The 7 Best Sheet Sets Refresh Your Bedroom Faster Than You Can Hit Snooze
Will you choose rust, rosewater, sage, or mineral?
Updated Oct 20, 2021 7:21 AM
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We all know the importance of a good night’s rest, but what’s less known is that your sheets can affect your slumber—and it turns out it’s all in the material. Are you a hot sleeper? You’ll need something cooling, such as percale or linen. Live in a cold environment or always wake up freezing at night? Better look at flannel. “Staying comfortable is a key component in preventing sleep disruptions, and one of the biggest factors is temperature regulation,” says Logan Foley, managing editor at Sleep Foundation.
After testing dozens of brands, materials, and constructions, we consider ourselves sheet connoisseurs—and we’re always looking for the sweet spot where style meets comfort. So whether you’re refreshing your bedroom on a budget or really (really) need to replace that pilling fitted sheet, read our guide to the best sheet sets before you invest in new bedding. Our picks not only look good, they’ll help you get your best shut-eye yet.
- Best overall: Matteo Sei Sateen
- Best colors: Bed Threads Flax Linen Sheet Set
- Best organic: Coyuchi Organic Jersey Sheet Set
- Best cotton: Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheets
- Best linen: Sijo Premium French Linen Sheet Set
- Best flannel: Crate & Barrel Flannel Sheet Set
- Best value: Mellanni 1800 Collection Microfiber Sheet Set
A Few Things to Consider
Material: The number-one factor in picking sheets is material, says Foley, and while there are many options to choose from, the most common are cotton, linen, silk, and synthetic. Cotton is one of the most popular choices. “It’s soft and breathable and relatively affordable,” she explains.
Linen has moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties (thanks to a looser fabric weave and higher moisture absorbency than cotton), so it keeps you cool in hot climates and warm in colder ones. Linen gets softer over time and is “considered eco-friendly, given its recyclable and biodegradable qualities,” says Dr. Erum Ilyas of Schweiger Dermatology Group. “It’s also very durable due to the high tensile strength of the flax plant fibers,” so it will last for years if you care for it properly.
Silk is considered a “high-end choice for bedding,” says Foley, and it can be expensive, but it’s also breathable and hypoallergenic. Made from the cocoons of silkworms, silk sheets have a distinct “shiny” look that isn’t for everyone; still, they’re incredibly soft and smooth to the touch.
Lastly, there are synthetic and semi-synthetic options to consider, such as polyester, rayon, and microfiber. These can be a good choice for those on a budget, but polyester sheets in particular are “generally less soft, breathable, and durable,” cautions Foley.
Construction and texture: Construction is the other half of the equation you want to consider. Most of the materials above can be constructed in various ways, which will dictate the overall look, feel, texture, and durability of your bedsheets.
Sateen is tightly woven in a “one yarn under, three or four yarns over pattern,” according to Sleep Foundation, which results in a wrinkle-resistant, slightly weighty fabric with a subtle sheen, best in cool climates and for chillier sleepers. Percale has a “crisscross [or plain] weave that produces a crisp look and feel,” says Ilyas. “It reminds me of an oxford shirt.” It’s also lighter than sateen, so it’s better for hot sleepers or warm climates. Flannel is brushed for a fuzzy feel; these sheets are ideal for the fall and winter thanks to their noticeable heft and incredible softness. Then there’s jersey, which has the feel of a favorite white T-shirt. Jersey sheets are knitted, not woven, for a soft and stretchy effect.
What’s included in a set: Most sheet sets come with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two standard pillowcases, but there are some variances: Sijo Home offers the option to add a top sheet for $90, while Parachute and Brooklinen bundles include four pillowcases instead of the standard two. Be sure to check what each bundle includes when you’re comparing prices to make sure you find the best option for your bed and budget.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Matteo Sei Sateen
Interior designer Jessica Helgerson loves Matteo, and so do we. While the brand is best known for its luxurious linen, we particularly like its Sei sateen option. This 600-thread-count bedding is crisp and soft with a subtle sheen and great breathability so you never break a sweat. The sets are made to order by artisans in Los Angeles using high-quality cotton and provide “a warm, familiar, and very comforting feel” from the get-go, explains Jelani Shelton, Matteo’s design manager. Each set is also dyed together so there’s no variation in colors between the pillowcase and fitted sheet.
Matteo’s bundle comes in six neutral colors and contains one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and one or two pillowcases depending on the size (there are a variety of options available, including twin XL for college dorms). Our tester—who has slept almost exclusively on these sheets for two years—says that they wash and wear beautifully and have only gotten more supple over time.
Best Colors: Bed Threads Flax Linen Sheet Set
This linen set is a Domino staffer favorite. It comes in a range of 20 whimsical hues, from rich rust and pink clay to soothing lilac and oatmeal, along with striped or pinstriped designs, all made using eco-friendly dyes like turmeric, sage, and rosewater. Buy a monochrome set in peach, or mix and match your set to create the combo of your dreams. (Might we suggest Troy Sivan’s favorite, khaki with terracotta?)
Made from French flax (with a priority toward carbon-neutral, eco-friendly, ethical craftmanship), this buttery soft bedding gets even more supple with each wash. This set comes with two pillowcases, a fitted sheet, and a duvet cover; there’s also a set available with a flat sheet instead of the duvet.
Best Organic: Coyuchi Organic Jersey Sheet Set
Like a well-loved pair of pajamas, Coyuchi’s jersey sheets are soft and welcoming with a bit of structure. Crafted from 100 percent long-staple organic cotton and knitted in India, these sheets are highly breathable and resist piling for that clean, crisp look night after night and wash after wash. Best of all, they are GOTS certified, a step above OEKO-TEX 100 in the organic fiber ranks; every step of the supply chain is verified and traceable and meets strict ecological and social criteria. The sheets are also “made safe,” which verifies that no harmful toxins are used in the product—think: flame retardants and heavy metals. The full-size set comes with a duvet cover, fitted sheet, flat sheet, and one pillowcase.
And when you’re ready for a new set? Thanks to the company’s 2nd Home initiative to reduce textile waste, you can send your used sheets back for 15 percent off your next set or shop a collection of recycled sheets from the brand.
Best Cotton: Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheets
There’s a reason that Brooklinen’s classic percale sheets have reached cult status. The 270-thread-count, long-staple cotton, OEKO-TEX-certified set is cool to the touch, crisp, and sophisticated, with a smooth experience without the fuss, slip, or sheen. (Just skim the 13,000-plus positive reviews for proof.) The lightweight sheets are also ideal if you “tend to flush or get warm overnight,” says Ilyas.
Available in seven core shades and eight limited-edition colors and prints, the full set comes with one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two envelope pillowcases, so your pillows will never poke out again.
Best Linen: Sijo Premium French Linen Sheet Set
Ready to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to linen sheets? This set is our pick for its relaxed look, suppleness, and cooling effect. The linen is sourced in small batches from the Normandy region of France, stonewashed for ultimate softness, and free from harmful toxins and additives. Plus, since flax requires minimal water to grow, it’s more eco-friendly to produce than other materials. The full-size set includes one fitted sheet (with a continuous elastic hem that will hug your mattress snugly all night long), two envelope pillowcases, and an optional flat sheet; it comes in eight neutral shades, from white to blush, forest green to slate.
Best Flannel: Crate & Barrel Flannel Sheet Set
If you live in a cold environment or are always freezing at night, you’re going to want to check out this flannel sheet set. The 100 percent cotton, velvetlike sheets will keep you extra toasty; they’re also prewashed for softness and to prevent shrinkage. The set comes with one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two standard pillowcases.
But be forewarned: Happy customers noted that they bought two sets just to “never be without these sheets”; other reviewers said that getting out of bed can be hard with bedding this cozy.
Best Value: Mellanni 1800 Collection Microfiber Sheet Set
If you’re looking for extreme softness at an affordable price, consider Mellanni’s 1800 Collection microfiber sheet set, which has garnered more than 222,000 positive reviews on Amazon; has a lifetime guarantee; and comes with one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases.
The polyester sheets are double brushed for extra comfort and also stain-, wrinkle-, fade-, and shrink-resistant. Our tester says that they’re a joy to launder, and the deep pocket of the fitted sheet (up to 16 inches) is a plus if you have a thick mattress—no more shifting or undone corners. Plus the sheets come in 26 different colors and a handful of prints for maximum style.
Pro Tips for Styling a Bed
- Layer, layer, layer: Beyond aesthetics, Matteo’s Shelton says this is the key to creating the perfect sleep environment. “It allows you to layer down if you are too hot and layer up if you’re too cold,” she adds. Interior decorator April Tomlin of April Tomlin Interiors recommends adding an “oversize throw or layering two throws at the end of the bed.”
- Pick a palette: Shelton urges customers to stick to two or three colors when selecting bedding. “Tailoring your palette to ensure that the overall look of your bed is cohesive with your room is a huge step in creating a space that is a feast for the eyes,” adds Tomlin.
- When in doubt, follow the sandwich rule: Think about making a sandwich when styling your bed. You want to strive for symmetry. Match whatever’s at the top of your bed (headboard or pillows) with a quilt or throw blanket at the foot—and voilà! The method is foolproof.
Ask Domino
What kind of bedsheets do 5-star hotels use?
Crisp, simple, and breathable, cotton is a top pick for most hotels, Sarah Klymson, vice president of product and brand development at Hyatt, previously told Domino. “To re-create the feel of a hotel bed experience, look for linens that are made well, hold up over time, and aesthetically complement the design of your space,” she adds.
What does a high-thread count mean, and does it really matter?
“Thread count is amazingly simple,” says Shelton. “Cut a 1-by-1-inch square of fabric and count the yarns (or threads). Thread count represents the density of the weave.” But keep in mind that there’s much more to linens than thread count. “Often higher thread counts come at a much higher cost without necessarily achieving the look and feel you may be looking for,” explains Ilyas. What matters more is the quality of the material and what type of construction best suits your personal needs.
How often should you wash sheets?
Aim to wash your sheets every one to two weeks, or more if you sweat a lot. Without going into too many icky details (think: dust mites and fungi), we’ll just say you spend a lot of time in bed and it’s important to keep bedding clean. Failure to do so can cause allergies, acne, and other unpleasant skin conditions.
How We Vetted These Products
Every product in a Domino guide meets these criteria:
- They blend form and function. We believe the best-designed products reflect your personal style and are a joy to use.
- They’re expert approved. In addition to our team of editors, we tap a range of designers, makers, renovators, and all-around knowledgeable people to share their intel.
- They’re endorsed by people who actually own them. We pay close attention to real reviews from both our creative community and third-party websites to know that they pass the test IRL.