If you’re looking to turn your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary, new bedding (or a weighted blanket) is a great place to start. After all, you spend almost a third of your life between the sheets, so investing in linens that meet both your style and comfort needs is a no-brainer.
We spoke to three sleep experts and a textile guru to get insight into what makes for a good night's rest when it comes to comfortable bedding.
How to find the right bedding set | Best materials for bedding sets | Bedding sets under $25 | Bedding sets under $50 | Bedding sets under $100 | Editor picks | How we chose | Meet the experts
How to find the right bedding set
"When it comes to bedding, invest in the best sheets you can afford," Rebecca Robbins, the author of “Sleep for Success! Everything You Must Know About Sleep but Are Too Tired to Ask," tells us. "With regard to fabric, opt for a high-quality option that will stand the test of machine washing. Try a few options and choose whichever is cozy, soothing and relaxing to you."
It's also important to get a good feel of the fabric, if possible. "You want to find something that is soothing to the touch," she says. "Something that helps you relax so that when you slip between the sheets, you are at ease and ready for sleep."
“When seeking affordable bedding sets, flexibility is key,” adds sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay Martin Seeley. “Look beyond the trendy colors and patterns; instead, focus on quality and comfort. Often, hidden deals can be found in less popular designs. But keep an open mind, you can snag high-quality bedding without breaking the bank,” suggests Seeley.
So whether you want your bedroom to feel like a luxury five-star hotel suite or a calming bohemian oasis, Shop TODAY rounded up some of the top online retailers where you can find the best bedding sets, duvet covers, bedspreads and more on a budget.
What materials are best for bedding sets?
When it comes to choosing the right bedding set, materials and fabric should play a pivotal role in your decision. "You often want a blend of comfort, quality, and breathability," explains Seeley. "In my opinion, percale sheets are a timeless favorite, and are made from 100% cotton fabrics, Sometimes percale's occasionally incorporates a blend of silk, synthetic fibers, or rayon and percale sheets are cool, crisp and breathable," he says.
According to Tandy Avery, the vice president of product development at LUXOME, "the best and most comfortable materials for bedding are those made from natural fibers."
"Since a majority of people tend to overheat at night, natural fibers, such as viscose from bamboo, cotton, and linen are breathable and more comfortable than synthetic materials. Viscose and lyocell from bamboo will also help regulate body temperature," Avery says.
Deborah Young, textile expert and clinical assistant professor at ASU FIDM, says that thread count used to be everything when it came to selecting the proper bedding, but now weight is more important. Like Avery, Young recommends bamboo as the perfect option for bedding, along with modal and tencel. She's also seen linen become a recent trend for bedding as it's super absorbent.
Bedding sets under $25
Room Essentials Printed Microfiber Sheet Set
- Super soft
- Very durable
- May be too warm
Sizes: Twin/twin XL - king | Colorways: Five | Materials: Polyester
Adding a pattern to your bed is an easy way to mix things up for the new season. These sheets come in plenty of fun colors and patterns that will easily pair with the neutral bedding you already have.
HC Collection Egyptian Quality Duvet Cover Set
- Easy to wash
- Super soft
- Lightweight material
- May be extra warm
Sizes: Queen — king | Colorways: 14 | Materials: Microfiber | Thread count: 1500
This comes in queen and king sizes and multiple trendy colors including eggplant, sage and lavender. You likely won’t find a better deal on Egyptian cotton right now.
Mainstays Ultra Soft High Quality Microfiber Bed Sheet Set
- Super soft
- Pillow cases are good size
- May cause itchiness
Sizes: Twin XL - King | Colorways: 24 | Materials: Polyester
You can upgrade your sheets for just $15, thanks to this affordable (and bestselling) Walmart set. Not only does it boast “luxurious softness,” but the sheets are also said to be wrinkle-resistant, so they’ll look as good as they feel.
Utopia Bedding Queen Duvet Cover Set
- Super soft
- Easy to use zipper
- May be too thin
Sizes: Twin/twin XL - California king | Colorways: 17 | Materials: Polyester
One of the (many) things we love about Amazon is that much of their bedding comes in affordable bundles, like this one with a duvet and two shams.
HC Collection Hotel Luxury Duvet Cover Set
- Holds duvet in place
- Very soft
- No corner ties
Sizes: Queen — king | Colorways: 14 | Materials: Linen
This Amazon bestseller comes in almost a over different colors from beige to icy blue. One reviewer commented, “We’ve slept with this for a few months now and I have to say that this is the softest, most lightweight and luxurious feeling duvet cover I have ever had.”
It does not come with a comforter, so if you’re going to buy this bestseller, pair it with this down comforter that’s described as “sleeping on a cloud.”
Danjor Linens Bed Linen Set with Deep Pockets
- Super soft
- Cooling
- Sheets may be thin
Sizes: Twin — California king | Colorways: 13 | Materials: Microfiber
These sheets have more than 109,000 five-star ratings from shoppers who say that they’re “super soft” and “feel so good against your skin.” Along with the cozy material, the fitted sheet is said to have deep pockets to fit mattresses up to 16 inches high.
Utopia Bedding Printed Comforter Set
- Lightweight
- Very soft
- Nice quality
- Sizes may run small
Sizes: Twin - king | Colorways: 10 | Materials: Polyester, microfiber
This playful set comes with a goose-down filling and is available in seven colors like teal, navy and plum.
Uozzi Bedding Duvet Cover Set
- Super soft
- Very comfortable
- Fabric may be thin
Sizes: Twin - king | Colorways: Three | Materials: Microfiber
This fun set is made of anti-allergy, anti-mite fabric and comes in three playful colors and patterns. This bedding would really add some pep to that guest room you don’t quite know what to do with.
Bedding sets under $50
Noble Linens Ivory All Season Alternative Down Solid Comforter
- Great to use year-round
- Super soft
- May be thin
Sizes: Twin/twin extra long - king/California king | Colorways: One
This comforter features a down alternative that’s said to be super fluffy and down-like, but at a more affordable price. It’s designed to be both hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, so it’s perfect for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse Kiril Duvet Cover Set
- Super soft
- Great quality
- Some customers said colors weren't accurate
Sizes: Twin/twin XL - king/California king | Colorways: Seven | Materials: Microfiber
One thing we love about Wayfair? The site carries more high-end brands than you’d expect. This includes Laura Ashley Home and Birch Lane. This duvet set from Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse is fun and flirty and should last quite a while.
The Big One Down-Alternative Reversible Comforter
- Very durable
- Comfortable
- May be thin
Sizes: Twin/twin XL - king | Colorways: 11 | Materials: Polyester
With this reversible comforter, you’ll get twice as many options for bedroom styling! Plus, if you’re shopping for your guest room too, this comforter comes in 11 colorways so you can choose from colors like sutton plaid, iris and more.
Amazon Basics Bed-In-a-Bag
- Lightweight
- Very soft
- May be thin
Sizes: Twin/twin XL - king | Colorways: 14 | Materials: Polyester
Is there anything more convenient than a five-piece bedding set? This one comes with sheets, two pillow sleeves, a duvet and a pillow cover. Reviewers rave about how easy this is, especially if you're looking for something for your dorm room or first apartment.
Wayfair Basics Lightweight Bed-In-A-Bag Set
- Very soft
- Sizes may run small
Sizes: Twin - king | Colorways: Six | Materials: Microfiber
You'll have everything you need to give your bed a full refresh with this complete set. It comes with a sheet set, lightweight comforter, shams and a bed skirt. Plus, it comes in multiple neutral colors to match your space.
Home Collection Premium Ultra Soft Sheet Set
- Super soft
- Very durable
- Pricier than other affordable options
Sizes: Twin - king | Colorways: 19 | Materials: Polyester microfiber
“When we put them on the bed we legit couldn’t stop talking about how soft they were,” one reviewer wrote about these sheets. “We’re slightly obsessed now. They aren’t as tight to the bed as I’d like, but they don’t fall off or come undone, and there is NOTHING like the feel of these! They are THE SOFTEST SHEETS!!!”
Bedding sets under $100
Threshold Washed Waffle Weave Comforter & Pillow Sham Set
- Very comfortable
- Holds up nicely
- Color may be lighter than expected
Sizes: Twin/twin extra long - king | Colorways: 10 | Materials: Cotton, polyester
Add a touch of texture to your bed with this waffle weave comforter set. It's made from a lightweight 100 percent cotton material, to help you stay comfortable, no matter the time of the year.
Cosy House Collection 100% Bamboo Bed Sheets
- Cooling
- Super comfortable
- Don't wrinkle
- Pricier than other options
Size: Twin - split king | Colorways: 10 | Materials: Bamboo viscose
You'll never want to get out of bed ever again with these soft 100% bamboo bed sheets that come in 10 hues, including royal blue and sage green.
"So soft, you’ll slip into sleep with ease! I LOVE these 100% Bamboo Bed Sheets from Cosy House! Sleeping in my bed on these summer nights, I ACTUALLY stay cool now. My husband has allergies, and since sleeping in these hypoallergenic sheets, he hasn’t had any issues. I would 100% recommend this bedding to family and friends. It’s the perfect little luxury I get to indulge in every night!" raved one five-star reviewer on the brand's website.
Editor-loved affordable bedding sets
Amazon Basics Four-Piece Bed Sheet Set
- Soft fabric
- Lots of colors to choose from
- May be too warm for some
Sizes: Twin - king | Colorways: 30 | Materials: Polyester
"For $15, this sheet set is SUCH a good deal! It feels pretty high-end for the price point, too. The fabric is soft and doesn’t wrinkle easily," says commerce editor Amanda Fama.
This nice set comes in 30 colorways and has over 289,000 verified five-star ratings on Amazon.
Threshold Cotton Jersey Sheet Set
- Affordable
- Decent quality for price
- May pill after a while
Sizes: Twin - king | Colorways: Eight | Materials: Cotton
"This sheet from Target has never failed me," says associate editor Kamari Stewart. "It’s pretty decent quality for the price and lasts longer than expected," she says.
"Whenever my mom and I need a new sheet set ASAP, we usually run to Target and grab one of these! These were especially great when I was going to college because the twin set is only $25!" explains Stewart.
How we chose the best affordable bedding sets
The Shop TODAY team spoke with both sleep and textile experts to help curate the most affordable list of comfortable bedding sets. We also filtered our searches for top-rated products, read through shopper reviews and added a couple editor favorites as well.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Rebecca Robbins, PhD, is the author of “Sleep for Success! Everything You Must Know About Sleep but Are Too Tired to Ask.” She is also an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
- Martin Seeley is a sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay.
- Tandy Avery is the vice president of product development at LUXOME.
- Deborah Young is a textile expert and clinical assistant professor at ASU FIDM.