Best bed sheets, as reviewed by us and rated by shoppers — 12 of the top picks starting at $9.50

We tested a range of bed sheets including linen, bamboo, and microfiber options

White bed with brown throw blanket
(Image credit: Brooklinen)

Upgrade your sleep routine with the best bed sheets on the market. Our sleep editors got to work tested dozens of sets and picked our favorite options.

The sheets we rate the highest below are the best of the best, otherwise, we've narrowed this guide down by bed sheet material — from cotton to linen, bamboo, and microfiber. There's something for everyone.

Whether you've recently moved in or you're on the hunt for a crisp white set that you can rely on year-round, here are our favorites. If it's fancy, seasonal bedding that you're searching for, then don't miss our best bedding sets guide for fun designs that are trending now.

The best bed sheets — by material

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

We've tested a bunch of the best bed sheets, as rated by shoppers or created by some of our favorite bedding brands such as Brooklinen, Cozy Earth, Comphy... and more.

For photo purposes, the bed sheets in this guide have been featured in white. The majority of the sheets below also come in other colors though, FYI.

The best cotton bed sheets

Let's kick things off with cotton bed sheets. This is arguably the most popular material of bed sheets — and sometimes it's one of the most affordable. Here are our three favorites...

The best linen bed sheets

Linen sheets are durable, soft and they look super expensive. Hence why they are so popular! Though they do come at a price tag, as you'd expect, you can rely on these three to bring your bedroom up to scratch...

The best bamboo bed sheets

Bamboo bedding is quickly becoming one of the most preferred bedding materials, as it is naturally cooling and softer than you might expect. Here are our top three bamboo bed sheets to shop today.

The best microfiber bed sheets

Microfiber sheets are some of the most affordable sheets you can buy — but that doesn't mean they aren't high quality. Our three favorite sets are among the most reasonably priced sheets in this guide, and they wash incredibly well...

What to consider when choosing bed sheets

  • Size: Bedding isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. In addition to buying sheets that match your bed size, you'll need to take the depth of your bed into consideration, too. Make no mistake, most mattresses are compatible with a traditional set of sheets. However, if your mattress’ height exceeds 14 inches, you’ll likely need to invest in deep-pocket sheets. Since deep pocket sheets have some extra fabric, they stretch over the extra height and offer a snug, non-constricting, fit.
  • Material: When it comes to shopping for bedding, there’s a good chance you prioritize softness above all else. After all, nobody wants to spend those precious eight hours wrapped in stiff, scratchy sheets. However, the type of fabric you choose can play a huge role in your bedding’s overall comfort. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like bamboo or linen are ideal for the summer or for anyone who runs hot when they sleep. Conversely, heavier fabrics like flannel and cashmere will come in handy once the temperature drops. If you’re looking for middle-of-the-road bedding you can use year-round, opt for a cotton material like percale or sateen.
  • Finish: The finish of sheets is just as important as the material. Before you add some new bedding to your cart, check out the fine print. Anyone who is prone to pesky allergens will want to buy sheets that are hypoallergenic or made with materials that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Want your bedding to get Mother Nature’s seal of approval? Keep an eye out for sheets with Fair Trade, OEKO-TEK, or even GOTS certification.

FAQs

Does thread count matter?

For years, it's been believed that your bedding thread count matters — the higher your thread count is, the softer it will feel. However, a lot of top bedding brands like Brooklinen and Parachute claim thread count isn’t as important as we once thought.

Thread count is determined by the number of vertical and horizontal strands in one square inch. While this may sound appealing, it could actually result in thicker, coarser threads, making it heavy and hot. According to Brooklinen, anything over a 500-thread count should raise some eyebrows. Instead, prioritize quality. High-quality, single-ply bedding may have a lower thread count, but there’s a good chance it’ll be softer and more durable than those 800-thread-count sheets that seem too good to be true.

What’s the difference between percale and sateen?

This may come as a surprise to you, but not all cotton sheets are created equal, and they often fall into two categories — sateen and percale. Their nuanced weave patterns make a difference.

Percale’s simple one-over-one-under weave typically results in crisp sheets with a matte finish. Sateen, on the other hand, uses an intricate four-over-one-under weave to create a luxurious, silky feel.

When is the best time to buy bedding?

Looking to save some money on cheap bedding? You can snag a great deal around seasonal sales like Black Friday or even Amazon Prime Day in the summer and fall. these large sales events typically include sleep products like mattresses, comforters, and bed sheets.

How we test bed sheets

Louises bed with bedding on that transformed her rental mattress


(Image credit: Future / Louise Oliphant)

All our reviews are based on the real-life experience of using these sheets at home, many of which have been used (and washed) many times over. We contact the brands behind these bedding sets who will send them to one of our writers or editors to review. They then sleep under these sheets and wash them a couple of times before noting their verdict. Only the best picks end up in this guide.

These gorgeous bedding sets are often given to us free of charge, and due to the personal nature of bedding, we have been able to keep our samples. These are our favorite bedding sets based on factors like quality of construction, material, breathability, color options, value for the money, and ease of care. 

All of the products in this guide with a star rating have been reviewed by a member of the Real Homes team. Ones without a star rating have been chosen purely based on their customer reviews.

As Real Homes' previous ecommerce editor, Louise tested the Ettitude Signature Sateen Sheet Set. Jaclyn was previously our sleep editor and former ecommerce editor at Homes & Gardens. She knows her stuff when it comes to great bedding and tested the Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set, the Cultiver Linen Sheet Set, and the Quince European Linen Fitted Sheet Set.


For a truly luxe experience, consider investing in some hotel-style bedding. From fluffy duvets to high-thread-count sheets, your bed will transform into a cloud. Look forward to your best sleep ever.

Annie Collyer
Head Ecommerce Editor

Hi! I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. I've been part of the Real Homes team since 2018, when I joined as Deals Editor. Along with covering major sales events — from Black Friday to Amazon Prime Day — I review home must-haves so that you can buy with peace of mind. Mostly focusing on home fragrance and sleep, as well as a few vacuum cleaners, I've tested pretty much every item you can think of that you need in your home. I live on the outskirts of the city in a two-bed apartment with my husband and my pug, Doug. So I am always searching for compact alternatives and ways to save floor space. What about when I am not typing away? Well, you'll find me enjoying an iced coffee (no matter the season) and trying out the latest brunch spots the city has to offer, or booking my next holiday. Where else can you find my words? Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home, Gardeningetc, and Woman & Home.

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