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The Best Bedding Options for a Cozy Retreat

Look forward to bedtime with these comfortable sheets, cloud-like comforters, and supportive pillows.

By Savannah Sher | Updated Jan 12, 2021 2:38 PM

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Best Bedding Options

Photo: amazon.com

Turning your bed into a comfortable haven is essential for a good night’s sleep. With the right high-quality sheets, pillows, and comforter, getting into bed at the end of the day will feel like a luxury.

Your bedding also serves as the visual centerpiece of your bedroom, setting the aesthetic for the rest of the space. Read on to learn more about the materials and weaves used for bedding and how to pick the best products for your home.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set 100% Cotton
  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: AmazonBasics Super Soft Microfiber Sheet Set
  3. BEST LUXURY SHEETS: Boll & Branch Luxury Fair Trade Organic Cotton Set
  4. BEST DOWN COMFORTER: APSMILE All Seasons European Goose Down Comforter
  5. DOWN ALTERNATIVE PICK: Buffy Cloud Comforter Hypoallergenic Eucalyptus
  6. BEST BUDGET COMFORTER: Linenspa All-Season Down Alternative Comforter
  7. BEST DOWN PILLOW: Lincove Classic Natural Goose Down Luxury Pillow
  8. BEST PILLOW SET: Beckham Hotel Collection 2-Pack Plush Gel Pillow
  9. BEST DUVET COVER: Eikei Egyptian Cotton Duvet Cover Set Sateen Weave
Best Bedding Options

Photo: amazon.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Bedding

Before you begin to shop for bedding, weigh some key considerations. Below are some recommendations on what to keep in mind when shopping for the best bedding for your home.

Size and Fit

Before you start shopping, the first thing to determine is the size of your mattress. While each mattress size does have standard dimensions in terms of length and width, depths can vary widely from product to product. In order to ensure your new bedding will fit, measure your mattress and take note of the depth. This will help you decide whether you need deep-pocket sheets.

  • Standard sheets fit mattresses with a depth of up to 12 inches.
  • Deep-pocket sheets fit mattresses with a depth of up to 15 inches.
  • Extra-deep-pocket sheets will fit mattresses with a depth of up to 22 inches.

Material 

When shopping for bedding, the material you choose will have the biggest impact on performance.

  • Cotton sheets are the standard when shopping for bedding. Cotton is soft, durable, breathable, and easy to maintain. The majority of fabrics labeled as 100 percent cotton are made from Upland cotton, which is primarily produced in the United States.
  • Egyptian cotton is largely grown in the Nile River Valley and is a higher-quality alternative to Upland cotton. It has extra-long-staple fibers, which makes it both softer and stronger than the shorter fibers found in Upland cotton.
  • Pima cotton also has high-quality, long-staple fibers, sharing many characteristics with Egyptian cotton. Rather than being grown in Egypt, however, it comes from the southwestern United States.
  • Linen, which is made from the flax plant, provides many of the benefits of cotton, though it has a slightly rougher texture. It is similarly breathable but provides added durability and moisture-wicking properties.
  • Bamboo is naturally moisture-wicking and antibacterial. This makes it an excellent choice for hot sleepers and those living in warm climates.
  • Microfiber is generally made up of synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon. It is very soft, low maintenance, and durable. Bedding made from microfiber tends to come with a lower price tag because of its synthetic makeup.

Thread Count and Weight

A fabric’s thread count is representative of its density and is measured by the number of horizontal and vertical fibers contained in each square inch of material. Sheets with a 200 thread count have 100 vertical and 100 horizontal fibers per square inch, for example.

In materials used for bedding, thread counts range from 50 to over 1,000. While higher thread counts are typically associated with higher-end products, it’s somewhat of a misconception that a high thread count automatically means high quality. The type of fiber used is a more significant indicator of quality because low-quality fibers can be tightly woven to produce high thread count numbers. As a general rule, look for sheets with a thread count of between 200 and 600.

 

Weight is also a consideration for many shoppers. Some prefer heavier bedding, while others favor a lightweight feel. The weight of a fabric is determined by the material, thread count, and weave.

Weave 

In reference to cotton bedding, the weave of a material describes how the fibers are interlaced. Here are some of the most commonly used weave styles:

  • Percale weaves feature an equal number of horizontal and vertical threads, giving them a matte finish and a lightweight, crisp texture.
  • Sateen weaves feature a higher number of vertical than horizontal threads. This results in a smooth and silky finish.
  • Flannel, which may also be referred to as brushed cotton, is made up of tightly-woven cotton, resulting in a heavy-weight fabric that is perfect for use in cold temperatures.
  • Jersey knits feel like a soft T-shirt. They are stretchy and comfortable but prone to pilling.

Fill Power 

When shopping for a down comforter or duvet insert, fill power is the most important indicator of warmth and fluffiness. A higher fill power, however, does not necessarily mean a heavier comforter. Fill power represents the volume in cubic inches in an ounce of down. Those seeking an ultra-warm comforter should choose a product with a fill power of 600 or higher. Comforters with fill powers of 300 to 600 are suitable for hot sleepers or those living in warmer climates.

Fill power is also a key consideration when shopping for down pillows. Fill power in pillows tends to range from 600 to 800. Those looking for a higher loft should choose a pillow with a fill power at the higher end of that range. It’s important to note that fill power is not related to firmness in pillows.

In down-alternative options, grams per square meter (GSM) is typically used rather than fill power.

Aesthetic

While the above considerations are important in determining the quality of your bedding, the visual impact is also a factor. The appearance of the bed set you choose will set the aesthetic of your bedroom, especially when it comes to sheet sets, comforters, and duvet covers. Since high-quality sheets can be a significant investment, it’s advisable to choose neutral colors that won’t go out of style. Feel free to get more creative with your duvet cover or comforter, since they can be more readily swapped out to match your changing decor tastes.

Pieces in Set

When shopping for a sheet set, consider which pieces are required for your bedroom. Standard sheet sets include a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, while some more comprehensive sets can also include a duvet cover.

Our Top Picks

The following recommendations take into account all the considerations mentioned, including thread count, material, weave, and aesthetic. This list features a variety of choices of top-notch bedding options to help you find the right ones for you according to your needs and budget.

Best Overall

Best Bedding Options: Brooklinen Cream Luxe Core Sheet Set
Photo: amazon.com

Brooklinen’s Luxe Core Sheet Set features fabric woven with long-staple cotton with a thread count of 480. The material has a sateen weave, resulting in a buttery smooth texture and a slightly luminous appearance.

The set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases with envelope closures. The fitted sheet fits mattresses with a depth of up to 15 inches and as an added bonus features labels reading “long side” and “short side,” so making the bed is a breeze. Brooklinen recommends that these sheets be washed in cool or warm water and line dried or tumble dried on a low setting.

Best Bang For the Buck

Best Bedding Options: AmazonBasics Lightweight Super Soft Easy Care Microfiber Sheet
Photo: amazon.com

This inexpensive microfiber sheet set provides an excellent level of comfort at a low price point. It includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. Certain colors also come with the option of adding a matching duvet cover to the set. It has an extra deep-pocket design and is meant to accommodate mattresses of up to 16 inches in depth.

The set comes in a wide array of colors and patterns, providing options to suit any decor style. These sheets are machine washable and can be tumble dried. The polyester microfiber material is wrinkle resistant and resistant to shrinking.

Best Luxury Sheets

Best Bedding Options: Boll & Branch Luxury Fair Trade Long Staple Organic Cotton Sheet
Photo: amazon.com

This sheet set from Boll & Branch uses extra-long-staple cotton, resulting in a durable and high-quality product. The organic cotton features a sateen weave, providing a silky soft finish. The fabric is single-ply, meaning that the sheets are lightweight and have an airy feel. The company has Fair Trade certification, which deems their products are ethically made.

The fitted sheet has a 17-inch deep pocket, so it will fit most mattresses. The set is available in one of three tasteful neutral hues and includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, two pillowcases, and a reusable laundry bag. The sheets can be machine washed in cool or warm water depending on the color and tumble dried on low.

Best Down Comforter

Best Bedding Options: APSMILE Luxurious All Seasons European Goose Down Comforter
Photo: amazon.com

This comforter is filled with responsibly sourced goose down and features a high fill power of 750.

This goose down comforter has a fill power of 750 and a fill weight of 47 ounces, making it a great choice for those living in colder climates. It is also available in a 55-ounce variety, which is suitable for those who prefer the weight of a heavier comforter. The down used for the filling is Downpass certified, which ensures humane and ethical harvesting practices. It has 3D baffle box construction, meaning that it contains stitched inner pockets that keep the down evenly distributed.

The shell is made from a blend of 60 percent long-staple Egyptian cotton and 40 percent polyester. It has eight corner tabs, allowing you to easily secure it to a duvet cover. It should be dry cleaned rather than machine washed.

Down Alternative Pick

Best Bedding Options: Buffy Cloud Comforter
Photo: amazon.com

Filled with recycled fiber, the Buffy Comforter is an eco-friendly, down-alternative pick with a shell constructed from hypoallergenic eucalyptus fabric.

The Buffy Cloud Comforter provides a great option for those looking for an alternative to down. Because it’s filled with 100 percent recycled fiber, it is light and fluffy but won’t be irritating to those with allergies. The exterior shell is additionally resistant to mites, dust, and mold. The shell is made from eucalyptus fabric, which is an eco-friendly choice, requiring less water to grow than the cotton traditionally used for bedding.

Despite the fact that it isn’t made with down, Buffy recommends that you dry clean this comforter rather than laundering it at home.

Best Budget Comforter

Best Bedding Options: Linenspa All-Season White Down Alternative Quilted Comforter
Photo: amazon.com

This down-alternative comforter is hypoallergenic and comes in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to use it as either a duvet insert or a standalone bed covering.

This product can be used as either a duvet insert or a stand-alone comforter, making it a versatile and affordable pick for any bedroom. It even comes in a variety of colors and patterns to suit your home’s decor. It is filled with a down-alternative microfiber filling and has a fill weight of 300 GSM. The filing is hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.

It has a box stitch construction, meaning that the filling will remain evenly distributed. It includes eight side loops, allowing you to easily attach it to a duvet cover and ensure it stays in place. The comforter is machine washable in cold water and can be tumble dried on a low setting.

Best Down Pillow

Best Bedding Options: Lincove Classic Natural Goose Down Luxury Sleeping Pillow-800
Photo: amazon.com

With a fill power of 800, this Lincove pillow has a high loft and a fluffy cloud-like feel. It’s filled with 100 percent ethically sourced goose down and doesn’t include any feathers. The shell is made from 100 percent cotton in a sateen weave with a thread count of 600, meaning it’s silky smooth. It is recommended that the pillow be covered with a close-ended pillowcase to ensure its longevity. It comes packaged in a travel case, allowing you to safely transport your pillow.

While this is the standard version, the Lincove pillow is also available in both a soft and firm variety to suit any preference.

Best Pillow Set

Best Bedding Options: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
Photo: amazon.com

These pillows come in a set of two at an affordable price, allowing you to furnish your bedroom without making a major investment. They are made with a plush down-alternative filling that includes gel fiber, which provides a cooling effect. The shell is made from 100 percent cotton.

The pillows are resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew and are hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for those who suffer with asthma or allergies. They’re machine washable using the gentle cycle and should be laid out to dry. They come in both queen and king varieties to best suit your bed size.

Best Duvet Cover

Best Bedding Options: Solid Color Egyptian Cotton Duvet
Photo: amazon.com

This duvet cover set is made from 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton and includes a duvet cover as well as two matching pillow shams. It has a sateen-weave texture, providing a silky finish that is smooth to the touch. The fabric is meant to become softer every time you wash it. It features a hidden button closure as well as interior ties to help keep your duvet insert in place.

This set is available in a vast array of colors ranging from neutral greys to on-trend blush to vibrant peacock blue. It is machine washable using the gentle cycle and can be tumble-dried on low.

FAQs About Bedding

With all the choices available, finding the best bedding can be a bit overwhelming, so you might still have some questions. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about bedding.

Q. How do I choose bedding?

The right bedding for you will depend on your needs and aesthetic preferences. Consider the material, thread count, and weave for sheets and the fill power of your comforter before making a decision.

Q. What is the best quality bedding?

Cotton is the gold standard when it comes to bedding because of its durability, breathability, and softness. Premium cottons like Egyptian and Pima cotton provide an even higher quality product.

Q. How do you put a comforter in a duvet cover?

Master making your bed by using the roll technique:

  1. Turn your duvet cover inside out and lay it on your bed with the opening at the bottom.
  2. Lay your comforter on top of the duvet cover.
  3. Roll the comforter and duvet cover together like a burrito, starting at the top of the bed.
  4. Once you reach the end, pull the duvet cover around the roll.
  5. Unfurl your comforter and shake it out to ensure it’s evenly distributed.

Q. Do I need to wash my sheets every week?

Bed sheets require weekly washing for those with asthma, allergies to dust mites, and those who tend to sweat throughout the night. Otherwise, washing your sheets every two weeks is sufficient.

Q. How often should I replace bed sheets?

Bed sheets can be used until they feel worn or begin to pill. Depending on the quality of the sheets, this can be after several years or up to a decade of use.