The “So Pretty” Flannel Sheets Keeping Me Cozy In My Chilly Apartment (They’re Under $50!)

Finding the perfect combination of bedding for the season is an art form. So far I’ve had better luck during the summer. It was easier for me to find a set of sheets and blankets that keep me cool versus finding ones that keep me warm — without overheating — during the winter. It’s taken a bit of trial and error, but I think I’ve finally done it. Paired with my fluffy comforter and lightweight quilt, my new flannel sheets were the piece my winter bed was missing, and I have no idea why it took me so long to try the material out.

When it comes to sheets, I’ve tested nearly every kind out there, from linen to cotton percale, but flannel has been a more recent addition to my rotation. Having lived in drafty New York City apartments for the past several years, it’s surprising that I never got around to purchasing a set for myself. Now that I’ve felt the difference that they make, I never want to get out of bed in the morning. What’s more, I didn’t have to spend a fortune to make the cozy upgrade. Keep reading to find out why this pretty $47 set from Amazon has been a game-changer for me this winter.

If you’re less familiar with flannel like I was, you might be wondering what sets it apart from other kinds of sheets (and what makes it especially suited to winter). The fabric’s fuzzy feel is created through a process called napping, during which tiny fibers are pulled from it. From that, heat-trapping air pockets come about, which are what helps the material keep you warm all night long. Most sets are made from cotton and come in a variety of prints. (Many, I should add, are festive for the holidays.)

Despite its budget-friendly price, this version is 100% cotton — some cheaper options are made from polyester, aka micro flannel — and its double brushed for extra softness. The sheets have a medium weight with a GSM (grams per square meter) of 170. The material is constructed to allow for some air circulation. Further, the sheets undergo a nine-stage manufacturing process for durability, to resist pilling, shedding, and fading. Flannel is also prone to some shrinking at first, so the brand made the pockets extra deep to accommodate that. 

Out of all the spots in my apartment, my bed is where I spend the most time during the colder months, so I take special care to make it as cozy as possible. I didn’t know what I was missing before outfitting my bed with flannel: The first night that I burrowed underneath the covers, I couldn’t believe how well the material blocked out the chill. I’ve spent the past few weeks keeping my heat turned off for as long as I can stand it — my energy bill gets expensive — so my flannel-clad bed has been my respite.

In fact, even with my heat turned on occasionally, I haven’t woken up sweating like I feared I would. Ruvanti’s set strikes a balance between warm and breathable in a way that’s totally impressive for its affordable price. Plus, it also looks like it costs more than it does. For one, the material doesn’t wrinkle, unlike my other linen and cotton percale sets. It also doesn’t bunch up, with the deep pockets hugging my mattress and topper securely. My bed being pressed against the wall doesn’t always make for the easiest bed-making experience, but the size of this set made it significantly less of a hassle. There was some slight shedding from the outset, but I knew going in to expect that — it’s standard for the material. A few washes did the trick in minimizing it.

Of course, the print is the biggest showstopper. I typically go for solid-colored sheet sets, but I was drawn to Ruvanti’s vintage-looking “Dried Straw” pattern. Sheets may seem minimal, but when you live in a studio apartment like I do, they really do have a significant impact on my space’s overall look. The natural print blends in seamlessly with the rest of my vintage-style decor. It’s slightly faded enough that it doesn’t overwhelm the small space. Even when I don’t make my bed, the print makes my apartment look more put-together.

For under $50, all of that makes this set a total steal. I’m already planning on grabbing another print — the brand has plenty of holiday-themed ones in addition to the more neutral ones — so that I can alternate between them this winter!

Buy: RUVANTI Flannel Sheets, Queen, $46.99