The Best Full Size Bed Set

Buying Guide

No matter how much you love your mattress, no one wants to sleep on a bare one. The construction of that bed goes a long way, but the feel of the sheets is what will change a good night’s sleep to a great night’s sleep.

With that in mind, your sheets have to do a lot more than just fit your bed. You’ll also have to do a little something for your sheets every once in awhile too, so make sure that they’re relatively easy to wash — especially if there are kids or pets involved. This all might seem intimidating, but a lot of it comes down to picking the right material.

But first let’s talk about that fit. A full size mattress (also referred to as a double) is 54 inches by 75 inches. Your fitted sheet should be roughly the same size, able to stretch around the entirety of the top of the mattress thanks to its elastic edges. The flat sheet goes on top of the fitted sheet, and should be at least 85 inches by 100 inches.

A bed set should come with a duvet or comforter, and the size of that will vary quite a bit. It should be at least as big as your mattress, but you can go much longer and wider if you need some extra room under those sheets. Those three items are the essentials in any bed set, though they might also come with a bed skirt that drapes down between the box spring and mattress.

Now, about those all-important materials. Finding the right bed set can be intimidating enough without manufacturers boasting ever-higher thread counts in their sheets. The first thing you need to know is that the amount of threads woven into each square inch is not necessarily a barometer of softness or even quality. It’s true that a high thread count can equal softness in many materials, but that number can be artificially inflated. Super-high thread counts can even make sheets less durable and prone to pilling.

When it comes to the feel, focus primarily on what the threads are made of. There are many different types of materials, but they really boil down to one of two main types: Cotton or polyester. Bamboo fiber sheets have become more popular in recent years thanks to their silky feel and moisture-wicking properties. Buyer beware, though: You’ll be paying for that extra comfort, and the way that many of these bamboo fibers are sourced can be environmentally problematic.

Of the “big two” materials, polyester is seen as the budget option. That doesn’t mean it’s less comfortable, though. Microfiber weaves can make polyester sheets quite smooth, and they hold heat well in winter weather.

Cotton, however, is definitely more breathable. And while you may have to take a little more care with its colors during the wash cycle, these type of sheets are very durable.

Finally, the weave can make a huge difference in the feel of cotton sheets. If you like a more silky texture, look for sateen cotton sheets. These tightly-woven fabrics feature more exposed thread surface, making them able to hold heat a little better.

If you like a crisper feel that’s closer to flannel, go with percale cotton. This is the default weave that you’ll find in most bed sets, and it makes for a lighter sheet that’s best suited to summery climes.

Weaving methods and other manufacturing tricks can blur the differences between cotton and polyester when it comes to softness, but you’ll still need to know which one is which on laundry day.

Cotton sheets need a lot less care, and can be thrown in a washing machine along with the rest of your clothes. Mind you, you may want to use cold water for darker colors. Tumble-dry them on low heat and they’re ready to go.

Polyester sheets will require a lighter touch, though you can still put them in through a regular cycle on cold temperatures. After that, you may want to air-dry them to prevent pilling in the long term. In a pinch, you can still put them through a dryer on one of the lowest heat settings.