The Best Cheap Bed Sheets

Buying Guide

When purchasing bedsheets, the first thing to consider is the size of your bed. Most sheets are available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king sizing. If you aren’t sure of the size of your bed, check the mattress tag or a set of existing sheets that fit well to verify.

You’ll also want to think about the climate in your area and whether you tend to be hot or cold while you sleep. Microfiber sheets are great for warmer places or for those who want a cooler feel in bed. If it’s winter where you live or if you are easily chilled, you might prefer to buy flannel or fleece sheets.

A common annoyance with bed sheets is their tendency to pop off the bed. This is usually due to the sheets being too small, or the elastic too tight, for the mattress you have. Though all beds designated as queen-sized likely have the same length and width, they vary widely in height. If you have a plush or pillow-top mattress, or if you use a mattress cover or pad, you may need deep pocket sheets to prevent the annoyance of middle-of-the-night pop-offs.

Sheets come in a variety of colors and prints, so it’s easy to find something that matches your décor scheme. Consider purchasing multiple sets of sheets that you really love, maybe in one or two colors, to make laundry day simpler.

• Wash your sheets as directed on the package to maximize their quality over the long run.
• If you purchase colored sheets, avoid washing them with light-colored or white clothes and linens.
• Be sure that the sheet set you’re buying has enough pillowcases to suit your needs. If not, you might be able to buy extra pillowcases in the same fabric and color separately.
• The thread count is the number of threads per square inch. You’ll see this term often when buying sheets. Note that a higher thread count doesn’t necessarily indicate the sheets are superior. When in doubt, read product reviews for help.