made up of a large piece of material that can be hung loosely over your mattress or tucked underneath for a snugger fit. A flat sheet will offer a barrier against common skin allergens like dust that can become trapped in the crevices of the mattress. A flat sheet will also make you feel cooler during a hot night. A flat sheet can go over the top of a fitted sheet.
Amount of pillowcases
When choosing a sheet set, consider how many pillowcases are included. For example, do you need two pillowcases or four? If you like the look of a set with only two pillowcases, you could contact the seller or manufacturer to see if they have any matching pillowcases they sell separately.
Material
Bedsheets are made from a variety of materials. These include Upland cotton, Egyptian cotton, Supima cotton, Micro cotton, flannel, silk, bamboo, Tencel, polyester, and linen.
Upland cotton is breathable, comfortable, and soft. It is much cheaper than some other forms of cotton. However, it has a short fiber, making it rougher and less durable. It will likely pull and become more coarse over time.
Egyptian cotton has different qualities than cotton grown in other parts of the world. This is because it has ideal growing conditions of warmth and dryness. It is also hand-picked, which causes less stress on the fibers. As a result, it is stronger, more flexible, and softer than other types of cotton. It is also extremely breathable whilst keeping you warm. The downside is that many manufacturers claim they use Egyptian cotton and blend some with other kinds of cotton. It is also costly – if you want a cheap alternative, Pima cotton is the next best thing.
Supima cotton is the trademarked name given to high-quality Pima cotton. For Pima cotton to be considered Supima, it must match the Supima Association’s high standards. The cotton must be grown in the US, and the fibers need to be 1.5 inches long. This material offers superior comfort and retains color well. The extra-long fibers mean it is less likely to pill and become coarse over time. It is also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mold. The downside is that Supima cotton can be quite expensive, even more so than Egyptian cotton at times.
Microcotton is produced in India. It is fast-drying and produces very little lint. It is moisture-wicking and up to 250% more absorbent than cotton. Perfect for hot weather! Unfortunately, Micro cotton is not very common and is more expensive than standard Upland cotton.
Flannel is made from cotton, wool, and other materials. It is perfect for keeping you warm in the warmer months, and you will often find flannel sheets with winter-themed designs. It is a thick material that traps heat efficiently. Flannel is considered better quality, the heavier it is. Flannel sheets will keep you warm in winter but are too warm for the summer months.
Silk sheets are the most luxurious type of sheets you can buy. But they are also the most expensive. They are excellent for those with skin conditions like acne because they remove moisture from the skin quickly. They are also naturally hypoallergenic. However, they require delicate care- you can’t just throw them in the washing machine with your clothes.
Tencel is made from cellulose in eucalyptus wood. It is stronger than cotton, breathable, and wicks away moisture. However, it feels a little slicker than cotton and is more expensive too.
Bamboo has been gaining popularity in the bedsheet world recently. Perhaps this is because climate change has become a hot topic, and when sustainably sourced, using bamboo as a sheet material is great for the environment. Bamboo sheets are moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic. They are smooth like silk but with the softness of cotton. However, because they are highly breathable, they are not as warm as cotton. As a result, bamboo sheets are usually more expensive than cotton but less expensive than silk.
Linen is made from fibers of the flax plant. It is a strong and durable material. It has a high luster and gets softer the longer you’ve had it. However, linen sheets can feel stiff when you first buy them, and they wrinkle easily.
Polyester is less expensive and more durable than cotton but does not make the best bed sheets. Polyester sheets aren’t as soft as cotton. However, they are stain-resistant and, for this reason, more suitable for children.
How We Chose These Sheet Sets
To choose the best sheet sets, we compare the materials used to the price of the product. We also consider which sheets feel the nicest, how easy they are to clean, and which ones look the best. We compare many customer reviews and will only recommend a product that has been highly rated.
Sheet Set Price Range
As mentioned previously, the price of a sheet set can vary greatly depending on the materials. For a high-quality sheet set, budget between $30 and $80. But, of course, you can still find some products that will suit your needs at a lower cost.
Reviewing Our Favorite Sheet Sets
Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Sheet Sets
– Best Overall
Elevate your sleeping experience with the Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Sheet Set. Energize your sleep with the 100% eucalyptus bedding that will cool your bed down and have you transported to the lap of luxury. The naturally hypoallergenic bedding is great for anyone and everyone to sleep on top of with no irritation or inflammation. Stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter with the ultra-breathable sateen weave used to create these beautiful sheets and pillowcases.
The extra deep pockets and double-strength elastic allow you to fit these sheets on beds of all sizes for a versatile yet snug fit. These European fibers are super high quality, with an OEKO-TEX 100 Standard certification that they are both earth-friendly and high quality just for you. Purchase these sheets now to have a more comfortable slumber and awake to a better day. If you’re not 100% satisfied, this brand allows you to return the sheets for free and your money back.
Pros
- Cools you down in the summer
- Snug and soft
- Breathable fibers
Cons
- Pills after a few washes
Mellanni Sheet Set
– Runner Up
The Mellani Queen Sheet Set is also available in various sizes, including twin, twin XL, full, queen, queen size, king, California king, cal king size, king size, and split king set. Deep pocket fitted sheets are also available. The set includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases. It is made from microfiber, which is lightweight and soft. It is stain, fade, and wrinkle-resistant. It is available in 45 colors with a few different patterns. The colors come in bold and neutral blue, green, cream, pink, and orange shades. Our favorite colors are imperial blue, persimmon, and olive green. You are certain to find the perfect match for your bedroom.
Pros
- Available in a variety of sizes
- Available in a variety of colors
- Stain, fade, and wrinkle-resistant
- Available in deep pocket fits
Cons
- Very thin sheets suitable for summer but not for winter
LuxClub Sheet Set
– Honorable Mention
The LuxClub PC Sheet Set is made from a bamboo-derived rayon blend. Bamboo sheets are great for the environment because the tree grows so quickly; they can be replaced quickly when it is cut down. Bamboo is also fade-resistant and wrinkle-free. In addition, it is moisture-wicking, so if you tend to sweat at night, these sheets will help you stay cool. This sheet set is available in several sizes, including twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split. It is also available in 40 different colors, including shades of orange, blues, red, yellow, and green. Our favorite color is relaxing teal.
Pros
- Bamboo is good for the environment
- Fade-resistant and wrinkle-free
- Available in various sizes
- Available in various colors
Cons
- Made from 40% rayon bamboo- not 100% bamboo
Amazon Basics Sheet Set
– Most Reliable
This sheet set is made from 100% polyester microfiber. It is machine washable and can be dried in a tumble dryer. It is soft and durable and great value for money. The AmazonBasics Lightweight Easy Care Microfiber Sheet Set is available in several sizes, including twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. It is also available in 25 colors, including gorgeous shades of green, blue, grey, pink, and yellow. These sets boast various patterns like gingham, damask, and arrows. Our favorites are blue damask and dark teal. The set comprises a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases, depending on the size of the set.
Pros
- Made from durable polyester
- Available in a variety of designs and colors
- Available in various sizes
- Great value-for-money
Cons
- They are best for use during cool weather but are too warm for hot nights.
California Design Den Sheet Set
– Most Convenient
This sheet set is made from 100% natural cotton. Cotton is light, breathable, and moisture-wicking. These sheets retain softness for a lifetime as well as their color. They are available in 30 colors and various patterns. Our favorites include floral blue/pink for a traditional-looking bed sheet and taupe for a neutral and minimalist look. We know you will find a style you love in this collection. The set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, depending on the size of the set. It comes in several sizes, including twin, twin XL, full, short queen, queen, king California king, and split king size.
Pros
- Made from 100% cotton
- Soft and durable
- Available in several colors and designs
- Available in several sizes
Cons
- The fitted sheet is tight and will only just fit a 16-inch mattress
Serta Simply Clean Sheet Set
– Also Consider
A soft and non-slip sheet set can do wonders in helping you attain that true dream state while you sleep. It ensures that you wake up feeling fresh and ready to take on any challenges the day offers. The Serta Simply Clean Sheet set is one such sheet set that has that potential due to its 100% soft polyester material and elastic nature that ensures a cozy fit.
Its most interesting feature is its hypoallergenic nature, developed through special bedding treatments that remove any unwanted bacteria or other allergens from your bed’s surface.
Pros
- Fully elasticized sheets ensure a snug fit
- Removes unwanted smells and odors
- 13-inch-deep pocket ideal for queen-sized bedding
- Easy to machine wash in a gentle cycle
Cons
- Not as soft as some of Serta’s other sheets
People Also Asked
Q: What is thread count?
A: When talking about sheets, thread count signals how many vertical and horizontal threads there are per inch. The higher the thread count, the softer the sheets will be. For soft sheets, opt for a product with a thread count between 200-800. Some sheets have a thread count of over 1000, but they are costly. If you want to keep cool, do not exceed a thread count of 500.
Q: What are the best colors for bed sheets?
A: To aid sleep, you might want to choose certain colored bed sheets that have a relaxing effect. The best colors for bed sheets are yellow, blue, green, silver, pink, and orange. These colors have been shown to reduce stress. Instead, opt for pastel or neutral shades.
Q: How many pillows should I sleep with?
A: The recommended amount of pillows to sleep with is just one. This is better for your neck and back.
Q: What is the best fabric for sensitive skin?
A: Silk, cotton, bamboo, or linen sheets are better for sensitive skin. These are alternatives for materials such as polyester or rayon. Opting for a hypoallergenic fabric can save your skin from breakouts or irritation.
Q: Is Egyptian cotton worth it?
A: Many people consider Egyptian cotton to be the best when looking for a high-quality set of sheets. The material is strong and durable while still offering flexibility.
