The Luxury Bedding Trap: Why You Will Be Losing Sleep Over Expensive Sheets

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When my husband and I bought our home in 2020, we spent a small fortune on our bed: a king-sized Sealy mattress with an adjustable platform and a Ralph Lauren upholstered frame (found secondhand on Auction Ninja). But there was one place where we saved, and that was on the sheets. I swear by American Home Collection's microfiber sheets, which can be purchased for a steal (just over $30 for a king set) on Amazon. While I am sometimes tempted by the luxury bedding from brands like Brooklinen, Quince, or Serena & Lily, all signs point to these pricey options not being worth the splurge.

For example, while I love the appeal of Brooklinen's 100% cotton sheets, reviewers complain of wrinkling, with one buyer mentioning having to steam the top of their sheets so that they lay flat. As a mom with two young children, I frankly do not have time to be steaming sheets. While yes, my Amazon sheets are made from synthetic fibers, they feel soft and buttery and refuse to wrinkle. I can leave them in the laundry basket for days (not that putting off folding laundry is a habit of mine, of course...) and they will still look smooth when I get around to putting them away.

Plus, you really need at least two sets of bedding. Otherwise, you're washing, drying, and making the bed all in one day. So at Brooklinen's $239 per set for a king, you're looking at nearly $500 for simple bed sheets. And since all-white sheets can feel cold and dated, I love that I can own my Amazon sheets in several color options and swap them seasonally.

When it comes to luxury bedding, the natural, organic material it's usually made of is often one of the main selling points. Cotton is a classic, but there's no denying that linen is having a moment, with home decor influencers touting its benefits on Instagram and TikTok. Yes, the fiber is eco-friendly, and many are embracing the material's wrinkled texture for a trendy mismatched bedding look. 

But while that wrinkled look seems chic in an influencer's monochromatic luxury apartment, I'm confident that in my bedroom, it would just look unkempt. Plus, brands like Matteo stress that air-drying is best, and we've all experienced the rough feeling of crispy sun-dried sheets. Not to mention, I don't have a clothesline. Even non-linen luxury sheets, like percale and sateen cotton sheets, can have fussy washing instructions, with experts recommending using gentle detergent, washing on delicate, and drying on low heat to avoid shrinkage or damage.

So while I love the idea of natural fibers and the shabby-chic look, I'm sticking with my microfiber blend for now. If microfiber isn't for you and you prefer natural materials, there are 100% cotton sheets that don't fall in the "luxury" category. With these more affordable options, you don't need to stress about the cost of buying a replacement if they are damaged or stained, or if you upgrade to a larger bed. And you can always have an extra set on hand for wash day to make your life just a little bit easier.

As it turns out, you can style your bed like a designer without breaking the bank. Start with beautiful, but affordable sheets. If you prefer cotton, Walmart's Better Homes & Gardens line has 100% cotton "cool and crisp" sheets for $25 to $45, depending on your bed size. Priced just slightly higher, Martha Stewart offers cotton percale sheets ranging from about $42 to $63 on Amazon. At less than half the cost of a comparable Brooklinen set for 100% cotton and Martha's on-trend colors and patterns, I say Martha Stewart sheets are worth the investment. 

From there, some designers do not recommend a duvet, instead preferring to start with a crisp, solid sheet set followed by layers of quilts and blankets to add pattern and texture. For a more voluminous look, fold your comforter in half at the foot of the bed, allowing those crisp, perfectly made sheets to have their moment. (Designers recommend ironing or steaming the sheets to make them smooth, another point for my Amazon set to skip this step.)

The next step is to ensure you have the correct pillows for your bed. For larger beds, king-sized pillows are paramount. You'll want at least two, stacked, and then layer in a large lumbar, bolster, or throw pillow for added texture and sophistication. One statement pillow, experts agree, is enough to keep the bed from looking cluttered and chaotic. Finish it off with an artful throw blanket, perfectly draped across the end of the bed, and your bed will look layered and expensive — cheap sheets and all.