Best bed sheets 2024 – tested by experts for months

The best bed sheets should look good, feel better, wash well, and lie beautifully on your bed. A stylish set of sheets could upgrade your sleep and elevate your bedroom decor in one fell swoop.

You could shop for the best bed sheets by material. Where linen is durable and breathable, cotton sateen is soft and silky, while something like eucalyptus or bamboo might be more suitable for eco-conscious shoppers. Alternatively, you could shop by color. All the specialist sleep stores stock crisp white bed sheets, but only a select few offer bolder hues. With so much on the market, it's easy to feel spoiled for choice.

That's where I come in. As H&G's resident sleep writer, I've slept under some of the world's best bed sheets. I know my cotton percale from my cotton sateen, and I know what I'm looking for in a sheet set: premium materials, expert craftsmanship, and a reasonable price point.

Best bed sheets 2024: tried and tested

I've narrowed it down to my top 12 sheet sets to suit every style of sleeper and size of budget. Each set of sheets is assessed against the same criteria: comfort; quality of construction; cooling properties; appearance; and the all-important price.

The quick list

Here's the summary of everything you need to know about our favorite bed sheets. Further down the page we have more information, so keep scrolling if you're getting invested in your slumbers.

The best bed sheets in 2023

The best bed sheets overall

These simple, tailored sheets lie beautifully on any bed. Their timeless style will outlast any trends and, thankfully, these are premium enough to outlast them too. The Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set comes in solid colors, as well as subtler stripes and checks, which should blend beautifully into any background. If you want cool, crisp, cotton sheets, you're in the right place.

Most of us have worked up a sweat making the bed, so you'll appreciate the 'Long' and 'Short' tags on the side of the fitted sheets, letting you know which ends need to be where. This is something we wish every sheet had.

When it comes to washing, these are easy and convenient. Everything is machine-washable and dryer-safe, though I recommend ironing for best results.

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The best cotton bed sheets

Crafted from pure Egyptian cotton, you won’t find softer bedsheets than these. Our expert tester Laura loves them because The White Company haven’t changed it since they started making them in 1994. That means that she, her parents, and her grandparents, all have the same bedsheets.

None of us them experienced any pilling, discolouration, or thinning. They’re still as good as new. If anything, they’ve spoilt hotel bedding for me; these are affordable, luxurious, and comfortable. The bottom buttons are easy to do up and super subtle, never getting in the way or feeling uncomfortable.

Our one criticism is written in the name of the company. These sheets only come in white. If your house is all about neutrals, this won’t be a problem, but if you’re after a pop of color or you want to add some personality to your bedding, The White Company is not the place to look. That being said, these sheets are totally timeless and that has to count for something.

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The best cotton percale bed sheets

Made from long cotton fibers and woven into a crisp percale weave, this Saatva sheet set is naturally soft and cool to the touch. On the bed, it has a blissfully soft feel and smooth finish, making your bed close to irresistible, one thread at a time.

These sheets come in every size from Twin to California King in classic shades of white, gray, and ivory. The Percale Sheet Set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases for just over $200. That's a beautiful bundle which saves you from having to buy each part separately. It's an excellent saving all-in.

Our only criticism would be that these sheets can only stretch to fit mattresses up to 16 inches deep. If yours is deeper, you might want to shop elsewhere.

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The best linen bed sheets

I reach for this Piglet in Bed set more than most. As a hot sleeper, I need breezy and breathable sheets that can keep me cool and dry overnight. It took me a while to get used to the coarser feel of linen, which shouldn't scratch, but won't feel as smooth as cotton or bamboo. That said, these sheets get softer with every wash.

On the bed, it has a relaxed look which is effortlessly cozy and inviting. Linen needs more care when washing, so I would recommend opting for a lower temperature and air drying. However, these are more durable than others: you can opt for higher temperatures and the quick dryer if you need to.

This bedding bundle includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, a duvet cover, and a pair of linen pillowcases. If you're shopping for spare bedding, there's always an option to add a second pair of pillowcases and an extra flat or fitted sheet.

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The softest bed sheets

If you're shopping for bright linen sheets, but you just can't settle on a color combination, you'll appreciate Bed Threads' color categories. You can browse bedding bundles in earthy, simple, retro, serene, and bright shades, safe in the knowledge that Bed Threads uses eco-friendly dyes.

Each part is sold separately, so you can mix and match your sheets and shams to create a truly custom sheet set. This could get expensive, but these are really reasonably priced, so you won't be any worse off for having some of the most stylish bedding on sale.

Every aspect of these sheets is crafted from French flax linen, so they are anti-static, anti-bacterial, and naturally thermo-regulating. Linen often feels stiffer than cotton when you first use it, but rest assured, this will get softer with every wash.

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The best bed sheets for range of colors

As a general rule, linen sheets are only available in neutral, faded shades, thanks to the natural dying process. So when I set my gray blue sheets against my plain white bedding, I couldn't believe the color contrast.

These bold, jewelled colors can meet layering, maximalist color trends on a luxurious level. However, if you wanted something more subtle, there are earthy, neutral options available too. Don't be afraid to mix your bed sheets by color or material to create a bespoke bedspread.

Made from European flax and stone-washed for softness, these linen sheets combine durable materials with a delicate finish. They might feel a little scratchy at first, but that's the nature of linen. The more you wash them, the more sumptuously soft they feel.

These sheets can be a little high-maintenance, because they should be washed on a cold cycle and air dried for best results. However, if you don't mind creases, you can get away with bundling them in the dryer.

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The best bamboo bed sheets

Bamboo is a brilliant option if you want sheets that are good for the planet as well as your body, as long as they're sustainably sourced. Thankfully, these are. Since bamboo is naturally moisture-wicking, it should keep you cool and dry overnight too. With a list of properties like that, it's no surprise that these sheets were 'Oprah's Favorite Things' in 2018.

You can select this sheet set in a range of tones from classic white, which complements every color palette, as well as a range of rich neutrals. They're easy to wash and stain-resistant for quick and convenient cleaning.

In fact, the only thing we don't like about these sheets is the price. Cozy Earth's Bamboo Sheet Set is on the more expensive side, but it's sure to last you for years.

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The best cooling bed sheets

These sheets are OEKO-TEX certified. That means every part of the product, from the fabric to the thread, is free from toxic chemicals. That's why the Signature Sateen Sheet Set is hypoallergenic, naturally cooling and kind to your skin.

Machine-washable and dryer-safe, these sheets never need an iron: all they need is a good old shake. This means that they drape wonderfully on the bed, still looking super smart and premium, without hours of ironing and sweating over the perfectly made bed. They're the kind of sheets that are perfect for a guest room. I guarantee you'll have return visitors with them too.

When we tested them, our experts particularly loved how these lightweight layers felt. However, if you're a cool sleeper, you might want something a little thicker to keep you cozy.

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The best luxury bed sheets

Each flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcase in the Luxury Sheet Set is made from 100% bamboo viscose and woven into silky-smooth sateen. These sheets are ideally suited for sensitive sleepers and eco-conscious shoppers alike.

Naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial, bamboo bedding can bust the bacteria that breeds in hot, damp environments, such as bedding. Bamboo is also thermoregulating to keep you warm in the winter and cool for the summer. Like a lot of natural fibers, bamboo is prone to wrinkling, but that's nothing a good shake can't sort out.

If you sleep on a thicker mattress, then you'll understand the struggle of shopping for a fitted sheet to stretch all the way around. Look no further than the Luxome Luxury Sheet Set. Each fitted sheet features deep pockets with extra corner bands for a snug, secure fit.

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The best bed sheets for hot sleepers

Moisture-wicking and antimicrobial, these vegan sheets are a game-changer for hot sleepers. They should kill the bacteria that breeds in hot, damp environments such as bedrooms to keep you cool and comfortable.

These eucalyptus sheets are suitable for sensitive sleepers, since they're hypoallergenic and soothe your skin while you sleep. They're all organic and have been sustainably sourced, which is brilliant if you're looking for sheets that will be kind to your skin and kind to the planet too.

They lay beautifully on the bed, and they're easy to clean: all you need to do is wash on a cold cycle and tumble dry on low. Just bear in mind that some pilling is normal for natural fibers. If you're a perfectionist, this might bother you.

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The best bed sheets for style

Organic bed sheets can look a little plain. Most are dyed in classic neutral shades, so the colorways and pattern options are pretty limited. That's why Anthropologie's sheets stand out from the crowd. Their organic sateen sets are decorated with intricate floral and botanical designs.

My favorite set is covered in dainty dogs dancing across a watercolor blue background. They're fun without looking cheap or tacky and they still have the super-soft feel of sheets that you'll daydream about sinking into.

All of these designs are responsibly made from organic cotton sateen, and they're OEKO-TEX certified, too. These eco-credentials make Anthropologie's sheets some of the best organic sheets on the market. However, as with all organic options, they're more prone to pilling if you wash them regularly.

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The best organic bed sheets

These cotton sheets are garment-washed to remove scratchy starches for a soft, smooth finish, and they're GOTS-certified. That means every stage of production, from factory to finish, is independently investigated to uphold high social and environmental standards.

The Hardcore Bundle includes Brooklinen's Core Sheet Set, as well as extra pillowcases and a duvet cover. That's all you need to dress your bed, and then some. They're the closest finish you'll find to hotel bedsheets, so if you're always dreaming of sinking into sumptuous sheets, this is the set you need. They're actually better than hotel-quality sheets, because of their excellent eco-credentials.

Retailing for around $335, the Hardcore Bundle is on the more expensive side, but you're getting a lot for your money, so we think they're worth it.

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How we tested these bed sheets

We put a lot of though into how we test bed sheets. It isn't just a matter of sleeping on the job. Our experts have tested these sheets for months, if not years, to monitor their performance over time. We've stripped our beds, washed the sheets, and made our beds again to give you the fullest picture of what it might be like to sleep under these sheets.

We chose the best bed sheets based on their comfort, the quality of their construction, their appearance, and the all-important price. We've made a note of color options, too, so that you can choose the sheets that best complement your color palette.

How to choose the best bed sheets

There are so many bed sheet types to choose from that it can be difficult to know where to start. First, consider the material of your sheets. Cotton is most common, but tends to be expensive. Linens are great for keeping cool in summer, but less useful now we're in winter, and some people find them scratchy. If you like the look of linen, but you're shopping for something softer, I recommend hemp: specifically, the Naturalmat Organic Hemp Bed Linen Collection. It's breathable and durable, with plenty of touchable texture.

It's also important to consider the size of your sheets. There are at least seven different sizes between twin and California King, and not ever company makes every size, so you need to measure up your bed. You also need to consider how thick your mattress is, because this isn't standard, especially if you have a mattress topper.

Finally, think about the style of your bed sheets to ensure they work with your décor. That all-black set might not suit a more traditional farmhouse bedroom, and a coastal-themed set of linens won't work in more modern spaces.

Meet the team

Louise Oliphant

Louise is one of our former sleep editors. She started her journey to better sleep working in PR for a luxury bedding brand. She's tried, tested, and reviewed some of the top sleep products. Louise brings bags of bedding expertise to help you wind down well.

Emilia Hitching

Emilia is our resident sleep writer at Homes & Gardens. She spends her days searching the web for the best bedding deals and spends her nights testing some of the best bed sheets, comforters, and mattresses.

Best bed sheets FAQs

Final thoughts

If you've made it to the end of this article, you might be surprised that I haven't mentioned the best thread count for bed sheets. That's because thread counts don't really mean that much. A high thread count doesn't always indicate a high-quality sheet: just that there were many threads in that particular weft. Focus on comfort and durability to find a sheet set you'll want to sleep in.

Don't feel that you're limited to the sheet sets on this list, either. It might be the case that an unusual material is the best fit for your sleep needs. I just finished testing the Shleep Luxury Merino Wool bedding set, and I can't recommend it highly enough for hot sleepers and eco-conscious shoppers.