Best Bedding Set (2023): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Your bed is a cozy place where you relax, preparing yourself for the next day. A comfortable bedding set can improve even the best mattress and go a long way in enhancing your sleep experience.

Buying bedding accessories can be challenging because it involves choosing different items such as bedsheets, pillow covers, duvets, and comforters. These accessories should be comfortable and stylish because they impact your sleep quality and the look of your bedroom too.

To make your bedroom visually appealing, it’s better if all these bedding accessories are color-coordinated perfectly. If you handpick each of these products to suit your style, it will take more time and cost you extra money. Instead, buying a bedding set is more cost-effective because it includes all of these products in one package, and they are already color-coordinated.

In this article, we review some of the best bedding sets available on the market. We also include a buyer’s guide to help you choose the best bedding set for your needs.

1. Recover+ Comforter

Price of a queen size: $430

Fabric Material: Cotton

Set Includes:

• 1 comforter (90 inches by 94 inches)
• 1 duvet cover (92 inches by 96 inches)
• 2 pillow shams

Amerisleep’s Recover+ Comforter feels plush and is perfect for year-round use. It features a luxurious blend of eco-friendly lyocell, FDA-determined Celliant®, and soft polyester. While the polyester provides warmth, the breathable lyocell wicks away moisture to keep you cool as you sleep. Lyocell is cool, super absorbent, and naturally hypoallergenic, making the Recover+ Comforter a great option for those with asthma, allergies, or other sensitivities.

We recommend the Recover+ Comforter as the best comforter of 2023 because it actually contains technology to help you get better sleep. The outer fabric of this comforter is infused with Celliant’s® textile technology to regulate your temperature and prevent night sweats or overheating.

Celliant® technology contains thermoreactive minerals to recycle your body heat into infrared energy, and infrared energy increases local circulation to keep you at a neutral temperature. Whether you’re a hot or cold sleeper, the Recover+ Comforter can help you stay comfy all night.

We recommend pairing Amerisleep’s Recover+ Comforter with their Percale Duvet Cover Set to give the Comforter a layer of protection. Plus, the Duvet Covers have a sleek appearance to compliment almost any decor.

In their Duvet Cover Sets, Amerisleep uses long-staple Pima cotton. Usually, Egyptian and Pima cotton have long fibers, so they don’t break easily—strong fibers offer better resistance to pilling, improving the fabric’s durability. These duvet covers also have a breathable 300-thread count, so they’ll never trap heat close to your body.

The duvet covers include cloth ties at the four inside corners, preventing comforter bunching. Both the pillow shams and the duvet covers have zippers, securing the pillows and duvet inserts or comforters. The zippers are hidden under flange edges for a sleek look.

Amerisleep offers a 1-year limited warranty with their Recover+ Comforter and a 5-year limited warranty on their duvet cover set. Not many brands offer warranties on their bed sets, so Amerisleep’s deal is pretty hard to beat.

Pros:

• Comforters with lyocell and polyester fill provide cooling and warming effects, making them perfect for year-round use
• Comforter includes Celliant® technology to safely convert body heat into infrared energy, improving circulation and promoting a night of restful sleep
• An excellent option for those prone to allergies
• Duvet covers with ties at the corners prevent comforters or duvet inserts from shifting

Cons:

• Not much color variety
• Includes fewer accessories compared to other types of bedding sets

2. AmazonBasics Bed-in-a-Bag

Price of a queen size: $48.99

Fabric Material: Polyester

Set Includes:

• 1 comforter (86 inches by 90 inches)
• 1 flat sheet
• 1 fitted sheet
• 2 shams
• 2 pillowcases

The AmazonBasics Bed-in-a-Bag set is the most highly rated bedding set on Amazon. This set includes seven essential bedding accessories, completing the look of your bed.

The polyester fabric has a soft texture, making it a comfortable material to sleep on. The lightweight comforter included in the set contains polyester fill, perfect for cozy warmth. This bedding set is easy to care for since polyester does not get damaged in a washing machine or dryer.

Though this bedding set is not manufactured in the United States, it’s made in a OEKO-TEX Standard 100 factory. This certification by a globally-recognized association ensures the products are made responsibly, meeting health, safety, and environmental standards.

The bed set is available in 15 different designs and colors to suit your personal preferences. Choose from a variety of patterns including simple geometric shapes in earthen shades or floral prints in bright colors. You have plenty of choices when it comes to design, pattern, and colors.

This bed set’s affordable pricing allows you to buy more than one in case you want an alternative comforter and coordinated accessories to give a new look to your bedroom.

Pros:

• Good value for money
• Available in a variety of designs to suit different themes
• Soft and lightweight comforter

Cons:

• Not available in King or Cal king sizes
• The synthetic polyester material is not as durable as natural fibers

3. Willa Arlo Interiors Reversible Comforter Set

Price of a queen size: $118.78

Fabric Material: Microfiber and Cotton

Set Includes:

• 1 Comforter (90 inches by 90 inches)
• 2 pillow shams
• 2 pillowcases
• 1 flat sheet
• 1 fitted sheet
• 1 accent pillow
• 1 dust ruffle, also called the bed skirt

The reversible comforter set gives you two different designs in one product. If you are bored with your bedding accessories, reverse to the other side for a whole new look to your bed.

The comforter includes a synthetic polyester fill so it can be easily washed. All the pieces included in this bedding set can be machine washed on the gentle cycle and tumble dried on low.

The bedsheets included in this set are made of cotton. The fitted sheets have deep enough pockets to fit mattresses up to 14 inches thick. Most premium quality mattresses range within 10 to 14 inches in thickness.

An accent pillow, included in this set, is a decorative pillow enhancing the style quotient in your bedroom. Even the dust ruffle, also called a bed skirt, is used for a decorative purpose. It lies between the mattress and the foundation or box spring. Dust ruffles cover three sides of the bed, including under bed storage drawers, if any.

This bedding set is available in 9 different colors, including brighter shades like aqua and neutral hues such as gray.

Pros:

• Two-in-one style due to the reversible bedding accessories
• Resists wrinkles
• Fitted sheets include deep pockets to fit mattresses up to 14 inches thick

Cons:

• The sheets may feel rough in the beginning, getting softer with every wash
• The polyester fiberfill may not be suitable for hot sleepers because it is not breathable

4. Magic Linen Duvet Sets

Price of a queen size: $241

Fabric Material: Linen

Set Includes:

• 1 duvet cover (90 inches by 88 inches)
• 2 pillowcases

Linen is good at regulating temperature, keeping you cool during summer months and warm during winters. The duvet covers and pillowcases are made with linen from premium European flax. Linen fabric is durable and gets softer with every wash.

Machine wash the duvet covers and pillowcases on a gentle cycle with lukewarm water and mild liquid laundry detergent. Tumble dry low and remove while it’s still partially damp to prevent wrinkling. If needed, iron with a low heat setting, while still damp. Finally, air dry it by hanging on a clothesline or laying flat on a towel.

The bedding accessories are available in 18 different designs with patterned stripes or solid colors. The product has been stonewashed for maximum softness.

Pros:

• Premium quality fabric, perfect for regulating temperature
• The linen fabric is excellent at absorbing moisture, preventing the growth of bacteria and other indoor allergens

Cons:

• May be expensive

5. Astoria Grand Woodford Luxury 24 Piece Comforter Set

Price of a queen size: $249.99

Fabric Material: Polyester

Set Includes:

• 1 comforter (90 inches by 90 inches)
• 1 flat sheet
• 1 fitted sheet
• 2 shams
• 2 euro shams (for square-shaped decorative pillows, called euro pillows)
• 4 decorative pillows
• 2 pillowcases
• 1 bed skirt
• 4 window curtains
• 4 tie-backs
• 2 window valances

The Astoria Grand Woodford 24 Piece Comforter Set includes accessories for your bedroom as well. If you are setting up your bedroom in a new house, this bedding set comes in handy. It even includes color-coordinated window curtains, valances, and tie-backs.

There are 14 accessories for your bed and 4 for your windows. Apart from the regular accessories such as a comforter, flat sheet, fitted sheet, and shams, this bedding set includes 4 decorative pillows (rarely found in any other bedding set).

The accessories sport an embroidered pattern on them, giving a regal look to your bedroom. They are available in the natural ivory color and the bright red color.

Polyester fabric is easy to maintain so all the accessories are machine washable. With a 200 thread count, the fabric feels plush and comfortable.

Pros:

• You get many color-coordinated accessories at a very reasonable price
• Attention to detail because it includes not just pillow shams but euro shams as well

Cons:

• Does not include regular pillows
• The polyester fabric may make you feel hot in bed

Types of Bedding Sets

There are no universal rules about what goes in a bedding set. Some may include a comforter, while others may include a duvet cover. The inclusion of one of these in a bedding set differentiates it from a sheet set. Sheet sets usually include a fitted sheet, top sheet, and pillowcases.

Here we describe the three types of bedding sets generally available. Sometimes, a specific type of bedding set may have more than the usual number of accessories.

Duvet Sets

Duvet sets are the most basic of all types of bedding sets. They include duvet covers and pillow shams, not duvet inserts. Duvet sets are a better option for those who already have most of the other bedding accessories. They need duvet sets to occasionally change the look of their bedroom.

• Duvet Covers: While you cover yourself with a duvet or comforter when you sleep, they also form the top layer of your bedding when you make your bed. The look of your bed depends on the color and design of the top layer of your bedding. Since duvet inserts are usually plain white or beige in color, you need duvet covers to spruce up the look of your bed. They also serve as a layer of protection from stains and allergen build-up so you can use duvet covers with comforters too. Duvet covers are easy to clean. They are machine washable, while the duvets inserts or comforters may get damaged in a washing machine.

• Pillow Shams: Pillow shams are bigger and are more decorative than pillowcases. In a duvet set, the pillow shams match the color, print, and design of your duvet cover.

Comforter Sets

Comforter sets include more bedding accessories than a duvet set, but fewer than a complete bed-in-a-bag set. If you want a new comforter, consider comforter sets. They contain matching pillowcases or shams and a bed skirt too. Some comforter sets may include fitted sheets, flat sheets, and decorative pillows for a complete look.

• Comforters: Comforters are more colorful than duvet inserts. You will find them in a variety of colors with different designs and patterns over them.

• Pillow Cases or Shams: The pillowcases or shams match the color, design, and pattern on the comforter. The pillowcases are also size compatible. For example, with a twin or twin XL comforter set you get a standard pillowcase measuring 20 inches by 26 inches, and with queen or king sets you get bigger pillowcases.

• Dust Ruffle or Bed Skirt: A dust ruffle or bed skirt serves the decorative purpose of covering the three sides of your bed (except the headboard side). It also protects the sides of your bed from getting dusty. Dust ruffles are usually machine washable and can be washed every week.

Complete Bed-in-a-Bag Set

A “bed-in-a-bag” set does not literally include your bed, but it contains almost everything you need to set up your bed. It’s a holistic set including more accessories than a duvet set or a comforter set. Sometimes, a bedding set may be called a “comforter set,” but it includes all the accessories usually found in a “bed-in-a-bag” set, or vice versa. It’s best to always check the accessories included in the set.

• Sheets: Most bed-in-a-bag sets include both flat sheets and fitted sheets. They are color-coordinated with your comforter or duvet cover. It’s crucial to measure your mattress thickness and check the pocket depth of your fitted sheet to ensure it fits your mattress.

• Comforter or Duvet Cover: Bed-in-a-bag sets include a comforter or a duvet cover. In some bedding sets, there is a duvet insert and a duvet cover, giving you more options. If you prefer a duvet more than a comforter, then buying a bedding set with a duvet insert will be an economical option for you.

• Pillowcases, Shams, or Both: Pillowcases generally match the sheets, while pillow or bed shams match the comforter or duvet covers. Since bed-in-a-bag sets contain sheets and comforters, they may include either pillowcases, shams, or both.

• Decorative Pillows: Decorative pillows or accent pillows are used for supporting your back when sitting on your bed. They can be square or rectangle-shaped and are often removed from the bed before sleeping. There may be anywhere between 1, 2, or 4 decorative pillows in a bedding set.

• Sleeping Pillows: These are regular pillows, you rest your head on while sleeping. Generally, bedding sets don’t include sleeping pillows because people have specific pillow preferences. They may prefer a specific type of fill or firmness level. Offering customization options is difficult in a set, but some premium brands do so. They include pillows in their set, letting you choose the fill type and firmness level.

• Curtains: Curtains are not a part of bedding, but people often buy bedding accessories to match  the color of their curtains. If you want to change the theme of your bedroom, then buying bedding sets with curtains is a good option. You get all your bedding accessories color-coordinated with your curtains without having to hunt for each of them in different shops or sites.

• Valances: Some bedding sets with curtains, may offer valances as well to complete the whole bedroom set-up. Valances are a form of window treatment, covering the uppermost part of the window. They can be hung alone or paired with window blinds, or curtains. Valances conceal your drapery hardware while adding a classic touch to your bedroom.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for the Best Bedding Set

Before researching your best bedding set, assess your needs. Are you buying the bedding set for everyday use, or do you want to save it for special occasions? Do you want to use it for a particular season or all year round? Depending on the answers to these questions, choose the fabric material of your bedding set.

Other factors such as the fill material of your duvet or comforter, the thread count of the fabric, and the size of pillowcases or shams are critical when shopping for the best bedding set.

Fabric Material

Bedsheets are available in different materials such as cotton, silk, and flannel, but the sheets and duvet covers included in bedding sets are usually made of cotton, linen, or polyester. If you prefer natural or organic materials, opt for cotton or linen. When on a budget, polyester is a smart choice.

Cotton

Cotton has been a popular choice for bedding materials over thousands of years. They are produced in the United States and are available in a wide price range. The quality of a fabric depends on the length of its cotton fibers, also called staple. The longer the fiber, the more luxurious and durable the sheet.

Egyptian and Pima cotton usually have Extra Long Staple (ELS) and Long Staple cotton fibers. They make premium quality sheets, lasting over a decade. Short staple cotton breaks down faster, lasting for about 2 to 3 years. They are also more prone to pilling than the premium quality cotton.

If you want organic sheets, opt for cotton, grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Organic sheets are available at a higher price point than regular cotton because their production process is more expensive.

Linen

Linen is a sophisticated choice of fabric with several advantages. It is breathable, anti-bacterial, naturally insulating, and super absorbent. Linen absorbs moisture better than cotton, keeping you cool during the summer months. Since linen is naturally insulating, these sheets keep you warm during the winter months.

Linen fabric is made from the cellulose fibers, growing inside of the stalks of the flax plant. Flax is a recyclable fiber that does not need irrigation or chemical treatment. These plants are common in Europe and Central Asia, so most linen sheets are imported from these regions. Since linen has to be imported, it is more expensive than other types of fabric.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic material, making it a cost-effective option. Cleaning polyester fabric is easy because you can put it in the washing machine and the dryer. Polyester is popular as a bedding material because of its easy maintenance and a low tendency of wrinkling.

Though this man-made fabric is common in the bedding industry, it may not be a good option for hot sleepers. Polyester fabric is not very breathable causing overheating in bed. Polyester is often combined with cotton or silk to make blended materials. These materials have a feel of cotton or silk but are not as expensive as the natural fibers.

Microfiber

Microfiber fabric is made using fine polyester fibers. Microfiber is a type of polyester with all its advantages, but fewer drawbacks. Microfiber feels softer and is more resistant to pilling than traditional polyester.

Fill Material of Duvets or Comforter

Duvets were traditionally used in Europe where down (soft feathers beneath the wings and belly) from ducks and geese were used as filling material. Down is naturally insulating, making them a perfect option for cold winters. Manufacturers stuff duvets with less filling to make them comfortable for the summer months.

Down duvets feel soft, but may not be the best option for those prone to allergies. Sometimes, the down filling contains traces of dust, despite washing them before stuffing into duvets. These dust particles trigger allergic reactions such as a runny nose, itchy throat, watery eyes, frequent sneezing, or coughing. To address these concerns, duvet manufacturers have introduced hypoallergenic duvets.

Hypoallergenic duvets are made with down alternative stuffing, usually microfiber fill. The hypoallergenic duvets are less expensive than the down duvets and are safe for those prone to allergies.

Comforters are the American counterparts of duvets, stuffed with a filling of cotton, wool, silk, polyester, or down. The down filling gets damaged if machine washed. Duvets or comforters with down filling need to be dry cleaned. Comforters are colorful with designs all over them, but duvets are plain white or beige, so they are always used with duvet covers. Depending on your priorities, opt for a suitable filling material for your duvet or comforter. Check for bedding sets with a duvet or comforter with your preferred fill material.

Size of Pillowcases or Shams

Check the size of pillowcases or shams to maintain the uniform look of your bed. Sometimes, queen size bedding sets may include standard size pillowcases or queen size pillowcases.

Standard size sleeping pillows measure 20 inches by 26 inches, while queen size pillows measure 20 inches by 30 inches. Usually, twin and twin XL size bedding sets include standard size pillowcases, and the king and Cal king bedding sets contain king size pillowcases.

Thread Count

Thread count determines the number of vertical and horizontal threads crisscrossing a square inch of fabric. Anything between the range of 200 to 600 is an ideal thread count for good quality fabric.

Be wary of fabrics flaunting thread counts higher than 600. Bedding manufacturers use multi-ply yarns to show a higher thread count, and multi-ply yarns are inferior quality threads twisted together. They feel rough and break down faster, affecting the durability of the fabric.

Budget

Bedding sets are available in a wide price range depending on the materials used and the number of accessories included in them. If you have a lesser budget, opt for bedding sets with fewer accessories but good quality fabric. Premium fabric is durable, helping you save money in the long run. You don’t have to worry about replacing your accessories for a decade or more.

You may also be able to save by bundling a bedding set with an online mattress, particularly during a big sales event.

FAQs

What does a bedding set include?

A bedding set may include different combinations of bedding accessories. A duvet cover or a comforter is one of the most important items always found in a bed set; it contains matching pillow shams as well. These are the basic items in all bedding sets. Some may include fitted sheets, flat sheets, bed skirts, and accent pillows. To complete your bedroom, you can choose a bedding set that includes curtains and valances as well.

What is the most comfortable bedding?

Cotton is a popular choice due to its softness. If you are buying a cotton bed set, check for 100 percent cotton fabric. Cotton blended with some other materials such as polyester may not be as comfortable. Superior quality cotton, like Pima or Egyptian, makes luxury bedding. Pima or Egyptian cotton with long or extra-long fibers provide plushness and durability to the fabric.

What is the best thread count on sheets?

Anything within the range of 200 to 600 is a good number for making smooth and durable sheets. Thread count affects the feel of your sheet, but higher is not always better. Manufacturers have found ways to artificially inflate thread count by using multi-ply yarns, which are inferior in quality and break down faster. Sticking to the 200 to 600 thread count range is safe when buying a plush and durable sheet.

Why do hotel sheets feel so good?

Hotel sheets are generally made of 100 percent cotton. Their plushness is enhanced by the fabric softeners. Cotton sheets respond well to fabric softeners, making them very comfortable for use.

How often should bedsheets be washed?

Wash your sheets once every week. With time, your sheets accumulate sweat, body oil, and allergens. Washing them regularly prevents allergen build-up, reducing the chances of allergic reactions.

Conclusion

Before buying new bedding for yourself, check the accessories you already have with you. Then decide if you need a spare accessory. For example, you may have a comforter, but you need an alternate comforter as a back-up option. If yes, buy a comforter set instead of a comforter as it comes with matching pillow shams and bed skirts. If you don’t want an alternate comforter, opt for a premium quality duvet set instead. Drape your comforter with a duvet cover and change the look of your bedroom, without having to buy another comforter.

When you buy a bed set, you buy many individual pieces. Take some time to research each of the accessories before you choose the best set for yourself. Check the product rating online and read customer reviews for a better understanding of the product.