Sleep How the Other Half Lives – The Best Luxury Bed Sheets, According to Our Style Editor

I’m a self-proclaimed bedding snob. These are the best luxury sheets that I know are worth the price

Black-and-white velvet applique bedding pictured in a neutral sunlit bedroom alongside contemporary art and wooden side tables
(Image credit: Boll & Branch)

As the saying goes, buy it nice or buy it twice – and nowhere does that ring truer than in the realm of bed sheets. You can find plenty of $30 sets that look almost identical to those with an extra zero on the tag, yet the difference once you’re horizontal is night and day.

Because ‘luxury’ in anything to do with bedding isn’t just about looks; it’s about how it behaves. The right sheets – usually spun in small batches from ethically operated mills – are simply crafted from finer stuff. The cotton, for instance, will feature a longer staple for supreme softness, and the weaves will breathe and smooth over time. All of this matters, helping you fall asleep faster and wake up more refreshed. It's the kind of quality you can see, manifesting through crisp folds, timeless tones, and rich textures that make a bedroom appear more intentional.

Price doesn’t always equal quality when it comes to the best bed sheets, but it can signal craftsmanship if you know where (and what) to look for. As a self-professed bed sheet snob, I know this all too well, having tested more linens than I can count – in my own bed, in borrowed ones, and in hotel rooms I still dream about.

Ahead, I’ve rounded up six of the best luxury bed sheets that genuinely justify the splurge. Most I’ve slept on myself; all have been vetted through experience, reviews, and years of covering bedding trends professionally. Each earns its place here – for its materials, its design, and that indescribable feeling of slipping into something genuinely exceptional. These might not be the most budget-friendly sheets, but I can promise you won't regret the investment.

The Best Luxury Bed Sheets 2025

Luxury Bed Sheet Materials

Lily-embroidered cream silk bed linens photographed in a neutral bedroom

(Image credit: Lilysilk)

Egyptian Cotton

When we think of luxury bedding materials, Egyptian cotton is often the first that comes to mind – but what exactly is it, and is it really better than regular cotton? According to Amy Hoban, Chief Creative Officer of Parachute, ‘The short answer is yes,’ she says. ‘Egyptian cotton is considered the best cotton in the world.’

Anecdotally, I could tell the difference with my eyes closed. After cycling through more than ten organic cotton sheet sets on my own bed – one week at a time – I know the difference between good and great. The first time I slept on Egyptian cotton (a Ritz, presumably Frette), I remember thinking: so this is what everyone else has been pretending their sheets feel like.

Known for its long-staple fibers, it’s softer, stronger, and more breathable than standard cotton, often woven into the crisp percale or smooth sateen sheets you’ll find in five-star suites. ‘That said, the label alone is not enough,’ Amy adds. ‘What matters most is the quality of the fiber and the craftsmanship of the weave’ – so do your research and make sure the brand actually delivers.

Linen

Linen might sound humble compared to its bedding material counterparts, but done right – and sourced from the right places (France and Portugal top the list) – it’s absolutely a luxury bed sheet material. Lightweight, airy, and naturally textured, linen sheets are my perennial favorite for spring and summer. They’re ‘amazing for hot sleepers and warm climates,’ agrees Lori Miller, interior designer and President at LGC Interior Design. ‘It softens over time but tends to be pricier and wrinkles easily,’ she adds. (As a California native, I’ve always liked a little rumple anyway.)

Just beware the impostors: plenty of ‘linen’ sets sneak in synthetics to cut costs. A true luxury brand would never.

Silk

Right up there with Egyptian cotton, silk has long been the material of kings – and it’s held that title for a reason. I’ve tested more bedding sets than I care to admit, and despite the maintenance (mine go straight to the dry cleaner), silk still wins out. I wake up with less bed head, my skincare intact, and sheets that still feel impossibly smooth.

Even as textile tech evolves, silk remains firmly in the luxury rotation for its lustrous sheen, natural breathability, and antibacterial properties. It’s also why your wellness-obsessed friend insists you need a silk pillowcase – they actually work.

That said, ‘silk’ gets thrown around too freely. Many versions on the market are synthetic blends that mimic the look, not the feel. The real thing – pure mulberry silk – is an investment, but one that, with proper care (and absolutely no dryer), will last you years.

Bamboo Viscose

Then there’s bamboo viscose – a new favorite of mine, probably because it acts a lot like silk. It’s the newest ‘it’ material in bedding, popularized by brands like Cozy Earth. Some say it’s even softer than silk (I’d second that), but all can agree it’s easier on the wallet. It offers that same fluid drape and subtle sheen, with greater breathability and no need for dry cleaning.

‘They’re ultra-soft, moisture-wicking, cooling, and naturally hypoallergenic. Great for sensitive skin, though sometimes less durable than cotton,’ adds Lori Miller. I like to think of bamboo viscose as silk’s eco-conscious Gen Z sister.

Thread Counts

Warm neutral bedroom with velvet headboard

(Image credit: Courtesy of Drew Michael Scott)

The higher the thread count, the better the sheet – right? According to every expert I spoke with, that belief is unequivocally false.

‘Thread count is a marketing trick!’ says Tandy Avery, VP of Product Development at LUXOME. ‘Companies realized that consumers were trained to think a higher number equals better quality. So, they started using sneaky ways to inflate the thread count number by counting each fiber twisted into a single thread or by using thinner, lower-quality threads.’

Instead, Avery recommends prioritizing quality materials over inflated numbers. ‘Key considerations include the type of fiber used, such as high-quality fibers like long-staple cotton that produce durable and soft threads. Additionally, the weave of the sheets plays a crucial role in determining the texture,’ she explains, noting that single-ply threads are typically stronger and longer-lasting than multi-ply, which are often used to artificially boost the count.

That said, if you are looking at numbers, context matters. ‘A good thread count for cotton sheets is usually between 200 and 600,’ adds Amy Hoban, Chief Creative Officer at Parachute. ‘This can vary depending on the material, since some fabrics use finer or thicker fibers. For example, the raw fibers of linen are naturally thicker, so its thread count is substantially lower than cotton’s.’

As Amy puts it, ‘There are no regulations around how brands report thread count, so a big number alone doesn’t tell you much about quality.’

Trust the touch, not the tag.

Luxury Colors & Trends

A neutral bedroom with thick comforter

(Image credit: Albion Nord)

In luxury bedding, trends move slowly and deliberately. You won’t see a heritage house turning out Brat Green top sheets anytime soon, but you will notice subtle shifts, such as scalloped edges on minimalist sets, or soft embroidery breaking up the usual sleek lines. At these price points, timelessness always wins.

‘When determining your bedroom’s look and design, the color palette can depend on your preference as well as the mood it gives off,’ says Parima Ijaz, textile expert and founder of Pure Parima. ‘A light color palette feels more airy, makes the room feel larger and creates a spa-like mood. This is also a great choice for the summer months. Alternatively, a dark palette creates a cozy, dramatic feel that is more popular in the winter months.’

Vintage bedroom with canopy and quilt on bed and floral curtains

(Image credit: Bennison Fabrics)

White sheets will always have our hearts, but warmer neutrals – creams, whisper taupes – are beginning to take over, bringing softness and ease. ‘Seasonally, spring invites colors like soft sage, pale yellow and blush tones,’ continues Parima. ‘Summer is a great time for those crisp white sheets, sky blue, and tans. Fall is known for terracottas, olives, and deep browns,’ while winter sets the stage for moodier fare, such as charcoal, navy, plums, and even gold.

As we move into 2025 and beyond, bedding design is leaning more ornate. Patterns (think florals, stripes, and romantic ruffles) are officially back. ‘This year, we’ve been seeing a decline in pure minimalism, especially in bedsheets,’ says Joyce Huston, Co-Founder and Lead Interior Designer at Decorilla. ‘People are moving away from the monochrome look because it can end up looking and feeling quite stark or even austere, especially with all-white bedsheets.’

‘Moreover, character and charm are really having their moment lately,’ she adds. ‘The nice thing about a patterned sheet is that it adds visual dynamic and, pun intended, softens a bed in terms of aesthetics.’

How Much Should You Spend On Luxury Bed Sheets?

According to interior designer Rasheeda Grey of Philadelphia-based Grey Space Interiors, true luxury sheet sets – meaning hand-finished or designer-grade collections – typically start around $400 and rise steeply from there. For context, she notes that mid-range options usually fall between $150 and $300, where you’ll find higher-quality materials like bamboo, linen, and Egyptian cotton – though not always at the same caliber.

In other words, not every splurge is worth it. ‘Gorgeous, but sometimes you’re paying for the name,’ warns Rasheeda of linens priced high for the sake of status. Her advice is to do your research – or, if you’d rather skip the sleuthing, any of the sheets above are a safe bet.

How We Test Luxury Bed Sheets

You can touch all the bed sheets you want (and believe me, I do – often, in stores, if I can't get my hands on a sample), but the only real bed sheet test happens the old-fashioned way: by sleeping in them. Every set gets at least a week on my own bed to break in, followed by a proper wash to see how it holds up. Nothing fancy, just the truth of a third-floor New York walk-up and a fluff-and-fold laundromat down the street.

For this luxury category, though, I’ve also done my fair share of ‘research’ in five-star hotels and homes – from Matouk-dressed guest rooms to Frette-furnished suites – noting everything I like and all the details I don't. I’m notoriously particular, but it’s that scrutiny that keeps this list honest. If a set makes it here, it’s because it’s survived my sleep, my standards, and my sheets-obsessed snobbery.

Style Editor

Julia Demer is a New York–based Style Editor at Homes & Gardens with a sharp eye for where fashion meets interiors. Having cut her teeth at L’Officiel USA and The Row before pivoting into homes, she believes great style is universal – whether it’s a perfect outfit, a stunning room, or the ultimate set of sheets. Passionate about art, travel, and pop culture, Julia brings a global, insider perspective to every story.