Your bedroom should be a relaxing getaway from the stressors of everyday life, and what's more relaxing than a tropical paradise? Since the bed is the focal point of any bedroom, it's important to do your research and choose a tropical bedding set that marks the tone for the rest of your room design.
You'll want a quality piece that will last you through all seasons for years to come, while still maintaining its softness and color to feel as stylish as ever. Check out my round-up below of my 5 favorite tropical bedding sets to find the perfect one for you!
Duvets, Duvet Covers, and Comforters: What's the Difference?
A comforter is a fluffy blanket made of two sheets of fabric stuffed with either down or synthetic fiber and then quilted together. It's the perfect choice for cold winter nights when a quilt or regular blanket won't do. You'll often find comforters in “bed in a bag” sets that also include pillowcases, sheets, and shams.
Comforters are usually machine washable, if your machine is big enough, and will normally last you a number of years. However, a major con is with the artificial filling, it may lose its shape or “fluffiness” over time.
A duvet is similar, but there are a few key differences. Unlike comforters, duvets have several kinds of “fill powers”, meaning the amount of filling that corresponds to how warm the duvet is. A duvet with a higher fill power will be fluffier and warmer than one with a low fill power.
While a comforter is made to be used on its own, duvets require a cover that can be purchased separately, this is usually called a duvet cover. A duvet cover is essentially two pieces of fabric sewn together into a bag that you use to cover the duvet. These covers will usually have a zipper or other fastening to close it.
They are usually made using cotton, linen, or other fabrics that are easy to care for. There are limitless possibilities for the design that you choose for your duvet cover, which means you can change it out as often as you want for something new!
How to Choose a Bedding Set: What to Look For?
If you decide to go with a duvet, remember that the higher the fill power, the bigger and warmer the blanket. So make sure to choose the right fill power for the climate that you live in. You should also take this into consideration when determining the fabric of your duvet cover.
Lightweight cotton will be perfect in the summer months, but you'll wish for something like flannel or twill if you live somewhere with a cold winter.
As far as the appearance of your bedding, decide how much control you want over the final design scheme. Some bedding sets include everything from pillowcases and sheets to shams and covers, which is perfect if you are looking for a more coordinated look.
On the other hand, if you want better control over the colors and design of your bedding, maybe choose a set that doesn't contain sheets so you can make that decision for yourself.
Above all, remember to think long and hard about the durability and quality of the fabric and stitching. You'll want your bedding set to last you for years to come through all the regular wear and tear that a blanket endures, from sleeping to washing to pets and kids.
So choose a bedding set with quality fabric that will last several passes in the washing machine, and small, straight seams that are unlikely to pull or pop. It's important to consider the kind of value that you're getting for your duvet cover or comforter, and whether it will last you a respectable time without fading, ripping, staining or shrinking.
Practicality and Personal Style: Finding a Balance
Bedding sets not only have to be warm, comfortable, and practical in all seasons, but they also have to be beautiful and fit your own personal style. When choosing your bedding set, you may find yourself having to decide between style and practicality, so be sure you know what your priorities are.
A comforter or duvet set may look great, but if it's scratchy, uncomfortable, or low quality, you'll quickly regret choosing it over a softer, more durable option. That being said, don't dismiss looks either. You have to look at your bedding every night, so make sure you're happy with it; it doesn't matter how well a duvet cover is if you hate the design! So have fun with it and don't back down on your top priorities.
The 5 Best Tropical Bedding Sets on Amazon
1. AMWAN Tropical Leaves Duvet Cover
Pros:
- Soft and lightweight fabric with a satin sheen
- Vibrant colors
- Buttons on pillowcases to keep them closed
- Includes straps on the inside to keep your duvet in place
Cons:
- The synthetic fabric can't be dry cleaned or bleached, so make sure to wash on the gentle cycle.
- This set only includes the duvet cover and shams, so you will need to purchase the sheets separately.
- Might be prone to shrinkage in the wash
If you're looking to create a bedroom inspired by the tropics but with a modern, luxurious twist, this might be a great option for you! This gorgeous duvet cover features a pattern of banana leaves in beautiful greens and blues and would pair perfectly with gold and white accents.
It's a more up-to-date take on a tropical design that feels fresh and new, almost giving the feel of a tropical resort. It comes in a variety of sizes and includes the duvet cover and two pillow shams.
2. MILDLY Egyptian Cotton Tropical Bedding Set
Pros:
- Sateen weave cotton for a soft and silky feel
- Colors stay vibrant even after repeated washings
- Durable and breathable fabric
Cons:
- Should be hand washed or washed in a cold cycle to preserve the fabric and prevent shrinkage
- Tends to wrinkle
- Does not include matching sheets
Dazzling bright green tropical leaves scatter across this white cotton duvet cover from Mildly, transporting you to an island getaway without leaving your bed! This cover features a hidden zipper closure and ties in the corners to keep your duvet in place and includes two coordinating shams.
Since the cover is light and breathable, this may be a great option for you if you live in a warmer area and don't need a thick, heavy blanket at night.
3. Madison Park 7-Piece Comforter Set
Pros:
- Wrinkle and shrink resistant
- Retains its color after several washes
- Great quality for the price point
- Heavy, durable twill top layer
Cons:
- Includes everything for a complete bedding set except for fitted and flat sheets
- Requires a large capacity washing machine to clean
- Might be a bit too narrow for thick pillow-top mattresses
- Artificial stuffing that must be tumble dried on low to avoid burnt spots
I love this more subtle take on a tropical look! The design is well suited to a classical or more traditional design scheme, and if you're looking for a great neutral color scheme for a guest bedroom, you've found it!
The comforter is heavy, durable, and warm, which is great if you live somewhere with colder winters. And if you want an easy, color-coordinated look, you're in luck, since this is a complete set that includes a comforter, bed skirt, two shams, and three decorative pillows.
4. FADFAY Tropical Hibiscus and Palm Leaves Duvet Cover Set
Pros:
- 100% cotton is breathable and easy to clean
- The cotton fabric is breathable and great for warmer climates or weather
- Durable, high-quality construction
Cons:
- Cotton can be prone to shrinkage, so should be dried on low or line dried
- This set is not fade or wrinkle-resistant
- The zipper closure is small and may make changing out the cover difficult
If you're looking for a bright and fun duvet cover design that feels like summer on the beach, then this colorful cover may be what you're after. The leaves and shocking pink hibiscus take you to an island party year round! The set includes a duvet cover with a hidden zipper enclosure and two shams, but matching sheets are available by the same retailer.
The cover is available for any size bed ranging from twin to king, and with its bright and bold design, it's sure to make a statement in any room! Its warm and inviting colors will stand out against dark wooden accents, but it will look even better when paired with a stark white wall.
5. Eikei Retro Tropical Flower Reversible Duvet Cover Set
Pros:
- Cotton has a subtle sheen to the weave
- The duvet cover uses clear buttons on the inside for closure, making them easily hidden
- Wrinkle and shrink resistant
- Set includes a small matching bag for storage
Cons:
- Fabric is more crisp than soft
- May lose color after several washes
This design might be my favorite out of the bunch! When you think of tropical colors, your mind might jump to bright yellows, pinks, and greens, but this colorful floral print on a navy background is an unexpected pop of color that could be right for anyone looking to make a bold statement in their decor.
The design features lilies, birds of paradise, and hibiscus in a variety of eye-catching colors, so if you're searching for a fresh and modern take on tropical, this may be an excellent option to consider.
Final Thoughts
So, what's the best tropical bedding set you can get for your money? All the bedding sets I listed would make an excellent addition to a tropical-themed bedroom, but after careful consideration, I have to say that the Eikei Retro Tropical Flower Reversible Duvet Cover Set stands out from the crowd in terms of quality and durability, style, and value for the price.
It's a lovely set that will make a statement in any room and sticks to the tropical theme but in a fun and refreshing way. While it may not be the softest cotton duvet cover on the list, the quality of construction as well as small details in the packaging, like a matching bag included, make this duvet cover set feel more high-end. With the wide variety of colors in the design, the decor possibilities are endless!