We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
They're soft, cosy and super sustainable Cotton Bed Sheet
As we spend a third of our lives asleep, it's worth getting your bedding right. Cotton is the go-to material for cosy, breathable bedding, but linen is a more eco-friendly choice.
This sustainable, natural material is hypoallergenic, durable, super-soft and requires no ironing — its rumpled, lived-in texture looks great fresh out of the washing machine.
Not convinced? Here's why we'll be tucking ourselves into linen sheets tonight, with added insight from Chris Tattersall, Sleep Expert and MD of bedding brand Woolroom.
Linen’s weave allows for greater airflow than cotton, making it better at wicking away moisture so you stay cooler in bed — a good choice for hot sleepers. "Authentic linen can absorb as much as 20% of its weight in moisture and offers a cooling feeling against the skin while sleeping," Chris explains.
This quality means it dries quickly after a wash too, so you won’t need to wait around for hours to make the bed.
Linen is also naturally hypoallergenic, making it a better choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies. "Its antibacterial properties help soften the skin, whilst moving moisture away during the night ensuring a better night’s sleep," Chris adds.
Linen bedding is a much greener alternative to popular synthetic materials, such as polyester and polyurethane foam, which contain toxic chemicals and can contribute to plastic waste. "[This is] due to its production and inability to decompose naturally," Chris says.
However, linen is made from flax: a natural, biodegradable material. “It flourishes without the need for irrigation, fertilisers or pesticides and can be produced without damaging the environment,” Chris explains.
It requires no additional water to grow aside from rain — a far cry from the 10,000 litres required to grow 1kg of cotton. Every part of the plant can be used, too, so there’s no wastage — linseed oil is also made from flax, for example.
When it comes to making more sustainable purchases and lifestyle choices, reduction should always come before recycling. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. It’s also important to know how to recycle as best we can. Read our guide on how to recycle household items, furniture, electronics, beauty waste, fashion and tech.
Chris recommends washing linen bedding (but really, all bedding!) once a week at 40 degrees to keep it fresh. “By doing this, you’ll also make your slumber sanctuary all the more comfortable,” he says.
Linen gets softer the more it’s washed, so its cosiness only improves over time. Look for pre-washed sets when purchasing to enjoy this feeling fresh out of the box.
We’ve scouted out the best linen bedding sets for all budgets — from reasonably priced steals at H&M to luxury options from Rise & Fall and Bedfolk.
Note all prices refer to UK standard double sizes, unless stated otherwise.
Rise & Fall has a great selection of high-quality bedding, including its range of 100% European flax linen sheets.
The bedding is free from harsh chemicals, and is made using majority renewable energy and 99% recycled and reused water, earning extra sustainability points.
These sheets are certified by OEKO-TEX®, so you can be sure no harmful substances have been used in production. This bedding also has the largest shade range we've found, including delicate pale pinks and beige through to deep navy and black.
On the downside, there are no bedding sets available — all pieces are sold separately. But due to all the colour options, plus the three different pillow sizes, you'll be able to create a bedding scheme unique to your taste.
The 4.9 average star review on H&M's 100% linen bedding set speaks for itself.
Its available in a range of colours including classic neutrals as well as a bolder khaki or peach, and a set includes two pillowcases and a duvet cover.
There are no sets at John Lewis, so you'll have to stock up separately, but we do particularly like this sweet, lace-edged option to give your bed some subtle, pretty detail.
Piglet In Bed is a premium brand with prices to match, but the proof is in the pudding when it comes to both quality and choice.
Although a set (with a pair of pillowcases and a double duvet cover) will set you back just shy of £250, it should last for life. We like how there are matching pyjamas available too!
For a slice of luxury, keep an eye on Soho Home. As the associated interiors brand for private members club Soho House, you can expect to shop the same stylish pieces you'll find at its clubs around the world, helping you bring that effortlessly cool vibe to your own home.
Heal's has some of the prettiest colours we've seen for linen bedding and we love that they can be mixed and matched to create some fun, vibrant schemes.
Woven from flax in Portugal, the process utilises fewer dyes and less water than traditional cotton bedding and results in a weightier feel. Win, win!
We love Soak & Sleep's hotel-quality linen sheets. They're available in nine complementary shades that are ideal for mixing and matching — or you can buy all in one colour and save 15%.
When Bedfolk says this bedding is soft, it means it. We tried the Ink colourway and it was the softest linen we've felt —impressive!
The sets come in a matching linen bag to keep everything neat in your drawer when not in use, which is a nice, tidy touch.
This is a luxury option, but the quality is worth the price. The brand offers a monogramming service too, which would make a set of these sheets a fantastic gift for a deserving recipient.
The sheets are available in a range of muted hues or a soothing, dusty 'Parisian blue' for a relaxing bedroom environment. Pillows and fitted sheets are available to buy separately.
25 ways to have a green, eco-friendly Christmas
11 of the best eco-friendly Christmas wreaths
3 tips for supporting small businesses
Grants available to eco upgrade your home
9 principles of slow living at home
A big list of B Corp homes brands to know about
Decathlon tackles tent waste with refund service
Guide on installing solar panels on your house
Country Living, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Pillow Covers ©2024 Hearst UK is the trading name of the National Magazine Company Ltd, 30 Panton Street, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ. Registered in England. All Rights Reserved.