Stylish, hypoallergenic, breathable, sustainable, buttery-soft and incredibly durable, there’s a reason why linen is the luxurious all-rounder bedding material worth investing in. Luckily for you, there are more affordable options out there that don’t compromise on quality.
Considering we spend one-third of our lives either sleeping – or attempting to do so – there’s a good reason we should all be investing in a good night’s rest. Now, when it comes to bed sheets, nothing quite compares to the comfort of linen material. Aside from being a stylish addition to a bedroom, this natural and sustainable flax-based fibre comes with a plethora of benefits. Not only is linen temperature-regulating (meaning it will keep you cool in summer and cosy in winter) but it’s also incredibly durable, ultra-absorbent and antibacterial. Plus, one of linen’s best qualities is that it becomes softer with each wash.
While linen is traditionally more costly than its more budget-made counterparts (hello, cotton), various online retailers have thankfully made this luxurious material more attainable because no one should miss out on experiencing what sleeping on linen feels like. We assessed material quality, performance, feel, fit and price of all linen sets (queen size) available to purchase online in Australia, and read through hundreds of reviews to round up the very best picks of the lot so you can finally sleep in supreme linen comfort, night after night, without breaking the bank.
The best affordable linen sheets to shop in Australia in 2024
Linen House Pure Linen Natural sheet set (queen), $321.99 (usually $459.99) at Linen House
Linen House was founded in 1993 by a Melbourne couple and over the years, has garnered a reputation as the go-to destination for purchasing quality bed linen with sustainability and style in mind. One of the most popular items in the huge range is the Pure Linen Sheet Set, which is made from 100 per cent flax. It comes in a range of beautifully versatile colours including classic White and Natural, as well as more seasonal hues like Moss, Sky and Rosette. The sheets and pillowcases can also be purchased separately, so you can get creative with mixing and matching colours to suit your aesthetic.
“I purchased these sheets after much research and boy did I get it right,” exclaimed one five-star customer. “The colour is rich and the sheet quality is top notch. They are both soft and comfortable to sleep in.”
Key features:
- Set includes: One fitted sheet (50cm depth), one flat sheet and two standard pillowcases
- Pre-shrunk and pre-washed
- Available in eight colourways
- Option to purchase sheets individually
- Free delivery over $150
- Returns within 14 days of delivery
- 100 per cent Australian-owned brand
Shop up to 70% off at the Linen House Mid-Year Clearance sale!
French flax linen sheet set in Ivy Stripe (queen), $266.25 (usually $355) at I Love Linen
This high-quality 100 per cent European flax linen sheet set has garnered over 1000 five-star reviews – and counting – with customers obsessed with the high quality, look, fit and feel. In fact, it’s one of the most customisable sets on the market because, unlike other sets that come with a standard fitted sheet, this one from I Love Linen is available in a 30cm, 40cm and 50cm depth fitted sheet to perfectly fit all types of mattresses. Plus, while we love the Ivy Stripe for a dose of colour in a bedroom, the set is also available in over 25 other colours and patterns, which are all designed to work with one another so you can mix and match according to the seasons and your ever-evolving interior style.
“The best linen sheet in my view…the added length to the fitted sheet and pillow cases (compared with other brands) make it feel so much more luxurious and they sit so much nicer on the bed,” one satisfied five-star customer wrote. “Feel glorious to sleep in…cool in summer and warm in winter.”
Key features:
- Set includes: one flat sheets, one fitted sheet and two standard pillowcases
- Made from European flax grown in France
- 170GSM and OEKO-TEX certified
- Fitted sheet available in three depths: 30cm, 40cm and 50cm
- Also available in over 25 colours and patterns
- Shipped in recycled and recyclable packaging
- 365-night “great quality guarantee”
- Free and fast delivery Australia-wide
- Exchanges and refunds within 30 days
Natural Home European flax linen sheet set (queen), from $169 at Temple & Webster
This linen sheet set has all the same great qualities as upscale ones on the market, just at a fraction of the price. It’s made from 100 per cent European linen that’s been OEKO-TEX certified, it’s absorbent and breathable and it’s even delivered in an environmentally friendly fabric bag, which can be reused for safely storing your sheets.
“Very happy with this sheet set,” one five-star customer said. “I love the colour and the price was cheaper than I have paid elsewhere. They are soft and floppy just the way I love my linen sheets.”
Another person wrote: “These are the most beautiful sheets I have ever slept on!! I don’t want to get out of bed.”
Key features:
- Set includes: one fitted sheet (40cm pocket depth), one flat sheet and two standard pillowcases
- 100 per cent European linen
- OEKO-TEX certified
- 155GSM
- Packaged in an environmentally friendly fabric bag
- Available in four colours – Deep Blue, Olive, Rust and Sage
Morgan & Finch Milano linen sheet set (queen), $209.95 (usually $349.95) at Bed Bath N’ Table
Expertly woven from flax plants that have been grown in the regions of France, this luxurious and long-lasting sheet set can be slept on year-round thanks to its hypoallergenic and breathability properties. It’s available in a range of versatile colours that make it easy to mix and match to create your own unique style. Bed Bath N’ Table is no stranger to treating customers with sales across its range so we recommend keeping an eye on this product so you can snag it at an even more affordable price.
Key features:
- Set includes: one flat sheet, one fitted sheet (40cm pocket depth) and two standard pillowcases
- Made from 100 per cent French flax
- Available in eight versatile colourways
- Pre-washed and finished with a stylish twin-needle stitch
- Free and fast delivery for orders over $150
- Returns within 14 days from delivery date
- Designed in Australia
Eve linen sheet set in Butter (queen), $690 at Sheet Society
For a completely customisable 100 per cent French flax linen sheet set, look no further than this one from Sheet Society. You can build your set to perfectly suit your bedding needs — choose the size of your quilt cover (we love having a quilt one size larger than our mattress to create an elegant draped style), fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases (available in standard, king and European sizes).
You also have the difficult decision of choosing one of the many solid colours and patterns available (although we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to get more than one set so you can mix and match). You can especially tell this set is of the highest quality thanks to the attention to small but significant design details, like the invisible zippers, deep pillow folds and thick-rubber elasticated sheets.
“My first experience sleeping in quality linen sheets, and now I will have no other sheets,” one five-star customer wrote. “Cosy and luxurious feel both at the same time. A joy to look forward to at night and a delight to wake up in. Even my husband commented positively on the new sheets — so they must’ve been good.”
Key features:
- The above queen-sized pricing is inclusive of: one quilt cover, one fitted sheet (50cm pocket depth), one flat sheet and two standard pillowcases
- Completely customisable set (price will vary depending on the size of each sheet element selected)
- European pillowcases can also be added for $60 each
- Made from 100 per cent certified French flax linen
- OEKO-TEX certified
- Available in a huge range of colours and patterns
- Invisible zippers, deep pillow folds and thick-ribbed elasticated sheets
- Fast and free shipping Australia-wide
Le Linen sheet set (queen), $247.50 (usually $330) at Koala
The same brand renowned for its range of best-selling boxed mattresses is a linen sheet set that’s as equally as luxurious and comforting. While it’s crafted from 100 per cent French flax that gets buttery soft over time, Koala’s sheet set is actually treated with an enzyme wash that makes it extra soft to touch from the very first time you wrap yourself in them.
“Simple and luxurious sheets, these are the best quality French linen sheets I have ever bought. Breathable, comfortable and natural feeling,” one five-star reviewer commented. “The material itself is high quality with very little imperfections, the construction is all very neat and well overlocked seams and neat double stitched details.”
Key features:
- Set includes: one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and two standard pillowcases
- Made from 100 per cent French flax
- Treated with an enzyme wash for added softness
- Designed in Sydney, Australia
- Free and fast delivery Australia-wide
- One-year warranty
- 120-night free returns policy
100 per cent flax linen sheet set (queen), $280 (normally $350) at Ecosa
What’s really impressive about Ecosa’s linen sheet set is the attention to minute design details. For example, the fitted sheet features a 3cm elastic edge to ensure it’s fitted nice and snug over your mattress. Plus, the sheets have handy long and short-side label cues to eliminate all the bed-making confusion.
“These sheets are divine, wonderfully soft and the quality is superb,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “There is no way I can go back to any other material.”
Another person said: “These are the best sheets I’ve ever had! They are super soft and breathable. Easy to clean and they don’t crinkle as much as regular linen.”
Key features:
- Set includes: one fitted sheet (43.2cm pocket depth), one flat sheet and two standard pillowcases
- 100 per cent organic flax linen
- Also available in a linen-bamboo blend for a more affordable price
- OEKO-TEX certified
- Fitted sheet features a 3cm elastic edge
- Label cues to eliminate bed-making confusion
- Free and fast delivery Australia-wide
Linen-bamboo blend sheet set (queen), $236 (normally $295) at Ecosa
If you’re looking for an even more affordable option to Ecosa’s 100 per cent flax linen sheet set, you can opt for the linen-bamboo blend version. This material is made from a perfect combination of 85 per cent bamboo and 15 per cent linen, which feels ultra-smooth and soft from the first use. Opting for this material will not only save you money but you’ll also benefit from all the stylish benefits of linen as well as the moisture-wicking, sustainable and ultra-durable properties bamboo is adored for.
“The bamboo linen is the perfect material for both myself who is always cold and my husband who is always hot,” one happy five-star customer said. “The linen weave is cooling and the bamboo is soo soft and silky. They also feel stronger and like they will last longer than our old washed cotton sheets from another popular brand.”
Key features:
- Set includes: one fitted sheet (43.2cm pocket depth), one flat sheet and two standard pillowcases
- 85 per cent bamboo and 15 per cent flax linen
- Also available in 100 per cent flax linen material
- Linen is OEKO-TEX certified
- Fitted sheet features a 3cm elastic edge
- Label cues to eliminate bed-making confusion
- Free and fast delivery Australia-wide
What are the benefits of linen bed sheets?
Sleeping on linen bedding comes with a plethora of benefits.
Temperature regulating: Linen is a trans-seasonal bedding solution so there’s no need to change your sheets according to the seasons. In the warmer months, its moisture-wicking qualities act as an effective antiperspirant (especially perfect for hot sleepers). But linen is also a natural insulator so it will keep you cosy during the cooler months.
Durable: Compared to cotton and wool, linen is twice as durable and is even stronger when wet. Flax linen also retains its shape compared to other textiles, so it will continue to look fresh years into its life cycle.
Eco-friendly: Linen is made from a renewable and biodegradable resource that doesn’t require pesticides or chemicals to grow. That means you can sleep peacefully knowing your sheets are good for the environment and your health.
Hypoallergenic: Linen itself is naturally hypoallergenic and skin-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin. It’s also resistant to dust mites, mould and bacteria.
Softens with age: The more you wash your linen with a liquid detergent on a cold, gentle cycle, followed by hanging it to air dry, the softer it will become, all without becoming worn.
Requires little maintenance: You can definitely iron linen bedding but there’s just something magical about crinkled linen bedding no other material can replicate.
How much should you pay for linen sheets?
Linen can be more expensive when compared to less luxurious materials like cotton (some queen sets can steep upwards of more than $1000). Of course, this doesn’t mean everyone should be breaking the bank just for a bedroom linen makeover.
In fact, a few sets in our guide above come in under the $300 mark, which is a small price to pay for an essential household item you’ll be using every night. For another budget-friendly alternative to linen, look towards a linen-bamboo blend, like the Ecosa Linen-Bamboo Blend Sheet Set which is crafted from 85 per cent bamboo and 15 per cent flax linen. Whichever set you choose to style your bed, the key is to remember that every cent spent on linen bedding will be worth the investment.
How do you take care of linen bed sheets?
The magical thing about linen is that it gets better with time and softens with every wash. It’s perfectly fine to machine wash your linens but to prolong its durability, ensure you wash your bedding with similar colours in a cool, gentle cycle using liquid detergent. Steer clear of bleach, fabric softeners and other harsh chemicals as these will weaken the fibres over time.
It’s also crucial your linen is thoroughly rinsed in plenty of water to remove all traces of soap and detergent as doing so will present the formation of age spots. When it comes to storing your linen sheets, you first want to make sure they are bone dry. Then, opt for cloth bags or another soft textile over plastic containers as the latter can create humid environments and even turn your linen a yellow hue. If your linen cupboards are prone to dampness, try lining the shelves with jars of baking soda and avoid squishing your sheets too tightly together so there’s optimal air circulation. And if you’re still unsure of how to wash and store your linens, refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Looking to save money on home décor and furniture? Check out our coupon codes for Freedom, Adairs, Koala, Myer, Ecosa and more.
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