The secret to finding luxury bed sets on a budget is defining what luxury means to you. Sumptuous sleeping is a balancing act of high thread counts, luxury fabrics and decadent extras.
Once you know your luxe goals, you can track down the best bedding sets on sale or work out what you’re willing to pay more for.
Which Bedding Sets Say Luxury to You?
You can put most luxury bedding sets into one of two categories. One version is all about that hotel room feeling of crisp white sheets and simple, heavy fabrics. The other is a decadent version of luxury that’s all about gloss and shine.
Hotel bedding inspiration:
- Elegant, simple and made to last
- High thread count cotton bedding
- Bright whites and dove greys
Decadent luxury bed sets:
- Luxury fabrics and rich finishes
- Layered luxe details
- Metallic finishes and bolder palettes
You’ll know right away which inspiration calls to you. And there are a couple of hidden details that make all the difference, no matter your style goals. Look out for great value brands that can make it happen – and ways to get a quality bed set bargain.
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Do I Need High Thread Count Covers?
It’s not easy to judge quality by thread count – though some brands come up with hotel quality bedding that’s matches up to its numbers.
Thread count is the number of threads running through each square inch of fabric. A high thread count means your covers have more threads woven into them.
In principle, that means a more luxurious bedding set.
Those individual cotton threads add up, giving the fabric a thicker, more sumptuous finish. And that means 100% cotton 1000-count bedding sets typically weigh more. The weight is what gives it that hotel-like feeling that’s so hard to define.
British brand Homescapes say that this snowy-white 100% Egyptian cotton duvet is made with a 330 thread count. And importantly, they state that the threads on this percale aren’t twisted.
Brands can generate a high thread count in other ways though, often by using thinner thread.
So if you aren’t sure whether a bed set really does have the high thread count it claims, check the weight. Pick it up instore, or compare the details in the online listing.
In short, thread count is not a surefire guarantee of quality. But you can certainly use it as one of your criteria when you’re making a selection. And if you like the product and the brand, you might have found yourself a 5-star sleep.
Hotel Bedding on a Budget
If you want a hint of hotel comfort without the higher price tag, there are some great mid-range options. This cotton bedding set has a 200 thread count, giving a hint of luxury that stays within a reasonable budget.
Here’s what the Silentnight Sateen bedding set is offering (and why they’ve got simple luxury right):
- Simple palette in colours like white and silver grey
- Timeless matt and sateen stripes
- 100% cotton
- Easy to wash and tumble dry
White is a hotel bedroom inspiration classic, and of course, shades like silver grey can make the perfect base for a metallic luxe look. And if you love the look of white bed sets, take note. Convenient washing instructions will make it easy to keep your bedding at its best.
Or take a look at hotel linen that’s made for the industry. This 300 thread count Egyptian cotton bed set might be the simple hotel bedding inspiration you need.
Look Out for Unexpected Deluxe Bedding
Not everyone prefers the feel of cotton; it’s worth considering polyester microfibre options to get the look for less. There are a few practical up-sides that make polyester better than cotton too.
This AmazonBasics Deluxe microfibre duvet set comes in a low-key colour range from deep blue to crisp white.
It’s wrinkle-resistant and easy care – ideal if you want a smart, clean finish without the time and effort. This extra-mile Amazon bedding’s microfibre fabric is made to be super soft. And at 120 GSM it’s a thicker option, so it ought to deliver on luxurious comfort.
Upgrade with a Golden Glow
Jacquard duvets sit somewhere between elegance and decadence. It’s a weaving technique that dates back centuries, and lends itself perfectly to rich colours and textures.
Serene’s Jacquard bedding falls right into the affordable luxury bracket. It’s made with a polyester cotton blend that’s easy to wash. But it’s a heavier weight set, for that extra level of comfort.
The golden tones add that decadent touch. Meanwhile, the floral print and role-effect trims add a classic finish.
Luxurious Little Extras
If you prefer luxury bed sets that shine brightly with little extras, you might have to compromise on cotton. But there are some beautiful polyester sets out there that will make your bedroom sparkle.
The Catherine Lansfield Sequin Cluster duvet is a twinkling hint of luxury that’s in an affordable range.
Layer it up with coordinating Catherine Lansfield pillow covers to bring your total to 4 jewelled pillows, to give your bed a photoshoot-ready hint of luxe. And to complete the look, add the bedspread.
Restyle from the Inside Out
Even the softest pillowcases can’t make up for lumpy filling. If you’re updating your bedroom on a budget, make your bed look plumper by changing the duvet and pillows. Then, come back to the covers later when your budget allows.
If your pillows can’t be revived, seek out good quality replacements that will stand plenty of use. After all, you’re in bed for several hours a day.
A medium support hollowfibre pillow set like this one should give you enough bounce. According to Silentnight, their Hotel Collection delivers 5-star quality and comfort. I haven’t tested this for myself but it’s a tempting claim from a trusted brand.
Get a Great Duvet
Luxurys bed sets are nothing without a great duvet inside that cover. It’s an underrated part of the hotel experience; and again, it comes back to the look and the weight.
Look out for duvets that wrap their warm filling in a soft cover. The hollowfibre inside will keep you cosy, but you don’t want to feel it. Well-made duvets usually have a better cover layer; combined with a heavier duvet, it adds up to a more ‘complete’ feeling.
And if you like the feeling of real down duvets when you take a hotel break, there’s a way to replicate that at home too.
Imitation down duvets can make all the difference in recreating your favourite hotel bedding inspo.
Lower prices put them within most budgets. And of course, with hypoallergenic materials you don’t have to choose between sumptuous comfort and sneezes.
Try Slight Seconds for Luxury Bedding Deals
There’s another trick to sourcing luxury bedding on a budget – try buying slight seconds. Manufacturers sell the products that didn’t quite meet the most refined quality control standards for reduced prices. In practice, the faults are usually inconsequential.
When it comes to something like a duvet, which will be concealed within the duvet cover, you might decide you’re happy to try your luck.
Read the description and check out the brand in advance if you’re not sure what to expect. Try an established brand, for example; and it’s a good sign when they’re upfront about what slight seconds will mean.
This Lancashire Textiles hotel quality duvet looks rather tempting, with 10.5 tog microfibre filling that’s made to give the softness of down.
Bring It All Together (and Keep Your Budget in the Loop)
Buying at the top of the range quickly adds up. But you can bring down the cost of luxury bed sets in a few ways, and the key is understanding your own home style.
And set aside some of your budget for the finishing touches that make everything come together. Get a great duvet for that cover, add the perfect scatter cushions and blanket on top.
So think about your absolute essentials, the things that give the luxury you’re looking for in comfort and design. Work out where you can compromise, and what you’re willing to substitute – or prepared to shop around for.
Know your home inspiration inside out, and you’re more likely to get the results you’re looking for.