IDK what you think, but not having a comfortable and cute bedding set in your dorm room is one way to fail. So, when you're prepping for college, don't snooze on shopping for comforters, shams, and bed sheets. Even if you are on a budget (we get it!), there are plenty of cute designs out there that will spruce your empty dorm room. Or even if you've just moved into a small apartment that your landlord won't let you freshen up with a lick of paint — ugh — patterned or colored bedding is one easy way to help add a personal touch.
Scouts honor, bedding doesn't have to cost as much as those spendy tuition fees. Enter, these cheap bedding set options I've found online, after hours of research. Many of these are actually from some of our favorite bedding brands, otherwise, I chose them not only because they're cuuute AF, but also because shoppers rate them so highly.
Keeping in mind the long checklist of items you'll need for your space, all our picks are under $130, and most are under $100. Keep scrolling for the inspiration you need for all the cozy vibes. From plain designs to patterned picks, all of them can be cleaned in the washer and dryer and some even have special features (like breathability). You also might want to add a mattress topper to your cart to create a barrier between you and your dorm-issued bed. It's worth it, promise.
So, whoever said that style and value couldn't be intertwined clearly didn't understand the assignment. Check out these cute but cheap sheets we love.
The best bedding sets for college dorms and tiny apartments
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Hopefully, by now, you've thought of some dorm room ideas, and if not, it's easy to base the design around your bed when your sheets are this cute.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king
Material: Brushed microfiber
Price: From $29.99
Whether or not you've taken up cheerleading, we all love a pom-pom! While some come in saccharine pinks and bubblegum blues, I'm obsessed with this morning Mocha shade. For under $30, you really can't go wrong with this brushed microfiber, stonewashed set. Taupe-be or not to be — that is the question I've got the answer! It's a great affordable bedding set that gets an A* for comfort, according to Amazon customers.
Size: Twin/twin XL and full/queen
Material: 100% cotton
Price: From $59
Lavender and checkerboard? Get in my basket RN. We always knew Dormify was going to serve super cute bedding but it has outdone itself here. Laundry-wise, all you've got to do is machine wash it on a cool temp with like colors. Twin XL comes with one sham/pillowcase. The yellow has already sold out proving its popularity!
Size: Twin/twin XL + 1 standard sham, full/queen comforter + 2 standard shams, king comforter + 2 standard shams
Material: 100% cotton with polyester/polyfill
Price: From $115.99
Be a sleeping lion leopard with this super cozy set available on Wayfair. This bedding accessory proves texture is on trend, and it's also available in beige for y'all Vanilla girls out there. The oatmeal-like color will practically mask any iced latte spills in bed. Wayfair customers are particularly fond of the thickness and feel of the material.
Size: Twin
Material: Linen 55%, rayon 45%
Price: From $63.75
I've been there. Burning the midnight oil, trying to turn a paper in before the deadline. So when you're stressing, you'll want something that'll be cooling and wick sweat. This linen pick is perfect for if you're a clammy sleeper and the sage green is super calming. Our deputy editor has shortlisted the sunshine yellow colorway in her spring decorating trends edit too.
Size: Twin/queen/king
Material: Cotton with polyester fill
Price: From $84.99
Bring the aughts fashion vibes to your bedroom with designer bedding. Coming from the brand that brought you those infamous velour tracksuits with diamante deets, this striped set is also reversible for two looks in one. This is the pick that most (cool) moms buy for their daughters going from the complementary reviews on Overstock.
Size: Twin/twin XL and full/queen
Material: 80% cotton, 20% polyester
Price: From $70
Warm up a cold and fugly dorm with this earthy mushroom duvet set from UO. The mustardy hue is giving us all of the Daisy Jones & The Six vibes, but check out the green, pastel purple, and cream versions if this isn't quite your style. Add a mushroom lamp by your bedside and your dorm aesthetic will look like it's been taken straight off of TikTok.
Size: Twin/queen/king
Material: Microfiber
Price: From $33.99
This muted set adds dimension for those who prefer subdued color palettes in the bedroom, but seek a little oomph. Add a macrame wall hanging, a bamboo headboard, and a jute rug and you could be forgiven for paying homage to the destination hotels you've seen on KUWTK. Psst: Grab a comforter while you're on Amazon.
Size (in): Twin/twin XL and full/queen
Material: 65% recycled polyester and 35% rayon
Price: From $129
Even if you don't have the dollar to spend on the cloud bed, trust me when I say you'll be sleeping on cloud nine once you invest in this sleep-time accessory. The pastel blue is dreamy enough, and you'll catch some Zs with a good conscience knowing that this is made using 25 recycled bottles and tested against a list of 400+ harmful substances.
Size: Twin quilt + 1 standard sham, queen quilt + 2 standard shams, king quilt + 2 king shams
Material: Cotton blend; cotton
Price: $57.99
Give your nap space some flower power with this sunny daisy-print bedding set. Despite being a double-layered fabric, it's super lightweight and machine washable, too. Match with mid-century modern furniture for a chic retro feel. This is the perfect way to incorporate texture if tufting isn't your type of thing.
What to look out for when buying a bedding set?
Not all bedding is created equal — in fact, the thin and nasty stuff can result in a restless night's sleep where you're reaching for a few too many extra cups of coffee. And, when you're studying/going to work, that's the last thing you need. So I've put together a checklist of what you should be looking out for:
- Material: Bear in mind that everyone's body reacts differently to materials. While polyester is super affordable, you may wake up with the sweats. Linen and bamboo are cooling, but prepare to pay a li'l more.
- Washability: Whether Aunt Flo's visiting or you've got egg yolk on the bed, you'll want to ensure you don't have to take your bedding to the laundromat to be professionally cleaned. Steer clear of silk bedding if you want an easy life and opt for machine-washable cotton if you want a lazy girl-approved choice
- Pattern/Color: Less of a biggie, but color psychology plays a big part in your bedroom, as does the lighting (which isn't known to be amazing in dorms). Consider what your bedding will look like under harsh or poor overhead lighting conditions. Colors may also look a little different when buying online, but most places offer a decent returns policy if you change your mind.
- The number of shams included: Even if you sleep solo, it's worth looking at whether the brand sells the pillowcases separately. I'm personally a 2-pillow gal, so want to make sure my other headrest matches.
Where to buy cheap bedding sets?
There are so many places to shop for cheap bedding sets that don't look "cheap." What I love about going online is that you can find a great selection using the filter tools to personalize your shopping experience (and where you won't have to worry about opened bedding packaging — a big "ick" for me).
Some retailers may offer a discount on a particular colorway, so it's worth clicking on the different options to see if you can save some coins. My personal fave out of this list is Dormify as they cater to college goers to a tee. Second to that is probs UO — a literal bedding Mecca if you ask me.
Oh, and did I mention Walmart bedding starts from $7 — yes really!
- Amazon bedding sets
- Anthropologie bedding sets
- eBay bedding sets
- Etsy bedding sets
- Dormify bedding sets
- H&M Home bedding sets
- JCPenny bedding sets
- Kohl's bedding sets
- Macy's bedding sets
- Overstock bedding sets
- Pottery Barn Teen bedding sets
- Society6 bedding sets
- Target bedding sets
- UO bedding sets
- Walmart bedding sets
- Wayfair bedding sets
