10 best children’s bedsheets and duvet covers

Between monsters under the bed, the fear of the dark and just downright refusing to go to sleep, bedtime with young kids' rooms can be a struggle. But we’re firmly of the opinion that the right set of bedding can work wonders in getting them off to the Land of Nod. In fact, with snuggly soft and breathable fabrics, cool designs featuring their favourite animals or icons, and much more, it’s quite likely you’ll even have trouble getting them out of bed when breakfast time rolls around (good practice for when they’re teenagers then, we suppose).

What to look for in children's bedding?

The first thing, of course, is making sure they get the most restful night’s sleep possible with a quick glance at the construction label. Most of the sets on our list are 100 per cent cotton, still number one for its cool and breathable nature that means they won’t overheat in the night, but these will tend to come with a slightly bigger price tag. Some more budget-friendly duvets and pillowcases will be a mix of cotton and synthetic, just as soft and cool, if not quite as breathable, and a lot easier on the wallet.

So then it’s just down to the design. We’ve rounded up offbeat designs worthy of any kid's room, from digital prints to quirky patterns, cute traditional designs with high-end details, and everything in between.

Ideal for both boys and girls alike, this star bedding set from John Lewis would fit perfectly in any minimalist home. There's also a matching blanket, storage basket, lampshade and curtains to complete the look. Oh, and it's available in dark blue, too.

This astronaut bedding set is just the ticket for kids who permanently have their head in the clouds. A great addition to a space-themed bedroom, or to any quirky teenage space, the digital printed duvet and pillowcase combo show a suited and booted astronaut whose spot they can occupy for sweet interstellar dreams. Reviewers have reported well on the quality of the printing and softness of the sheets which together, with how darn cool the whole thing looks, earns a high spot. Have a big Disney fan in your life? There’s a sweet princess version, too. 

Any budding superheroes out there? This bedding set will be sure to make them snooze when it comes to bed time. With a black mask print on the pillowcase and a reversible duvet, which on one side has masks and swiss crosses and black triangles on the other, it's is perfect for those who are going for a bold monochrome look. You can also choose for it to be packed in a matching cotton bag (an ideal kids' pyjama bag, too).

This gender neutral kids’ bedding from The White Company looks good and does good in equal measure, with an adorable design and a secret feature that’s both cool and comforting for children who aren’t big fans of the dark. The scattering of stars on the duvet cover and pillowcase looks sweet during the day, but it’s also busy charging, ready to glow in the dark once bedtime rolls around for an utterly enchanting effect. Reviewers loved its soft, high-quality feel, too – so it looks like you’ll all be having sweet dreams. 

Not only is this exclusive duvet cover made from 100 per cent organic cotton, but it also has adorable magical unicorns embroidered all over it too. Choose from a range of four different sizes and three different colours from pink to lilac or plain white, and you're (almost) guaranteed a happy sleeper. They also sell matching bath robes, hot water bottle covers, laundry bags and towels.

Aspiring artists and serial doodlers are sure to love this very clever do-it-yourself duvet cover. Encourage their creativity with a customisable cover that’s printed to look like ruled paper (as if they’ll need any encouraging!), a set-up that means they can doodle to their heart’s content, then wash it all off and start again as soon as they get bored. It’s quite pricey considering the pillowcase is sold separately, but for the novelty and hours of fun it’ll give them, it’s worth it. A set of 10 wash-out pens is also included.

For a good-looking set-up with a timeless appeal, look no further than this cottage bedroom-ready duvet cover from The White Company. The classic gingham bedding set is fully reversible, with a statement-making large check on one side and a subtle small square design on the other, and comes in three soft shades for boys and girls. The beauty of this set’s timeless design is that it suits all ages, and the inclusion of cot bed, single sizes and double sizes certainly helps on that front, too.

This cool emoji bedding set is just the thing for kids obsessed with The Emoji Movie, or just with expressing themselves through the ubiquitous little icons. All the favourites are here, including the crying laughing face, smiley cat and bashful monkey, so whatever their symbol of choice, they’re sure to be happy. Plus, with a low-maintenance, machine-washable and tumble dryer-friendly construction and easy-on poppers, you will be too. With a blended construction that promises to be soft and breathable, and an of-the-minute design, this is a great inexpensive option and an ideal duvet cover set for kids. 

This bespoke personalised duvet set is hand embellished to order and is available in 13 different colours. You can choose from two fabric qualities including cotton percale/polyester or 100 per cent cotton and it comes gift wrapped for free in a white fabric pouch, making it the ideal Christmas, birthday or special occasion present. You can also order more than one name on the duvet.

Whether you have a home on the range or a two-up-two-down in the city, this vintage-style farmyard duvet cover from The White Company is sure to look wonderfully rustic in your child’s bedroom. It’s full of sweet details including farm animal appliqués — the darling French-knot sheep are our favourite — and classic gingham trim. The 100 per cent cotton construction promises to keep them cool and comfortable all night long. Plus, it’s reversible, with blue-and-white gingham on the other side to change up their look, should they feel like it. 

Read more:

• 21 kid's room design ideas
• The best bunk beds for kids' rooms