Need to Catch a Few Z’s? Try One of These Luxury Bedding Sets

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It goes without saying that sleep is important, so why not splurge on a set of soft, sumptuous sheets and duvets for a perfect snooze? Easy enough, especially with so many top-notch offerings on the market, but navigating the bedding world’s various categories and hierarchies can be confusing for first-time shoppers. Thread counts, percales versus sateens, and other vocabularies abound, not to mention that advice about what makes the “best” luxury bedding often differs. So let’s start by demystifying the wild, wild world of nighttime fabrics.

What is thread count anyway?

At its core, thread count is a very straightforward concept and indicates how many threads are in a square inch of fabric. The messaging surrounding thread count is that the loftier the number, the better the sheets. Fact or fiction? Turns out it’s a bit of both: “A higher thread count doesn’t necessarily mean a higher-quality bedding set,” says Susanne Martinez, VP of product development at Sferra. “Linens with the same thread count can vary significantly in quality and how they feel to the touch depending on the grade of cotton used, the weaving techniques, finishing, and the country of origin.” Egyptian cotton, for example, continues to be among the most coveted materials in the bedding world and is a surer indicator of quality than thread count alone.

What type of bedding is right for me?

In terms of sheeting categories, there’s not one that’s immediately more luxurious than the other; ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. Terms like sateen and percale indicate different weaving styles, so while a percale feels crisper and more breathable (good for summer), a sateen is silkier and denser (perfect for winter). Linen sheets are another great option for the warmer months—although they will wrinkle. Some brands have even dabbled in other materials and techniques to create a more sustainable final product.

So what makes a “luxury” bedding set?

Ultimately, different buyers will have different ideas of what makes for a luxury sleep experience, so while thread count and fibers matter, some may find a percale more luxurious than a sateen, or vice versa. The important thing is to try a few different options, experiment, and find what best suits you. “Have fun with your style!” says Jane Gish, CEO and creative director at Ann Gish. “Your bed linen is a utility item—no bare mattresses, please—but it’s also a chance for you to express yourself and enjoy yourself. Choose colors and patterns you like!”

Here, we’ve rounded up a few luxury bedding sets to help get you started, though you may find yourself wanting to try a set out for yourself before committing to a final purchase. “Customers should look for information about the fiber, organic or other specialty fiber, and the weave,” says Eileen Mockus, the CEO of Coyuchi. “Hand feel matters most, which is tough online.”

Naturalismo Sheet Set

If sustainability is an important factor, then this is the set for you. Naturalismo represents a great leap forward for Frette, as it’s the brand’s first 100 percent organic collection. Eco-friendliness is top of mind from start to finish, with no chemicals used to clean the cotton or dye the yarns (dried poppy petals are used instead). The result is a cool-toned sateen set that will help you rest easy knowing it’s among the most eco-friendly sheeting options out there.

Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle

Luxury doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. Case in point, this set from Brooklinen, which will have you catching z’s without breaking the bank. It’s one of the best deals you can find on sateen sheeting and even includes a duvet cover and pillowcases. The 480-thread count bundle is also plenty versatile, available in a wide range of colors and patterns, as well sizes, from twin to California king.

Signature Silk Duvet Cover and Sham

Those looking for a softer set will gravitate toward Gingerlily’s offering, which is made with Mulberry silk. Available in a wide range of colors, buyers can snap up a sham or two or splurge on a duvet cover—easy to mix and match with other sheets then, if that’s more your speed.

Signature Hemmed Sheet Set

Boll & Branch has made a name for itself as the go-to for luxe, affordable sheets. Plus, its bedding claims to get softer and more supple with every wash rather than more threadbare. Its classic cotton set is available in virtually any size, as well as in a smattering of different neutral hues.

Sateen Starter Bedroom Bundle

Looking for an all-in-one bedding bundle? Parachute has you covered. Its sateen set includes the standard fitted sheet and flat sheet, as well as pillow and duvet inserts. Woven with Egyptian cotton, sizing ranges from full to California king, and includes blush, sand, and other breezy, neutral shades.

Whitlow Bedding Collection

Ralph Lauren brings its signature polo shirt style to the pillow with its extensive bedding collection. Among our favorites is Whitlow, a blue-and-white floral set inspired by similar motifs and color palettes found in traditional porcelain. Despite the fact that it’s designer sateen sheeting, it’s plenty affordable, with a queen-size flat sheet starting at just $285.

Linen Sheet Set

Linen is a go-to for spring and summer, as it’s a more breathable, airy fabric that will keep you from sweating all night. Saatva’s set, available in white, ivory, and gray as well as every size from twin to California king, is also remarkably affordable.

Sateen Printed Sheet Set

Not everyone is going to jump at a printed sheet set, but for the maximalists out there, there’s no better way to catch a few z’s—and style points. Anthro’s sateen number is available in this green-and-white floral as well as a dark turquoise option with a horse print and a gold package with ornate birds. There are plenty of other options to choose from, too, some more daring than others—happy shopping!

Wave Percale Sheet Set

Serena & Lily brings its breezy, beachy sensibilities to the world of sheeting with this bed set. Featuring a subtle scallop—available in light blue, red, pink, or dark blue piping—the classic design can pair with just about any bed. It’s a cotton percale so will have a lighter, crisper feel to it, and comes in any size from twin bed up.

Climate Beneficial Sheet Set

Those looking to go the extra mile in terms of sustainability will naturally gravitate toward Coyuchi’s latest, a cozy set that claims to benefit the environment. Sourced from local California farms, its cotton is grown and harvested in a way that restores soil rather than ravaging it. The set itself is beautiful too, available in white or striped color options.

Giza 45 Bedding Set

No luxury bedding roundup is complete without Sferra. Sferra’s Giza 45 in particular is often regarded as the softest, most luxe sheeting that money can buy, so those looking to invest in bedding that will last a lifetime need look no further. The sateen set is made with Egyptian cotton, but be warned—once you start slumbering with Sferra, there’s no going back.

Indigo Duvet Set

Ann Gish’s latest collection is a beautiful series of bed linens and fabrics for the Met Store, inspired by the museum’s extensive collection. This particular set takes cues from Islamic tile and features a beautiful indigo pattern printed on 100 percent cotton.

Nocturne Bedding Set

Matouk’s signature set comes in a rainbow of different hues, from soft blue to deep red. It’s also a suitably luxurious sateen, made with Egyptian cotton with a thread count of 600.

Breeze Sheet Set

Buffy takes a slightly different approach to sheeting: It’s woven with eucalyptus fibers rather than cotton, an approach the brand claims is both cozier and more sustainable. Available in neutral shades as well as soft pastels and stripes, it’s an affordable option for the more eco-conscious friend in your life.

Equinoxe Collection

We love the colorful patterns and beautiful embroidery of Yves Delorme sheets, and its kaleidoscopic Equinoxe has all of that in spades. The sateen set has a thread count of 500 and serves as a nod to the dreamy spring season.

Treccia Collection

Pratesi is among one of the most renowned names in textiles and bedding, and its Treccia line is its most instantly recognizable. Orange spirals nod to the columns of Florentine architecture, and a soft, scalloped edge adds a touch of elegance. Made with Egyptian cotton, it’s one of the most luxurious bedding sets on the market.

Linen Sheet Set

Cultiver as a brand has become synonymous with beautiful, soft linen bedding, so it’s a go-to for any first-time sheeting shopper. Its classic set comes in soft, neutral solids as well as subtle stripes, and is woven from European flax. Bring these out in the summer for a cozy sleep that won’t break a sweat.

Drift Bed Linen Set

Savoir is known for making ridiculously plush, stylish mattresses, and its sheeting options are just as splurge-worthy. We’re partial to its crisp cotton percale set, which has a thread count of 400 and will replicate a five-star hotel bed experience.

Percale Bedding

Tekla has slowly become the cool-girl design brand of the moment, known for its simple-yet-chic Scandinavian sensibilities. Devotees can bring that ethos to the bedroom with a set of percale sheets and duvet colors available in solid colors and stripes. All that’s left is a few Arne Jacobsen chairs to pull the room together....

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