I Wasn’t Expecting Much From $21 Sheets — Then I Slept on Them

I’ve become a little bit of a bedding snob. I haven’t always been one — I used to have zero requirements for sheets except a cute color or print. Once I started investing in my bedding, though, I had to admit the error of my ways. I used to be such a restless sleeper, but now that my bed is perfectly tailored to me, I can’t remember the last time I woke up before my alarm. That has everything to do with my bedscape.

Still, I’ve learned not to count out the budget-friendly sheet sets entirely. I own a set that’s only going for a little over $15 on Amazon, and it’s been a staple in my rotation for months. It truly is comparable to others that cost five times more. Then, I got to thinking: What other brands have I been overlooking due to their lower prices? Wayfair Basics’ sheets have over 70,000 five-star ratings, so I figured that would be a good place to start.

Wayfair is known for its fair furniture prices, which is why it’s been a go-to for Apartment Therapy editors — including yours truly — for years. Until now, when I thought of the brand, bedding didn’t cross my mind, but that doesn’t seem to be the case for the thousands of shoppers who caught on before me. 

This set is made entirely from brushed microfiber. According to the Sleep Foundation, microfiber has a tighter weave than sheets made of natural materials like cotton, which makes it last longer. Plant-based sheets might become softer with every wash, but that’s because they’re breaking down over time. Wayfair’s set, on the other hand, is supersoft right out of the gate, and you can clean them without worrying as much. Still, the material is hypoallergenic, meaning it’s ideal for sensitive skin. Backed by an OEKO-TEX certification, it’s also been tested and proven to be free of over 1,000 harmful substances.

The buttery material is lightweight, but it still offers the primary benefits of microfiber: durability and no chance of wrinkling. Each of the 25 colors are fade-resistant, and for just a few dollars more, you can upgrade from two pillowcases to four, making your entire bed look put together. With 14-inch deep pockets and elastic all the way around, it won’t bunch up or pop off the corners of your mattress.

After putting it on my bed — the pockets are deep enough that it wasn’t difficult to get over my mattress topper — my first impression of this set was that it was super smooth and cozy. It’s simple as far as sheet sets go, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. It has a high cost performance, I’ve realized after using and washing it two times in the past month. In addition to the supersoft feel it still has going for it, there’s no piling or snags.

The sheets are easy to care for, which is something I’ve started prioritizing more and more in my bedding. I just want to toss my sheets in the washer and dryer without thinking twice, and with Wayfair’s set, I can do just that. As much as I like the look of linen, for instance, I’ve noticed that it snags even when I’m being careful. I have to wash it on a gentle cycle, too. Wayfair’s set, on the other hand, is mindless and can go in with my clothes.

As for the feel, the top sheet isn’t heavy. However, I wouldn’t exactly say the set’s cooling or breathable. I’m neither a hot nor cold sleeper — it usually depends on the temperature of my apartment — and these sheets are just right for me. I’ve been testing them during the transitional spring weather, so my apartment has been chilly and stuffy and somewhere in between. I bet hot sleepers could pair this set with a quilt or a cooling blanket on top (instead of a comforter) and be just fine.

Whether you’re after new bedding that doesn’t break the bank or you’re planning on buying some Wayfair furniture in the near future, it makes total sense to add these sheets to your cart. 

Buy: Wayfair Basics 1800 Series Sheet Set, Queen with 2 Pillowcases, $20.99 (normally $41.99)