The best bed sheets to snuggle up in

If sleep isn't your favourite time of the day, then quite frankly, we're shocked. After a long and hard day of work, taking a warm bath and hitting the sack is the best feeling in the world. Unfortunately, it's the actual getting to sleep that's often a challenge, and believe it or not - you might be able to blame your bed sheets for your poor sleeping habits.

If your bed sheets are scratchy and uncomfortable, too thick or too thin - you won’t be drifting off into dreamland anytime soon. Given that we spend about a third of our lifetime in bed (yes, you heard that right), investing in high-quality, crisp sheets is key. Not to mention, the design and colour of your sheets can majorly impact the overall vibes of a room.

OK - we know what you're thinking. What on earth constitutes good bed sheets? Just because we lay in them every night doesn't mean we can pinpoint exactly what we like or dislike about them.

To help you out, we've created a quick shopping guide and made a list of the best bed sheets on the market that will lull you straight to sleep.

Related: Best sleep products

Things to look for when shopping for bed sheets

Material

Premium cotton

Premium types of cotton such as Egyptian and Prima are made of long-staple fibres, making them even silkier and more durable. The breathability of these kinds of cotton keeps them fresh for longer than any other material.

While these premium cottons will give you top of the tier quality, be careful: brands have been known to sell blended fabrics while falsely advertising 100 per cent premium cotton.

Polyester

Polyester is another popular option for bedsheets and is much more affordable than cotton. Polyester sheets are more resistant to wrinkles (AKA no ironing) compared to cotton, but will likely feel more synthetic. As a compromise, you can opt for a polyester and cotton blend.

Very finely woven polyester is often sold as microfibre, which is extremely soft and stain-resistant, but less suitable for hotter months.

Related: The best duvet cover sets that'll make bedtime exciting

Silk

Silk is arguably the most expensive type of bedsheet material on the market - but for good reason. The softness of silk is unparalleled, it is naturally hypoallergenic, thermoregulatory and great for your hair and skin.

Charmeuse Silk: The most common type of silk, Charmeuse is lightweight and has great elasticity. The top is shiny and satin while the back has a duller finish, making it a great material for bedsheets.

Mulberry Silk: Mulberry is, without a doubt, the best type of silk for bedding and the most high-quality silk available. Mulberry is created from silkworms, which are fed a strict diet of only Mulberry leaves. This leads to a strong, light and highly luxurious product.

Linen

If you value quality just as much as a natural aesthetic, linen is certainly a fabric to explore. Not only are there many environmental benefits to using linen, it's the type of fabric that is extremely long-lasting (if you look after it).

In terms of comfort, linen is naturally highly absorbent, meaning it can absorb a high percentage of its own weight in water without feeling wet. It is also highly breathable given its woven nature and will be temperate to sleep in, for both hot and cool sleepers.

Thread count

Bedsheet thread count is a measure of density, usually measured in square inches. Typically, a higher thread count equals softer sheets, but good sheets can range from anywhere between 200-800, with some brands going up to 1,000.

Beware that while thread count was once considered a great indicator of quality, a higher thread count does not necessarily mean better sheets.

Weave

Another important consideration when buying bed sheets is the weave type, with the main options being percale and sateen.

Percale is a basic weave that provides a cool and crisp feel. If you tend to get hot easily, percale would be a great option for you, especially during summer.

On the other hand, sateen is silkier and thicker. It has a rich, soft feel and is preferable for the winter months.

The best bed sheets UK:

Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections

Dive into a bed of softness with these 100 per cent Egyptian Cotton sheets. The soft fabric will feel wonderful against your skin, with a cool and crisp finish for extra comfort. The high thread count adds to the overall silkiness of the material, and the extra-wide sides make them fit comfortably on the bed, regardless of width. Absolute bedsheet bliss.

Key specifications:

800 thread count

137 x 190cm + 40cm depth

Egyptian cotton

Machine-washable and tumble dry on low temperature

Review: "So impressed with these sheets and pillowcases, I ordered another set. They are such good quality and the best sheets I have ever owned. Really good fit with deep sides for a new modern-day mattress. very soft to the touch."

Roll around in the silky goodness that is satin sheets, without actually breaking the bank for real silk. These soft and smooth satin sheets protect from hair breakage and knotting through the night, so you can kiss the term 'bedhead' goodbye. Their cool texture will keep you comfortable all throughout spring and summer, and will add a touch of luxury to any room.

Key specifications:

100 per cent Polyester

138 x 190cm, 12 inch deep pocket

Machine-washable

No ironing

Review: "Lying on this sheet feels so good! It's very smooth and frictionless. Love the white colour and the shine it has. Fits well and deep on my single mattress."

When it comes to sheets, no sacrifice should be made on quality and comfort. Cultiver's sheet sets do not disappoint. The sets come in their own cute linen bag for convenient storage. The pillowcases included in the set feature a simple envelope closure at centre back and the fitted sheets are generous with elastic all around. The flat sheets feature an elegant border all around the edge.

Key Specifications:
Made from 100% European flax
165gsm
Substantial but breathable
OEKO-TEX® certified

Machine wash on a warm cycles

Reviews: "With every wash, this sheet set just get softer (and trust me when I say, you might just want to try this out for yourself). They also come in a range of gorgeous colours, perfect if you are after your own unique ensemble. Ah they are just so lush. I wish I never had to take them off."

This bold floral design is sure to bring any room to life. Perfect for spring, the striking Persian-inspired colours and pattern will make a statement, and the soft cotton percale ensures maximum softness and comfort.

Key specifications:

100 per cent cotton percale

140 x 190cm

80 threads/cm²

Machine-washable at 60°C

Reviews: "These are amazing quality. Wash well and feel super soft. Bought the pillowcases to match. Definitely recommend."

Getting out of bed will be a challenge with these luxuriously soft and pure Egyptian cotton bed sheets. The handpicked fibres will feel silky and comforting against your skin, and the STAYNEW™ technology preserves the colour and softness of the sheets after multiple washes. If you lead a busy lifestyle, you’ll be happy to know that these lavish sheets are non-iron – just pop them straight on your bed and enjoy the slumber of a lifetime.

Key specifications:

230 thread count

100 per cent Egyptian cotton

Beautifully soft and durable

Non-iron

Reviews: "So happy I purchased this sheet as it is perfect for all the way to the bottom of my mattress, would highly recommend if you have a deep mattress this fits like a glove."

Ah, The White Company. Is there anything from there that we don't want? Its best-selling collection is serving us royalty in the form of bed sheets. The 200 thread count pure Egyptian cotton fabrics will caress your skin, and the percale weave will feel cool and crisp to the touch. The pillowcases and duvet covers are embellished with a thin white row of cord for an extra hint of elegance. These sheets are ideal for spring going into summer and are both lightweight and breathable.

Key specifications:

200 thread count

100 per cent Egyptian cotton

40cm x 190cm x 30cm

Button fastening on duvet cover

Machine-washable

Review: "Washed well (I don't iron fitted sheets!) and fitted our bed really well. Lovely to sleep on, soft."

Made of 50 per cent cotton and 50 per cent polyester, the blend of natural and synthetic materials gives you the best of both worlds; an unimaginably soft feel with the ability to regulate temperature and promote freshness all through the night. The percale weave ensures a crisp feel, and the matte finishes will cater to a wide variety of interior styles. These sheets dry off quickly and only require minimal ironing.

Key specifications:

50 per cent Cotton, 50 per cent Polyester

200 thread count

Deep fit up to 36cm

Machine-washable at 40°C

Review: "Great size which allows for my mattress & mattress topper. A generous size which I am happy with. The sheet is good quality, at a reasonable price. Overall very happy."

Say bonjour to your new favourite set of pure silk Mulberry sheets. If you're wondering what it feels like to sleep like a royal, these luxuriously soft and hypoallergenic sheets will give you a taste. There aren't enough words to describe how lustrous and fine these feel, but we can guarantee there's no better way to go to sleep. The temperature-regulating properties will keep you cool and fresh, giving you a bedtime not even sleeping beauty could dream of.

Key specifications:

135 x 190 x 30cm

19 momme 100 per cent Mulberry silk

Naturally temperature regulating

Hand wash or machine wash on delicate setting 30°C

Review: "Fantastically soft product. I also find it works very well as a temperature regulator. I use it without the duvet i.e. just sleep under the cover and it's fantastic in hot weather. Sleep feels better as well. Highly recommended."

Liven up your bedroom with this vibrant orange bed sheet. The funky 60s pattern is unique, and the authentic cotton sheet is luxurious to the eyes and the skin. The material is thin and light, making it ideal for the hotter months.

Key Specifications:

100 per cent cotton

140 x 190cm

(52 threads/cm²)

Machine-washable at 60°C.

Want the feel of silky sheets without breaking the bank? A sateen-woven sheet is exactly what you've been searching for. The best thing about it is that the natural material will feel lush against your skin.

Key specifications:

60 per cent cotton, 40 per cent lyocell

Machine washable

310 thread count

200 x 150cm

Review: "Very pleased with this fitted sheet. It has a very soft and silky feel and fits on the mattress very well. Plus, it does not keep slipping off at the corners as some do."

Whether you're looking for a single, double, king or super king fitted sheet, The Range has you covered with these comfortable sheets. As well as having matching pillowcases and duvet sets available, this sheet will add a pop of colour to any room.

Key specifications:

100 per cent cotton

190 thread count

200 x 180cm

Colours: Blush, white, charcoal, lavender, navy, silver, chalk blue, ochre, natural

Keep it classic with this crisp white fitted sheet. Don’t be fooled by its plain design as it’s made from a non-iron material, which will save you loads of time after washing.

Key specifications:

52 per cent polyester, 48 per cent cotton

144 thread count

Machine washable

135 x 190cm

Review: "Great deep fitted sheet. Feels and looks good quality. Finally having the right depth of sheet has made life so much easier. Why did I wait so long?"

We've still not got over the Cuthbert the Caterpillar drama, but there's no doubt that this Cooling Superking Fitted Sheet from Aldi is headed straight into our shopping basket. The cooling properties of this option will ensure you get sweet dreams, even during a heatwave.

Key specifications:

70 per cent cotton, 30 per cent Tencel™

180 x 200cm

Machine washable

Tumble dry on low heat

Review: "Excellent quality bedding from Aldi as usual. Lovely silky cool feel to the sheet, I also have the dot duvet set, which is equally as nice."

Read next:

The best bedding sets that'll have you excited for 10pm

The must-have sleep products for a better night's rest, according to experts

The best pillow sprays to guarantee some deep sleep

How to choose bed sheets?

When looking for bed sheets, there are a few things to think about. The first thing that might spring to mind is what material you'd like to opt for (cotton vs polyester), the thread count and the type of weave you'd prefer. Your budget will also play a big role when choosing the quality of your sheets.

What is thread count?

Thread count refers to the density of the fabric. To get more detailed about it, thread count is the total number of yarns per square inch of fabric.

Should I pay more for a higher thread count?

It depends. A higher thread is usually associated with more luxury hotel-standard sheets. While this is partly true, it's also important to be aware that high thread count does not automatically equal high-quality sheets.

Things like the material and the type of weave are often much better indicators of quality. So, in other words, a sheet with a thread count of 500 can be superior to a sheet with a thread count of 1,000, depending on the materials used.

Our advice is to look up exactly what your sheet is composed of before being lured in by extraordinarily high thread counts at a bargain price. Remember, if it's too good to be true - that's usually because it is.