Tips for Buying Bed Sheets + A Giveaway!

bedding-basicsYou spend A LOT of time in your bed. After moving and purchasing a couple new mattresses… I thought about the amount of time spent in bed and convinced myself to swap out our old bedding. You know it’s time when your once bright-white sheeting is looking drab and discolored. Every time I try to buy bedding, I always feel a little (or a lot) overwhelmed. Sure, I know of many great resources- but I don’t actually know what to look for in the material.

Does thread count matter? What type of fabric is best suited for my sleep style? Does a higher cost mean better quality and luxury comfort? Are most sheets safe or organic? What fabric wears the best and will provide me longevity? Luckily, my friend Steph at Authenticity 50 was able to help answer my questions. Here’s what you should know before splurging on new bedding. Click through to see what bedding I landed on AND to enter the giveaway to score a set of your own!!

how-to-buy-bedding-and-sheet-setsAs strange as it sounds, I knew I wanted white sheeting because you can tell when it’s clean- and when it’s not. In addition to being a design nerd, I’m sort of a germaphobe. White bedding is the best of both worlds… you can physically see the crisp, cleanliness, and it looks great with everything. Unfortunately, color doesn’t exactly narrow down the million choices across the web. I asked Steph where to start and how much to expect to spend. To put it simply, higher costs don’t exactly equal luxury or premium quality. It’s mostly all about the material. If you’re looking for quality- do the research on what the sheeting is constructed of.

I opted for percale sheeting constructed of supima cotton because it is crisp, durable- yet soft, breathable and is comfortable year round. Emmett has complained when we’ve tried flannel or linen sheets in the past, so cotton is the best for both of us. I also discovered that the majority of fine hotels use percale sheets- so I was sold.

supima-sheet-setDuring the process, I learned that thread count doesn’t really matter- or at least not in the way you’d expect. Higher thread count isn’t always better because it differs for each type of cotton. Experts say anything over 350 percale and 500 for sateen is multi-ply thread. So what does this actually mean? Questionable, below average bedding retailed at premium prices. Save your money, folks… and watch out for “multi-ply” thread!

tips-for-buying-comfortable-quality-beddingAs you can tell from the above image, I personally like a relaxed look when it comes to bedding. It feels more inviting and my house has definitely never been described as formal. I don’t really mind wrinkles and I’m not the type of person who would ever iron my bedding- no way, no how. It turns out this is a actually a good thing… as some bedding is chemically treated to reduce wrinkling. As you might guess, that’s not so healthy for you, especially when you’re logging many hours of sleep for an extended period of time. I was happy to find out, the sheets I landed on are 100% natural.

tips-for-purchasing-beddingMy last question for Steph was, “What is the hype surrounding Egyptian cotton?” She actually answered the question in an interview with Domino Magazine (totally worth the read!), and I’m so glad to have the answer…

“Most so-called Egyptian cotton is actually grown in Asia (China or India), not in Egypt, and does not have any regulatory practice in place to verify its source. Supima cotton, on the other hand, is a premium cotton, only 3% of the world’s cotton can be certified Supima®! It thus costs nearly three times the price of regular cotton to manufacture, and is used for only premium products. Also extremely important to note, Supima® is a verified cotton that is only grown in America, and certified by the American Supima Association, which monitors its production.”

tips-for-buying-bed-sheetsOverall, I’m super happy with the way our new bedding looks and feels! It’s a world of difference from our last sheet set and I’m pretty sure we’re spoiled Supima lovers now. I’ll keep you guys updated on how it wears, but we’ve been loving it for a few months now.

how-to-find-cozy-beddingBe sure to enter the giveaway to win either a sheet set or a duvet set from Authenticity 50– the winner gets to choose their preference! I know you guys will love this bedding as much as I do. We’ll select a winner in one week.

Enter to Win (this giveaway is now CLOSED):
1. Follow Authenticity 50 on Instagram
2. Like Authenticity 50 on Facebook
3. Comment below and let us know if you’d prefer a sheet set or duvet set!

UPDATE: Thank you for entering and congratulations to Christiane for winning the bedding set!

I also have to add a little disclaimer… Finn was *only* allowed in bed for this shoot because nobody wants to see my face waking up in the morning. Take my word for it- he’s much cuter. Ha! Finn definitely had his moment of glory and has since been trying to crawl into bed with us. I’ve created a monster. Anything for the blog and adorable dog images, right? Argh.

*This post is brought to you in collaboration with Authenticity 50. I really love what this company stands for. All content, ideas, and words are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that allow us to create unique content while featuring products we truly use and enjoy! 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

60 Comments

  1. Hi Sarah,,

    I just bought a Queen size platform bed. I also just bought a new mattress for the bed as well. My issue is when I bought Queen size sheet set- the fitted sheet is fine, but the cover sheet seems too small in the width. I can’t seem to get enough covers on each side to tuck under. I am also having the same issue with blankets, there not big enough.

    what are your thoughts?

  2. Brittany Cerminara says:

    Would love a sheet set! Such a great giveaway!

  3. I would love a duvet set! I’ve been wanting to replace my husband’s (ours now) dark brown duvet set since I moved in, over a year ago.

  4. I would love to win a sheet set, their sheets sound divine!!

  5. Tia Carver says:

    Sheet set! Can never have to many sheets!

  6. heather j says:

    Ooh, I’ve been on a hunt for a new duvet since we upgraded to our king bed. These look soo good.

  7. Brooke Williams says:

    Sheet set! This company sounds amaze!!

  8. Lauren Martin says:

    I’d love a new duvet set!! Ours desperately needs to be replaced and these sound amazing!!

  9. Oh, how I need a new sheet set! I am curious if you find these to sleep hot or cool? Or just right?

    1. For me, they’re cool (especially when you first hop into bed)… but I’m naturally a cold person. My husband says they’re just right! Hope this helps! xo

  10. Ah! This is perfect timing as my husband and I were just talking about how we need new sheets. If that’s not a sign of adulthood, then I don’t know what is.

  11. Would love a duvet set! We just tried linen sheets and found them to be rough and scratchy. Ended up with white percale too! Can’t go wrong!

  12. Would love a sheet set! I’m all about some white bedding. All white errrrthing in fact!

  13. Crystal Diaz says:

    Sheet set please! I rolled over yesterday and my foot got caught in a hole in my sheet! How does this every happen!?! Haha
    Thanks!

    1. I feel your pain, Crystal. I literally woke up to the sound of ripping with my last sheet set. Apparently my husband blamed his elbow for tearing a hole in our bedding set a few months ago. New sheets were definitely needed as the hole was probably 16″ long. hahah!! xo

  14. Ive been searching for a duvet set forever!

  15. Alleigh Becht says:

    such great info! My boyfriend and I actually just had an argument over bedding. Would love a new duvet set!

  16. Elizabeth W says:

    I don’t have Facebook, so hopefully I can still be entered but I’d love a duvet set!

  17. Leah Prevost says:

    I thought you gave in to Finns puppy dog eyes and started letting him in bed!! Ha! Ugh I love him! I would LOVE nice sheets or a duvet cover. I’ve been eyeballing those supima sheets you linked in your gift guide!

    1. Ha! He’s cute… but not THAT cute. lol! Those are the same exact sheets. I had to include them in the gift guide because I love them so much. xoxo

  18. Amanda Southerland says:

    Duvet set 😍

  19. Valerie Castle says:

    Would love a new duvet set for our new king bed! This was a great post! Thanks for sharing and the company sounds awesome!

  20. Amanda Cowhey says:

    I would love a duvet set! These sounds wonderful!

  21. I would like the duvet set.

  22. Stephanie says:

    Yay! What a great giveaway. I had never heard of Authenticity 50! I would love to try the sheet sets – they would make an amazing gift.

  23. I would choose the duvet set. Thank you so much for offering such a lovely and generous giveaway. Please give sweet little Finn a pat on the head for me. :)

  24. Kristin zosel says:

    Sheet set desperately needed!!!

  25. Chelsea jander says:

    These sheets are AMAZING! I would love a duvet cover set! Xo

  26. I just ordered my second set of A50 sheets.
    They are the best thing ever to happen to my bed. EVER. And I love supporting American jobs too. Would I get a third set?
    Absolutely! With two beds in the house, I wouldn’t have to wait until one set was washed before making the bed!

  27. Sandy Simons says:

    Crisp , Durable , Soft & Comfortable! My wish list come true!

  28. Sandy Simons says:

    Crisp , Durable , Soft , and Ooh so Comfortable! My dream come true!

  29. A sheet set would be wonderful! They look so cozy!

  30. Diana Cote says:

    I would choose the duvet set if I won. Thank you for the great review & giveaway. :)

  31. Diana Cote says:

    I would choose the duvet set if I won. Thank you for the great review & giveaway.

  32. I say yes to wrinkles too! And no no no to chemicals. I really need new sheets and would love them to be pure and free of chemicals and made in the USA (and yes, they can wrinkle!)

  33. Ann Heltzel says:

    Eeks, I forgot to choose, I liked (Ann Marie) & followed (Lacydress1@yahoo.com) & I’m begging for new sheets! Oh and hey, I could baby sit Finn. He could sleep in my bed !!! lol

    1. Haha!! Finn is a bed hog… you might want to reconsider that offer ;) xo

  34. Susan Christy says:

    I would choose the sheet set. My sheets are ancient and I actually poked a hole in a fitted sheet with my finger the other day.

    1. Susan Christy says:

      Follow on Instagram as susitravl and on FB as Susan Christy.

  35. I would love the sheet set!

  36. I would choose the Sheet Set. I followed on Instagram and facebook.

  37. would love to win a sheet set! :)

  38. Katie Berger says:

    I would love the duvet set!

  39. I would love a sheet set! :)

  40. Great information on sheets and quality – always wondered about Egyptian cotton. I will look for Supima from now on. Thank you for letting me know about Authanticity 50 and for the tips! Btw would love a sheet set!

  41. christina purvis says:

    I would love to win a sheet set! Thanks for the chance to win!

  42. I would love the duvet set!

  43. Would love a new sheet set!!!

  44. Ann Heltzel says:

    I want to thank you for clearing up the “cotton”, “Egyptian”, “supima”, “threadcount” mystery! btw, I love the blanket. Where can I get it?

  45. Autumn greene says:

    Definitely new duvet…our holey quilt has seen better days!

  46. Jaclyn Lorimer says:

    Oh we definitely need a new duvet set! Love the info here!
    XO, Jaclyn

  47. Sarah Johnson says:

    These sound divine. I’d love a duvet set!!

  48. LOVE that you’re highlighting Authenticity 50! They are seed to sheet nearby and I have registered for a duvet set on my wedding registry! Would definitely enjoy a queen sheet set to add to the mix <3 <3

  49. Brooke Browne says:

    Me and my corgi bed buddy need the sheet set!

  50. Christiane Nick says:

    Sheet set please! After reading this super informative post, I don’t think I know what nice sheets feel like. 😐

    1. Well- now you’ll know!! Congrats on winning the giveaway, Christiane! xo

    2. Congrats!🎉🎉🎉

  51. A duvet set please. They sound wonderful 😄