Are light or dark bed sheets best for sleep? Experts reveal the best shade

White bed sheets might be the most common color, but black or dark grey bedding is fast rising in popularity. This raises an obvious but crucial question: are light or dark bed sheets better for sleep? If you find yourself lying awake at night, or struggling to stay asleep for longer than a few hours, then changing the color of your bed sheets could help. 

When it comes to style, whether you choose light or dark sheets depends on your preference. Light sheets work best with the Scandi aesthetic and can inject a clean, freshness into a bedroom. Dark bed sheets, on the other hand, are great for creating a coordinated look. They'll bring a classic timelessness to any scheme.

To confirm which is better for sleep, we've spoken to interior designers and sleep experts for their advice. If you decide to switch out your bed sheets, I've put together a few of tried and tested bedding sets, so you can get back to resting well. 

Are light or dark bed sheets better for sleep?

There may be lots of pros and cons to both light and dark bed sheets, but the truth is: your choice of bed sheet color is down to your personal preference.

The experts' verdict

There may be lots of pros and cons to both light and dark bed sheets, but the truth is that the choice of bed sheet color is down to your personal preference. 

As Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight, explains, 'Light sheets may reveal dirt and stains more easily but can make a room feel brighter and more spacious.' This makes white bed sheets 'easy to clean, as they can be bleached to remove any stains or discoloration. However, they will require more frequent washing to keep them looking their best.' adds Amelia Jerden, Sleep Product Review Specialist and Certified Sleep Science Coach at Sleepopolis. 

Conversely, dark sheets are better at concealing dirt and stains but can make a room feel more enclosed.' says Artem. Amelia confirms this. 'One potential downside of dark bedding is that it can make a room feel smaller and more cramped, particularly if the room is already on the smaller side.' 

If cleanliness is your top priority, light sheets may be a better option. But, if hiding dirt and stains is more important, and you prefer a deeper shade, then dark sheets may be more preferable.

Artem Kropovinsky

Artem Kropovinsky is an interior designer and founder of Arsight, a NYC-based interior design studio that is specific in its truthful approach to connecting the imperfect with the sleek and innovative workflow. We work on residential and commercial spaces.

The best light color bed sheets

Amelia Jarden explains that 'light bed sheets have a timeless and classic look that can give your bedroom a clean and fresh feel. They are also versatile and can match any decor, making it easy to switch up your bedding without having to worry about clashing colors.'

These are the best light-colored bed sheets I've tested: 

The best dark color bed sheets

As a lover of a clean, masculine and moody aesthetic, I prefer darker bed sheet colors. 'Dark-colored bedding, such as navy blue, deep gray, or black, can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere in the bedroom.' says Amelia. 'Dark bedding can help create a sense of depth and texture in the room, and can also make a bold statement in terms of design.' 

These are the dark colored bedding sets I love: 

Sheet color FAQs

Where different colors are better and worse for sleep, how they look in your space will also depend on your bedroom scheme. When choosing the color of your bedding, consider your wall colors. Pairing light sheets with white walls will create a cohesive look, and dark sheets with dark walls will add a dramatic effect.