We selected our picks for the best college dorm bedding taking into account college requirements and the many functions the bed will serve—from rest haven to dining table, hangout spot, and study space. We’ve also considered all the items your kid will need in addition to sheets and a comforter, like a mattress cover (required by most colleges), a bed skirt (to hide all the storage under your bed), and easy-to-wash duvet covers. And we got additional insight from interior design experts Sara Manor and Shara Miller to determine what to look for and how to turn your dorm room into a home. Here’s our list of best college dorm room bedding. We love that the fitted sheet has elastic all the way around, so it’s easy to get a snug and secure fit. It also has 6 x 7-inch pockets on both sides, so your kid will be less likely to misplace their phone, remote, or anything else they need nearby. This feature is especially useful since some dorm rooms don’t have bedside tables. Price at time of publication: $48
The fitted sheet has elastic all the way around, so it’ll stay on securely, a helpful feature for anyone new to making their own bed. Microfiber can sleep warm, though, and that’s something to consider if your child tends to get hot at night. Price at time of publication: $24
This mattress pad is also very convenient because it can go in the washer and dryer, which makes life easier for your college student. Price at time of publication: $139 Machine washable, the twin XL set comes with a quilt and a sham, so it may be worth adding a few fun throw pillows to your order. This quilt is made of soft and cozy polyester and is very lightweight compared to other quilts, but be aware that the fabric may pill after a few washes. Price at time of publication: $100 This medium-weight insert is ideal for year-round warmth, and corner loops make it easy to attach to a duvet cover. While some people may prefer down, the polyester fiber filling in this Company Store insert is hypoallergenic, which makes it a great option for kids with allergies and sensitivities. Price at time of publication: $199 This machine-washable option is on the more expensive side, and you’ll need to buy matching shams and other accessories separately. Price at time of publication: $129 Making the bed is easy with this set—the fitted sheet has universal elastic that goes around the whole sheet, secures it, and helps newbies keep their beds looking nice and neat. For college kiddos that love design inspo, PB Teen has a dorm-specific section on its site full of ideas, decorations, celebrity recommendations, and other dorm-friendly accessories. Conscientious young folks will also be happy to know these were made with organic cotton in factories certified by a third party to have sustainable labor practices. Price at time of publication: $89 This bundle is a helpful option if your college kiddo will be traveling far away for school. You can order it at home and have it shipped right to their school, so they’ll have everything they need, including a bottle of laundry detergent! Price at time of publication: $596 Available in six attractive options, the sheets and comforters come in contrasting colors, so the set really pops and looks great. One click and your kid’s college dorm bedding needs will be done. Price at time of publication: $33 Available in a range of solid colors and slightly detailed quatrefoil designs, these can easily be spruced up with some colorful pillows. Price at time of publication: $27 Dormify is a college bedding-specific website and has “bed visualizer” and “design your own bed” tools, which are fun for design-focused teens to engage with. Free shipping helps seal the deal. Price at time of publication: $85
What to Look for in College Dorm Bedding
When selecting bedding, help your college student find something that’s comfortable, cozy, and easy to set up. “College is your kid’s first foray into adulthood—beds should be comfy, classic, and more mature than the teen bedroom,” according to interior design and home staging professionals Sara Manor and Shara Miller. You’ll also want to consider how practical and easy to wash the bedding is.
Materials
Always check the materials before purchase, especially if it’s a material blend or there are allergies or skin sensitivities. “The materials matter whether in a dorm, a nursery, or a primary suite,” Manor and Miller tell Verywell Family. “Durability and washability are certainly toward the top of the priority list, but comfort here is king. Soft cotton sheet sets, down pillows, and duvet inserts (if allergies allow) are always best.”
Washing and Care Instructions
Aim for machine washable and dryable materials. It’s hard to imagine a college student hand-washing or hang-drying anything with a successful outcome. If possible, wash all the bedding at home prior to use, and when you pack them up for college, arm your student with laundry detergent instead of relying on them to buy some. Not only will this set them up for success, but using detergent from home can provide some powerful smell connections.
Style
Let your child choose their own style. Living alone is a big milestone, and they should feel comfortable and confident with their selection. If they’re seeking your advice, suggest they “stay away from trends,” said the interior design experts. Since your kiddo will use this bedding for the whole school year (and hopefully longer), a classic and comfortable style is best.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 12-year-old son, a 9-year-old son, and a 5-year-old daughter. Her kids are far from being college students and her college days are long behind her, but she loves cozy bedding, and her kids do, too.
