With dark, cold evenings well and truly upon us, treating ourselves to some new bedding has never felt more tempting. We spend around a third of our lives in bed, so good quality bedding is well worth the investment - and integral to the quality of our slumber. A 2012 study by the US National Sleep Foundation found that 73% of us sleep better on fresh sheets (And also, that our romantic lives improve.)
Before showcasing our top choices of bedding, there are a few factors to consider. One of these is seasonality. Those who struggle to keep warm in the winter months should opt for insulating materials such as brushed cotton, fleece and flannel. For a more budget-friendly version, you can't go wrong with polyester. If, on the other hand, you find yourself tossing and turning due to being too hot, a flat sheet made of crisp cotton or linen will keep you cool throughout the night.
Another element to consider when it comes to bedding is thread count, which literally refers to the number of threads per square inch of the sheet. The higher the thread count, the more comfortable the cotton - think dreamy hotel bedding. We would recommend aiming for a thread count of between 200 and 400, because sheets within these ranges tend to be soft and durable. The general rule is if you like to be cooler at night, choose a lower thread count (as this means you’re getting fewer threads per square inch of fabric) and if you prefer to be snug, go higher.
The beauty-conscious among us might prefer to ditch cotton altogether in favour of sleeping on silk, which can improve skin and hair hydration, and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Meanwhile, eucalyptus sheets are extra soft and feel like you're sleeping on silk or rayon. The fabric is cool to the touch, which can be quite a relief for those who get hot when they sleep or sweat a lot.
With so many materials, colours and brands on the market, the hunt for the perfect bedding can feel like a minefield. If you don't know where to start, we've rounded up our pick of the best.
SHOP: The Best Bedding
Soho Homewww.sohohome.com
On the pricier end of the scale, Soho Home's linen bedding is some of the best the market has to offer. They come in an assortment of colours to suit every room and taste, with sizes ranging from double to super king. The linen is made from 100% natural flax-fibre linen grown in Europe and woven just outside of Porto. Once individually cut and sewn, each piece goes through a laundry process, which involves dyeing and stone washing the linen to create a soft, unique and relaxed drape.
The White Companywww.thewhitecompany.com
Nothing beats the feeling of sliding into fresh, white cotton sheets, especially if they are from The White Company. For classic quality bedding that really feels like you're getting your money's worth, look no further than this Egyptian cotton set. With a 200-thread count cotton, the minimalist design is finished with a thin row of cord to add an elegant touch to your boudoir. Want more The White Company bedding? Check out our full round-up.
Duskdusk.com
Dusk isn't short of affordable bedding options, and we love this Mykonos collection, which will give you that 'Hotel bedding' feeling every day of the week. The bedding is decorated with a 100% cotton seersucker weave and has a 200 thread-count cotton percale on the reverse, for an elegant, understated feel.
Anthropologiewww.anthropologie.com
For those who prefer a maximalist approach to bedroom interiors, Anthropologie's bold, statement designs are a must. Inject a tropical touch to your bedroom with this cotton duvet cover adorned with jacquard cotton, leafy motifs.
Soak And Sleepwww.soakandsleep.com
Sleeping on silk doesn't just feel luxurious - it also has a wide range of benefits for our hair and complexion. Silk sheets can help to prevent dreaded sleep creases (and later down the line, wrinkles), skin irritation and hair breakage, all while providing a luxurious night's sleep. These decadent bed sheets from Soak&Sleep are made from pure Mulberry silk, for ultimate comfort.
H+Mwww2.hm.com
Linen bedding is a great option if you struggle with overheating, as the material absorbs moisture, creating a cool and comfortable sleeping environment. This set from H&M home comes in soft, pastel colours and is incredibly durable. When cared for correctly, will become softer with every wash.
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
Bundle up this Winter in John Lewis' cosy bedding. The linen is lightly brushed after weaving, which gives it a soft, velvety touch and an extra warm feel - perfect for those who run cold or want to save a few pennies on the heating bill.
Fenwick / Piglet In Bedwww.fenwick.co.uk
Bring a touch of the British seaside to your bedroom with the Sandstone Red Pembroke Stripe linen duvet cover by Piglet In Bed. Inspired by vintage deck chairs, go bold with a total stripe ensemble, or mix and match with Piglet's other colourways. Made in Portugal from 100% European linen, the duvet covers are naturally thermo-regulating to keep you cool when it's hot and cosy when it's cold.
Cuddledown www.cuddledown.co.uk
Sink into a blissful slumber with Cuddledown's long-staple pure Egyptian cotton percale, crafted for an irresistibly smooth, lightweight, and crisp feel. With a luxurious 300-thread count, this soft set is the perfect way to give your boudoir a fresh makeover.
shop.mango.com
If you haven't already discovered Mango's home section, let us recommend the bedding in particular. There's a great range of colours and prints, all of which look expensive but with a high street price tag. This cotton duvet cover has a 200 thread count and is made in Spain.
www.marksandspencer.com
M&S always delivers great bedding. This cotton duvet cover feels really premium but is under £50 for a double.
uk.bedthreads.com
These beautiful pillowcases come as a set of two, with multiple different colour combinations available. They're so popular, they tend to sell out very quickly but you can pre-order them if they're not currently in stock.