Comparing The Budget-Friendly IKEA Linen Sheets To Its Competitors

IKEA is known for offering luxury dupes at an affordable price, including but not limited to a good pair of linen sheets. Linen sheets can get expensive fast, with brands like Brooklinen and Pottery Barn selling options that'll run you a few hundred bucks. But if you don't want to spend that, you can still snag some quality linen or linen blend sheets that will satisfy the soft, breathable, and organic feel you are after for under $200. 

IKEA'S best 100% linen option is the Dytåg set. A queen size set goes for $149 at full price, and it is pre-washed to give you a super soft feeling right away. Now, it is important to acknowledge that customer reviews were a bit all over the place. A few reviewers praised the sheets for being incredibly comfortable and light while others found them to be scratchy and heavy; some noted their durability while others claimed they showed wear soon after purchasing.

Now, if all of that is a little too subjective for you, then look no further than the product stats. Thread count will be one of your most important considerations, and this particular model has a thread count of 104. While this would be considered low for any other material, linen is the exception as the thread itself is bulkier (anywhere between 80 and 150 will be the ideal range for your sheets). Though not all brands will give you this information, grams per square meter (GSM) is another useful tool in determining how thick and heavy your linen will be when purchasing online. The 0-300 range represents heavier materials at the top end. 

If you want a full linen sheet, you realistically will have to pay over $100 for a set, with the most affordable options sitting at around $150-$180 for a queen size. But there are some good reasons why linen sheets are so expensive. Since they do last however, you are investing in a quality piece of bedding, so the extra cost isn't for nought. One comparable option is the Casaluna Sheet Set from Target. This linen set comes in 11 different colors, and can fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep. They also seem to hold up well with one customer noting this set is still going strong after three years.

One solid contender has to be these linen sheets by Quince. They are listed at $180 for a queen set, and the goal of the company as a whole is to provide high-end, high-quality items at an affordable and accessible cost. Sure, the website reviews skew very positive, with almost 7,000 ratings and a 4.7/5 star average overall, but real world approval is off the charts for these sheets, too. They come in a whopping 38 different color and pattern options as well as sizes ranging from Twin to California King. Plus you can even buy a set without a flat sheet for those that prefer sleeping without a top sheet on the bed. They are made with 100% European flax (the top of the line for linen) and they even have a year long return window, so there is ample time to test them out. 

If you really want to save some money, a linen blend sheet could be the way to go. These offer a similar look and feel to linen but won't cost nearly as much. The biggest downside to a linen blend is that it is generally heavier and less breathable than 100% linen options. That said, there are actually quite a few factors in its favor besides just costing less. Linen blends are generally softer on arrival than pure linen which can take some time to wear in. It also is less prone to wrinkling than linen alone. Generally linen blends will be a combination of linen and cotton, so while it may be slightly heavier than pure linen, it is still highly breathable, and wears pretty well over time. 

That said however, you may still want to opt for 100% linen. Linen is particularly durable (in part why it takes a bit to break in) which means that it can last for a long time. Depending on your use, a good pair of linen sheets can go anywhere from two to five years before it begins to show signs of wear, and it can last up to several decades with proper care. When it comes down to it, both linen and linen blend sheets can be a great option, and even though there are some "premium" options out there, you may be perfectly content with a more affordable choice that could last you just as long. Plus, if your sheets start out too stiff, there are simple ways to make your linens softer.