What Is the Best Color for Bed Sheets
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The Best Bedsheets, According to Interior Designers
Photo: Courtesy Snowe Home
With so many bedding start-ups promising premium-quality, hotel-style sheets at direct-to-consumer prices, it can be hard to know what's what. And with the rise in popularity of linen sheets, it's easier than ever to achieve that laid-back, rumpled, yet still intentional look for your bed. To help us wade through the many styles and fabrics out there — a crisp cotton percale, a silky sateen, or something in between — we reached out to design experts and tastemakers for their recommendations on the best bedsheets to buy, from classic, white Egyptian cotton to ecofriendly linen to completely bespoke sets. (And if you want to look at even more sheets, we found the best-reviewed bedsheets on Amazon, too.)
Most of the options on this list are sold in sets that come with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases, but we've noted if pieces are sold separately. And all prices listed are for queen-size sheets unless otherwise specified. Finally, a note about thread count, which we've listed for cotton percale and any other sheets that provide it in their name. Generally speaking, the higher the thread count (or the number of threads per square inch of fabric) means sheets will be softer and more durable — and, often, more expensive — but the experts say that sheet shopping shouldn't rest on thread count alone. The quality of the yarn and manufacturing also play important roles, so make sure to consider all those aspects in making a decision.
Matouk was by far the most recommended brand by our experts, with seven designers calling it their favorite company for beautiful, high-quality sheets. All of the percale sheets shown are made of 350 thread-count, long-staple cotton, which is considered to be among the most premium yarns. "My favorite sheets are Matouk, mostly because everything's customizable, from the color of the threading to the monogram and the ruffles," says designer Sasha Bikoff, who told us Matouk's scallop embroidered sheets are one style she always comes back to. "They're very Hollywood Regency and kind of Miami-influenced, too." Designer Lindsey Coral Harper also loves Matouk's assortment of scalloped edges, saying that Matouk bedding is a good option if you want something classic with a "modern twist." Harper adds that the percale fabric is "one of my favorites to sleep on, and the sheets mix and match very well." Matouk's Sierra percale sheets are also the go-to options for interior designers Anne Hepfer and Elizabeth Gill. "Matouk's Sierra cotton percale sheets are a beautiful, classic base that can pair with any bedding," says Hepfer, who opts for Matouk sheets when she's looking for the "ultimate luxury" in quality and feel. Meanwhile, interior designer Vicente Wolf prefers the Meridian sheets, which he says are his go-to style for most projects. "There's something uniquely versatile about them — they're sophisticated enough for city life, but even in a country home they work perfectly against a more rustic backdrop," he says. "I never second-guess these sheets." Matouk's linens are also among designers Ariel Okin and Cara Woodhouse's favorites as well. "It's the company that I personally use the most because of its quality as well as the luxurious feel of everything it makes," says Woodhouse. Matouk sells its sheets and pillowcases separately, but this allows you to mix and match styles, as our designers have noted.
Georgia-based interior designer Elaine Griffin, meanwhile, suggests this pomegranate pattern. It's one of her "favorites" because "it's fresh enough to say 'new traditional' without being matronly." This set is a collaboration between Schumacher and Matouk, based on an 18th-century design they found deep within Schumacher's archive. And Griffin thinks the collaboration was so successful that "design history was made."
According to Alessandra Wood, the VP of style at online interior-design service Modsy, cotton percale sheets are great if you run hot when you sleep. She says that "while the thread count is lower" in these sheets, they are still "crisp, cool, and breathable." Wood prefers patterned sheets to solids, which is another reason she pointed us to this striped set from Finnish design house Marimekko (which, as we've written before, is beloved for its eye-catching prints).
Like the Matouk sheets above, Snowe's percale sheets are also made of long-staple cotton, and have a slightly higher thread count of 500, making this set particularly well-priced when you consider that Matouk's sheets are sold separately. They're recommended by Kai Avent-deLeon, the owner of Sincerely, Tommy. "I really liked Snowe's dinnerware, so I started using their sheets, too, and I've found that they're really good-quality and decently priced," she says. "They're cotton, which is the only material I buy now, and they're really soft, kind of plush. They're breathable and low-maintenance, so I don't have to constantly clean them even though I buy an off-white color."
Parachute's percale sheets are similarly made from long-staple Egyptian cotton (and are crafted in Portugal). They're interior designer Kate Lester's favorite sheets because they're both "lightweight and durable," and actually get softer and softer the more she washes them. While she says she's a "stickler for a crisp and classic high-quality white cotton sheet," she loves the brand's "really chic range of other hues," including this on-trend clay color.
If you're looking for something slightly more affordable, Courtney McLeod, the founder and principal designer of New York City–based Right Meets Left Interior Design, recommends this set of percale sheets from West Elm, which she says "are excellent quality for the price." They're made from 100 percent organic cotton in fair-trade-certified facilities and, in addition to the white shown, they also come in a cool silver color. You can even get them monogrammed, for an extra fee. The sheets are also made from fabric that is Global Organic Textile Standard–certified (GOTS certification is the leading standard for textiles made of organic fibers).
These 300 thread-count, cotton-percale Chambers Cane sheets from Williams Sonoma also came recommended by interior designers Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters of Atlanta-based interior-design studio Forbes and Masters for their delicate embroidered pattern. And interior designer Maggie Griffin says they feature the "lines of classic cane wickerwork," giving them just the right amount of graphic detailing. "The bright white with intricate threading is just gorgeous," she says.
"My projects have intricate layers of color and pattern, but when it comes to sheets, I tend to veer towards easy, boho vibes," says interior designer Rayman Boozer of Apartment 48. He likes John Robshaw bedding, and his go-to colors are pale blues, pinks, and grays. Writer Kate Betts also vouches for Robshaw's bedding, which she first discovered at a friend's house in the South of France. She admits that Robshaw's sheets can be pricey, "but the soft cotton, unusual colors, and the way that each pattern evokes a Rajasthan dreamscape make them worth it." This particular set has a block-print pattern and a thread count of 200.
Of course, you can't talk fancy sheets without mentioning Frette, which was recommended by two of our experts. It comes as no surprise that Frette's also happen to be the most-recommended sheets by hotel insiders, too. Says Michael Shome, the visuals director at Architectural Digest: "My absolute favorite sheets are the hotel classic from Frette, which are kind of like the fantasy version of Upper East Side hotel-bed linens. They're Italian-made in this Egyptian cotton that's just the softest and butteriest fabric to laze around in. I love the chic and simple double-line embroidery, too." Frette sheets are also what Okin turns to when she's looking for something classic. According to Frette's website, their percale sheets have a thread count of between 200 and 240.
To Griffin, "nothing confers instant and irrefutable chic like seeing one of these iconic prints on someone's bed." The blue lilac print she favors is currently sold out, but it's available in a pink-and-lavender lilac pattern that's just as fresh. For the ultimate bedscape, she suggests getting the matching duvet cover to complete the look. "It makes climbing under the covers feel like springtime in Paris," she says. Griffin notes that it is "investment bedding at its finest," but if you "hit their twice-yearly sales," you'll easily avoid "having to take out a second mortgage to afford them."
Linen sheets, which are made from the natural fiber of the flax plant, are generally more expensive than cotton sheets because of their more involved manufacturing process and their durability. They're said to get better and softer over time, too, making them a nice long-term investment. If you're looking to explore linen sheets for the first time, Brooklinen's Luxe Hardcore set is a good place to start. According to former Strategist senior writer Lauren Levy, "Brooklinen made me fall in love with linen sheets." She says that they're "so cozy and so soft" and have "an immediately worn-in feel that only gets softer over time and with each wash." Wood also loves this set, saying it makes for a bit of an "unexpected" look in the bedroom.
According to former Strategist senior editor Margaret Rhodes, Linoto's linen sheets "felt heavier and more like the idea of an heirloom sheet than any other I've encountered." That's because, she explains, they're all made in upstate New York without using chemicals or an enzyme prewash that many other linen sheet manufacturers rely on for that "lived-in" feeling. And interior designer Leah Alexander is a fan, too: "They're beautiful and made Stateside for a palatable lead time, which is saying something these days," she says. All of Linoto's fabric is sourced from mills in Italy and Belgium, and Rhodes says that these have the "right ratio of soothing to crisp qualities" you want in a good set of linen sheets. Forbes and Masters loves these linen sheets, calling out that they're available in a whopping 25 different colors.
They're on the pricier side, but these linen sheets from Cultiver come highly recommended by interior designer Tali Roth, who loves their effortless "crushed and casual look" and notes that they also come in a "gorgeous assortment of colors." Interior designer Tina Rich agrees, saying the Cultiver sheets "instantly create a cozy, relaxed vibe. I always suggest Cultiver to my clients and also use them in my own home." She adds that the sheets are supersoft and great quality. While shown in white, if you're looking to try a colorful pair, Rich's favorite options are dusk, smoke gray, and sage. After testing lots of different linen sheets, our editors agree that these are as soft as the experts say and come in some of the most unusual colors you can get.
Top Chef judge Gail Simmons turns to Parachute for her linen sheets, in part because they "won't cost you a crazy amount." Again, we agree: We called Parachute's the best all-around option for linen sheets because of their "middle-of-the-road price, the substantial feel of the linen, and the color options" (like this inviting soft gray hue shown).
Architect and designer Maria Augusta Louro told us about Bella Notte's linen bedding (and the brand is mentioned elsewhere on this list by experts who love its sheets made of other fabrics). Louro says that while sleeping on 500-thread-count Egyptian cotton is nice, there's nothing like sleeping on linen, which to her feels so "fresh." While Bella Notte's linens don't come cheap, you can buy each piece separately. She especially loves the lace detailing on the Frida pillowcase and says that the collection is "elegant, delicate, made under humane conditions, colored using low-impact dyes, and contains the lowest possible levels of toxins." Bella Note's Frida flat sheet has that same lace detailing on its edges, and you can also buy an unembellished linen fitted sheet from the brand as well.
"My go-to and most beloved collection of bed linens is produced by a company named Linge Particulier," says Jenny Dina Kirschner, the principal of JDK Interiors. The soft, ecofriendly sheets are made of 100 percent biodegradable washed linen, and come in an array of rich, earthy tones that she calls "the most beautiful, vivid colors." Though the brand is expensive, she loves how "low maintenance" these are: "They can be washed and tossed in the dryer and do not ever require ironing, unlike a more traditional crisp, cotton duvet and sheeting that wrinkles after one night of use." Linge Particulier also sells a matching linen pillowcase for $50.
If you're looking for organic linen sheets, consider these from Avocado Green Mattress that interior designer Lauren Ashley Allan swears by. They're loomed in France with 100 percent GOTS organic–certified linen and are available in white and natural. "We mixed these into one of our projects in Los Angeles and absolutely loved them," she says. "They have a relaxed, carefree look but are still so chic." They're also "breathable, durable, and sustainable," according to Allan. "They can pair with their beautiful linen duvet cover if you want a matching set," she adds.
Thanks to their weave, sateen sheets, like these 100 percent modal sheets from Pure Beech, have a silkier feel than percale — and these, which come recommended by Okin, are "super comfy," according to her. Another fan of these sheets is interior designer Sheila Bridges, who told us she has 20 or so sets of sheets in her closet and that these are the "softest, by far." Bridges describes them as feeling "almost feel like flannel, but very lightweight, so they're not as warm — just really soft and comfortable to the touch." At $100 for a queen-sized set, the price is reasonable enough that you can get a couple pairs, should you never want to go without them on your bed.
These 480-thread-count Brooklinen sateen sheets are made of a long-staple cotton and come recommended by two of our experts — Wood and interior designer Molly Schoneveld both say that they're an excellent value. "It is really hard to beat the quality of these sheets for the price," says Schoneveld. "They feel like butter, and still look and feel great after many times in the wash." The pros aren't their only fans: Former Strategist writer David Notis and Michelin-starred chef Missy Robbins also love Brooklinen's Luxe sheets, which are two reasons why these made our list of the best products to buy at Brooklinen. "I want to be super-cozy, but I don't want to sweat to death — these have that balance," Robbins says.
Woodhouse often turns to Pottery Barn for sheets, noting that the company "has some great sheets and deals on bedding that offer a designer feel and look." She specifically loves this 300-thread-count sateen set because it's made of a brushed organic cotton that she says is "supersoft and gives a cozy, earthy look and feel."
Target sells these sateen sheets as part of its in-house Threshold line, and Forbes and Master recommend them for being "great quality for a great price." They add that these sheets come in a nice range of colors, including blush (shown here), rose, rust, cream, and dark purple. Made of 100 percent cotton, the 400-thread-count sheets are wrinkle-, pill-, and shrink-resistant for easy upkeep.
McLeod recommends this even more affordable set of sateen sheets from Ikea. The silky sheets have a lustrous finish and are made from a blend of lyocell and sustainably grown cotton. According to the product description, the fabrication helps to draw and absorb moisture away from your body as you sleep, keeping you dry through the night. McLeod notes that "the extra-deep fitted sheet works well with thicker mattresses," adding: "You can't beat this option for the price."
These 300-thread-count sateen sheets from the Company Store are wrinkle-free and come recommended by designer Crystal Sinclair, who says she always goes for classic white when it comes to sheet color. Unlike dyed sheets, white ones are "always crisp and never fade," she explains. If you want to splurge, the Company Store sells a more expensive 450-thread-count option, but you have to buy the pieces separately — they're not sold in a set.
Interior designer Hilary Matt's favorite sheets are these Saville sheets from Hill House Home, a brand Okin also loves for luxurious sheets. "I love the crisp and clean hotel look they have when your bed is made up," she says. "They feel good and are supersoft and luxurious." This set, made from a 100 percent brushed cotton sateen, allows you to add a pop of color in its lovely piping detail, which you can get in emerald green, black, or white. To add even more character, you can customize Hill House Home's sheets with your initials, a feature that Matt appreciates.
"Having nice bedding and a bed that I want to get in and never leave is important to me," says musician Charlotte Lawrence, which is why she included these 300-thread-count cotton sateen sheets on her list of things she can't live without. "They are extremely, absurdly expensive, but they feel like butter, like I am sleeping on melted butter. They're the nicest sheets I've ever felt in my life. So worth it."
"I never knew luxury sheets until I experienced Sferra," says Tiffany Cobb, founder of Tiffany René Interior Design, who's pick is Sferra's Giza collection. Though they're an investment, Cobb swears as soon as you feel them, you'll understand the appeal. They're made from cotton grown in the Nile River Valley, then woven in Italy. For something slightly more affordable, consider the Sereno line, which Gill recommends. "Sferra Sereno sheets are elegantly finished with a tone-on-tone hemstitch and are smooth to the touch," Gill adds.
And then, of course, there's Frette, which Cobb says is "no stranger to taking a classic style and kicking it up a notch." They're pricey, yes, but they're beloved by many interior designers, hoteliers, and celebrities for their literal hotel-quality feel. And while many of our experts recommended the brand's cotton sheets, Cobb thinks this sateen set is particularly special. "I love the updated style of the embroidered chain design on this sateen sheet set," she says.
"I recently used bamboo linens for a large project and I will definitely be using them more going forward," says Anishka Clarke, co-owner of Ishka Designs. "Bamboo is one of the strongest and hardest natural materials, and yet when you feel the fibers on these sheets, it's just incredibly soft. Softer than you'd imagine. Supersoft — like, baby-soft on your skin." And since they are made of this strong bamboo, she adds, the sheets are "extremely durable — they generally lasts about two times longer than cotton sheets. Bamboo sheets are usually more expensive, but overall quality and durability makes the fabric a hands-down winner."
These bamboo-rayon sheets from Oasis Fine Linens are Decorilla designer Devin Shaffer's personal favorite when it comes to bedsheets. Shaffer, who has pets, notes that "bamboo has the added benefit of naturally resisting odors and bacteria." He's gone through two sets of these in five years and says "they're perfect." While this specific set does not list a thread count, Shaffer notes that bamboo linens feel as soft as sheets whose thread counts reach "up to 2,000." Bamboo sheets are also great for night sweaters, as "their excellent moisture-wicking and insulating properties help regulate body temperature."
Designer Ashley Moore loves these Mellanni sheets (which have more than 60,000 reviews on Amazon) for a number of reasons — number one being the price tag. "You cannot beat these for the price," she says. According to Moore, they're made from a brushed microfiber that's "supersoft." "If you read all the reviews, you'll hear almost everyone say the same thing," she says. "That's why we have these in every guest bedroom in our home."
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"For years, I've been using Comphy as my go-to for wrinkle-free, supersoft sheets," says interior designer Caitlin Murray, the founder of Black Lacquer Design. These sheets are made from a microfiber twill that, according to the website, is comparable to 600-thread-count sheets. Comphy started as a hotel-spa line, so the sheets are "extra-durable and stain-resistant," Murray adds. Bonus: They're also recyclable.
Tiffany Piotrowski, principal designer at Tiffany Leigh Design, loves these Tencel lyocell sheets from Tuck. "They are a chalky-white finish with just a bit of sheen, and are extremely breathable and lightweight — perfect for hot sleepers," she says.
While Comphy makes her go-to sheets, Murray says that when it comes to super-fancy ones, "Bella Notte is my favorite luxury bedding brand." She particularly loves their silky Madera sheets, calling them "seriously divine." They're made from Tencel, a sustainable fiber that is soft and breathable like cotton. She typically goes with white for her sheets, but notes that Bella Notte "has a curated selection of beautiful colors that are small-batch and garment-dyed." Like Bella Notte's linen sheets, each piece is sold separately.
Jersey sheets are "incredibly comfortable and low-maintenance," according to Strategist senior writer Karen Iorio Adelson, which is why they are her bedding of choice. According to her, two of the biggest benefits of jersey sheets are that "they never wrinkle and the feel like sleeping in your favorite T-shirt every night." Her personal favorite is this set from Ink + Ivy, which she calls "buttery soft" and durable, standing up to lots of wash and wear. Plus, she adds, "they've actually become more comfortable over time, just like a beloved T-shirt."
If sustainability is a priority for you, Adelson recommends trying this jersey sheet set from Coyuchi, the maker of some Strategist-approved bath towels and linen sheets. While these sheets are on the pricey side for jersey sheets, you can sleep easier knowing that they are made from 100 percent organic cotton without the use of toxic bleaches, dyes, and other chemicals. When you're done with them, you can send them back to be renewed, recycled, or upcycled (and kept out of landfills) as part of Coyuchi's 2nd Home program and receive 15 percent off on your next purchase.
Unlike satin sheets that just feel silky, sheets made of actual silk are the real deal. But like anything made of silk, they come at a price, which is why starting out with a silk pillowcase could be a good toe-dip before investing in a whole set, according to Zoe Mac, the founder of Zoe Mac Design. "You don't end up with as many pillow creases, it's gentler on your skin, and your hair isn't as frizzy when you wake up," Mac says of the benefits of silk pillowcases. While Mac thinks most of the silk pillowcases on the market can be "really tacky," these, from Kumi Kookoon, are an exception. "They have this range of incredible colors. I use a really deep indigo-navy and it's a dream to sleep on. They're so soft and I really notice the difference when I wake up. My hair is not as crazy-bedhead in the morning and my skin feels better." If you like the pillowcases and want to sleep fully enveloped in silk, you can splurge on one of Kumi Kokoon's flat silk sheets and fitted sheets, which come in over 30 colors.
Additional reporting by Lauren Levy
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