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13 best linen bedding sets that are low maintenance and chic

These sheets offer relaxed luxury in the bedroom

Ali Howard
Thursday 23 May 2024 16:02 BST
We put a wide range of linen bedding sets and bundles to the test, from the high-end to the budget-friendly, looking for quality, durability, and softness
We put a wide range of linen bedding sets and bundles to the test, from the high-end to the budget-friendly, looking for quality, durability, and softness (The Independent)
Our Top Picks

Linen bedding is more popular than ever but this isn’t just about following trends – it is a conscious choice that blends comfort with eco-friendliness. Derived from the long fibres of the flax plant, one of the oldest, continuously cultivated plants in the world, linen requires minimal water and hardly any pesticides to produce, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.

What’s really appealing about the best linen bedding is its ability to adapt to your body temperature. It keeps you cool during sweltering summer nights and warm when winter rolls around, thanks to the material’s natural thermoregulating properties. Plus, it’s excellent at wicking away moisture, ensuring you don’t wake up feeling sticky on warmer nights – a no-brainer for menopausal women or particularly hot sleepers.

Of course, aesthetics play a huge part in linen bedding’s perennial popularity. The fabric brings a relaxed, effortless feel to any sleep space, thanks to its soft, slubby texture and gently crumpled appearance, which only gets better with age.

Investing in linen bedding is a lifestyle choice – once you’ve made the switch from cotton, you won’t want to go back. It supports sustainable living and offers unparalleled durability, which means you won’t be shopping for replacements anytime soon. Each wash makes the linen softer, enhancing your sleep experience over time. Better still, you can give your ironing board a wide berth – this is a fabric that looks and feels at its best in its naturally crumpled state. Sign us up.

Keep reading for our pick of the best linen bedding sets to elevate your slumber.

How we tested the best linen bedding sets

A selection of the dreamy linen bedding sets we tested
A selection of the dreamy linen bedding sets we tested (The Independent/Ali Howard)

We put a wide range of linen bedding sets and bundles to the test, from the high-end to the budget-friendly, looking for quality, durability and softness. We compared fastenings and finishes and tested the sets to see how well they stood up to a number of washing cycles, tumble drying and line drying (where appropriate), looking to make sure that colours didn’t fade, minimal shrinkage, and that the fabrics softened over time.

The best linen bedding sets for 2024 are:

  • Best linen bedding set overall – Chalk Pink Linen Co. natural gingham linen bedding bundle: £272, Chalkpinklinencompany.co.uk
  • Best budget linen bedding set – Homescapes linen duvet cover set: £59.99, Amazon.co.uk
  • Best linen bedding set for gifting – Garden Trading Pembridge linen bedding: £180, Gardentrading.co.uk
  • Best luxury bedding set – Piglet in bed gingham linen bundle: £209, Johnlewis.com
  • Best linen bedding set to mix and match – Bed Threads 100 per cent French flax linen bedding set: £220, Bedthreads.com

Chalk Pink Linen Co. natural gingham linen bedding bundle

Pink-chalk-bedding-indybest
  • Best: Linen bedding set overall
  • Sizes: Double, king, super king
  • Set includes: Duvet cover, fitted sheet, pair of pillowcases
  • Machine washable: Up to 40C
  • Why we love it
    • Top quality
    • Pre-washed with a homely scent
    • Beautifully packaged
    • £10 saving on a bundle
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Homescapes khaki green linen duvet cover set

Homescapes-linen-set-indybest
  • Best: Budget linen bedding set
  • Sizes: Single, double, king, super king
  • Set includes: Duvet cover, pair of pillowcases (one pillowcase for single)
  • Machine washable: Up to 40C
  • Why we love it
    • Choice of matching flat or fitted sheets available
  • Take note
    • Fabric comprises 60 per cent linen, 40 per cent cotton
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Dunelm linen duvet cover set

Dunelm-linen-bedding-sets-indybest
  • Best: Linen bedding set for value
  • Sizes: Single, double, king, super king
  • Set includes: Duvet cover, pair of pillowcases (one pillowcase for single)
  • Machine washable: Up to 40C
  • Why we love it
    • Fuss-free design
    • Washes well
  • Take note
    • Terracotta colour not as vibrant as some
  1.  £80 from Dunelm.com
Prices may vary
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Rise & Fall relaxed and refined linen bedding

Rise-and-fall-bedding-set-indybest
  • Best: Sustainable linen bedding
  • Sizes: Double, king, super king
  • Set includes: N/A (items sold separately)
  • Machine washable: Up to 40C
  • Why we love it
    • Eco-friendly
    • Packaged in matching drawstring bag
  • Take note
    • Sizing can come up slightly large to allow for some shrinkage
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Garden Trading Pembridge linen bedding

Garden-trading-linen-bedding-indybest
  • Best: Linen bedding for gifting
  • Sizes: Double, king, super king
  • Set includes: N/A (items sold separately)
  • Machine washable: Up to 30C
  • Why we love it
    • Top quality craftsmanship
    • Beautifully packaged
    • Calming colourway
  • Take note
    • Buttons might be fiddly for some
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Scooms linen bedding

Scooms-bedding-indybest
  • Best: Non-iron linen bedding
  • Sizes: Single, double, king, super king
  • Set includes: N/A (items sold separately)
  • Machine washable: Up to 40C
  • Why we love it
    • Excellent quality
    • Super soft
    • Features mother-of-pearl buttons
  • Take note
    • Only three colours available
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Piglet in Bed gingham linen bundle

Piglet-in-bed-set-indybest
  • Best: Luxury linen bedding set
  • Sizes: Single, double, king, super king, emperor
  • Set includes: Duvet cover, choice of flat or fitted sheet, pair of pillowcases (one for single)
  • Machine washable: Up to 40C
  • Why we love it
    • On-trend gingham pattern
    • Pre-stonewashed for softness
    • Beautifully packaged
    • Available in emperor size
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Ada & Ina linen duvet cover set

Linen-fabrics-set-indybest
  • Best: Romantic linen bedding set
  • Sizes: Double, king, super king
  • Set includes: Duvet cover, pair of pillowcases
  • Machine washable: Up to 40C
  • Why we love it
    • Top quality craftsmanship
    • Handmade in the UK
    • Sustainably made
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Bed Threads 100 per cent French flax linen bedding set

UK-bed-threads-linen-set-indybest
  • Best: Linen bedding set to mix and match
  • Sizes: Single, double, king, super king
  • Set includes: Duvet cover, fitted sheet, pair of pillowcases
  • Machine washable: Up to 30C
  • Why we love it
    • Vibrant colour
    • Quality material and finish
  • Take note
    • This one gets softer after washing
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Secret Linen Store moss green 100 per cent linen bedding

Secret-linen-bedding-set-indybest
  • Best: Nature-inspired linen bedding
  • Sizes: Double, king, super king
  • Set includes: N/A (items sold separately)
  • Machine washable: Up to 40C
  • Why we love it
    • Extra soft and slubby
    • Boasts a fine finish
    • Matching curtains available
  • Take note
    • No single size available
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Soak & Sleep French linen bedding

Soak-sleep-linen-sets-indybest
  • Best: Linen bedding for versatility
  • Sizes: Double, king, super king
  • Set includes: N/A (items sold separately)
  • Machine washable: Up to 40C
  • Why we love it
    • Simple, contemporary design
    • Slubby feel
    • Versatile options for building up your bedding set
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Bedfolk linen bedding bundle

Bedford .jpg
  • Best: Linen bedding bundle
  • Sizes: Single, double, king, superking
  • Set: Includes duvet cover, fitted sheet, pair of pillowcases
  • Machine wash: 40C
  • Why we love it
    • Bundle includes everything you need
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The Linen Works Picardie linen bedding

The Linen Works.jpg
  • Best: For a neutral shade range
  • Sizes: Single, double, king, superking
  • Set: Sold separately
  • Machine wash: 40C
  • Why we love it
    • Excellent presentation
    • Calming neutral shade
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The verdict: Linen bedding sets

We loved Chalk Pink Linen Co.’s natural gingham linen bedding bundle for its on-trend cottage-core pattern, its top-quality craftsmanship, the way it is beautifully packaged, and, of course, that homely, pre-washed scent. We were also impressed with Secret Linen Store’s extra-soft, nature-inspired linen bedding in the vibrant Moss colourway, while Dunelm’s linen duvet cover set in terracotta provides a great value option, without compromising on quality.

For more bedroom inspiration, we’ve rounded up the best double beds that will give your boudoir a boost

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