Don’t Call It Satin — This Is the Best Silk Bedding for People Who Take Sleep Seriously

It’s breathable, beautiful, and completely dupeless

Best silk bedding, including pillowcases, sheets, and duvets, pictured against a colorful checkered background
(Image credit: Lilysilk; Mayfairsilk; Harrods; John Lewis)

You clock the price tag on a garment and wince — ‘Mulberry’. Figures. Which is exactly why the idea of silk bedding sounds wildly indulgent, possibly absurd. It’s luxurious, yes — because your bed is hardly a camisole, and that’s a whole lot of fabric.

But here’s the thing: the best bedding sets made of silk aren't just beautiful — they're scientifically better. According to Certified Sleep Science Coach Carlie Gasia, silk bedding is “naturally hypoallergenic, repelling dust, mites, and mould,” which makes it a smart pick for allergy sufferers — and even smarter for your skin. “Silk is temperature-regulating and breathable,” she adds, so you’ll sleep comfortably, whatever the season.

Less laundry, better rest, fewer breakouts. Not bad for something that also happens to look spectacular.

Just be warned — not all silk bedding is created equal. There’s a lot of satin out there posing as the real thing. But as Livingetc’s resident bedding obsessive, I’ve handled the good, the great, and the too-shiny-to-be-trusted — and rounded up the top picks from the best bedding brands.

You spend a third of your life in bed. Not to be dramatic, but this might be the best investment you’ve ever made.

Our Favorite Silk Sheets

Our Favorite Silk Duvets

Our Favorite Silk Pillowcases

Our Favorite Silk Sleep Accessories

FAQs

How should I wash silk bedding?

Silk may look delicate, but don’t be fooled — it’s remarkably strong for a natural fiber (stronger than steel in tensile strength!). That said, silk's longevity depends almost entirely on how you care for it. Treat silk — one of the best bedding materials — well, and it’ll reward you with years (possibly decades) of impeccable drape and softness.

Sleep expert Carlie Gasia advises keeping things simple: “Wash at 30°C using a gentle, non-bio detergent,” she says. And whatever you do, “avoid bleach, fabric softener, or anything harsh.”

Silk doesn’t respond well to drama.

Can I put silk bedding in the dryer?

Technically, yes. Practically? Best not. Carlie strongly recommends line drying — ideally somewhere shaded, as direct sunlight and heat can strip silk of its signature sheen.

But if you’re working with gray skies and no time, a tumble dry on the lowest heat setting can be done. (I’ve done it. Multiple times.) Will it dull the shine a touch over time? Probably. Will it ruin everything instantly? No.

If you must tumble, be tactical: keep it short, cool, and infrequent. Call it damage control — not best practice, but not a disaster either.


Silk vs satin — is there a difference? Oh, absolutely. (And if you’re here, odds are you’ve already made the right call.) Still, we asked the experts to weigh in — just in case you need extra validation before clicking add to cart.

Julia Demer
Style Editor

Formerly covering fashion at L’Officiel USA, style maven Julia Demer brings her love of design to Livingetc’s world of interiors. As the title’s New York-based Style Editor, Julia's work reflects a sharp eye for detail and an innate passion for aesthetics. Her journey began with a strong foundation in design, honing her craft at renowned establishments like The Row and even establishing her own eponymous fashion brand. Julia’s design background is evident in the way she thoughtfully curates shopping edits, always maintaining a focus on emerging trends while preserving timeless sensibilities. For Julia, fashion and interiors go hand in hand, reflecting her lifelong commitment to perfecting the art of style.