The 10 Best Bed-In-A-Bag Sets
This wiki has been updated 32 times since it was first published in May of 2016. Coming with everything you need for a comfortable sleeping space, including a comforter, top and bottom sheets, and pillowcases, these bed-in-a-bag sets let you kit out your bunk in one quick and affordable go. They sport a variety of designs to match any decor and are ideal for dorms, kids' rooms, guest quarters, and master bedrooms. Some are even reversible, so you can keep your style fresh. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Bare Home
2. AmazonBasics Red Simple Stripe
3. Emoji Pals
Editor's Notes
April 23, 2020:
It can take a lot of time and effort to put together a bedding set, but we've selected a range of bed-in-a-bag options that make the task much, much easier. Unfortunately, the Mainstays OPP has become hard to find, as has the Star Wars Classic. But there are plenty of alternatives for adults and kids — or the young at heart. For a stylish, decorative option that will suit everything from college dorm rooms to your master suite, there's the Madison Park Essentials Serenity and the Dovedote Reversible. These come in plenty of colors, and the latter boasts a reversible comforter. If you are looking for a set that's on the more plain, subdued side, consider the Sweet Home Collection Dobby Stripe or the Bare Home. These offer simple styling but with charming finishing touches, and they come in a veritable rainbow of color choices. The Elegant Comfort Luxury bridges the gap between plain and eye-catching thanks to its pintuck styling, but you'll need to wash and handle it carefully.
For kids, we've added the ultra-fun Kidz Mix Magical Unicorn. Sporting bright rainbows and flowers, it is sure to draw the attention of anyone who enters the room. And if you want to take the decor one step further, there are matching curtains available. These bed sheets may be too frilly for some boys, but not to worry, as there are several other styles available, including those with dinosaurs, sports accessories, or mermaids. Or, for younger kids who are just transitioning from a crib, there's the Aden+Anais Classic. This selection offers soft fabric that can soak up a decent amount of liquid, so you might choose it if you worry about nighttime accidents.
Special Honors
Brooklinen Luxe Move-In Bundle Your new home will feel completely fresh with the Brooklinen Luxe Move-In Bundle, which is customizable to suit your size, color, and warmth preferences. While this option is not exactly inexpensive, it boasts only quality materials that are made to last, and even arrives with a bottle of the company's signature Laundress detergent. brooklinen.com
The Northwest Company Officially Licensed Prove to your friends that you're an ultimate fan with The Northwest Company Officially Licensed. There are options for NFL and MLB franchises, from college to pro, so you can rep your local squad while you dream about watching them hoist the trophy. thenorthwest.com
Under the Canopy Organic Essentials Bundle Those who worry about sustainability can rest easy in the Under the Canopy Organic Essentials Bundle. Each piece is made from fabric produced without toxic chemicals, making this the hypoallergenic choice of sensitive sleepers. Everything is ethically sourced, too. underthecanopy.com
4. Elegant Comfort Luxury
5. Madison Park Essentials Serenity
6. Sweet Home Collection Dobby Stripe
7. Dovedote Reversible
8. Kidz Mix Magical Unicorn
9. Bedsure Deep Pocket
10. Aden+Anais Classic
What’s In The Bag?
Even though they’re intended to be more functional than ornamental, you’ll still find plenty of attractive pillowcases out there.
If you've ever attempted to put together a bedding set for yourself, your child, or your guest room, you've most likely encountered a few difficulties. Tracking down each piece, ensuring they match, and double-checking that they have similar care instructions so that you can wash them collectively are just some of the aspects you have to consider. That's where bed-in-a-bag sets come in — they're an affordable and convenient option for anyone who wants to get a good night's sleep without all the fuss.
A typical bed-in-a-bag set will contain anywhere from three to seven pieces, depending on the dimensions of your bed. A basic set is an excellent choice for a twin that’s situated in a dorm or a child’s bedroom, as they likely won’t require any decorative extras. More extensive collections are ideal for a sumptuous guest room or as a thoughtful wedding gift.
The most important component of a bed-in-a-bag set is arguably the comforter. Choose an option with one that suits your needs, whether that means a plush blanket that's thick and warm or something on the lighter side. After that, you'll require two other essential pieces — a flat sheet and a fitted sheet. A fitted sheet uses sewn-in elastic to hug your mattress and resist shifting around, while a flat sheet goes on top and can serve as an extra layer for warmth.
As far as pillows go, expect a combination of traditional pillowcases and shams. Shams are usually reserved for decorative pillows that you don’t actually sleep on, although many are comfortable enough to do so anyway. A sham can be finished with flange and will have a tuck flap that hides the pillow from sight. A pillowcase is simpler, consisting of a sack design with an open end. Even though they’re intended to be more functional than ornamental, you’ll still find plenty of attractive pillowcases out there.
If you sleep on a raised bed and use the space beneath for storage, or you simply want to hide your box spring or frame from view, look for a set that includes a bed skirt. They help to prevent dust from collecting underneath and add a more streamlined look to the room.
Choosing The Right Set For You
When choosing something as intimate as bedding, there are two main factors that will drive your decision: your personal preferences and aesthetics. The set you select needs to keep you comfortable all night long and must fit into your room’s design scheme.
As far as appearances go, there's nothing more unsightly than wrinkly sheets. We've all done it — put our sheets in the dryer only to forget about them until hours later when we rediscover them covered in creases. Rather than iron them out or run the dryer again, eliminate the problem completely by opting for a set that comes with wrinkle-resistant sheets.
We've all done it — put our sheets in the dryer only to forget about them until hours later when we rediscover them covered in creases.
Certain colors are more conducive to a good night’s rest than others. Muted shades of blue, green, and yellow are especially calming and help provide a tranquil atmosphere that’s excellent for falling asleep. Silver is another soothing choice, with the added benefit that it pairs well with a handful of palettes. If you’re shopping for your little one, they’ll most likely crave something on the whimsical side. Forests, outer space, and princess themes can all lull your child to sleep, but try to avoid bold, stimulating primary colors if you can.
Make life easier for yourself on laundry day by ensuring that all the components of your set are safe for your washing machine and will dry quickly. They’ll need to resist shrinking and pilling and be durable enough to withstand multiple washes. If you bought a set in bold hues or a vibrant pattern, the fabric should be colorfast.
If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll want a blanket and sheets that you can cuddle up to without leaving you in a pool of your own sweat. Natural fabrics like cotton are breathable and soft, as are brushed microfiber and certain poly blends. Percale sheets tend to feel smooth and stay cool, in part due to their close weave. Conversely, if you live in a cold climate and need something to keep you toasty, consider cotton sateen, which naturally adjusts to your body temperature and traps heat well.
A Brief History Of Bedding
As soon as humans realized that snoozing on a mound of straw was more comfortable than the cold, hard ground, the need for bedding was born. Primitive sleeping arrangements might have consisted of animal hides tossed over a makeshift bed of dried bracken, the precursors to modern-day mattresses and sheets.
Some of the first raised beds come from Africa circa 3600 B.C.E. These beds were far superior to piles of leaves, as they separated the sleeper from pests and dirt. Over the span of a few hundred years, beds evolved from a simple platform to something more elaborate that required supplementary materials.
By day, they boasted cushions covered in leather and silk, and by night, coverlets crafted from silk-covered skins.
Ancient Egyptians surrounded their beds with curtains and topped them with pillows, while Romans preferred mattresses stuffed with hay and wool. Animals skins reigned supreme as the most common bed cover, seeing use well into the Middle Ages. Of course, people used other fabrics when they could afford them.
In the 12th century, wooden folding beds that doubled as couches became popular. By day, they boasted cushions covered in leather and silk, and by night, coverlets crafted from silk-covered skins. By the 1300s, the upper class began surrounding their beds with lavish hangings of velvet, silk, and even cloth of gold.
Cots and their coverings got bigger and bolder over the next few hundred years. In the 17th century, a magnificent sleeping arrangement was a sure sign of undisputed wealth. By the 1800s, decorative feather pillows came on the scene, and iron bed frames were popular due to their resistance to pests.
Bedding swiftly developed into what we're familiar with today during the 20th century, with items like accent pillows and duvets rising in prominence. We now occupy an era where anyone with an internet connection can order something sumptuous with the touch of a button.
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.