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Compare linen and bedding: How to buy the right sheets and doonas

Learn how to choose the right linen and bedding to make your bed a place that you love relaxing in every night.

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Monique Law
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Best Linen sheets

Best Rated Linen sheets Brand: Sheridan

Sheridan and linen sheets go together like ham and cheese, so it's no surprise that the brand has taken out this year's Finder Award for linen sheets. Sheridan was best rated for comfort and quality of material.

Quick facts about linen and bedding

  • A quality set of bedding can cost between $100 and $300 or more.
  • Hypoallergenic and eco-friendly options are available for those with allergies or asthma.
  • Choosing the highest thread count might seem like the best option, but the quality depends on the type of material and quality of the fibre.

Compare linen and bedding

Data updated regularly
Name Product Sizes Product More info
Pine & River Chilled Bamboo Weighted Blanket

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Buy at Amazon
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Threadmill Home Linen 100% Cotton Sheet Set
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Comfort Spaces Bed Cooling Sheets for Night Sweats

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Buy at Amazon
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Sivio Kids Weighted Blanket

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Simple & Opulence 100% Linen Sheet Set
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Types of linen and bedding

If you've bought a new bed (or are thinking of buying one) then you'll need to look for sheets, pillowcases and a doona, quilt or blanket of some sort. Many people opt for doonas over quilts since the covers can easily be taken off and washed when needed.

When looking at sheets, you have fitted and flat options. Fitted sheets go on the mattress as their elastic holds them in place while you sleep. Flat sheets can also be used on the mattress but are generally used between you and your blanket or doona.

You can purchase sheets separately or in a set with a flat sheet, fitted sheet and either one or two pillowcases. Sheet sets can often work out cheaper than buying items separately so are worth looking at.

Bedding materials

One way to differentiate bedding is by the type of fibre that is used as well as the weave. It wasn't that long ago that cotton or cotton/polyester blends were the main options, but now there is much more variety.

Weave

As well as the type of fibre used, bedding can also be categorised by the type of weave used. This refers to how the fibres are woven together and the way the material looks and feels once complete. Some of the most common weaves include:

  • Sateen. Densely woven, sateen sheets feel extra soft and smooth and have a shiny look.
  • Percale. Many cotton sheets have a percale weave which is tightly woven. This gives them their crisp and cool feel.
  • Satin. Satin sheets have a tightly knitted blend of very thin synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon or acetate. They feel silky and have a very shiny finish.
  • Microfibre. Known for its fast-drying properties, microfibre is easy to look after while being durable and comfortable. It's a tight and thick weave of 100% polyester.

Check out the differences between linen, cotton, silk and bamboo for a more in-depth explanation.

How to compare linen and bedding

Bedding can cost anywhere from $50 through to thousands of dollars. The price depending on the brand, material used and thread count. For decent quality that is going to last you a few years, you should expect to pay around $100-$300 for sheets and a doona cover.

With many options to choose from, you should consider the following points to help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing new bed linen.

Time of year and climate

If you live in a tropical climate, look for sheets that are cool, light and crisp that make sleeping in the hot weather that much more comfortable.

For those that live somewhere with definite summer and winter seasons, it's a good idea to have a set of sheets suitable for cold weather and one for warm so you can change as required. Materials to consider for warm weather include percale, sateen, bamboo and linen, and for cool weather take a look at flannel, fleece, Egyptian cotton and microplush. Higher thread counts usually offer more warmth than lower thread counts. Check out our guide to winter sheets for more inspiration.

Where are you going to use it?

If you are purchasing linen or bedding for a child's room, you should look for durable fabric that can survive regular washing. Also consider the colour, especially if you have pets that jump on the bed. White and light colours show dirt easily and will need to be washed more often.

Ready to shop? Check out the top sites to buy sheets, doona covers and sets online

Sizing

Most Australian beds come in standard sizes of Single, King Single, Double, Queen, King and Super King. Linen and bedding is typically produced to match these sizes. However, you should double-check the measurements of your bed against the measurements of the sheets you want to purchase.

You should also consider the size of pillows that you have or are going to buy. Sheet sets usually come with standard-sized pillowcases which are 50cm x 75cm. Some brands do offer additional sizes such as European size 65cm x 65cm, King 53cm x 89cm or tri-pillows.

Thread count

Thread count is used to signify the number of threads in an area of fabric – usually a square inch. A higher thread count might seem better, but it depends on the quality of fibre that is used. 1,000 thread count sheets made from coarse, short-staple cotton don't feel as nice as 400 thread count sheets where long-staple cotton was used. You can often tell if a lower-quality cotton has been used from the price. If you find a 1,000 thread count sheet set for under $100, you are not going to be buying quality fibres.

The higher the thread count, the heavier a sheet is going to feel, while lower thread counts feel more airy and breathable. Sleep specialists recommend that the ideal thread count is 300-500.

Four things to consider

  1. Consider purchasing a valance, which fits over your mattress and hangs down to the floor. Not only does this add to the overall look of your bedroom, but it can also be a way of hiding things you have stored under your bed.
  2. Sheets have different washing instructions depending on what they are made out of. Make sure to read the instructions as some types are not recommended to be put in the dryer.
  3. Doonas are much easier to clean than blankets or quilts since you can remove the cover and throw it in the wash. However, look for durable materials as they see more wear and tear than your sheets.
  4. Asthma and allergy sufferers can sleep a lot better with hypoallergenic bedding. Find out more about how to choose hypoallergenic pillows and bedding.

Best rated linen & bedding brand award breakdown

Total Score Overall rating Value for Money Cleaning & maintenance Comfort Material quality
Sheridan 8.44 4.63 4.06 4.58 4.62 4.58
Other 8.09 4.39 4.29 4.47 4.41 4.29
Target 7.99 4.31 4.40 4.27 4.37 4.25
Actil 7.97 4.27 4.00 4.64 4.36 4.18
Logan & Mason 7.84 4.23 4.17 4.30 4.37 4.33
Linen House 7.80 4.32 3.86 3.93 4.21 4.07
Kogan 7.49 4.00 4.47 4.26 4.11 3.89
Kmart 7.39 3.96 4.23 4.17 3.94 3.69
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info. Kantar logo

Previous Retail Awards

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