Clean and classic or 'stark and sterile'? Our experts weigh in on the white bed sheet debate

White bed sheets are a classic for a reason, providing the perfect blank canvas for pops of color in the shape of throw pillows and cozy blankets. You'll find white bed sheets in high-end hotels and homes across the country, but not everybody is on board.

When I consulted my expert panel of bedding designers and sleep scientists, I was surprised to see so many arguments against the use of white bed sheets. White tops the list of bed sheet colors to avoid if you're sensitive to light or prone to spills and stains.

If you've been struggling to sleep in your white bed sheets, then it might be time to rethink your bedroom ideas and settle on a transformative new tone. To that end, I asked my expert panel to recommend bed sheet colors to improve sleep, while I combed through our back catalog of reviews to bring you the best bed sheets in a wide range of colors.

Clean and classic or 'stark and sterile' – the white bed sheet debate

I asked Dr. Leah Kaylor, a licensed psychologist who specializes in sleep, to explain the impact of the color white on our sleep cycle. She says it all comes back to melatonin.

'Melatonin is the sleep hormone,' says Dr. Kaylor, 'And exposure to certain colors can suppress its production, making it harder to fall asleep. While the color white does not directly suppress melatonin production, but its brightness and reflectivity can impact sleep quality under certain conditions.'

'Bright white can mimic daylight and trick the brain into staying awake by reducing melatonin levels when combined with bright, cool-toned LED lighting condition,' Dr. Kaylor continues. 'Pairing white walls with white sheets can increase light reflectance, amplifying exposure to blue spectrum light which is known to suppress melatonin levels.'

'In natural light, white can help to regulate circadian rhythms by enhancing wakefulness,' acknowledges Dr. Kaylor. 'However, at night, too much brightness in the sleep environment can reduce the body's ability to wind down.'

'While white is associated with cleanliness and simplicity, stark, clinical whites can feel sterile and overstimulating, which can make it harder for some people to relax before bed.'

'In terms of washing, light sheets, especially white or pale shades, tend to show wear and tear more easily,' volunteers Parima Ijaz, the bedding designer behind the luxury brand, Pure Parima. 'Cheap white sheets need to be bleached or treated to keep them looking fresh, especially since lighter sheets tend to show stains much more visibly.'

'White sheets tend to develop a yellowish color over time due to the constant washing and exposure to detergents and other cleaning products,' Ijaz continues.

'To keep the bright and airy feel, you can use warm neutrals like ivory, beige, and creams for the perfect timeless look that works well with any color. Additionally, earth tones like taupe, grey, and olive can bring the natural look and feel without relying on white for a unique twist on a neutral-toned vibe. For the spring and summertime, or all year round depending on your taste, pastels works great for replacing white as they add a hint of warmth, tranquility, and subtlety for the perfect alternative.'

For all its issues, Ijaz still has a soft spot for the color white: 'White bed sheets are a timeless, classic look associated with luxury hotels. They also give a clean and hygienic appearance when freshly put on the bed and its bright light color helps make it easier to see when sheets need washing.'

'A versatile blank canvas, white pairs well with any color scheme with a fresh, airy feel for additional brightness and a luxurious touch,' Ijaz continues. Ultimately, whether or not you opt for white sheets depends on your priorities: whether you're prepared to put up with the bright light at bedtime for the fresh, clean look in the morning.

FAQs

Which is the best bed sheet color?

It all depends on the atmosphere you're trying to create. Neutral bedding will make your bedroom look bigger, while darker tones create a cozy, cocooning effect.

What should I do if my white bed sheets are turning yellow?

It's worth learning how to remove discoloration from your bedding to keep your white bed sheets in good condition. There are plenty of home remedies, from washing with vinegar to scrubbing with glycerin.

Choosing the wrong color for your bed sheets is one of the biggest bedding mistakes you can make, second only to choosing the wrong material. To save your sleep, I've identified the bedding materials to avoid.