Quicklist: Bed Sheets
- Flat
- Fitted
- Twin
- Double
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split King
- Cotton
- Linen
- Flannel
- Silk
- Polyester
- Microfiber
- Bamboo
- Flat Sheet with Pocket
- Sensory Compression
- Personalized
- Sheet Set
- Thread Count Up to 250
- Thread Count 250-500
- Thread Count 500 and Up
- Deep Pockets
- Standard Pockets
The earliest bed sheets were made of linen, woven from flax fibers. The material, lightweight, thin and transparent, was ideal for the hot Egyptian climate.
At the end of the 19th century, the cotton sheet was introduced and began to dominate the market. Other types of fabrics used for bed sheets include brocade, silk, percale, satin, flannel and polyester.
Below we set out all the different types of sheets you can buy — speaking of buying, be sure to check out our list of 42 online bedding stores.
Related: Best Quilting Websites and Blog | Quilted Throws for Sofas | Quilt Stands
Types of Bed Sheets
Flat
Source: Amazon
The flat sheet is the one that most people lay under. It is put on the bed after the fitted sheet and before the top blankets.
Flat sheets come in many different sizes and materials, and while some people don’t think that they have to use them, they are great for creating a barrier between the blankets and skin. They can be washed regularly and help to keep duvets fresh and clean.
Fitted
Source: Amazon
A fitted sheet has pockets at all four corners that are tightened with elastic, so that the it will be snug once it is on the bed.
Fitted sheets that are too small simply won’t stretch far enough to be put on a mattress, and ones that are too big will be loose and flop around, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep and causing the fitted sheet to come off the mattress during the middle of the night.
Bed Sheet Sizes
Twin
Source: Wayfair
Twin sheets are generally 39 inches by 75 inches (99 centimeters by 191 centimeters). While this is the most common size for beds in childrens’ rooms, if you have a twin bed that is a little longer than normal or want to make sure that your child has enough sheet to be comfortable during the night, then it’s a good idea to opt for twin XL sheets.
Double
Source: Hayneedle
Larger than a twin bed but smaller than a queen, these sheets are 54 inches by 75 inches (137 centimeters by 201 centimeters).
The flat sheet can range a little in size, so it’s important to make sure you find one that will fit with your mattress and provide you with enough overhead, so you can make the bed easily. Some manufacturers will refer to these sheets as “full” instead of “double.”
Queen
Source: Amazon
The sheets for a queen bed are generally 59 inches by 79 inches (150 centimeters by 201 centimeters), but like double beds, the sizes are going to vary a little.
King
Source : Amazon
At 80 inches by 80 inches (203 centimeters square), this is a very large sheet for a large bed.
California King
Source: Wayfair
While a king size bed is very large, a California king, is larger than a queen, but narrower than a traditional king.
These beds are generally more expensive than regular king beds and, therefore, not as popular a choice for many people. Because of this, their sheets are a little more difficult to find and tend to be more expensive.
Split King
Source : Amazon
While most beds contain just a single mattress, split king beds have two mattresses and require two fitted sheets. They also have one flat sheet large enough to cover the whole bed.
While this may seem like an odd setup for a bed, since there are two mattresses, each person sleeping in the bed is able to have complete control over the firmness of their mattress.
Bed Sheet Materials
Cotton
Source: Amazon
Cotton does a great job staying cool, even during the hot summer months, is easy to wash and to care for, gets softer as time goes on, and is breathable.
One of the main reasons that a lot of people opt for cotton sheets is that they are so durable and can be thrown into the washing machine at home. Cotton in general is a very forgiving fabric, and stains usually can be washed out of it without any problems.
Linen
Source: Amazon
Made from the flax plant, linen has been around for a long time and is becoming more popular as a material for sheets. These sheets are anti-allergic, help people with skin issues, and ensure that children are safe when they are sleeping.
They allow a lot of air flow through the fabric, so you don’t have to worry about getting overheated or uncomfortable during the night. Each washing of linen sheets makes them even softer and shinier and they hold up very well over the years.
Flannel
Source: Houzz
Flannel is a great option when you are going to be dealing with really cold nights during the winter. Actually made of cotton that has been fluffed to be softer, and to allow it to have a deeper pile, flannel does a great job trapping body heat.
This makes it ideal for cold nights, as it will allow you to stay warmer than other types of sheets. While you may be used to looking at thread count when comparing sheets, flannel sheets are compared in ounces/square yards.
While you can sometimes find flannel sheets all year long, it’s going to be more popular and easier to buy in local stores as winter and the holidays approach.
Silk
Source: Amazon
Silk sheets have long been considered the most luxurious option available. They are incredibly cool and sensuous and many people love the way they feel.
Because they are naturally hypoallergenic, they are a great option for anyone who suffers from allergies throughout the year, as they will help make the bed a more comfortable place to sleep.
They do tend to be much more expensive than other kinds of sheets because they are made from a fiber produced by silkworms, and require more delicate care.
Polyester
Source: Amazon
Polyester is generally not used by itself for sheets but is combined with another fabric, such as cotton, to create sheets that are budget-friendly.
When you buy polyester sheets it’s important to remember that by itself it is very scratchy and stiff, and doesn’t tend to be nearly as comfortable to sleep on as other types of material.
Microfiber
Source: Wayfair
This type of material is simply polyester that has been woven very finely. These sheets are a lot softer than plain polyester sheets are but not nearly as breathable as cotton sheets. They are very durable and stain-resistant.
Bamboo
Source: Hayneedle
Bamboo sheets are actually a rayon fabric — they have gone through a process that dissolves the bamboo fiber with strong solvents, and then rehardens the pulp into thread. The softest bamboo sheets seem to involve the harshest conversion process.
While there are no traces of chemicals when the sheets are finished, it is not an environmentally-friendly process. The resulting fabric is silky and soft, durable, and breathes like cotton, giving people the best of both silk and cotton sheets without the crazy price tag that is so common with silk.
Bed Sheet Features
Flat Sheet with Pocket
Source: Wayfair
Unlike regular flat sheets that are a simple piece of fabric tucked under the mattress at the bottom of the bed to hold it in shape, flat sheets with pockets operate the way fitted sheets do.
The top of the flat sheet doesn’t have pockets so that it can still be used like a regular flat sheet, but the pockets at the bottom allow it to be more securely attached to the mattress. This prevents people from pulling the sheet off the bed when they are sleeping.
Sensory Compression
Source: Etsy
Perfect for any child or adult who has problems with sensory processing and benefits from a weighted blanket, a sensory compression sheet gives you the feeling of deep pressure all over your body without the added heat of a heavy blanket in the summer.
These sheets are very stretchy and will pull tight on the user, helping to calm their nervous system and relax at the end of the day.
Made of breathable fabric that won’t heat up during the summer, they are light enough to use all year long but also work perfectly under other covers during the winter.
By tucking the sensory compression sheet in on the sides of the bed over the fitted sheet, it is then used as the flat sheet, but is pulled tight around the person sleeping to give them a feeling of safety and security.
Personalized
Source: Etsy
While it may seem a little strange to personalize your sheets, if you live in a large family and are constantly having to fight the other family members for your sheets on laundry day, then you will quickly see the benefit of having them personalized.
As a gift, personalized sheets are very special and will stand out from the gift of other linens. They make a great wedding gift, especially when they have the new last name of the couple embroidered on them.
Sheet Set
Source: Etsy
It’s easy to take the guesswork out of finding sheets that will fit your bed, as well as ensure that your sheets match and look great together when you buy a sheet set.
These usually come with four pieces, including a fitted sheet, flat sheets, and pillowcases, although, you can sometimes buy sheet sets that come with more pillow cases.
Thread Count
Up to 250
Source: Wayfair
Thread count is the number of threads that pass through a square inch of your sheet. If the manufacturer is able to run one hundred threads vertically and one hundred threads horizontally, then the thread count will be 200.
Any thread count that is less than 250 is going to be a little rough, but will generally get much softer over time as the sheets are washed.
Know all about what thread count is and why it matters by clicking this link.
Thread Count 250-500
Source: Hayneedle
Most people find that any thread count between 180 and 400 is going to be ideal, very soft, and incredibly comfortable to sleep on.
General wisdom dictates that higher thread counts are going to be more comfortable and softer to sleep on, and while this is true in theory up to a point, at some point it gets impossible for manufacturers to actually obtain the high thread counts that they are claiming.
This is when it becomes even more important to research the quality of the manufacturer you are considering buying from, really pay attention to the feel of the sheets, and consider what kind of material was used in the sheets to help you make a good choice.
Thread Count 500 and Up
Source: Hayneedle
While many people look for the highest thread count they can find because finer threads are generally softer and more comfortable to sleep on, there is a problem that occurs when looking at incredibly high thread counts.
Common sense dictates that manufacturers will not be able to actually fit 500 horizontal threads and 500 vertical threads in a square inch of fabric to create sheets that are 1000 count, but it’s easy to buy sheets that have even higher counts.
What the manufacturer does to ensure that they have the highest possible count is twist fibers together to create plies that are then used to make up each thread. Instead of counting the actual threads running through the fabric, they then count each of the plies they have twisted together.
While one manufacturer might call a thread made of four plies one thread, another may refer to it as four threads, which allows them to easily boost the thread count on their sheets.
Pocket Depth
Deep Pockets
Source: Hayneedle
If you have a thick mattress then you will need to buy sheets that have deep pockets to accommodate the extra thickness.
Even if they have a mattress that is standard, some people like to buy sheets that are a little deeper as they are often easier to put on the bed, and do a better job of staying in place so that the fitted sheet doesn’t pop off during the night.
Standard
Source: Hayneedle
Standard pockets are perfect for most mattresses. If, however, you tend to toss and turn during the night, then you may benefit from deeper pockets as standard ones can easily slip off the mattress, causing you to have to remake the bed each morning.
Children, especially, seem to have this problem as they tend to have difficulties getting comfortable and staying in one position during the night.
Best Bed Sheets For Adjustable Beds
Surprisingly, there is more than one option. However, the best type of sheet for an adjustable bed is a deep pocket fitted sheet with the correct size and thread count.
This stops the sheet from popping off if you tend to toss and turn or when you are adjusting it. You are also less likely to encounter bunching in the middle of the bed if you use the correct fitted sheets.
More Alternatives for Adjustable Beds
Alternatively, you can use heavy-duty sheet fasteners to secure a regular fitted or flat sheet into place. You can also use sheet suspenders or elastic corner bands to secure your sheets. If you move around a lot while sleeping, you can use a combination of these options to secure the sheets more effectively.
Source: Amazon
Best Bed Sheets For Summer
The key here is breathability, and this comes down to the fabric. Look for sheets made from:
- Cotton
- Silk
- Bamboo
- Linen
- Lyocell
Other factors worth considering when purchasing your summer sheets are:
- Durability
- Budget
- Color – lighter is better
- Hypoallergenic
- Moisture absorbency
Obviously, you would need to use the right size and thread count for your bed, too. My personal preference is cotton sheets. Cotton sheets are the best sheets for the job. They are practical, easy to wash and get softer the more you use them.
It is also breathable and comfortable, and cotton can be economical, as well. Outside of cotton, I would choose silk or linen. And bamboo or muslin for children, especially as a top sheet.
Source: Amazon
Best Bed Sheets For Winter
In winter, flannel sheets reign supreme as the best type of sheet to use. They are soft, warm, and still have the breathability that this type of cotton fabric can offer. They are also readily available to purchase.
Other alternatives include polyester microfibre, which is stain-resistant and durable, and brushed cotton, which has a flannel feel. A combination of a fitted flannel sheet and a cotton top sheet is a good option if you prize breathability.
What About Fleece Sheets?
Some people prefer fleece sheets, but it is just too hot for me. Where this works is if you have regular ordinary cotton or other summer sheets, you can put fleece blanketing underneath the sheet.
This layer between the mattress and your sheet acts as a mattress protector and as insulation, keeping you warmer without adding too many heavy blankets on top.
Source: Amazon
Best Bed Sheets For Toddlers
When selecting sheets for your toddler, the key elements include breathability, softness, and durability. Like all humans, toddlers sleep better if they are comfortable. They tend to move around a great deal while they sleep.
For this reason, I usually use summer or winter fitted sheets of cotton and flannel, respectively. On top, I use a light bamboo or muslin — a type of cotton flat sheet to cover them. I would add blankets, or a duvet, when necessary.
Muslin or bamboo sheets have always been my go-to for my kids. They offer sensory comfort while being breathable and durable. Depending on where you are, they are pricey. However, they clean easily, and flat sheets can double as a cover-up, a cloth to wipe things up, and even a nappy or towel in a pinch.
Other Considerations for Toddler Sheets
Another consideration is patterns and prints if you want to find themed toddler bedding to help them get excited about using their bed. You will find cotton or polyester sets available. Polyester, while synthetic, is soft and will often be more stain resistant than other fabric types.
If your child suffers from allergies or a skin condition, linen sheets are also an excellent choice because they tend to be hypoallergenic. Choose the correct size sheet for your toddler’s bed to prevent them from getting tangled up.
Source: Amazon
Best Bed Sheets For Skin Health
If skin health is a priority or concern, and you suffer from allergies, silk sheets should be your first choice.
Look for hypoallergenic tags and stick to natural fibers, which will be your best choice. 100% cotton or linen sheets are also good options because they are durable, more economical than silk sheets, and become softer the more you wash them.
Source: Amazon
Top Brands of Bed Sheets
Olive + Crate
Source: Amazon
If you’re looking for sheets that are amazingly soft with a silky finish, check out the Eucalyptus Cooling Sheets from Olive + Crate. These sheets also feature cooling abilities that keep you comfortable and prevent you from overheating during the night.
And, if style is what you’re looking for, the brand’s sheets come in a wide range of gorgeous colors to match virtually any interior design style. But what makes these sheets really special is the 100% Tencel lyocell blend that comes from soft organic eucalyptus fibers.
They feel smooth and soft with a breathable feeling that’s like no other. And they’re sustainable and eco-friendly, which makes them a great choice for the eco-conscious consumer.
Making products from eucalyptus requires much less water than it does to produce other fabrics like cotton and linen. When you’re done with your sheets from Olive + Crate, they can also be composted, too. You can find them on Amazon, the brand’s website, and other retailers.
Threshold
Threshold is a Target brand sold exclusively at the popular retailer, and its selection of cotton sheets is a great choice for your bedroom. These sheets are budget-friendly and feature a wide range of colors and patterns that can vary based on the season.
Whether you need sheets in bright or neutral colors, or you’re looking for something festive for the holidays, Threshold is constantly coming out with new colorways and designs and the set includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two matching pillowcases.
The cotton sheets from Threshold are made of 100% cotton and have an impressive 400 thread count with a nice, smooth finish. Not only are they affordable and stylish, but these sheets also feel cooling to the touch, which helps people who tend to “sleep hot” during the night.
Elastic around the fitted sheet ensures that they stay nice and snug on your mattress without slipping. The fabric is also pill-, wrinkle-, and shrink-resistant, so they’re a great investment in your bedroom.
BAMPURE
Source: Amazon
Bamboo is another terrific, eco-friendly material that is softer than cotton, which makes it an excellent choice for bed sheets. BAMPURE’s organic bamboo sheets are soft and breathable with a silky look and feel.
These sheets are wrinkle-resistant, so they always look crisp on your bed. The cooling properties last throughout the night so you won’t overheat or sweat while you sleep. The sheets come in five sizes and have an array of beautiful colors that range from muted and neutral to brighter and cheerful, like purple or blue.
The best part is that you can find BAMPURE sheets at retailers like Amazon and Walmart, so they’re a lot more budget-friendly than some other high-end organic brands. They’re made from organic bamboo viscose that is grown in a completely chemical-free environment and they’re OEKO-TEX approved.
Not only are they smooth, soft, and cooling, but these bamboo sheets naturally resist odors thanks to their breathable properties. You can enjoy them all year round, whether warm or cold outside. The silky sateen weave makes these sheets feel luxurious, too.
Brooklinen
Source: Amazon
Brooklinen products have grown in popularity thanks to massive exposure from influencers and social media. These incredibly soft sheets have a very high-end feel, and the brand’s Luxe Sateen 4-Piece Sheet Set is a customer favorite.
They’re made of 100% long-staple cotton, which makes them not only soft but also exceptionally durable, too. In fact, many people claim that Brooklinen sheets actually get softer with each wash. The sheet set includes a flat sheet and a nice, 15-inch deep-fitted sheet as well as two pillowcases.
The brand offers a wide range of beautiful colors and patterns, including a few limited-edition options that are released throughout the year depending on the season or promotion they’re offering. The fabric is woven into a soft 480-thread count sateen weave that gives them a subtle satiny finish that feels extremely smooth and soft.
They’re made without chemicals, so they’re also a healthier option than some other mass-produced sheets. Brooklinen is a bit pricier than some other brands, but many people appreciate the fact that they know they’re getting a sheet set that will last for years.
In addition to their ultra-soft and stylish sheets, Brooklinen also sells a variety of other bedding products for your home.
The sheet set is the brand’s best-selling product and it’s standard 100 by OKEO-TEX certified, which means that the fabric has been independently tested for harmful substances and chemicals per strict global criteria for a product you can feel good about using every single night.
Where to Buy Bed Sheets
Luxome
Source: Luxome
Bamboo isn’t the first thing most people might think of when considering a material for bedsheets, but the luxury bamboo sheets from Luxome are in a class of their own. Not only do they have the feel and look of silk bedsheets, but they don’t trap heat as much as silk sheets do.
For anyone who finds themselves getting hotter throughout the night. They also cost less than true silk bedsheets, reducing the rate of your account dropping to zero.
Brooklinen
Source: Brooklinen
Brooklinen focuses on comfortable fabric items, and they have a wide array of middle to high quality bedsheets in materials like sateen, cashmere, linen, and flannel. They aren’t notably expensive or cheap, making the store an excellent place to look for bedsheets that will last for years.
Pottery Barn
Source: Pottery Barn
The Pottery Barn has the quality of a store like Brooklinen, but the company has a knack for seasonal items geared towards expendable budgets. That means you can pick up unique oddities like a set of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation sheets made from percale, but expect to pay well over three digits on most orders.
Elle Silk
Source: Elle Silk
Silk bedsheets are practically synonymous with luxury lounging comfort, and Elle Silk has some of the best examples of the genre. The quality of the silk and the construction shows in the price tags, but the prices are still reasonable when compared to competition like Luxore and Brooklinen.
If you like the feel of the silk bedsheets, Elle Silk offers a silk option for nearly everything in the house, including yourself.
Target
Source: Target
Target’s bedsheet selection offers a great range of choices, prices and convenience.
Some sheets can be picked up or delivered to your home on the same day through the physical storefront, and online orders piggyback on their distribution network for fast and cheap in-store delivery.
Amazon
Thanks to its size and number of merchant partners, Amazon remains a solid place to look for the best deals on any product — including bedsheets. With the benefits of membership cutting down on shipping costs from many Amazon retailers, it can be difficult to find bedsheets at a cheaper price from an online store.
Miracle Brand Sheets
The Miracle sheets rely heavily on the promise of their silver fibers, claiming that it makes the sheets have natural antimicrobial functions and better thermal regulation. Users do report that the sheets seem to stay clean and relatively cool, but the sheets are not as comfortable for some.
Whether that’s due to its low-end luxury 300-thread count or the silver fibers is hard to say. Others love their Miracle sheets, and the sheets are a decent value at the prices for the sets offered on their site.
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