Life

These Luxurious Bed Sheets Will Completely Transform Your Room

by Lisa Fogarty

A lot has been written about the best Egyptian cotton sheets over the years and, truth be told, while many of us know we should desire them, we aren't quite sure what it is that makes them special.

So, let's start with the basics. Egyptian cotton is grown from the same plant as Pima cotton, but is harvested in Egypt, where the hot climate helps produce a longer fiber that can be spun into very fine threads. Since this fiber is longer, it's also easier to whip it into sheets with high thread counts, which you may already know are more desirable because they tend to feel softer and smoother than, say, sheets with a 150-thread count.

Handpicked and stronger than other cotton types, Egyptian cotton is also more resistant to damage and dyed sheets tend to hold on to their coloring for a lot longer without fading.

Now here's where things can get tricky when it comes to purchasing Egyptian cotton sheets. Some companies will brag about their inclusion of this fabric, but read labels closely: If bed sheets aren't made from 100 percent Egyptian cotton, you aren't reaping all of the benefits of sleeping in this luxurious material. And the same holds true when it comes to thread count. There's no shame in buying sheets that have a 120 to 180 thread count, but understand that they can't possibly deliver the softness you'll find in a 600-thread count sheet (or 800 to 1000 if you really want to treat yourself).

A set of Egyptian cotton sheets can instantly make your bed more comfortable and stylish — and these five suit every budget.

1. Everyday Sheets That Are Slightly More Luxurious

If you crave a set of 100 percent Egyptian cotton sheets but don’t want to spend close to four figures on them, this set is the perfect compromise between elegant and practical. These 600-thread count sheets are silky, smooth, and feature a 21-inch deep pocket sheet that fits any mattress. They come in seven shades — white, ivory, sage, elephant grey, burgundy, taupe, and silver grey — and are machine washable, which isn’t always the case with quality Egyptian cotton sheets.

These sheets come in twin, full, queen, king, and California king, but a reviewer says the king size will fit a queen if you have a mattress topper.

2. High Quality 1000-Thread Count Sheets At An Affordable Price

Everything about these 1000-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets makes them extremely gratifying — from their single ply sateen weave, which is ultra-smooth, to their pretty 4-inch hem with piping. Available in full, queen, California, and California king sizes, these sheets stand out because you can snag them in rich, gorgeous shades like gold, medium blue, and sage. You would have to spend a lot more on 1000-thread count sheets at most department stores, and reviewers are quick to point out the value you get from ordering these sheets online.

One reviewer calls these a "Great set of sheets!" They go on to rave that "They have been washed about five times so far and they wash and dry wonderfully and feel great on the skin."

3. Chemical-Free Sheets That Can Be Used In Every Room Of Your Home

Whether you're searching for sheets for a guest room or want to stock up on several sets for your own room, this 450-thread count Egyptian cotton sheet set is perfect for everyday use and affordable enough to use throughout your home. This 6-piece set, which is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, California, and California king, is chemical-free, comes with four pillowcases (which is an unusual bonus), and is made from a unique sateen woven damask stripe. It has a deep pocket with all-around elastic, is described by reviewers as "soft" and "comfortable," and comes in fun shades like fuchsia and ocean blue.

4. 800-Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sheets From A Trusted Brand

If you're the kind of consumer who only likes to purchase from trusted companies, you'll find Mayfair to be a popular brand you've likely heard of — one that makes a reasonably priced set of 100 percent Egyptian cotton sheets. This 800-thread count set comes with a 15-inch fitted sheet that are breathable, hypoallergenic, and even have the power to wick away moisture and sweat.

Reviewers say to expect sheets that are on the thinner side, but if you're a sweaty sleeper, that's a pretty great feature. "I love these sheets!" writes one customer. "If you like cotton instead of microfiber, buy these sheets. You won’t be disappointed!"

5. The Ultimate 1500-Thread Count Splurge-Worthy Sheets

These 1500-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets are the ultimate splurge-worthy treat you won’t regret buying. To the naked eye, they may not look fancy — you won’t find intricate stitch details or interesting prints, but reviewers say they drape over your body, are really warm (as in, these aren’t summer sheets), and grow increasingly softer with each wash. These quality sheets come in four mattress sizes and a nine mostly neutral shades like ivory, grey, sage, and mocha. These may not be the sheets you stock up on to use in your guest room, but they will make you feel like royalty and are worth every penny.

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