A good night’s sleep can seem like a precious commodity amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. One way to get the peaceful slumber you crave? Upgrade to luxury sheets. Many people assume luxury sheets aren't within their budgets. However, the truth is that “luxurious” and “affordable” are not mutually exclusive words when it comes to affordable luxury sheets.
If you’re ready to create the peaceful sleeping space of your (sweetest) dreams, here’s a closer look at how to find luxury sheets that are both comfortable and affordable.
→ Shop Top Recommended: Clara Sateen Sheet Set
Why Luxury Sheets Matter
If you’ve been making do with average sheets, you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest small pleasures. Not only do high-quality sheets look beautiful, but they also feel wonderful to the touch. Wonder why you sleep so well at an upscale hotel or resort? Bedding is a major factor. There’s truly nothing like the feeling of sliding between crisp, soft, smooth sheets.
According to the Sleep Foundation, “Choosing the right bed sheets creates an inviting bedroom environment and can improve your overall sleep quality. Sheets made with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship often last for many years, all while maintaining their color and feel.”
In other words, luxury sheets provide a bounty of benefits that will continue to pay for themselves over the course of a lifetime. So, while you may find cheaper sheets out there, they may not actually be more affordable when you consider your return on investment: night after night of coziness and comfort.
How much should you spend on quality bedding?
There are some differences in cost with quality bedding and luxury bedding. Most queen size bedding may cost around $150 while the highest quality luxury bedding may cost closer to $250. This is usually due to the details in the construction. For a more cost-conscious luxury experience, we recommend our online exclusive Clara Sateen Sheet Set for $189.
The Best Affordable Luxury Sheets
All of which begs the question: What characteristics should you be looking for when shopping for the best affordably luxury sheets? Here are a few factors to consider:
Material
The higher the quality the material, the more luxurious your bedding will feel. Top picks include long-staple cotton, silk, linen, bamboo, and other natural fibers. Each of these fabrics have unique qualities and characteristics.
For example, cotton is soft and breathable while bamboo is known for its exceptional lightness.
Thread Count
Thread count is often the first thing that comes to mind when people think of measures of luxuriousness.
While “thread count” technically has meaning (the number of threads woven into a square inch), it’s not usually the case that a higher thread count automatically means higher quality sheets, especially when shopping online. This is because manufacturers can get creative — and misleading, according to Consumer Reports.
For more on the downsides of buying sheets based on thread count alone, be sure to check out our helpful Thread Count Guide.
Ply
Ply refers to the number of yarns twisted together to become a single thread. Single-ply fabrics are made with one thread while double-ply fabrics are made with two threads and so forth.
Depending on the ply, bedding may feel lightweight and thin or thicker and more expensive. However, there are tradeoffs. Thicker, double-ply fabrics may be less breathable than lighter, single-ply fabrics.
Weave
Weave is the foundation upon which the “feel” of sheets rests. For example, percale and sateen are both made from cotton, but they each have a different feel because of how they are woven.
Percale is what most people associate with “crisp cotton sheets.” If you’ve ever asked yourself the question, “What type of sheets do 5-star hotels use?” the answer was probably percale.
Meanwhile, sateen is loved for its smooth and silky sheen. While percale and sateen are different, both are associated with luxury. Neither is the single-best choice. Rather, it’s a matter of personal preference.
Craftsmanship
In the days of fast everything, true craftsmanship can be hard to find. But it's worth seeking it out.
Expert craftsmanship is an investment in beauty, comfort, and durability. It makes the most of a sheet set’s material, thread count, ply, and weave.
Peacock Alley Affordable Luxury Sheets
While Peacock Alley is known for its luxurious sheets, you may not realize that our linens are also the best sheets for the money — especially these site exclusive luxury sheets:
Clara Sateen Sheet Set
- a price point below $200
- buttery soft
- 320 thread count
- a luxurious addition to any linen closet
- 100 percent long staple cotton
- a tidy hemstitch finish hat elevates both their look and durability
Emily Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set
- remarkably affordable
- an all-season favorite
- 500 thread count
- 100 percent long-staple Egyptian cotton
- easy yet elegant simple stitch detailing
- an inexpensive yet exquisite experience — in terms of both look and feel
One last thing to keep in mind when shopping for luxury sheets? One person’s definition of affordable luxury sheets may vary from another. This is why it’s so important to educate yourself about how factors like material, thread count, ply, weave, and craftsmanship come together.
At Peacock Alley, you’ll find an extensive selection of bed sheets that embody luxurious affordability. To discover the joy of indulging in a comfortable night’s sleep at a comfortable price point, shop Peacock Alley today.
