Forget fleece, my brushed cotton bedding is keeping me cosy though this cold snap

When the temperature drops, staying warm becomes a full-time occupation. And as someone who already feels the cold, I’ve been on a near-constant quest for cosiness that doesn’t involve living inside a sauna. Fleece bedding has been in the spotlight lately, but in my experience, it can feel a little suffocating. Toasty, yes. Breathable, not so much. So when I spotted Dunelm’s brushed cotton bedding, I had to ask: could this be the Goldilocks solution?

This snuggles itself into the sweet spot of feeling like super cosy, warm bedding, whilst still letting your skin breathe in the night. Pair the practical details with the charming cottage-core styles that they have on the site and you've got some of the best bedding you can buy, except it's actually really reasonably priced too. I'd normally expect to pay ten times the price for this kind of quality (I’ve put it head-to-head with a premium alternative further down), and in terms of warmth, it’s as close as you’ll get to sleeping with an electric blanket, without actually plugging one in.

If you’re looking for a low-effort way to winter-proof your bed, this is exactly the kind of bedding that layers beautifully with thick pyjamas, a hot drink, and a smug sense of having cracked the cosiness code.

Everything you need to know about Dunelm's Brushed Cotton Bedding

If you haven't already heard, Dunelm's bedding is some of the best and most affordable on the market. They're brilliant with size offerings, ranging from single through to super king and they'll also cover just about every colourway you can think of. However, for this review, we're looking at two of their main collections:

What you should know about the composition of Dunelm's Brushed Cotton Bedding

Dunelm’s Catherine Lansfield brushed cotton bedding is made from 100% cotton that’s been brushed to lift the fibres on the surface. This creates tiny air pockets that trap heat. It's the same principle that makes flannel shirts and brushed pyjamas feel warmer, while still allowing air to circulate. In practical terms, that means warmth without the clammy side effects you sometimes get with synthetic fleece. I always describe the feeling as 'peach fuzz', which sounds a little strange when we're talking about bedding, but it's really accurate.

If you opt for the Dunelm Portloe, woven cotton, collection, you'll get a slightly different feel. This is washed cotton, which is still super soft against the skin, but it's closer to linen in feel, so more of an all-seasons set.

The Portloe collection also has the impressive OEKO-TEX accolade to boast. If you've seen the title, but you're not sure what it means, getting this certification means meeting some really high standards of environmental, social, and chemical safety. The whole supply-chain has to be traceable, so it's a set that will feel as good on the inside as it does on the outside.

Who would Dunelm's Brushed Cotton Bedding suit?

With this weather, everyone is looking for ways to keep their home warmer without cranking up the heating and I have to say that this bedding is one of my best discoveries. Dunelm's brushed cotton bedding is ideal for cold sleepers, draughty homes, and anyone who wants extra warmth without committing to heavyweight winter duvets or an electric blanket. If you love crisp percale or ultra-light linen in summer, think of this as your seasonal swap-in: a winter coat for your bed.

Where plenty of cosy bedding misses the mark is that they get a bit too hot and sweaty, which is far from ideal. That's why I think Dunelm's collection is so special. It'll keep you warm, but cotton is naturally breathable, so it wicks away any sweat and moisture, so you can stay cosy, but not clammy.

It's also stating the obvious, but this bedding is gorgeous. Dunelm's designs and rich colourways are an easy way to make your home feel instantly cosier. Layered up with a blanket and some cushions and your bed will become (even more) irresistible. If I could be reviewing from bed right now, I would be.

What is the Dunelm Brushed Cotton Bedding like to sleep in?

Now, we get to the part where I have actually been sleeping on the job. It's research. I started testing these sheets back in November when the weather was still mild and have transitioned through the winter into the cold snap, giving these a good range of testing. And, you can consider me well and truly cosy.

On a practical level, the fit is genuinely impressive. There’s always some variation in duvet and pillow dimensions, but this fitted like a glove, snug without being strained, smooth without excess fabric bunching or wrinkling (a classic giveaway of cheaper bedding). Straight away, it looked cosy but also surprisingly premium.

I moved onto this set straight from linen sheets, so the contrast was immediate. The brushed cotton has a reassuring weight to it, with a soft, fleecy surface that feels almost peachy to the touch.

The balance between insulation and airflow is spot on: warm without being stuffy, cocooning without overheating. Both my partner and I noticed the difference straight away, and while I usually rely on an electric blanket and a throw, I found I didn’t need either running overnight to stay comfortable. Consider me well and truly tucked in.

How does Dunelm's Brushed Cotton Bedding compare?

One of the most interesting things about Dunelm’s brushed cotton bedding is how closely it mirrors my much-loved Piglet In Bed Gingham Set. I adore my linen sheets, but they’re undeniably an investment, so I was curious to see how Dunelm’s version, at roughly 10% of the price, would stack up.

Laid side by side, the designs are remarkably similar. The main difference lies in feel. Piglet In Bed’s linen is lighter, airier, and better suited to year-round use, while Dunelm’s brushed cotton has a heavier, cosier hand feel. If Piglet In Bed is a light blanket, Dunelm is a proper winter layer. That translates directly to sleep: I was noticeably warmer in the Dunelm sheets, but not in a sweaty or cloying way, just comfortably, reliably cosy.

The Piglet In Bed set does edge ahead on finishing details like wooden buttons and hanging loops, and it’s arguably the better all-rounder. But taken on its own, Dunelm’s brushed cotton bedding delivers exceptional comfort for the price, and if I didn’t have them side by side, I’d be more than happy burrowing into it every night.

Should you buy the Dunelm Brushed Cotton Bedding?

If you want warmth, softness, and a charming look without spending a fortune, this is a no-brainer. It’s practical, comforting, and does exactly what good winter bedding should do: help you stay warm, sleep better, and dread getting out of bed just a little bit more.

A final note on Dunelm's Brushed Cotton Bedding Collection

Since I tested it, Dunelm’s gingham bedding offering has effectively split into two clear camps. The set pictured here was part of the Maeva brushed cotton collection, which is no longer in stock, but its closest match is now the Catherine Lansfield Stripe 100% Brushed Cotton Reversible Duvet Cover & Pillowcase Set. In practical terms, it’s almost identical in feel and performance: made from brushed cotton for extra warmth, fully reversible with a contrasting stripe design, finished with button fastenings and envelope pillow closures. It’s reassuringly cosy and available in a wide range of colours, including blue, blush, green, navy, natural and silver. If you’re buying for winter warmth, this is the most like-for-like replacement.

Dunelm also stocks a gingham option in plain cotton, known as the Portloe Woven Gingham Collection, which takes a slightly different approach. This set is pre-washed for extra softness, giving it a relaxed, laundered finish with a subtle linen-look aesthetic. It’s naturally breathable, smooth against the skin, and designed for year-round use rather than deep winter cosiness. Each set includes matching pillowcases and secures with a classic button closure. The Portloe range is also OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN and STANDARD 100 certified, meaning it meets stringent environmental, social and chemical safety standards, with full supply-chain traceability.

In short, choose Catherine Lansfield for maximum snug factor, or Portloe if you want a lighter, all-season gingham with sustainability credentials woven in.

How we test bedding

At woman&home, we put all bedding through the same standardised testing process. And yes, while some might call it sleeping on the job, I prefer to think of it as serious research.

We assess everything from fibre content and construction through to fit, finish, and feel, then sleep on each set for at least a month. During that time, the bedding goes through multiple wash cycles and regular sheet changes, so we can report honestly on comfort, breathability, warmth, and durability.

I also pay close attention to the smaller details: buttons, fastenings, hanging loops, and overall finishing. Great bedding needs to be more than just soft. By the end of our reviews, you should know exactly what to expect, but if you’d like to go deeper, you can always read our dedicated guide on how we test bedding.