If you or your child is heading off to college in the fall, your attention may already be turning to dorm bedding and perfecting their sleep setup, to be as comfortable away as at home. Dorm beds are notoriously sub-par, but it's all too easy to spend too much on dorm bedding, especially as dorm beds are often oddly sized, too − usually Twin XL but not always − which means taking bedding from home is usually not an option, either.
That's where I come in. As the resident Sleep Editor here at Homes & Gardens, who graduated from college only four years ago, I've compiled this guide to cover everything you'll need, and nothing you don't, covering sizing differences, washing and care concerns, balancing cost and quality on what is a fairly short-term purchase, and choosing between different types of bedding.
So, to balance the best options with the best value for money to transform a dorm room, look no further than our expert guide.
The Ultimate Dorm Bedding Checklist
All the sizes and pricing in this dorm room bedding guide refer to Twin XL bedding, as most dorm rooms use Twin XL mattresses, but always check with the particular college before making a purchase, as this can differ.
If you're using a topper and protector, don't forget that you'll need sheets with deep pockets (at least 14 to 16 inches) to fit over both of those, and your mattress itself. Dorm mattresses may usually be thin and lackluster, but once you've added a thick, plush topper, any standard sheet will pop right off the corners and become bothersome.
A Mattress Topper
Investing in one of the best mattress toppers for a dorm bed is perhaps the most important consideration when it comes to college dorm bedding. I know all too well how often you'll find yourself having to fix a sagging mattress as you move each year, and a topper is a simple, affordable way to add comfort and support.
If you're a hot sleeper, opt for a cooling option for a refreshing sleep surface. Sleepers who struggle with aches and pains, or who play a lot of sport, will find something firmer and more comfortable, whereas those who suffer from allergies should opt for something hypoallergenic, particularly as dorm rooms are often dusty and not regularly cleaned.
Our expert tester, Meg St-Esprit, initially found this topper too soft, but found herself sleeping comfortably and waking up pain-free. 'The price point is much lower than other toppers I’ve tested, but the reviews are great – a unicorn for consumers,' she says, referring to the 4.5-star rating on the Viscosoft site. The breathable cover and cooling gel also helped to keep Meg's bed cool – 'You can't go wrong with this topper,' she adds.
If you do struggle with allergies, this topper is infused with copper, which is naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, to protect against bacteria, allergens, and odors. It also features a Glaciotex cooling cover to prevent night sweats from keeping you awake or waking you up, and provides pressure-relieving comfort in any sleep position.
This springy and responsive mattress topper offers targeted support at an affordable price, but it may be too firm for some sleepers. It's ideal for lumpy, bumpy, thin mattresses that have lost their spring, and, as our expert tester Jamie Davis Smith said, 'You can really feel the difference.' 'The mattress topper felt firmer beneath my head and feet, while the zones below my hips and back were a little softer, designed to lift my lumbar region and lengthen my spine to promote proper alignment.'
For an impressively low price, this topper is thick, breathable, and infused with charcoal for a refreshing sleep surface. Our expert tester, Alex Frost, said, 'For a pain-free student looking for an affordable way to upgrade a dorm bed or for short-term use in a guest room, it would be a savvy buy,' but only if you don't move around too much in your sleep, or don't tend to find yourself overheating. 'The topper is super squishy, soft, and comfortable to sleep on,' she adds.
A Mattress Protector
The second most important purchase you’ll make for college dorm bedding is undoubtedly a mattress protector. Dorm beds have usually seen no end of students come and go, so, unless your room comes with a brand new mattress, this is a non-negotiable hygiene barrier.
To that end, it’s best to go for something zippered, waterproof, and bed-bug proof, as cleaning pros warn that this is one of the dirtiest places in a bedroom. The good news is that protectors tend to be very affordable, particularly compared to toppers, pillows, sheets, and other essentials, and they're also easy to clean and quick to dry.
This budget-friendly option protects against fluids, dust mites, and bacteria, while providing a quiet and breathable sleep surface. Our expert tester, Jaclyn Turner, says, 'I like the soft feel of cotton terry cloth through my fitted sheets. There's none of the squeaky slipperiness you get from synthetics. As a light sleeper, I appreciate that [it's] noiseless in the night, thanks to an ultra-thin layer of waterproof materials.'
This protector is breathable, quiet, and suitable for deeper mattresses, which is handy if you're using it on a dorm bed over a thicker topper. 'This one is highly reliable and doesn’t let anything leak through – even when I poured a glass of water directly on top of it to test out its promises,' wrote our expert tester Alex Frost. 'It’s also much easier to make the bed now, as the deep pocket options give more than enough fabric to make it around the sides, with some room to spare,' and it's non-toxic, too.
I don't think I've ever seen a protector as affordable as this one. Don't be put off by the price, though: An average rating of 4.5 stars across over 1,000 Amazon reviews confirms that this is a valid choice for keeping your dorm bed clean and comfortable on a budget. The enhanced elastic band design ensures the protector stays firmly in place on all sides and corners, while the waterproof barrier effectively protects your mattress from spills, dust, and pests.
This wraps all the way around all six sides of your mattress, offering superior protection against dust, dander, bed bugs, stains, and spills. It's also free from vinyl, PVC, phthalates, fire retardants, and other toxic chemicals, so it's no surprise that it boasts over 12,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It's available in four different depth options, from six inches all the way up to 20.
Fitted and Flat Sheets
Next, used over both your topper and protector, the best bed sheets for a dorm room will be easy to care for, as laundry services are usually limited, soft, and breathable. My top tip? Buy two sets so they can be swapped on laundry day, but not so many that you won’t have space to store them.
If you’re a hot sleeper, the best Amazon cooling sheets offer a plethora of options at a more affordable price point than buying directly from the same more luxurious retailers you may use at home. Once you master how to make a bed like an expert, it’ll look just as high-end, too.
For the best deal, a bedding set includes everything you need for a college sleep space, but doesn't let you customize your options. If you're shopping for a simple option, then a set is best, but it's worth shopping around to check all your options. Some retailers will also offer bundle deals for added savings.
Don't forget to add a blanket, too, as an extra layer at the foot of the bed is perfect for chilly nights or for when friends come over.
Crisp, cooling, and comfortable, this percale bedding set includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases. Percale is the best material for hot sleepers, as the one thread over, one thread under weave offers superior softness and breathability, with a slight sheen for a hotel look and feel. This particular set is available in 25 colors and patterns to match any dorm room decor.
Having tested these cooling sheets, I can attest to their unparalleled cooling qualities − they feel genuinely cool to the touch. They're made from rayon derived from bamboo, which works to regulate your temperature and wick away moisture as you rest.
Chevron may have been a 2016 design trend, but it's still just as timeless today as it was then, particularly if you're looking to add a pop of pattern to a plain dorm room. This set is wrinkle, fade, and stain-resistant, and is lightweight yet cozy enough to offer year-round comfort. These sheets are also impressively strong and durable, to last wash after wash at college.
If you've got a little more budget to spend on bedding, this cover from Piglet in Bed is my all-time favorite. As it's a cotton-linen blend, it's easier to wash at college than pure linen, and softer, too, but still offers that same luxurious, laid-back look to make any dorm room feel a little more like home. It's also free from any harmful chemicals and dyes.
A Comforter or Duvet Insert
While you may be used to using a comforter at home, and may be browsing dorm room comforters or dorm quilts, I’d argue that a duvet insert in a cover is a better option, as it’s far easier to wash bed linen than it is to wash a comforter, and you can switch the covers,
That being said, if you know you’ll have access to large washing machines and dryers, a comforter offers a convenient all-in-one solution.
Most importantly, dorm room temperatures fluctuate wildly, and you often won’t have access to changing the temperature. I spent many winter nights before Christmas cold in my dorm room and overheating once the radiators were on in January and February, so opting for a medium-weight, synthetic-down alternative is a good option, offering both comfort and usually being easier to clean than down or silk picks.
This might be a more high-end option, but, as it's soft, plush, and filled with hypoallergenic recycled poly microgel to perfectly mimic the feel of down, it's an investment that should last the entire time at college. It's wrapped in an ultra-soft, long-staple cotton sateen shell for the ultimate quiet comfort, which won't rustle as you move in the night.
This lightweight comforter uses classic box stitching to keep the fill evenly distributed and lofty and prevent shifting or clumping, even after washing and tumble-drying. It's also breathable, comfortable, and not so bulky that it's not suitable for spells of warmer weather and the spring and summer seasons.
This medium-weight, all-seasons duvet insert is hypoallergenic, filled with plant-based lyocell, vegan, and machine-washable. It's designed to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter, and is breathable enough for cloud-like cosiness year-round. It also comes conveniently packed in a reusable tote to make it easy to store and transport to and from college.
For under $20, this comforter is undeniably one of the most budget-friendly options money can buy. It's made of brushed 100 per cent polyester microfiber for an ultra-soft texture and feel, which also has the added benefit of being durable and easy to clean.
Pillows
Finally, never underestimate the importance of investing in one of the best pillows in college. After all, out of all the bedding you need, these have longevity as they can be used on any other-sized bed once you graduate. A comfortable pillow can also vastly improve your sleep quality, and help you to fall asleep faster, too − an invaluable quality when you’ve got to be up early for lectures and seminars.
As the bed in a dorm room doubles as a couch, workspace, and lounge area, I’d recommend buying at least two pillows: One for sleeping and a second for sitting comfortably when propped up against the headboard, which, from experience, tend to be hard and uncomfortable. A couple of harder cushions certainly never go amiss either, and have the added benefit of making your bed look like a little more hotel-esque.
Since I started testing this pillow a few months ago, it has quickly become my all-time favorite. Filled with hypoallergenic fill, it's soft, plush, and incredibly comfortable. It's available in three support levels − Soft, Medium, and Firm − so there's an option to suit everyone. I opted for the Soft feel, as I sleep on my side and prefer something flat and squishy.
An adjustable pillow is a brilliant option to see you or your child through college, and with this pick, you can customize both the firmness and loft of your pillow to exact specifications and preferences, using the unique, adjustable inserts. $235 may feel expensive, but you do get two for that price.
This pillow might be just $3.49, but, according to a five-star review left by verified shopper Agnes, it gave her her 'best sleep in years.' 'I love this pillow for the simple reason that it is loosely packed, and no matter in what position I sleep, it hugs my head and neck,' she adds. 'I own four of these pillows, and everyone loves to sleep on them!'
A long pillow like this can be used for sleeping, blocking any gaps between your bed and the wall, and for placing against your headboard for sitting comfortably when reading, working, or watching television. It's hypoallergenic, free of animal down, and certified OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 against harmful substances.
Washing and Care
It's far more difficult to do laundry at college, as laundry rooms tend to be extremely busy with simple machines, and it's likely that your child won't be using, or won't be able to use, delicate cycles or fabric softeners. For that reason, it's best to choose dorm bedding in materials that are durable, breathable, and easy to clean.
- Material: I'd recommend investing in 100 per cent cotton, in either percale or sateen, or bamboo blends. Cotton percale is crisp and cool, so ideal for hot sleepers or stuffy dorm rooms with bad or no AC, while sateen is softer, heavier, and feels more luxurious, but can be slightly more difficult to clean.
- Avoid polyester and microfiber: These materials are undoubtedly budget-friendly, but can trap heat, pill easily, and cause night sweats. If you do need something more affordable, though, opt for microfiber that's high-quality and brushed for added breathability.
- Thread count: Don't get weighed down by worrying about thread count. For college, a thread count between 200 and 400 is perfect for balancing both durability and breathability.
- Easy care: Before buying anything , ensure it's both machine washable and dryer-safe, which is essential for sanitizing and keeping a sleep space hygienic.
FAQs
What's the Best Color for Dorm Bedding?
I love the look of crisp white sheets, but at college, I always opted for bright patterns and darker colors, which hide a multitude of sins from stains and spillages. For that reason, navy, grey, olive, or subtle patterns are the best color options.
For example, the Clarissa Floral Vine Sheet Set, available at Urban Outfitters, is a great, affordable option to add some pattern and character to any dorm room space.
Once you've ticked off this dorm bedding checklist, check out how to deep clean a dorm room and keep pests out of a dorm room.
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