My High-End Designer Friend Buys This Macy’s Bedding for Almost All of His Clients, and It’s on Major Sale Now

Whenever I want to cut through the noise of shopping for particular kinds of home furnishings, I call on my pro friends for their expert opinions. Don’t get me wrong — I know a lot about pretty much every category of decor, and I stand by my own little black book of favorites that I’ve amassed over 15 years. But I can’t compete with a designer who, say, has specced plumbing fixtures for over 50 homes, chosen thousands of paint colors, or, in the case of today’s topic, sourced bedding for literally hundreds of beds. 

So when the topic turned to the best duvets and comforters on the market in a design-savvy group chat of mine, I got some surprising recommendations — and I’m not going to gatekeep them. Maybe you’d expect to hear the likes of Frette, Yves Delorme, or Matouk, and trust me — these brands do make gorgeous linens. But there’s one department store product that consistently punches above its price point, at least according to my friend and designer Adnan Anwar, who says linens might even be “more important than the mattress to get right” for ultimate comfort. And it’s your lucky day because his trusted high-end duvet dupe is on sale for 50% off right now!

“I’m a bed linens fanatic,” says designer Adnan Anwar. “I have enough in my one-bedroom apartment to outfit a small hotel. I’ve tried all the luxury brands, collect vintage linens, and have tested the favorites from pretty much every big-box store. I’ve done tons of research and testing to figure out how to give people the most luxurious bed possible at a reasonable price point. And the anchor of my go-to formula is this Macy’s duvet set.”

First and foremost, the price point is what makes this duvet a repeat purchase. “Even though we spend a third of our lives in bed, between dogs, kids, self-tanner, hair dye, and just life, a lot of my clients are only willing to splurge so much when it comes to bedding,” says Anwar. “And I get it!” Although not cheap by any means, this duvet set isn’t four figures, and it tends to always be on some sort of sale. Right now, it’s the cheapest it’s been in months, so it’s definitely the time to buy. 

Need some convincing? For Anwar, the quality of this duvet all comes down to its durability, fine details, and hand-feel. “Here’s an industry secret I learned when I worked in the fabric world: This bedding is made by the same mill as a luxury Italian bedding brand that costs about three times the price, which explains why it’s so exceptional,” says Anwar. “I love that the hemstitch adds a little detail but not so much that it feels out of place in a modern project or prevents a more traditional room from feeling fresh. It’s also a great foundation for customization if you want to have monogramming or embroidery added.” 

Two other highlights? It’s oversized, which Anwar says “is great for couples so no one feels like they’re fighting for coverage, and for higher beds so the duvet doesn’t look anemic hanging over the sides.” Maybe most importantly, it’s also low-maintenance. “It looks great wash after wash and doesn’t wrinkle much,” says Anwar. “Even though it’s sateen, it’s surprisingly light and breathes beautifully.” 

As far as inserts go, Anwar says Amazon has better options than you might think. “I learned the trick of sizing up from a dear friend’s mom years ago and have never looked back,” he says. “I use a king insert for a queen duvet or an oversized king insert for a king duvet. It gives you that really full, luxurious look rather than a sad, flat duvet.” His pick is this style from the Egyptian Bedding Store.

For pillows, Anwar recommends Downluxe pillows. “They’re just the right amount of feathery and full for me,” he says. “And do not trust the ratings at all. I’ve used them over and over again and have never gotten a complaint.”

Anwar’s final tip for a bed that looks as good as it feels? A white duvet is his non-negotiable and always the way to go, in his book. It’s classic, never goes out of style, and meshes with a wide variety of aesthetics. 

Choosing a white duvet doesn’t mean saying no to all color, though. “I often pair it with printed sheets or a fitted sheet to have a little surprise and pop,” he says.