I’ve spent the last five years testing bedding – these are the 12 best duvet covers and bedding sets to buy
From budget-friendly polycotton to luxurious Egyptian cotton and laidback linen duvet covers
The best duvet covers can instantly elevate a bedroom. A far easier bedroom update than painting the walls, the duvet cover set you choose can brighten up a room, add personality via a fun print, or create a hotel-worthy boudoir with crisp white linens.
If you've invested in the best duvet for your sleep needs, then choosing the right duvet cover can also be important for practical reasons. If you've opted for a duvet filled with breathable natural materials, then you'll want a breathable cotton, linen, or linen mix duvet cover to go with it.
Or, ease of care and affordability might be high on your agenda, in which case a machine-washable and budget-friendly polycotton duvet cover could be the right choice for you.
As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the last five years testing the best duvet covers on the market: this is my guide to what and where to shop.
Best duvet covers
Dunelm stocks some of the best value bedding on the market, and there's a *huge* array of colours, prints, and fabric options to choose from. For example, this 100% cotton duvet cover is one of the best value cotton duvet covers I've found. Its 180 thread count may be fairly low, but that thinner weave means it's breathable and offers good temperature regulation. It also comes in a whopping 43 colourways, so you can add some personality to your bedroom without breaking the bank.
Habitat is another great option for stylish and on-trend duvet covers that won't break the bank. The brand's Habitat x Morris & Co collection took the interiors world by storm last year, and I think it's one of the best places to look for fun and colourful duvet covers with budget-friendly price tags. Plus, it has a great range of kids' options if you're looking to create a themed children's bedroom or just freshen things up with some vibrant patterned bedding.
If you want a duvet cover that *looks* like you've spent far more on it than you have, DUSK is the place to shop. The online-only bedding retailer offers hotel-luxe bed linen at some very affordable price points, especially if you shop during one of the brand's frequent sales. I'm a particular fan of the brand's Portofino duvet set as its textured waffle design looks stylish *and* means there's no need for ironing – a definite win in my book!
Whatever type of duvet cover you're looking for, there's a high likelihood you'll find it at M&S. The retailer stocks pretty much every type of bedding going, from easy-to-care-for polycotton duvet covers to high-thread-count cottons and pure linen options. Plus, its range has got a *lot* more stylish in recent years, with plenty of on-trend frills, stripes, and patterns. This 100% linen duvet cover set is one of the best value linen options I've come across, and its breathability is perfect for hot summer nights, or just hot sleepers.
Next also has a huge range of choice when it comes to duvet covers, whether you're looking for budget-friendly basics (Next's The Set 8 Piece Bedding Set is a great value buy) or something a little more luxe, such as the brand's White Collection Luxe range. The retailer also stocks a whole host of third-party brands, such as Laura Ashley, Designer's Guild, and many many more.
Soak & Sleep is an online-only retailer that stocks duvet covers and bed linen of good quality at reasonable prices. Its packaging is no-frills, and its duvet colours may lack the colour and pattern choice of other retailers, but every duvet cover I've tested has been well-made, great quality, and designed to last. Plus, its newest ranges are starting to get a little more exciting. I love this pinstriped cotton and linen blend duvet cover that's perfect for hot weather and hot sleepers.
Much like M&S, Next, and Soak & Sleep, John Lewis offers a wide selection of duvet covers made from all sorts of materials. However, I think its high thread count cotton duvet covers are particularly well-priced if you're looking for a combination of hotel luxe plus good value for money. This 200-thread-count Egyptian cotton duvet cover is a great example. It's also available in 17 colourways, can be washed at 40°C, and tumble dried for easy care.
The White Company is a brand that has a definite look, and when it comes to duvet covers, that look is crisp, white, 5-star hotel chic. The bestselling Savoy bedding collection offers soft and smooth 400 TC Egyptian cotton with a smart piped edge. However, you will need to factor in ironing to keep this cotton bed linen crease-free and looking its best.
A duvet cover from Hampton & Astley is an investment. But the brand's Egyptian cotton bedding is definitely the most luxurious I've ever had the pleasure to sleep in. Its duvet covers are cut above the rest because they're made from long-staple Egyptian cotton fibres, which are the absolute crème de la crème when it comes to silky-smooth and durable cotton bedding. If you're looking to indulge in 5-star hotel-worthy bed linen, this is it.
The best linen bedding offers fantastic breathability and temperature regulation, plus a relaxed look and low-maintenance upkeep – embrace the crumpled look as there's no ironing needed. Whilst linen bedding is expensive, in my opinion, it's worth the investment, and the Secret Linen Store has some of the best linen duvet covers in the business, with a wide range of colours and stripes.
Or there's Piglet in Bed, the brand much-loved by interior stylists. Perhaps best known for its distinctive gingham duvet covers in linen, linen-blend, or cotton, the brand's bedding is a definite investment, but when it comes to adding personality to a bedroom, it delivers. And, it's hard to match in terms of style and quality.
Another great option if you're on the hunt for a linen duvet cover in some oh-so-pretty shades is Bed Threads. Again, this linen is an investment, but if you're a hot sleeper (or simply want a bed that oozes laidback cool) this is the bedding to save up for. The brand's bedding comes in multiple on-trend colourways, and there's also a bedding bundle option that allows you to save and mix and match colourways.
What is a good duvet cover brand?
If you're wondering where to stock up on bed linen our guide to where to buy bedding can help. But this is my cheatsheet of brands where you can source a decent duvet cover set whether you're looking for an affordable bedroom update or you want to invest in a luxury bedding set.
Affordable: £-££
- Argos: budget basics and colourful Habitat duvet covers
- Dunelm: affordable bedding sets and duvet covers
- DUSK: luxury bed linen at low prices
- furn.: fun prints and Christmas bed linen
- H&M: on-trend and affordable bed linen
Luxury: ££-£££
- Christy: good quality bed linen
- John Lewis: good quality easy to care for bed linen
- La Redoute: wide range of colourful duvet sets
- M&S: wide range of quality bed linen
- Piglet in Bed: linen and cotton duvet covers
- Soak & Sleep: wide range of quality bedding sets
- The White Company: luxury white bed linen
How to choose a duvet cover
Aside picking from prints, patterns and colours that go with your bedroom aesthetic, choosing a duvet cover can be dictated by a few other factors. These include considering material, ease of care, and of course, price.
Materials
First up, fabric choice. 'It’s important to note that there is no single bedding material better than others,' explains Suzi Samaddar, styling expert at bedding brand furn. 'What may work perfectly for one person might not be right for another, it really depends on a number of factors. Your skin type, general body and bedroom temperature, and how much you sweat will all play a part in what bedding fabric you should choose.'
The three most popular duvet cover materials are cotton, linen, or a polyester or polycotton blend. Each fabric has its own pros and cons, which our bedding experts explain below.
Cotton: 'If popularity is anything to go by, then cotton is definitely in the running for the top spot,' says Suzi. 'It’s used far and wide, from homes to luxury hotel bedrooms aiming to provide a five-star sleep experience. The benefits of cotton bedding are plentiful, from its breathability and moisture-wicking properties to its splendid softness and impressive durability.'
'Cotton percale sheets are light and crisp, while cotton sateen sheets are glossy, smooth, and luxurious. But if you're looking for an even more indulgent sleeping experience, I would suggest upgrading to Egyptian cotton for a truly luxurious sleep.'
Linen: 'Known as one of the finest bedding fabrics there is, linen is celebrated for its lifelong durability, serene softness, and ability to regulate your body temperature year-round,' says Suzi.
'Linen is one of the toughest natural fabrics and only improves with age, becoming softer with each wash,' agrees Rhiannon Masters, head of brand at bedding retailer Piglet in Bed. 'Well-maintained linen sheets can last decades, outliving synthetic alternatives.'
'Linen is also naturally breathable and great at regulating temperature, so it keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Polyester or polycotton: Synthetic duvet covers tend to be made from polyester or 'polycotton', a blend of polyester and cotton. A synthetic duvet cover tends to be the most affordable option, plus polyester bedding is easy to care for as you can usually stick it in the washing machine at a high temperature, it dries quickly, and requires little ironing.
However, polyester is far less breathable than natural materials and could cause you to overheat. 'Natural fibres are far more durable than synthetics, lasting much longer when cared for properly,' adds Rhiannon.
Ease of care
Make sure to check the details to find out how easy your new bedding will be to wash before you buy. The fortnightly change of the sheets is a task in itself, so having to wash them shouldn't be an ordeal either.
Most duvet covers can be machine washed and tumble dried, but it's well worth checking the care instructions to make sure. You don't want to be swayed by a duvet cover that looks good only to find out it's dry clean only when it's on the bed.
Price
What's your budget? If you're hoping to select a bedding set for under £50, there are some great, affordable options to choose from. There are also premium picks at premium prices, if you're willing to spend more.
One thing that's worth checking before you shop is whether the price of the bedding you're looking at is the price of the duvet cover alone, or if it's a duvet cover *set*, which means the pillowcases are also included.
You might want to mix and match your duvet cover and pillowcases anyway, but if you prefer a set that matches, and the pillowcases are sold separately, check the additional cost before you buy. Sometimes retailers will offer a good price on the duvet cover, but adding the pillowcases will seriously bump up the overall cost.
FAQs
How much bigger should a duvet cover be than a duvet?
Whilst I'd generally recommend you size up your duvet compared to your mattress, your duvet cover should usually be the same size as your duvet. That means that a single duvet needs a single duvet cover, a double duvet needs a double duvet cover, and so on.
What fabric should a duvet cover be?
Ultimately, the choice of fabric for your duvet cover comes down to personal preference. Synthetic duvet covers, like polycotton or polyester, are generally the most budget-friendly and the easiest to care for as they wash and dry quickly, but they can cause overheating, lack durability, and aren't the best for the environment.
Natural fibres, such as cotton and linen, tend to be more expensive, but they offer better breathability and a more premium feel.
'Linen looks luxuriously scrunchy, naturally wrinkled and gets softer with every wash – while cotton is a classic, well-rounded fabric that gives you plenty of choice in terms of finish,' shares Suzi from furn.
Is 100% cotton good for a duvet cover?
Is cotton a good option for a duvet cover? 'Absolutely,' says Rhiannon of Piglet in Bed. 'Natural materials like 100% cotton and linen are soft, hypoallergenic, and antibacterial, offering superior comfort compared to synthetic fabrics. They also regulate temperature, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer—perfect for year-round use and better sleep quality.'
'100% cotton is a perfect option for a duvet cover' agrees Ruth Welton from bedding retailer Soak & Sleep. 'It's smooth, soft and breathable qualities make this fibre a luxurious addition to any bedroom.'
What thread count is best for a duvet cover?
'It all depends on the material when it comes to thread count,' says Rhiannon of Piglet in Bed. 'For instance, different variations of 100% cotton can feel quite different. Egyptian cotton is super smooth and luxurious, usually ranging between 300-400 thread count. Percale cotton, on the other hand, has a crisp feel and typically comes in around 180-200 thread count. Seersucker cotton is breathable with a puckered texture, usually around 200 thread count.'
'When it comes to linen, it’s a bit different. Thread count isn’t the best way to measure quality because linen has a looser weave that makes it so breathable. So, you can’t really judge linen by thread count alone.'
Personally, I think opting for a linen fabric, or a cotton with a 200TC is the best thread count for summer bedding, or if you're a hot sleeper, for all year round. Experts generally agree that the best thread count for cotton bedding is between 200-400TC, so you might want to opt for a higher thread count in winter. Or I love the soft and fluffy feel of brushed cotton bedding in the colder months; it's far cosier against your skin on cold nights.
What duvet covers don’t need ironing?
'If ironing duvet covers isn't at the top of your to-do list, it's best to look for a lower thread count or a polycotton mix bedding' shares Ruth. 'Or for bedding that looks beautifully textured and stylish when left un-ironed, opt for a relaxed French linen.'
'For a low-maintenance, high-quality option, choose linen, which has a naturally crumpled texture worth embracing' agrees Rhiannon. 'Or brushed cotton duvet covers don’t require ironing due to their unique weave. Tumble dry on low or give it a good flick as you take it out of the washing machine to air dry to help reduce creases.'
