Aside from taking out the bins and emptying the dishwasher, most of us can agree that the third household chore which makes up the triple whammy of “shotgun, not it” tasks is, of course, ironing.
The steaming, hot water-powered contraptions conjure up images of housewives in the ‘50s setting up shop for the day in front of the telly, chain-smoking cigarettes with hot rollers left in their hair for far too long. Perhaps in another world, this might be a rather appealing pass-time.
But in today’s day and age, ironing poses yet another cumbersome and time-consuming task which the majority of the population struggles to slot into their weekly routines. Handheld steamers have skyrocketed in popularity as a result, offering a fuss-free and rapid means of removing pesky crinkles from our favourite shirts, dresses and freshly washed bedsheets at a moment’s notice.
Yet wouldn’t it be even more fabulous if we could remove the need for any such practice entirely? We’re not saying you should commute into the office wearing a shabby, overtly crinkled shirt (try hanging it up in your steamy morning shower next time), but there’s certainly a way to make your freshly made bed look like that of a five-star hotel without spending hours ironing your bedsheets.
When throwing a quilted bedspread over crinkled sheets to disguise their appearance doesn’t do the trick, we recommend giving non-iron bedding a go.
What exactly is non-iron bedding?
Non-iron bedding is fabricated from polycotton – a 50 per cent cotton, 50 per cent polyester blend which is subsequently treated with a special finish which prevents the material from creasing or shrinking. Budget-friendly polycotton, non-iron sheets are treated with a soft silicone finish, which can wash away after a few uses. Higher quality non-iron sheets, however, are treated with a resin coating which is far harder to remove with a household washing machine.
Can all fabrics be non-iron?
While traditional non-iron bedding is coated with a resin or silicone barrier, all bedsheets can be non-iron if you really want them to be. For instance, some people prefer the natural look of soft, yet slightly crinkled bedsheets made from linen. Likewise, ruched cotton designs and embellished bedsheets aren’t as susceptible to creasing as traditional bedlinen and often can’t be ironed anyway.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best non-iron bedding to add to your basket for your most low-maintenance night’s sleep yet.
Shop now
Mix & Match: Linen Bedtime Bundle
Not only do linen sheets offer a beautifully natural, slightly creased look – but the various patterned options offered by Piglet in Bed further remove any need for time-consuming ironing habits. While traditionally used in the summer, hot sleepers will rejoice for 100 per cent stonewashed French flax linen all year round.
Buy now £263.00, Piglet in Bed
Billie White Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set
Resembling a vintage-inspired quilt, this ivory white duvet cover and pillowcase set boasts crisp details with a thick, warming quality.
Buy now £32.01, Dunelm
Soak & Sleep White 300TC Easycare Cotton With Tencel Bedding
Looking for five-star hotel sheets when it comes to both quality and crispness? Soak & Sleep has got you covered with this sumptuously soft Easycare bedding. The silky sateen weave boasts a 300 thread count, and these sheets buck the traditional fabrication for non-iron bedding in favour of a cotton and eco-conscious Tencel blend. We’re big fans of the luxurious tie-closure finish.
Buy now £18.00, Soak & Sleep
Non Iron Plain Dye Duvet Cover
Available in a whopping 13 colours, this brilliant value, polycotton duvet cover from Dunelm is finished with a non-iron treatment to minimise creasing and retain that freshly washed appearance and feeling. The bedding has a 144 thread count and button closures.
Buy now £10.00, Dunelm
Rufus 144 TC Reversible Modern & Contemporary Duvet Cover Set
This durable yet wonderfully soft polycotton set from Wayfair is adorned with a reversible summertime meadow design that’ll bring some brightness to your bedroom during even the darkest of winter nights.
Buy now £24.99, Wayfair
M&S Egyptian Cotton 230 Thread Count Duvet Cover
M&S’ non-iron bedsheets are fabricated from sumptuous Egyptian cotton and will stay crisp and crinkle-free from the minute you wake up to the moment they’re dry from a fresh wash.
Buy now £30.00, M&S
Fusion - Matteo - Easy Care Duvet Cover Set
Bedecked with a delightful, lino print-inspired leaf pattern, the Matteo botanical bedding set is fabricated from 52 per cent polyester and 48 per cent cotton with a thread count of 130 for easy, minimal care requirements.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
