How much should I spend on sheets? The costs to consider before buying bedding

Picture your dream bed. Is it dressed in pristine, dazzling white sheets, ironed to the impeccable standards of a five-star hotel? Or are effortless luxury linens more of an enticement to climb aboard? Perhaps glamorous silk pillowcases do it for you? 

Whatever your needs and whichever styles you're drawn to, quality covers, comforters, and pillowcases can turn a basic bed into a superior sleep setup. Some swear by a high-end quilt, others by high-thread-count bed sheets, but how much should you spend? 

The golden rule is between $50-$200 for a queen. However, if you're after true quality, a full set of luxury bedding can cost into the thousands. While this sounds like a lot, buying cheap quality sheets won't give the comfort factor, or the boutique look you're after. Based on material and thread counts here's the full breakdown of how much you should spend on sheets: 

How much should I spend on sheets? 

Good quality sheets cost

A good set of sheets for a queen-size bed should cost around $50 to $200. They should have a thread count between 200 and 400 and are made from long-staple fibers. However, the cost of quality sheets can vary depending on material, brand, and size. 

'Lower priced sheets made from lower quality materials may be more affordable but won't offer the same comfort or durability' explains Amelia Jerden, certified sleep science coach at Sleepopolis. 'Ultimately, how much you spend on sheets is a personal decision that depends on your budget and priorities.' 

Amelia Jerden

Amelia Jerden is the Staff Writer and certified sleep science coach at Sleepopolis, where she tests and reviews sleep products (like pillows, weighted blankets, mattress toppers, etc.), as well as writes about sleep in general.

Best bed sheet sets by price

Quality indicator

While you may think thread count is the sole indicator of quality bed sheets, it shouldn't be the prime selling point. The best thread count for bed sheets isn't the most expensive option, and material can often impact price more. 

Thread count: The thread count is simply the number of warp (length) and weft (width) threads per square inch. So, for example, a cotton sheet with 100 warp threads and 100 weft threads per square inch of fabric has a thread count of 200. The exact number in a thread count depends on the thickness of the yarns used, and some manufacturers may use multi-ply yarn which increases the number of wefts without increasing the thickness. Experts agree that the ideal number  is between 300-400. 

Material: Despite the thread count, the bedding material you choose can make sheets more expensive. Polyester sheets, for example, are of the lowest quality fabric, mass-produced without environmental standards or certifications that confirm they are made without harmful chemicals or substances. See the list of materials below for their quality and thread count comparisons: 

• Cotton – a thread count of around 200 to 500 denotes average to good quality.
• Percale – or 'plain weave' bed linen – needs a thread count of 200 to 400 to guarantee good quality.  
• Sateen, which is more tightly woven, would generally need a higher thread count to ensure quality – 300 to 600 would be typical.
• Egyptian Cotton – look for a thread count between 300 to 500.
• Bamboo – increasingly popular, bamboo needs a thread count of around 300 to 500 to denote quality.
• Linen – actually, a lower thread count is more beneficial with this material, so while we will list the thread count between 80 and 140, it is rarely labelled as such.

Other quality factors to consider when shopping

Rather than get hung up on the thread count, buy the best you can afford, and above all, go for the feel. These are the other buying factors to consider when shopping for sheets: 

• The brand: tried and tested bedding brands by us will guarantee great sleep. Whether they're known for bamboo sheets, great value sham sets, or silk pillowcases to help with your skin and hair, researching the brand beforehand will help.
• The weave: depending on the feel you're after look for either 'percale' cotton for cool, crisp bedding or 'sateen' for luxurious silkiness.
• The thread: single-ply is more durable and breathable than multi-ply often found in polyester bedding. Opt for single-ply bedding that's durable and washes well.
• The cotton: long-staple cotton is better than short-staple if you're looking for softness that lasts. 
• The manufacturing:  look for certifications like, Oeko-Tex certification to ensure your bedding isn't made with harmful chemicals. It's the stamp of approval for bedding that meets manufacturing standards. 

FAQs

With a large range of bed sheets options to choose from, make sure you pick the best mattress to suit your needs, too. It takes more than a luxurious sheet set to get good quality sleep.