Best bedding set for your sleep sanctuary

Relax into soft and low-maintenance fabric with the best bedding set. This season it's all about comfort and practical fabrics that don't need ironing. Layer cosy seersucker linens for a crumpled and relaxed look. The best bed linen doesn't have to cost a fortune in order to feel luxurious. With a little consideration for the type of material that feels best for you, you can spend all day looking forward to going to bed.

A bedding set comprises of a duvet cover and matching pillows. Add in fitted sheets in a complementary colour, and maybe a textured throw or plush cushions and get that five-star hotel feeling. Design lovers, dress your bed with exquisite sets – floral, animal print and delicate patterns – coordinate with curtains and bedroom décor. Go for brands such as Sara Miller, Cath Kidston and Anthropologie for stylish duvet covers that offer the best in contemporary textile surface design.

Comfort is queen, so choose the fabric with care. Bedding sets that are cotton and linen are ideal for hot sleepers because they're breathable. Natural materials regulate body temperature and wick moisture. Better still, Egyptian cotton shares cotton's qualities but, being hand-picked less stress is put on the fibres, so it's softer, stronger and longer-lasting. French linen, made from French flax is another quality material that offers breathability, durability and comfort. For the best anti-allergy bedding set, silk and satin are hypoallergenic options for sensitive sleepers. Although pricier, they deter dust mites, providing relief from sensitivities. If you get cold at night or want a warm winter duvet, consider flannel or brushed cotton. Finally, many duvet covers include a polyester blend because it's cost-effective, long-lasting, wrinkle-resistant, and low maintenance.

Best bedding set at a glance:

• Best for design lovers: Cath Kidston Story Tree – View on Terrys
• Best linen bedding set: Piglet in Bed Check Stripe Linen Bed Bundle – View on Buy Me Once
• Best luxury bedding set: Dusk – Marseille Collection – View on Dusk

Life isn't always a bed of roses, but your bedding can be. We've rounded up the best bedding sets based on style, quality fabric and durability. So, do peruse before you make your bed and lie in it. You can also scroll to the FAQs for more on fabric weave – including percale and sateen – the benefits of linen, and how to wash your bedding.

Best bedding set

FAQs: Best bedding set

Along with "How to use an ironing machine", there's a fantastic quote about household management from Mrs Beeton's Family Cookery Book in a chapter on 'Laundry Work': "White linen and collars, sheets and body-linen should be placed in one heap, fine muslins in another, coloured cotton and linen fabrics in a third, woollens in a fourth and the coarser kitchen and other greasy cloths in a fifth." Forget soaking, boiling, starching and wringing machines – thank goodness modern fabrics take the labour out of doing the laundry.

What is percale fabric?

When a fabric is percale, it refers to the type of weave that was used to make the sheet. Percale is a closely woven cotton fabric known for its crisp, cool, and smooth texture. Expect high-quality bed linens due to its durability and comfort. In addition, percale fabric is breathable and has a crisp texture that promotes better airflow. Percale is woven in a simple way, with one thread over and one thread under. This weave makes it strong, durable, matte, and crisp. To be called percale, it must have 180 or more threads per square inch.

What is sateen fabric?

Sateen again refers to the way the cotton fabric is woven in a way that creates a smooth surface with a subtle sheen. Sateen's smooth and luxurious feel enhances comfort, potentially contributing to improved sleep quality and overall well-being due to its softness. It's breathable, soft and durable. Sateen is woven differently than regular cotton. It uses treated cotton fibres, not natural threads, and up close has a diagonal pattern. It blends satin's luxury with cotton's strength.

What is Egyptian cotton?

Egyptian Cotton is a high-quality cotton, picked from a specific species gossypium barbadense, known for its extra-long staple fibres. It produces soft, durable, and luxurious textiles, often used in premium bedding and linens. Egyptian Cotton's softness and breathability can contribute to improved sleep comfort. As we spend a third of our life in bed, it's well worth the investment.

What is French linen?

French linen refers to linen fabric and products made from flax plants cultivated and processed in France. It's prized for its quality and luxurious texture. French Linen's breathability, durability and natural comfort may promote better sleep and overall wellbeing.

What are the benefits of linen bedding?

When looking for the best linen bedding set, consider factors like thread count, weave type and the specific features offered by different brands. Thread count is less relevant for linen than for cotton because linen fibres are thicker, but a higher thread count can still indicate a smoother and softer finish. The weave type can also affect the texture and appearance of the linen.

Linen is naturally hypoallergenic, which means it's less likely to irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergies. In addition, linen has exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking properties. It's naturally temperature-regulating, which means it can keep you warm in winter and cool in warmer weather.

Linen bedding often has a luxurious texture that feels crisp yet soft against the skin. The natural, slightly textured appearance of linen offers a relaxed look, in contrast to formal starched whites. It withstands frequent washing and becomes even softer over time.

How often should you wash your bedding?

While everyone has their own preference for how often to wash bedding, wash your duvet cover once every two weeks. You might wash it more frequently in the summer if you sweat or have dry skin. Allergy sufferers may also wash their bedding more often or choose allergy-friendly options, such as silk sheets.

What temperature should I wash my bedding?

When it comes to bedding, many people ignore the label's washing instructions and opt for a 60°C wash to eliminate bacteria and dust mites. Typically, using 60°C on cotton bedding instead of 40 °C is safe, just less energy efficient. However, if your bedding is expensive or silk-based, it's advisable to strictly follow all instructions to avoid ruining it in the wash. New washing machines and detergents are designed to wash thoroughly at lower temperatures. Some appliances have specific bed linen, anti-allergy and hygiene cycles.

Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances. When she's not testing sparkling water makers, she flexes her creative flair as an artist.