Summary: I’m particular about bedding since it’s one of the few things I don’t source secondhand. I want a safe, non-toxic sleep environment with high-quality, breathable fabrics that last. After a month of sleeping on West Elm’s linen bedding and TENCEL™ quilt, I can confidently say they deliver on comfort, durability, and sustainability. While the price point is high, the quality justifies the investment, and if you’re looking for long-lasting, beautiful bedding, West Elm is worth considering — especially if you catch a sale.

Pros:

  • West Elm’s bedding is made with sustainable, responsibly sourced fabrics like European flax linen and TENCEL™, with certifications like Fair Trade and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.
  • Their bedding, with its wide range of color options and timeless, modern designs, seamlessly complements different home aesthetics.
  • Unlike many online-only bedding brands, West Elm has physical stores where you can see and feel the fabrics before making a purchase.

Cons:

  • While the quality is excellent, the cost can be a barrier, especially when purchasing multiple bedding layers for a complete setup.
  • Unlike some home brands that offer frequent discounts, West Elm’s biggest sales are seasonal, so finding a deal on their bedding requires patience and timing.

I’ll admit it — I’m a bit of a bedding snob. While I love sourcing secondhand furniture and home decor, bedding is one area where I don’t compromise. A safe, non-toxic sleep environment is essential to me, and I’m willing to invest in high-quality, natural fabrics that contribute to a restful night. My bedroom is my sanctuary, the place where I unwind at the end of the day, and having breathable, comfortable bedding makes all the difference in how well I sleep. Over the years, I’ve gravitated toward linen for its durability, temperature regulation, and that perfectly relaxed, lived-in feel that only gets better with time.

“A safe, non-toxic sleep environment is essential to me, and I’m willing to invest in high-quality, natural fabrics that contribute to a restful night.”

Of course, choosing the right bedding isn’t just about personal preference — it also has to work for my husband, who is a much hotter sleeper than I am. While I love the weight of a cozy duvet, he often kicks off the covers in the middle of the night. Finding bedding that keeps me warm but doesn’t overheat him is an ongoing challenge, and linen has been one of the few fabrics that seems to work for both of us. It’s naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and adapts to different temperatures, making it a great year-round option.

I’ve been a West Elm customer for years and have tried some of their bedding in the past, but I was especially excited when I had the opportunity to test a few items from their linen collection for a more in-depth review. With any bedding, longevity is just as important to me as comfort — I want sheets that will hold up after many washes without pilling, tearing, or losing their softness. West Elm’s reputation for sustainable and responsibly sourced materials made me curious how their linen bedding would compare to other options I’ve tried. Here’s how it went! 

About West Elm

First, though, a bit about the brand — though, with over 100 stores worldwide, they hardly need an introduction. Still, here’s a bit of background for context: 

West Elm was founded in 2002 in Brooklyn, New York. It is part of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. family of brands, known for its focus on high-quality, design-forward home goods. Since its launch, West Elm has become a popular retailer recognized for its modern aesthetics and commitment to sustainability. The brand offers a wide range of bedding, including organic cotton, TENCEL™, and European flax linen, with options designed to be durable and eco-friendly.

“The brand offers a wide range of bedding, including organic cotton, TENCEL™, and European flax linen, with options designed to be durable and eco-friendly.”

West Elm designs its bedding in-house at its Brooklyn studio and manufactures in several countries, including India, Vietnam, Nepal, Pakistan, and China. These factories are Fair Trade Certified™ to ensure ethical production practices. The brand also ships throughout the U.S. and internationally and has flagship stores in major cities, making its sustainable bedding accessible to a broad audience.

It’s not just about sustainability and fair trade certification, though — West Elm also prioritizes organic fabrics that are free from harmful pesticides and chemical fertilizers.  The brand’s linen is primarily sourced from European flax, known for its durability and sustainable cultivation, and they partner with certified manufacturers in Belgium, France, and other parts of Europe to ensure the flax is grown using environmentally friendly practices. 

West Elm offers a thoughtful balance of style, comfort, and sustainability for those looking for non-toxic, long-lasting bedding.

A stack of folded neutral-colored bedding with black ribbon and tags, placed on a white fabric surface.
A hand holding a neatly wrapped pillow sham package with a black ribbon. The package label indicates it's a king size pillow sham from West Elm. A pillow and green bedding are in the background.
The sheets, duvet, and quilt arrived packaged in plastic wrap and then tied together with a string, cardboard, and tags.

Reviewing West Elm’s Bedding Collection

European Flax Linen Sheet Set | $269 (Queen)

From the moment I unboxed West Elm’s European Flax Linen Sheet Set, I was impressed by the richness of the color (dark olive!). The deep, earthy tone adds warmth and sophistication to our bedroom, creating a cozy yet elevated space for rest. The fabric is incredibly soft, thanks to the garment-washing process that gives it a perfectly lived-in feel right out of the package. The set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, with the fitted sheet designed to accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches deep — an ideal fit for our King bed.

The sheets are made from 100% European flax, Fair Trade Certified™ and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, which ensures they are free from harmful chemicals and safe for long-term use (I love that). It was reassuring to know that, as I made the bed, I would be sleeping on sheets made thoughtfully and with health in mind.

Our first night in these sheets? Pure comfort and restful sleep. We’ve had them on our bed for about a month now, washing them twice — once upon arrival and again after two weeks — and they’ve only become softer with time. They’ve been a noticeable upgrade, especially with Southern California’s fluctuating temperatures and my husband’s tendency to sleep hot. While I wouldn’t go as far as to say they outrank linen sheets from more affordable brands, they are definitely cozy, and I’m excited to see how they continue to age with washes/time.

A bedroom with a metal bed frame, green bedspread, wooden dresser, lamp, and plant on top. A rug is on the floor.
A neatly made bed with dark gray sheets and pillows on a wooden frame. A light gray quilted blanket is folded at the foot of the bed.
he sheets were easy to put on by myself and such a beautiful olive color! They are also a bit heavier in feel than cheaper linen sheet brands that I’ve tried.

European Flax Linen Duvet Cover & Shams | $249 (Queen Duvet); $49 (Standard Sham)

Even though my husband is a hot sleeper, I’m a duvet girlie through and through — so he loses on that front. Linen has been our compromise, along with a lightweight comforter that we both love. While I usually lean toward darker duvet colors, I was drawn to the Natural Flax option from West Elm to brighten up our space. We recently moved closer to the water, and our new bedroom is much smaller, so I wanted to create more of a coastal modern vibe. The soft, neutral tone feels light and airy, making our bedroom feel more open and inviting.

This duvet cover, crafted from 100% European flax, boasts a natural texture that softens with each wash, enhancing its comfort over time. Its breathable and absorbent qualities make it suitable for any season, ensuring we both remain comfortable throughout the night. 

The matching shams complete the cohesive look, too, adding a touch of elegance to our bedding ensemble. I love the button closure and four interior corner ties to keep the insert in place, while the shams have an envelope closure to keep the pillowcases in place. Like the sheets, the duvet cover and shams are Fair Trade Certified™ and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®. 

I absolutely love this set! That said, if I had to choose between the sheets and the duvet for budgeting reasons, I’d prioritize the sheets since they’re in direct contact with my skin. While the linen duvet is a lovely addition if it fits your budget, I see it as more of a luxury — especially since there are more affordable alternatives available.

Hand adjusting the corner of a light beige pillowcase on a pillow, showing the interior fabric. The pillow is on a textured green surface.
Close-up of a white textured pillow partially covered by a white sheet, on top of a dark green quilted bedspread.
I love these shams! They are so chic and the pocket in the back makes them easy to put on and keeps the pillowcases in place.

Silky TENCEL™ Pick Stitch Quilt | $229 (Full/Queen)

To complete the look and contrast the linen fabric, the last item I tried was the silky and luxe Pick Stitch Quilt, which is Fair Trade Certified™. Crafted from sustainably sourced TENCEL™ lyocell fibers, this quilt offers a smooth, luxurious feel that beautifully complements the natural texture of linen. The pick-stitch detailing adds a subtle, handcrafted touch, enhancing its visual appeal. Available in a range of colors, it was easy to find a shade that harmonized with our existing bedding ensemble (we went with Dark Olive, for reference).

In terms of functionality, the quilt’s lightweight design provides just the right amount of warmth for year-round use. Its moisture-wicking properties are great for hot sleepers, as it helps regulate temperature, yet it’s still cozy and, ultimately, a quilt. After incorporating it into our bedding, we’ve found that it not only elevates the aesthetic of our bedroom but also enhances our overall sleep experience. Plus, it just looks great at the end of the bed! 

A hand holds the corner of a quilted fabric with parallel stitching. The fabric is a smooth, olive green material against a light-colored textured background.
A neatly made bed with an olive green quilt and pillows. The bedding includes two dark green pillows and two white ones, all against a wooden headboard.
The quilt is both soft and heavy in feel. It has a bit of a sheen to it and the stitching is so beautiful.

So, is West Elm bedding worth it?

A neatly made bed with a black metal frame, green quilt and pillows next to a wooden dresser with a lamp and plant. Natural light enters through a window with blinds.
The final result! The bed feels so cozy and luxe now and I couldn’t be happier with the result.

For me, West Elm bedding is worth considering if you’re looking for high-quality, non-toxic materials that are made to last. Their linen collection, in particular, is a bestseller for good reason — it’s breathable, softens beautifully over time, and comes in various sizes and colors to fit different styles and homes. I also love that you can see and feel the fabrics in person at their stores, which isn’t the case with many online-only bedding brands. Being able to experience the texture and weight before committing makes a big difference, especially when investing in something as personal as bedding.

“West Elm bedding is worth considering if you’re looking for high-quality, non-toxic materials that are made to last.”

That said, West Elm’s prices are definitely on the higher side. Outfitting a king-size bed with sheets, shams, duvets, and blankets adds up fast. While I do think the durability and sustainability justify the cost, I get that it’s not in everyone’s budget. I always recommend keeping an eye out for West Elm’s sales throughout the year if you’re looking to invest. Whether you splurge at full price or wait for a deal, their bedding is designed to last, making it a solid choice if you’re prioritizing comfort, aesthetics, and sustainability.

Kayti Christian is a Senior Content Strategist at The Good Trade. With an MFA in Nonfiction Creative Writing, her work has appeared in TODAY, Shondaland, and The New York Times. Since 2017, Kayti has been uncovering and reviewing the best sustainable home brands and wellness products. Her personal journey through four years of fertility treatments has inspired her to write extensively about women’s healthcare and reproductive access. Beyond her work at The Good Trade, Kayti is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a Substack newsletter with 6,000 subscribers, and the cohost of the FriedEggs Podcast, which delves into IVF and infertility.