Interior Design

I’m a Style Editor with Strong Opinions on Bed Sheets – These Are the Most Beautiful and Luxuriously Comfortable I’ve Ever Tried

After months of testing and talking to textile experts, I reveal which bed sheets are worth your slumber

Rustic bedroom with exposed brick walls and a large bed with layered bedding in white, orange and gray
(Image credit: Future)

Bedding is deeply personal. Your duvet, pillows, and even your eye mask all play a role in creating a restful night, but even the most luxurious setup can disappoint without first-rate bed sheets – the layer you feel against your skin, night after night, soothing you into sleep.

Bed sheets that deliver faultlessly on comfort are a must – but looks matter, too. ‘At Homes & Gardens, we are pretty obsessed with ensuring that great design encompasses not just brilliant functionality but also superb aesthetics,’ says Interiors Editor Hebe Hatton.

‘It's just as vital to us that the bed sheets we recommend are beautiful-looking as it is that they are excellent quality. The time we spend resting in our bedrooms is more important than ever, so choosing sheets that both look and feel sublime is a must.’

I test bed linen for a living, and I can confirm: not all sheets are created equal. Some promise softness but feel synthetic; others look the part but don’t last. With real-world testing, expert insight, and a strong eye on design, this guide uncovers the very best bed sheets you can buy, exploring the fabrics, weaves, and details of each that make them so much better than others.

The Best Bed Sheets 2025

How to Choose the Best Bed Sheets

A pretty pattern isn’t enough, and ‘comfort’ is more complicated than it sounds. What actually makes for the best bed sheets? From fiber content to weave to the way it fits on your mattress, every detail adds up. Here’s the checklist I swear by when picking bed sheets that look good, feel better, and actually last.

Sheet Materials

Terracotta bed sheets

(Image credit: LUXOME)

Cotton

Pro: ‘Cotton is by far the most popular bedding material, and for good reason – it’s breathable, soft and durable,’ says Parachute's Amy Hoban. With options like percale, sateen, and flannel, there’s a weave for every sleeper. Amy notes that long-staple cotton is the one to look for as it resists pilling and holds up better over time. Having tested ten-plus cotton sheet sets on my own bed, I can confirm: while pricier upfront, quality cotton pays off in both versatility and longevity, making it my top all-around bedding material for the unacquainted.

Con: Organic cotton (even GOTS-certified) is still resource-heavy. ‘It’s breathable and comfortable, though typically heavier in environmental impact compared to bamboo lyocell,’ notes Kat Dey, co-founder of ettitude.

Linen

Pro: Linen is airy, textured, and naturally temperature-regulating – which is why it’s my most reached-for bedding material come spring and summer. ‘It softens beautifully over time and is beloved for its relaxed, effortless look,’ says Amy. Kelly Hannon, of Brooklinen, adds: ‘Linen is durable, moisture-wicking, and gets softer with every wash.’ While more expensive, its lifespan makes it a smart investment.

Con: Linen sheets can feel coarse at first, and the cost is higher than cotton (though most devotees, including myself, will tell you it’s worth it).

Bamboo & Tencel

Pro: Bamboo lyocell (like CleanBamboo®) is ‘exceptionally soft, cooling, hypoallergenic, and moisture-wicking – all while being sustainably produced,’ says Kat Dey. Compared to cotton, bamboo uses a third of the water and grows without pesticides. Tandy Avery, VP of Product Development at LUXOME, adds that viscose from bamboo is great for sensitive skin and ‘helps regulate temperature to keep you cool and dry.’ Tencel offers a similar silky feel with a lower environmental footprint.

Con: Slightly less durable than top-tier cotton or linen, though quality varies by brand.

Synthetic blends

Pro: Synthetic bed sheets are affordable and practical. Microfiber is soft and quick-drying; polyester is wrinkle-resistant and highly durable, making it a good entry point for a first apartment or dorm.

Con: ‘We steer clear of synthetics,’ Parachute’s Amy Hoban says. ‘They lack the breathability and longevity of natural fibers.’ They’ll never match the hand-feel or lifespan of the natural sheet bed options – and, in my experience, tend to arrive with that telltale chemical scent that takes more than one wash to shake.

Hypoallergenic options

Pro: ‘If you have sensitive skin, consider materials that are naturally gentle. 100% cotton and linen are great hypoallergenic options,’ says Brooklinen’s Kelly Hannon. Look for certifications like Oeko-Tex to ensure the fabric was grown and processed without harmful chemicals.

Con: Slim pickings in terms of design choices compared to conventional sheet sets, so you may have to trade some variety for peace of mind.

Weaves & Finishes

Solid beige and striped bed sheets pictured in a neutral bedroom

(Image credit: Parachute)

Percale

‘Percale is a plain weave with a one-over, one-under pattern – think of a simple checkerboard,’ notes Brooklinen CMO, Kelly Hannon. ‘This creates crisp, highly breathable, lightweight, and matte-finished sheets like our Classic Percale. They have a cool, smooth feel, similar to a freshly pressed button-down shirt. Percale sheets are perfect for hot sleepers, but they do tend to wrinkle easily and may feel a bit stiff at first. Don’t worry, they soften beautifully after a few washes.’

Sateen

‘Sateen features a four-over, one-under weave, which means more threads sit on the surface of the fabric,’ Kelly continues. ‘This results in a silky-smooth, subtly shiny finish, like you’ll find in our Luxe Sateen sheets. They drape beautifully and feel ultra-soft, making them ideal for year-round use. However, they can feel a bit too warm for those who sleep very hot.’

Percale vs. Sateen

‘The real difference between percale and sateen comes down to weave. Percale is crisp, cool, and matte, while sateen is silky, smooth, and lustrous. Both are made with the same high-quality cotton, but they offer two very different sleep experiences,’ adds Amy Hoban.

Flannel

When it comes to cold-weather picks, flannel consistently rises to the top. ‘Flannel is a go-to for winter,’ says Kelly Hannon. ‘It’s typically made with a plain or twill weave and then brushed on one or both sides to create that soft, fuzzy surface we all love. It’s super cozy and insulating, but not ideal for hot sleepers. Flannel can also be prone to shedding and pilling with frequent use.’

Jersey

And for hot weather, I say it’s jersey. ‘Jersey is a knit fabric, which gives these types of sheets a distinct feel and stretch. It’s the same type of knit that is used for your favorite t-shirt, and these sheets are stretchy, soft, and cozy,’ notes LUXOME's Tandy Avery. ‘A jersey sheet also resists wrinkles, but it can be prone to pilling. The casual t-shirt-like look may not be for everyone, but these sheets offer a comfy sleep, and they tend to be more budget-friendly than other sheets.’

Sheet Types

Brooklinen bedding styled in a bedroom with wooden wall panels and eccentric patterned wallpaper

(Image credit: Brooklinen)

The fitted sheet (the one that hugs the mattress tight) is your foundation. ‘Fitted sheets need to match your mattress size exactly,’ says Amy Hoban, Chief Creative Officer at Parachute, noting that this is the sheet where precision matters. A quality fitted sheet will stay put, with elastic that won’t give out over time.

Flat sheets are more forgiving – so much so that some people skip them entirely and sleep straight under the duvet. When used, they drape over the bed like a tablecloth. Tuck them for a crisp, hotel-like finish (and to stop shifting at night), or leave them loose in warmer months.

A sheet set will usually cover your bases: fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases (two for larger sizes, one for a twin). Duvet covers are often separate – those are typically sold as part of a bed sheet ‘bundle,’ so check the description to know exactly what’s included.

Bed Size & Depth

White bed sheets styled in a sunlit bedroom

(Image credit: LUXOME)

What size is the bed you’re dressing? You probably know your Queens from your Kings, but the specifics matter. ‘The very first thing you’ll want to know is the size of your mattress – this one’s non-negotiable,’ says Kelly Hannon, Chief Merchandising Officer at Brooklinen. ‘Standard mattress sizes include Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King. Most bed sheets are made to fit these specific sizes, so using a queen-sized fitted sheet on a full mattress, for example, would be too loose.’

To keep things sharp, match your sheets to the mattress exactly. ‘We recommend purchasing both your fitted and flat sheets in the exact size that matches your mattress,’ Kelly continues. ‘Duvet covers, on the other hand, are often labeled as ‘Queen/Full’ because they’re designed to fit both sizes.’

But don't ignore mattress depth either, which is arguably just as important. ‘If you have a taller mattress, opt for deep-pocket sheets,’ advises Amy Hoban, Chief Creative Officer at Parachute. For toppers – duvet covers, quilts, or top sheets – a little extra length is less a problem and more a design opportunity, adding drape and drama to the bed.

Color & Style

moody vintage style bedroom with a linen slipcovered bed, grey printed rug, burl wood nightstand and vintage decor

(Image credit: Amber Lewis x Loloi)

Material and weave might dictate the bird’s-eye view – silk or sateen for polish, linen or cotton for something more nonchalant and effortless – but bed sheet color and pattern do the heavy lifting when it comes to mood. ‘Color and pattern set the tone,’ notes Lori Miller, President of LGC Interior Design. ‘Light palettes make a room feel airy and fresh, while darker shades add drama and coziness,’ she says.

‘Many experts are moving away from pure white sheets because they can feel stark (and show stains easily),’ Lori continues. ‘Instead, think soft neutrals, muted pastels, or seasonal tones – warm terracotta or deep green in fall, breezy blues or blush in spring. Patterned sheets can add personality, but usually work best when balanced with solid bedding layers.’

A bedroom with a bright blue bed with blue bedding, a wooden bedside table, statement yellow ceramic lamp with patterned shade, small blue vase with flowers, neutral walls and a small still life artwork above the bed

(Image credit: Future / Future Publishing Ltd)

Speaking of charm, if you’ve noticed a certain revival of ‘grandma florals,’ you’re not imagining it. There's been a return to traditional prints and decor across the world of interiors, and that's touched bed linen too. Disty floral prints layered with larger format designs will create a cozy setup that's perfect for fall and winter. I would always recommend adding a solid color to the mix with a blanket or your throw pillows to break up the print.

You can never go wrong with a set of striped sheets, either. I have two in my rotation, one for spring and summer, which is a classic blue and white (these Cooling Cotton Percale Core Sheet Set from Brooklinen are the perfect summer stripe set), and one for the winter months in a soft cream and pale brown. Stripes actually layer nicely with florals, too, if you are after that on-trend mismatched look.

Rustic bedroom with exposed wooden beams. A small wooden bed side table sits next to the bed and the bed in dressed in white sheets with two patterned blue throw pillows and a patterned cream quilt

(Image credit: Future)

What’s next in bed sheets as we move into 2026 feels less about trends and more about personality. After years of pared-back minimalism, print is creeping back into the bedroom. A striped fitted sheet (á la the patterned fitted sheet trend) peeking out beneath a solid duvet, for instance, reads as an insider move. Even brands historically loyal to solids, like Parachute and Cozy Earth, are experimenting with patterns, evidenced by recent drops of yarn-dyed and sun-washed cotton stripes.

If you’re building a 2025/2026 bed from scratch, think in layers: a base of stripes for depth, solids in earth-coded shades for grounding, and silk pillowcases for contrast. Matchy-matchy bed sheets are officially on the outs.

As Kelly Hannon says, 'The key is thinking about balance. Start with your room’s existing elements – wall colors, furniture, lighting – and let the bedding either complement or artfully contrast them. Sheets don’t have to match everything, but they should feel intentional in the palette.’

How Much Should You Spend on Bed Sheets?

Budget matters, as do expectations. Egyptian cotton might not be essential for a guest bed, while your own sheets should absolutely hold up night after night.

According to NYC-based interior designer Lori Miller, budget-friendly sheets run about $50–$100 per set – think Walmart, Target, or Amazon basics. ‘Look for cotton–poly blends or lower-thread-count cotton. Decent for guest rooms or short-term use,’ Lori says.

Mid-range sheets sit around $100–$250. This is where you’ll find long-staple cotton, bamboo, or Tencel options – and some (not all) of Brooklinen’s range. ‘This is the sweet spot for quality and value – soft, breathable, and durable without being overpriced,’ Lori explains.

Luxury sheets start at $250+, climbing into the thousands for premium Egyptian or Supima cotton, linen, or custom weaves. ‘At this price point, you’re paying for craftsmanship and longevity. Beyond $500, you’re often paying for the brand name as much as the fabric and artisan work,’ Lori adds.

How We Test Bed Sheets

How we test bedsheets is much like if we were buying them ourselves. This means lingering a little too long in store, touching and feeling the floor samples, if I’m unable to get my hands on a personal sample for review. But often, the test comes in my own apartment, testing bed sheets the only way I know how – by sleeping on 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. The chosen ones will make reappearances.

If I am testing sheets firsthand, I won't read reviews until I have made up my own mind. I try to tune out the internet chatter. My opinions come from experience. If a set makes it here, it’s because it’s passed every test, from first sleep to final wash.

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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.