Personalization of item is included in delivery estimate. The company will also send you a free sample card if youd like to feel the fabric before buying sheets. The Cultiver sheets dont feel as smooth as, say, a fine linen shirt that you wear all day, but its plenty comfortable for sleeping on and under. Libeco Santiago Sheets: The sample we tried felt cool, crisp, and sturdy, but more textured than the full sets we opted to test. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Bella Nottes Taylor Batlin told us, Those of us that have been sleeping on Bella Notte from the beginning still sleep on our original sheets from over twenty year ago.. We prefer the Cultiver sheets for their softness, slightly lower price, and color options, but if you want more texture to your linen we recommend Rough Linen Sheets. Wed say theyre maybe 5 to 10 percent softer, and we actually prefer the mitered corners on Cultivers top sheet to the simpler edges on the Bella Notte top sheet. Its frustrating to fall in love with a soft sheet in the store only to have it turn uncomfortably rough after a wash or two. To the touch, the fabric is cool and only slightly textured, which I appreciated. 10% back in rewards A good middle-ground purchase is the Linoto 100% Linen Sheets, which feature more texture and run a bit cheaper than the Parachute set at $378. If thats more than youre willing to pay, wed recommend first buying a flat sheet and cases for about $240, and using a percale fitted sheet. Please use the following links to upgrade your browser: If you are unable to upgrade your browser, you can place an order The company no longer charges a restocking fee, but you may want to order swatches to make sure you like the fabric and color before ordering a set. For our 2018 update, we researched 40 more sets, and used the above criteria to narrow our list to 21 for testing. The fitted sheets are a recent addition to Rough Linens lineup, so we havent tested them yet as of this writing. With linen, some people prefer to use two flat sheets, one folded around the mattress with hospital corners. Other than the option to monogram, this is a basic set, but it will look great in your home. We design 95% of our products in-house for original style & quality you won't find anywhere else. Belgium in particular is known for high-quality flax because of its climate and soil conditions. Although many people think of linen sheets as a buy-it-for-life purchase, our research revealed durability issues with a lot of modern linen sheets. Select product options for shipping & pickup details. The West Elm packaging is minimal, from the black ribbon down to the care instructions. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). We also think Cultivers sheets feel almost as good as those from Bella Notte, which cost almost twice the price. For whats considered an affordable option, it doesnt feel like youre cutting back on quality. We focused on sets in the $250 range for our original 2016 review. We make every effort to give you current product availability information, but our store inventory is always changing so an item's availability cannot be guaranteed. Cultiver doesnt offer a warranty, but it does have a 30-day return window. But Europe isnt the only place that produces quality flax. And we looked closely at the offerings and customer reviews for sheets sold through Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Costco, Macys, Target, Garnet Hill, Restoration Hardware, West Elm, and a number of niche linen bedding retailers. We think some people may find these sheets too rough. These are softer than the Cultiver set, wrinkle less, and are also sold by the piece. Weve seen complaints about linen sheets at all price levels (although we havent seen any complaints about Bella Notte sheets popping up in places like Reddit). If you prefer a minimalist look, the sheets themselves are very simple, with no frilly details. please note prices and availability are subject to change at any time. Cultivers Linen Sheets feel durable, and we havent seen any owner complaints about the sheets wearing thin prematurelya common occurrence among other brands. The West Elm Belgian Flax Linen Sheet Set is perfectly acceptabletheyre soft, breathable, and they look really great on your bed. Instead of using one of Rough Linen's fitted sheets, we like using a second flat sheet folded around the mattress with hospital cornersthat way, you can rotate the sheets so they wear evenly. Like Cultiver, Rough Linen doesnt offer a warranty, but will send a free sample card (you do have to pay for shipping) so you can feel the fabric before buying, and the company usually offers a 30-day return policy (its currently extended to 60 days in response to the Covid-19 pandemic). Linen grain can be quite noticeable, but this set looks more like a smooth cotton sheet from far away. Our Fair Trade Certified and Handcrafted collections do even more to support the communities who make them. But we do think the fabric feels comfortable and better than comparable options from other brands, especially if you want a light set for summer. All of the fabric felt thicker and scratchier than the sets we opted to test, a few verging on the weight of light denim or canvas. As with the best cotton sheets, linen sheets should be comfortable and long-wearing. Theyre about as soft as the West Elm and Pottery Barn sets, slightly smoother than the similarly priced Rough Linen sheets, and much smoother than the pricier Matteo sheetswhose samples were among the scratchiest we tried. As a seamstress, she has observed how good and bad linen responds to wear and multiple washes. When looking for sets to test, we prioritized the following criteria: Reasonably soft: We wanted to avoid (or rule out) sets that felt prickly or overly rough. Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet Set: The fabric of this set feels very wispy, with a weave thats noticeably looser than that of many of the sets we tested. The most delightful part of this set: You can add a custom monogram. Fair Trade Certified and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX Certified, meaning its tested for 350+ harmful substances. Bella Nota also sells swatches ($5 each, but shipping is free) so you can make sure you like the fabric; the company also offers a 30-day return window, and no longer charges a restocking fee. We reached out to reps from Pottery Barn and West Elm (both companies are owned by Williams Sonoma) to ask if their sets are made from the same fabric. We ordered fabric samples or pillowcases of the 21 sets we were interested in trying. By comparison, high-quality cotton percale sheets range between 200 and 300; sateen, between 300 and 600. Keep reading for our full product review. If you want to go full-blown romantic/bohemian-chic, the company sells a range of velvet, cotton, and lace accessories that itll dye to complement the sheets. Learn more. Some people strictly advise against using fabric softeners on linen, because a waxy buildup from the softener can inhibit the fabrics breathability. Like Cultiver, Rough Linen doesnt offer a warranty, but you can return unwashed sheets within 30 days (this window has been broadened to 60 days in response to the Covid-19 pandemic). And because Rough Linen sheets are sold by the piece, you can slowly build a set, replace pieces, or opt to use a cotton bottom sheet with a linen top sheet and pillowcases. Before becoming deputy editor, Christine Cyr Clisset oversaw Wirecutters bedding coverage, and she has long-term tested our sheet picks since 2015. After reading hundreds of owner reviews of linen sheets, testing samples from 21 highly regarded sets, and sleeping in seven sets on our own beds, were confident that Cultiver Linen Sheets offer the best combination of softness, great colors and prints, and the option to buy individual pieces. Cultiver is more expensive than the West Elm or Pottery Barn sets, but its in the middle of the price range of the sets we considered. If youre confused in the bedding aisle, this guide will help you choose the best year-round sheets for your bed. Both the West Elm and Pottery Barn sets look nice on a bed and feel good against the skin (but not quite as good as the more expensive sets we tested). We think Cultiver offers a nicer selection of colors and a softer fabric that most people will prefer, but Rough Linen Sheets may appeal to people who like more texture. One tester who doesnt mind a rougher texture found the cases pleasant to sleep on. Because each brand sent us a different size, we tried the sheets for fit on double-, queen-, and king-size beds (all with foam mattresses ranging from seven to roughly 10 inches thick). We'll pull it all together for you. Like Cultiver, Rough Linen does not offer a warranty, and it offers only a 30-day return window for unused, unwashed items. The set would be the perfect gift for a parent looking to treat kids graduating college and renting their first adult apartments. If luxe is what youre after, look to another brand like Parachute or Brooklinen. If you hate wrinkled bedding, skip linen (unless you have a staff to iron your sheets). A softener acts in a similar way to conditioner that you might use on your hair; using it every few washes shouldnt create much buildup. European Flax Linen Sheet Set & Pillowcases, After Testing 30+ Options, These Are the 11 Best Cooling Sheets of 2022, The 8 Best Linen Sheets That Will Help You Sleep Well, The Best California King Sheets in a Variety of Fabrics, The Best Sheet Sets, Tested by The Spruce, The Best Places to Buy Bedding in Stores and Online, Parachute is Having a 20% Off SaleHere Are Our Editors Top Picks, The Best Duvet Covers, Tested by Our Experts, The Best Places to Buy Home Decor for Any Home Aesthetic, Here Are the Best Organic Sheet Sets for an Eco-friendly Nights Sleep, Crisp, Cool, and Lightweight: The Best Percale Sheets to Use on Your Bed, We Tested the Best Cotton SheetsHere Are Our Favorites, The Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets for Maximum Softness and Comfort, We Reviewed the Nestwell Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set, The Best High Thread-Count Sheets for Dreamy Sleep. They were our testers unanimous favorite, the softest sheets we tried, and less prone to wrinkling. We cant guarantee that Cultivers sheets will last longer than those from other brands, but the fabric feels thicker and more substantial than the lighter sets from Pottery Barn and West Elm. To find the best sets to test, we looked closely at models featured in Architectural Digest and two postsfromApartment Therapy. In our experience, air-dried linen feels rougher and stiff. Manufacturers dont advertise linen sheets with a thread count (the number of vertical and horizontal yarns in a square inch of fabric). Neither rep responded to us, but the sheets feel identical, the fabric-care labels look identical (beyond the company logos), and both sets contain Belgian Flax Linen in their name. Thats why most of the brands we testedincluding from Cultiver, Rough Linen, Bella Notte, West Elm, and Pottery Barnall use fabric made in China. If you know that you like the feel and old-world European charm of linen, you might like linen sheets. Otherwise, she was happy with the top sheet and pillowcases for the year she long-term tested, and three of our staffers bought sets in summer 2018 and havent had any durability complaints. Flax fibers are thicker and longer than those from cotton, which results in thicker yarns. This allows you to easily replace pieces or to slowly build a set, depending on your budget. If you find wrinkles infuriating, youre going to want to either A) go with another material for your sheets or B) have an iron or steamer on hand. Rose has a few other detergent recommendations on her companys site. Linen isnt for everyone. Cultivers customer service rep told us the company can generally ship the swatches within three business days, although it can take up to three weeks, depending on your location. Its hard to know what will be soft just out of the package. We wanted to find sets that wed be happy to sleep on now, rather than after a decade sleeping on them. Its often touted as a great sheeting fabric for summer, because its so breathable. You can also mix and match your sheets, as several Wirecutter staffers do, using a linen top sheet and pillowcases paired with a more durable, less expensive percale bottom sheet (such as our favorite from L.L.Bean). Our main critique for these sets is that you cant purchase individual pieces, and we have seen complaints about the West Elm set wearing thin. We washed and dried these five times to get rid of softeners or other treatments that might mask the true texture of the fabrics. As the name implies, these sheets are made from 100 percent Belgian flax linen. One thing I would have loved to see is travel bags similar to what Parachute sends with its sets. Set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet and 2 pillowcases. The company doesnt sell a full-size fitted sheet, and it sells only one size of top sheet, meant to fit a queen or king bed. There are no stores within The hems are clean, but dont expect any special features like button closures or special pillowcase folds as you would get with a set from Parachute. Woven from 100% premium quality European flax linen. Privacy Policy (Updated January 2022), Need Assistance? For insider perspective on what makes great linen, we spoke with Hank Patterson, owner of the luxury linen towel company Deck Towel. We appreciate that Cultiver sells both complete sets and individual pieces.This gives you the option to slowly build a set, or to replace pieces if they wear thin. This set from West Elm is on the affordable side of things; more luxe options will bite a bit deeper into your bank account. (The swatches are free, but theres a $10 shipping charge if thats all youre ordering.). But at nearly twice the price, wed recommend buying them only if you want (and can afford) supersoft linen. First off, unless you seek out a wrinkle-resistant set, wrinkles are something you will battle with any bedding, but especially linen. Many of the best-rated sets range from $250 to roughly $450 for a queen. I could see these being my pick for a dead-of-summer sheet set when I cant deal with any more layers than I actually need. Not only are there are a lot of brands to choose from, but the most common question is: Arent they all the same? Lay flat for a casual, relaxed look. Cultivers sizing is more limited than other brands. Durable: We wanted to find sheets that will last for years of regular use. Garnet Hill Solid Relaxed Linen Bedding: The pillowcase we tested was in the middle range of softness (not all that soft, but not the scratchiest). (You will be charged a shipping fee.). If youre looking for a less expensive set, we recommend the Belgian Flax Linen Sheets from either West Elm or Pottery Barn.We suspect theyre made from the same fabric. We independently review everything we recommend. We rubbed the samples between our hands and against our cheeks (a common test for determining fabric softness), eliminating samples we thought were too rough or heavy to make comfortable sheets, or those that showed signs of thinning. We also havent seen complaints about thinning sheets in owner reviews (although weve also seen fewer owner reviews for Cultiver than for other brands). This item ships via UPS, arriving right at your home on the estimated delivery date. The Cultiver sheets were in the midrange for softness. This is one of the softest sets we tried, its sold by the piece, and comes in a wider range of colors and prints. The West Elm Belgian Flax Linen Sheet Set doesnt come with as many bells and whistles as other sets, but it is a more affordable option that can be customized for a fee. The other thing is how you wash them, the sort of detergent you use, and the amount of detergent you use. We cover Roses laundering advice in the care and maintenance section. We prioritize responsible sourcing. Enter your ZIP Code for delivery and availability. From organic fibers to low-VOC finishes, we're making it easy to create a healthy home for you & your family. Its thin enough to see a hand through the fabric, but feels more substantial than the West Elm or Pottery Barn linen sets. A West Elm rep told us that her companys policy is the same, although she said its on a case-by-case basis. Rough Linen and Bella Notte also sell by the piece, but Cultivers individual pieces are less expensive. Linen lovers rave about Rough Linen. However, weve also found linen sheets to be comfortable and insulating in the winter, so we recommend them for year-round use. (You will need to pay for shipping.). As Taylor Batlin, Bella Nottes brand director told us, Belgian flax has always had a good reputation, but in our experience, the best linen is determined by the quality of the weave and the consistency from lot to lot in terms of durability, strength and luster. Nowadays, the majority of factories capable of making the wide fabric for sheetswhich require a double-width loomare based in China. We combed through owner reviews on Reddit, Apartment Therapy, and Yelp to a get a sense of peoples experiences with sheets from various brands. Manufacturers almost universally caution against using bleach, because its harsh and can degrade the fabric. The real concern is the quality of the finished product, over and above cost issues. Rose also notes that mills in Europe dont have double-width looms required to make sheeting fabric. When my sheet set arrived, I immediately fell into the calming effect linen sheets seem to bring to a room. Like good cotton sheets, linen sheets will soften over many washes (the joke goes that linen sheets are really softafter 10 years of use). If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. This was our least favorite of the samples we tried for 2018. Before drying, fluff to release wrinkles. The Cultiver sheets typically come in around 14 colors (plus three prints), which is the widest selection of any of our top contending sets. But if you find that your sheets are particularly scratchy, using a softener every once in a while is not a big deal. In-stock & quick-ship furniture | Up to 50% off outdoor & garden | Shop new arrivals . While more texture can be aesthetically appealing, I liked that this fabric didnt leave any weird marks on my face when I found myself wrapped up in the top sheet come morning. The Cultiver set also has slightly nicer detailing than the Rough Linen set, with very clean mitered corners and thick hems along all the edges of the top sheet. Machine-wash your linen sheets and dry them on a medium heat setting. Linen woven from European-grown flax, constructed in China. Your browser does not meet current requirements to shop securely online. These sheets are available in soft neutrals which I found pleasing: white, flax, platinum, slate, and pale lilac. Wed like to see a more generous return policy. The texture grabs onto your body and keeps it in place. Purchase whichever one you find on sale. As with many linen sheets, this set may have durability issues. Like Cultiver, Rough Linen sells its sheets by the piece, so you could slowly invest in a set, or just buy a top sheet and pillowcase to use with a durable fitted cotton sheet. We recommend getting whichever one you can find on sale, when you can buy a queen set for around $200. The location you specified seems to be incorrect. After five washes it was very wrinkled and creased. This detergent uses enzymes to remove stains and is particularly effective at eliminating substances such as oil and residue from the body. Our testers liked the weight of the fabric, which feels slightly heavier than the Cultiver sheets, and more substantial than those from Pottery Barn and West Elm. Rough Linen has a loyal following, but we have read feedback in several Reddit threads about the sheets developing tears or holes (in one instance it happened after only six months). If youre looking for a breezy, beautiful, soft linen set that includes only the essentials, this is a great way to introduce linen into your bedroom. Inferior fabric can also be a problem. Balin told us, Though each fabric absorbs the dye in different intensities (linens and cottons lighter, silk velvets more deeply), dying all pieces together allows us to achieve a harmonious palette for your entire bedding ensemble. A custom-dying option is rare (Matteo was one of the only other companies we saw offering it), and the results are quite pretty. She previously edited cookbooks and craft books for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, and she started reviewing kitchen gear back in 2013. Personalized items cannot be canceled or returned. We found these sheets were in the middle of the pack for softness. Available by the piece: Because of the durability issues with linen sheets, we think purchasing by the piece is best. In our original 2016 linen sheet review, we featured the West Elm set as our main pick, and we still think theyre very good for their relatively low price. While the quality is good and the ability to customize is fun, dont expect other special design features; you really are getting exactly what you see. While it doesnt add to the quality at all, it is fun little details like this that make your bedroom feel more like home. Historically, the best linen comes from Europe, specifically Belgium, Ireland, France, and Lithuania. The sheets you like most of the year may feel too warm in the summer heat. Hand-washing this sheet set in warm water worked well enough for me, and the linen did dry quicker than a cotton set. We considered sets that cost up to $800 for our 2018 update. Made-to-order items are not eligible. Heres every set of sheets we recommend, from breezy summer linen to cozy winter flannel, from neutral solids to quirky prints. Similar to other brands, Bella Notte does not offer a warranty and will accept returns of only unused, unwashed items within 30 days of receipt. And of the 21 samples we initially tested in 2018including from sets three to four times the pricethe Pottery Barn and West Elm fabrics were among the softest and most pleasant against the skin. It will soften up after many washes, but achieving the same smoothness you get immediately with good cotton sheets takes years. If youre concerned about if youll actually like the feel of the fabric (and if you want to do your own wash tests) wed recommend ordering swatch samples. If you want bedding that will last forever, check out the Linen Venice Sheet Set from Parachute (upwards of $460 for a full set, including the duvet cover). We also like that this option allows you to mix and match if you want to play with color or pattern on your bed. Call 1.888.922.4119 Only non-chlorine bleach when needed. Most linen sheets are treated to soften their texture, but fabric finishes will wash away, sometimes leaving the sheets rougher. (As mentioned above, this 30-day window has been extended to 60 days during the Covid-19 pandemic.) Your ancestors might have slept on a single set of linen sheets for 50 years, but modern sets are more of a luxury purchase than a long-term investment. Accessibility | I didnt wake up especially hot or cold during the night. It brings that wabi-sabi, I woke up like this vibe to the bedroom. If you want a softer set of linen sheets, and price is no object, we recommend those from Bella Notte. "Woven from European-grown flax, these linen sheets have superior breathability, making them ideal for summer nights or winter evenings.". Maher went on to say that you can experience thinning of the bottom sheet with all fabrications over time but sheets with better quality fiber, yarns, and construction will provide a longer life. We read one- and two-star customer reviews, and scoured Reddit threads to find out which sets seemed to have the most durability problems. Please enter a valid address or ZIP code. If you dont want to spring for an entire set, you could save money by using a fitted cotton sheet with Cultivers linen top sheet and pillowcases. These feel identical, and we suspect theyre made of the same fabric. We like that this setup lets you rotate the bottom and top sheets for more even wear, which might help the sheets longevity. Cutting edge mills in China have invested in technologies ahead of Europe and America, and much of the worlds finest flax goes to China to be woven into sheeting, which must be woven on modern, double-width looms. We think the texture of these sheets will be too rough for many people, but we do think the fabric feels sturdy and may wear well over time. Enter postal code for a better delivery estimate. Hawkins New York Stonewashed Linen Bedding: We were drawn to these sheets when we saw them on Food52, but the pillowcase we tried felt very rough and after five washes it wrinkled a lot. Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Linen Sheet Set, Budget pick: West Elm or Pottery Barn Belgian Flax Linen Sheet Sets, L.L.Bean Sunwashed Linen Sheet Collection, The Company Store Comfort Wash Solid Linen Sheets, Cuddledown Italian Linen Plain-Sewn Sheets, Hawkins New York Stonewashed Linen Bedding, Restoration Hardware Stonewashed Belgian Linen Sheet Set, assistant professor in the Home Products Development at FIT. Thats why youll often see the term Belgian linen or Belgian flax linen (indicating that the flax was grown, but not necessarily processed into fabric, in Belgium) used to advertise sheet sets from mass-market brands, like West Elm and Pottery barn. The West Elm website says these sheets have been pre-washed for a lived-in look, which also helps combat shrinkage. Here's how this product makes a difference at home and in the world: Directly benefits the workers who make our products. The fabric was very soft, but we were concerned about its long-term durability. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. To the touch, the fabric is cool and only slightly textured, which I appreciated. If you can splurge, we recommend Bella Notte Linen Sheets. If you have pets with long nails, you might want to opt for another set. While cotton sheets can feel either crisp and cool (in the case of percale) or silky and warm (as with sateen), linen has an airy feel but the fabric also has some weight to it (like a very light blanket). (The swatches costs $5 apiece, but shipping within the US is free.) Terms and Conditions (Updated April 2020) | 20% back in rewards during your first 30 days as a cardmember2, or get 12-month special financing on purchases of $750+3. Cultivers sizing is a little limited (it doesnt offer a full-size fitted sheet, and not every color is available in every size), but these sheets come in the widest range of colors and prints weve seen. These are equal to the West Elm set. We found these sheets to be a little grainier than Cultivers, but theyre beautifully constructed and you can buy individual pieces. Shes used the sheet regularly since 2017 with no issues. Hank Patterson, owner of linen towel company Deck Towel, told us that linen thread counts generally range between 80 and 120. If you like wearing linen, youll probably enjoy sleeping on itits like wrapping yourself in a lovely summer breeze. Rough Linens sheets are slightly thicker than Cultivers, although a hand will still show through the fabric. Linens thicker fibers actually make it more breathable than other materials, and its also great at wicking moisture and regulating temperature. Try your regular detergent first, and check to see if the stains have come out before you put the sheets in the dryer (you dont want to set the stains in the dryer). Read on to see how well I slept. Bella Notte also sells its sheets, which come in eight subdued colors, by the piece. These are softer and more durable-feeling than equally priced sets, but they arent sold by the piece, and we have read complaints about them developing holes or tears after a short time. Weve also heard fewer complaints about the fabric wearing thin prematurely. The only difference we could see between the sets is that the top sheet from Pottery Barn has an embroidered detail, and that the West Elm sets comes in four colors while the Pottery Barn set comes in six. It would also be great for a guest bedroom or a space that doesnt see constant sleepers, given that they seem a little less durable than other options. A Pottery Barn customer service rep told us that the company will take washed sheets back within the 30-day return window. L.L.Bean Sunwashed Linen Sheet Collection: The pillowcase we tested felt very thin, the weave felt loose, and after five washes we could start to see through the pillowcase in sections. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. You cant buy the sheets on their own, but you can purchase additional pillow casesnotable if youre looking for replacements. 2022 Williams-Sonoma Inc., All Rights Reserved Good owner reviews: We looked closely at owner reviews on retailer sites when they were available (for many retailers they werent), and we also dove into many Reddit threads (including here, here, and here), where we saw an active dialogue among people who have purchased and used various brands of linen sheets.