How to Choose the Best Bedding for You, According to a Pro

We likely don't have to tell you that bedroom style matters. This sacred space isn't just about aesthetics—it needs to be functional, too. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to your mental and physical health, and sleeping with the right bedding can help (or hurt) your quality of sleep. Picking the right bedding starts with a bit of self-awareness, and knowing your sleep habits.  

"When selecting bedding, consider what type of sleeper you are," encourages Lauren Miller, director of sales operations at textile and home décor design company Annie Selke. "Ask yourself if you run hot or cold at night," she encourages. "This answer will help you decide on the type of sheets, the weight of the duvet, and the insert."

If you’re always reaching for extra blankets, you may want a heavier insert, while those who end up sleeping with just a corner of the sheet can benefit from selecting cooler materials. Read on for the advice on how to select each element of bedding for your sleep oasis.

How to Select Pillows

Some luxury hotels now offer pillow menus to help guests select the best materials and weights for their personal sleep needs. So why not treat yourself like a well-pampered guest? When shopping for pillows, you'll have your choice of sizes, firmness, and fill. Miller also suggests purchasing a pillow protector to up its durability and lifespan.

• Firmness: "Your sleeping position will help you to determine what firmness you should look for," says Miller. “Soft pillows are best for stomach sleepers, medium support is best for stomach, side, and back sleepers, while firm pillows are best for those who sleep on their backs.”
• Fill: Down, foam, and other materials are down to personal preference. Sourced from ducks or geese, down is softer and typically more expensive than feather pillows, with down alternative being the synthetic version. Memory foam can form to one's head and neck, relieving pressure points—but may be too firm or retain too much heat for some sleepers. When shopping, also pay close attention to the pillow's "fill power" or fill number. (This will often be listed on the packaging, label, or website.) The higher the fill, the thicker the pillow.
• Size: Like mattresses, sheets, and blankets, pillows are also available in various sizes—typically, standard, queen, king, and full body-sized pillows.

You may prefer one or two pillows, depending on your sleep style, plus a few more for décor. “Personally, I don’t like to have my sleeping pillows showing, so I have them tucked behind two Dutch Shams,” Miller explains. "Then, I have two 20x20 pillows in front. This is an excellent step for adding in a pop of color or a stylish pattern to mix and match with the rest of your bedding—enough for a complete look, but without too many pieces that take up my whole bed."

How to Select Sheets

Sheets are material dependent, with the optimum choice depending on if you sleep hot or cold. If you and your partner have different sleep patterns, you can try opting for different top and fitted sheets to better regulate temperature. Thread count is also important—it's a way to help determine the softness and quality of a piece of bedding. The higher the thread count, the better the quality will oftentimes be.

• Bamboo: A great choice for both hot and cold sleepers, these are "naturally breathable, temperature-regulating, and moisture-wicking," says Miller. They're also naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
• Linen: Linen sheets are another great choice that “naturally wicks away body heat,” Miller says. “It’s ideal for warmer climates, but cozy enough for year-round use.”
• Tencel, Silk, and Satin: If you prefer softness over crispness, go for sateen sheets. These options feel and look super luxe, though they're often pricey and require more specific care instructions. Cool to the touch, they're breathable enough for hot sleepers (although some aren't fans of its more slippery texture). Tencel is a biodegradable and compostable option that's also silky soft. “Made from sustainably grown eucalyptus, it’s excellent for keeping hot sleepers cool,” Miller says,
• Cotton: When it comes to cotton, there are a few different styles—but overall, cotton sheets offer a “perfect balance between breathability and warmth,” Miller says. If you’re a hot sleeper in a warm climate and love crisp sheets, lightweight, airy percale may be your best match.
• Flannel: Flannel sheets can also be made from synthetic or natural materials. Wool flannel sheets are luxuriously soft and trap heat, perfect for very cold nights. They should be breathable and very soft and cozy. 
• Polyester: If you can, avoid polyester sheets and polyester blends, which are a fancy name for linens made from plastics. This artificial material doesn’t wick off sweat, and in fact, can absorb moisture and make you feel hot and sweaty in the night. Polyester bedding can also have adverse effects on sensitive skin. 
  

How to Select a Duvet or Comforter

When it comes to dressing your bed, your duvet or comforter is like the cherry on top. Selecting the perfect coverlet is all about finding the right mix of style, structure, and snuggle factor.

• Duvets: A duvet is essentially a plush insert—usually filled with down or down alternative—that slips inside a decorative cover. It’s lofty, cloud-like, and wonderfully easy to refresh seasonally (just swap the cover!). Duvets are categorized by "tog ratings," which indicate how warm the duvet is. Duvets between 2.5 to 4.5 tog are typically for warmer weather, and the higher the tog increases, the warmer the duvet is. While natural materials are typically considered more luxurious, if you suffer from allergies, or need to wash your bedding often, an acrylic fill may be your best bet.
• Comforters: These are one-piece wonders, filled and stitched together and ready to toss right on the bed. Like duvets, comforters can be filled with both natural and synthetic materials to add warmth and weight. If you tend to sleep hot, reach for a cotton-filled or lightweight microfiber comforter. These tend to be more breathable and regulate temperature well, especially in warmer climates or during summer. Those who want a warmer cover may prefer down or wool-filled comforters, which can be quite fluffy for snuggling.
  

If you can, consider having multiple sets of bedding on hand to rotate with the seasons or your mood—because the right bedding makes slipping into bed feel just a bit more indulgent.