The kitchen is no longer just a space for cooking—it’s where everyday life unfolds. Whether it’s quick breakfasts, Sunday prep sessions, or sharing a bottle of wine while dinner simmers, the kitchen sees it all. And with that constant use, the surfaces in this room have to keep up – not just with wear and tear, but with your lifestyle, your aesthetic, and how you clean.
That’s where smart choices like stainless steel come into play. Not only do they add a modern, professional look, but they also make a big difference in terms of durability and hygiene.
Why Stainless Steel Works So Well in Kitchens
There’s a reason commercial kitchens swear by stainless steel; it’s strong, non-porous, and incredibly easy to keep clean. For home kitchens, it offers that same level of practicality without sacrificing style. Splashbacks and benchtops made from stainless steel bring a clean, sleek finish that can either stand out or blend in depending on your overall design.
It handles heat, water, oil, and the occasional red wine spill with ease. And if you’re after something that looks just as good five years down the track, it’s hard to beat. Scuffs and minor scratches tend to blend over time, developing a soft patina that actually enhances the look rather than detracting from it.
Design Versatility Across Styles
Stainless steel isn’t just for industrial or ultra-modern kitchens. It works surprisingly well across a range of aesthetics. Paired with timber cabinetry, it can bring warmth and contrast. In minimalist spaces, it provides clean lines and uniformity. And in eclectic or urban kitchens, it brings an edge that feels intentional and curated.
Splashbacks in particular offer a chance to use the reflective nature of stainless to open up a space. They bounce light around the room, making smaller kitchens feel brighter and more spacious.
Easy to Clean, Hard to Stain
If there’s one thing every cook appreciates, it’s a surface that doesn’t punish you for making a mess. Oil splatters, tomato sauce drips, steam, or heat from pots—stainless steel handles it all without fuss.
Because it’s non-porous, there’s nowhere for bacteria or grime to hide. A quick wipe with warm soapy water (or a bit of vinegar for shine) usually does the trick. There’s no sealing, no scrubbing grout lines, and no worrying about stains setting in.
That practicality is what sets it apart, especially for people who use their kitchen daily and don’t want to baby their surfaces.
Durability That’s Built to Last
Benchtops take a fair bit of abuse—hot pans, sharp knives, constant movement. And while stone and timber have their charm, they can also chip, stain, or crack over time. Stainless steel holds its own in busy households where durability matters.
One thing to note is that it does scratch. But those fine marks tend to even out, giving a brushed finish that ages gracefully. Some people even prefer it once it’s broken in a little—it starts to feel lived-in and uniquely yours.
Custom Solutions for Unique Spaces
Not all kitchens are the same – and nor should they be. One of the biggest advantages of going stainless is the ability to customise your splashbacks and benchtops to fit the exact dimensions and quirks of your space.
Want a seamless corner bend with no joins? Prefer an integrated sink that flows into the bench with no lip? Need a splashback that wraps up and around a rangehood? All of that is possible with stainless fabrication.
A sheet of stainless steel can be formed, cut, and finished to suit whatever shape or setup you need. The result is a cleaner look and fewer crevices where food and debris might collect.
Pairing Stainless with Other Materials
If you’re worried about your kitchen feeling too cold or clinical, balance is key. Stainless pairs beautifully with natural textures – think timber floors, stone tiles, or even matte cabinetry. Mixing in soft finishes or warm tones can create a space that feels welcoming rather than sterile.
Even hardware like brass taps or black handles can soften the overall look and create contrast that’s both subtle and stylish.
Final Thoughts
Custom splashbacks and benchtops are a practical upgrade that makes daily life easier. Stainless steel stands out for a reason. It simplifies cleaning, it doesn’t wear out easily, and it’s adaptable enough to fit almost any kitchen style.
Whether you’re fitting out a brand-new kitchen or giving an existing space a functional facelift, stainless gives you a clean slate that’s ready for real life. Sleek. Safe. Sanitary. And built to last.
It would be something of an understatement to say that Amazon is a very popular place to shop. A huge range of products, some of the cheapest prices going, and the fastest delivery out there; it’s easy to see why the retail giant dominates the market.
But there are some things that aren’t quite as easy to shop for on Amazon, such as luxury bedding. We’ve probably all had the experience of ordering something on Amazon that hasn’t *quite* been what we expected when we saw it in the flesh. And bedding is particularly tricky to order without handling it first.
As such, I decided to put the retailer to the test. As Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, I’ve been lucky enough to sleep on and under all types of luxury bedding, but would I be able to source the same quality from Amazon?
I set to work looking for the most luxurious bedding you can buy; silk. And I found it in the form of one of Amazon’s bestselling bedding products, the £25.99 Alaska Bear 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase.
Alaska Bear 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
This Amazon bestseller is one of the most affordable silk pillowcases I’ve come across.
According to Amazon’s own stats, over 300 of these silk pillowcases have been sold in the last month, and with more than 20,000 largely positive reviews, it seemed like a safe bet. I added to basket and checked out.
No sooner had I done so than this luxury pillowcase was at my door. Or so it felt.
I’ve tested a few of the best silk pillowcases on the market recently, and although there was nothing wrong with the Alaska Bear packaging, I have to admit, it didn’t immediately scream luxury in the same way as the carefully boxed and tissue-wrapped silk bedding I’ve received from other retailers has.
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However, I did get a bonus silk hair scrunchie I wasn’t expecting in the box. You win some, you lose some, I guess.
(Image credit: Future / Amy Lockwood)
The packaging also contains a card that explains the types and quality of silk that are available. The softest and most luxurious silk bedding I’ve tested is made from 6A grade Mulberry silk, which is also what the Alaska Bear pillowcase is made from. The brand says this pillowcase is a 19 momme weight.
Momme is the unit of measurement used to describe the weight of a silk fabric, a bit like the silk equivalent of a thread count in cotton bedding. The higher the momme count, the heavier and thicker the silk fabric.
The Alaska Bear option does feel a little thinner than the latter two, but not considerably so, and there’s a big price difference. As a reminder, the Alaska Bear 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase cost me £25. Whereas, all of the other options I’ve mentioned cost nearly twice that.
Blissy 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Made of 100% Mulberry Silk in a 22 momme weight, the Blissy pillowcase comes beautifully boxed and is available in over 100 colour options. You can also shop Blissy on Amazon, although prices are currently higher than buying direct.
Soak & Sleep 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase Pair
These 19 momme 100% Mulberry silk pillowcases are a much better buy than they might first appear as you get a set of two for your £65 investment. There’s also a ‘housewife’ pillowcase design, if that’s more your thing.
scooms 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
scooms 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is another great 22 momme weight option, however, it is only available in black and white. Its packaging is first-rate though, and one of the most luxurious silk pillowcases I’ve unwrapped.
It’s super soft and silky to the touch, great for combating frizzy hair or providing a hypoallergenic sleep surface if you suffer from eczema or allergies, and its cool surface is perfect for hot and sticky nights. It also has OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification to confirm it’s been tested and found free from any harmful substances.
(Image credit: Future / Amy Lockwood)
The only thing it lacks is that ‘je ne sais quoi’ that comes with luxury bedding. The zip feels a little cheap, the care labels are basic, and the packaging didn’t make me feel like I was unwrapping something special.
We all know first impressions count, and if I were giving a silk pillowcase as a gift, I would choose one of the above options that come beautifully boxed and feel like a real treat to receive.
However, if you’re looking for luxury for less, this Mulberry Silk Pillowcase does deliver, and with Amazon Prime Day kicking off today – the discounting event runs from Tuesday 8th until Friday 11th in 2025 – it could be about to become even more affordable yet.
If you’re impatiently awaiting the UK drop of the Ninja Swirl, then I’ve found just the alternative for you for the upcoming heatwave. The Cuisinart Frost Fusion, which launched on today, is the all-in-one soft serve and slushie machine maker of dreams and is currently on sale for £249.99 down from £299.99 on Amazon.
All six presets of this machine sound glorious: soft-serve ice cream, refreshing sorbet, icy slushies, smooth frappés, frozen cocktails and wine slushies. For this sale price, it’s a phenomenal deal.
Six different functions is a huge draw with this machine – rather than buying an ice-cream maker and a slushie maker, you can skip the cost and the space both will hog on your worktop with this offering.
The other huge benefit is the fact that you don’t need to pre-freeze ingredients according to the brand. For the soft serve setting, Cuisinart say that all you need to do is ‘pour, select, churn and serve’. Another claim is that it can churn 1.6 litres in less than 20 minutes.
(Image credit: Cuisinart)
Given that the product only launched today, I haven’t had time to get my hands on it to verify these claims with testing. But if they’re true, this is a real game changer for ice cream at home.
Especially given that the machine can keep your ice-cream creations cold for up to two hours within the machine and frozen drinks chilled for up to 12 hours. Perfect for hosting a summer party at home!
(Image credit: Cuisinart)
Like with the Ninja Slushi, this machine also has customisable texture levels and a self-cleaning function.
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This isn’t the only frozen treat maker on sale for Amazon Prime Day either (which is running from the 8th to the 11th of July). Here’s a look at the other discounted products that I’ve tried.
Inoviva Slush Machine
This alternative to the Ninja Slushi is not only more affordable thanks to this Prime Day deal, but has a larger capacity too. That means more frozen margaritas for you.
Cuisinart Freeze Wand
I’m currently trying out this Freeze Wand Ice Cream Maker and I love it. It’s a true space-saver, meaning you don’t need to carve out a space for an ice cream maker on your worktop. It’s now even more affordable than the Creami.
Cuisinart Soft Serve and Ice Cream Maker
If it’s just soft serve you’re interested in, this dedicated machine is also now at a much better price than usual. You can read our full review for the details too.
Given the weather forecast for the rest of July, now is a better time than ever to invest in one of these frozen treat makers. For gelato, sorbet and soft serve lovers, one is sure to impress!
As the UK prepares to swelter through another upcoming heatwave, it’s no surprise that we’re all on the lookout for cooling solutions for our homes.
And with another wave of muggy, sleepless nights on the horizon, the best portable air conditioners have been flying off the virtual shelves. In fact, many of our top-rated models are already fully out of stock across key retailers. All is not lost, though.
If you’re quick, there are still some solid-performing units worth snapping up.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
I’ve been tracking the product availability of our most popular models like Meaco, AEG and Russell Hobbs, and it’s clear that demand has outpaced supply. However, they may well return as demand shifts. If you’ve got your heart set on one of these, though, it’s worth signing up for stock alerts at major retailers and bookmarking our guide, too.
After checking stock across major retailers this morning, I’ve managed to find a handful of highly rated options that are still available, including models we’ve either tested ourselves or have been shortlisted based on user reviews or value for money.
Here are my picks of the air conditioners you can still buy now.
Delonghi Pinguino Care4Me EL112
The Delonghi Pinguino Care4Me was recently tested by one of the team, who found it has real cooling power. Its plethora of functions makes it perfect for home offices and bedrooms.
electriQ 10000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Our reviewer says that this affordable air conditioning unit cools rooms steadily but effectively in mid-size spaces, and it’s super compact too.
B&Q Malay local air conditioner 9000BTU
Black+decker Portable 7000 Btu 3-In-1 Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier and Cooling Fan
Black+Decker is a super reliable brand and this versatile air conditioner can be used as a cooler, dehumidifier, and fan for all-year-round use. It’s got good reviews online and uses Class A energy efficiency, so it has a low environmental impact and running costs.
electriQ Slimline 7000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
We haven’t reviewed this particular unit but we recently reviewed another electriQ 10000 BTU air conditioner which was really effective. This model is slimline and budget-friendly and gets great reviews online.
Black+decker Bxac40008gb Portable 3-In-1 Air Conditioner
We haven’t yet reviewed this Black+Decker model, but we’ve included it in this round-up because it consistently gets good reviews across multiple retailers, and stock availability is currently good.
With demand showing no signs of cooling off, if you’re considering a portable air conditioner, don’t hang around. The next hot spell could see the remaining models above disappear just as quickly. There are, of course, lots of others on the market too, but hunting them out can be a challenge.
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Just remember what to look out for: Check the BTU rating: this tells you how powerful the unit is; look for quiet modes or sleep settings, especially if you plan to use it in a bedroom; and don’t forget a window kit: Most models include a window sealing kit, but make sure your window style is compatible.
And if your quest for buying the ultimate cooling gadget has been unsuccessful, we’ve also rounded up the best fans for staying cool this summer.
If you’re looking for ways to elevate your BBQ game this year, then look no further, as Lidl has a new air fryer with grill and smoker that is perfect for cooking up a storm this summer.
No kitchen is indeed complete without one of the best air fryers on your countertops, and this now rings true for your BBQs, too. If you’re looking for the perfect char on your veggies or a delicious smoky flavour, sometimes even the best BBQs can’t quite compete with a special smoker and grill.
Ninja Woodfire Electric Bbq Grill & Smoker Og701uk
The Lidl air fryer with grill and smoker works as an air fryer when you have the lid closed and as a grill when you have the lid open. The smoker can be switched on separately when the lid is closed.
Like most modern air fryers, this one comes with a touchscreen display to make operation easy and simple. With the simple panel, you can choose to smoke, grill, air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate and reheat as you desire. The added smoker and grill make this air fryer hybrid perfect for BBQ season, especially if you’re hosting large parties and feel like showing off your superior cooking skills.
While a charcoal BBQ is great for chargrilling and smoking BBQ food, the Lidl air fryer with grill and smoker will do all the hard work for you, so you can achieve perfectly grilled and smoked food every time.
(Image credit: Lidl)
The Lidl air fryer with grill and smoker is both non-stick and scratch-resistant and includes a grill plate, frying basket and plancha. You can set a timer from just one minute to 12 hours, and the frying basket has a capacity of 3.8L, making it large enough for families.
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Ninja’s Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker may carry a heftier price tag, but it was excellently reviewed by our expert reviewer, who said it was easy to use and produced wonderfully flavourful food. If you’ve been looking to invest, Ninja air fryers are renowned for being some of the best you can buy, so if you can afford it, I would recommend opting for the Ninja grill and smoker.
Both Ninja and Lidl’s grill and smoker require outdoor electrical access, so if this is not available to you, it’s best to hone your BBQ or opt for a kamado BBQ (such as this Habitat one for £206. 25 at Argos), which is an expert and locking in smoky flavour.
If you don’t manage to track the Silvercrest Kitchen Air Fryer With Grill & Smoker down at your local Lidl, I’ve found a few more purse-friendly alternatives.
Russell Hobbs
Russell Hobbs Air Fryer
This 5.5L air fryer also works as a multi-cooker and grill, meaning it can tackle the majority of cooking tasks with ease.
Bar-Be-Quick
Bar-Be-Quick Charcoal Smoker and Grill BBQ
Be prepared to impress your guests as this versatile BBQ smokes, grills, steams and roasts, so you will achieve beautifully cooked food every time.
SUNLIFER
BBQ Smoker Box
If you’re looking to achieve a smoky flavour on a budget, simply add this smoker box to your BBQ and it will give your meat a smoky taste that rivals the pros.
Can you see this air fryer becoming a part of your BBQ set-up?
The much-anticipated drop of the at-home soft serve machine of the summer is here. Yep, you can finally order the Ninja Swirl via John Lewis for £349.99 and have it arrive at your door (without paying a delivery free) on its launch date on the 25th of July.
With 13 total functions, as discussed in our first look at what the Swirl can do, I predict that this launch from Ninja is going to be a total sellout this summer. It’s already have rave reviews and attention in the US, going far further than the already viral Ninja Creami (which we loved in our five-star review) thanks to the soft serve dispenser element.
Here’s exactly where else you can pre-order the Swirl from if you can’t wait to secure it in your kitchen.
Ninja Swirl
With the Swirl, you also get two custom ice-cream tubs that attach onto the soft serve dispenser.
Though you’ll have to wait until the official launch date on Friday, 25th of July to actually try it out, if you want to secure your Swirl ahead of time now is the time to act.
There are different perks to shopping through various retailers with the Swirl. John Lewis are offering free delivery (which would usually set you back £7.95), as well as AO and Currys.
(Image credit: Ninja)
The RRP for the Swirl is set at £349.99 via these retailers, though it hasn’t gone live via Ninja yet, so you’ll need to wait if you want to buy directly there.
Few outdoor kitchens and BBQ set-ups are complete without a pizza oven these days, and if you haven’t got your hands on one yet, listen up. Aldi is selling a new pizza oven that is a more than £300 cheaper alternative to the cult Ooni Koda 2 Pizza Oven.
It’s true that the best pizza oven will add a whole new dimension to your outdoor cooking space. Fresh, authentic Italian-style pizza whenever you like, it’s a no-brainer that these handy cooking vessels give your BBQ a gourmet edge.
However, these ovens have always been an investment piece and unfortunately, not suited to everyone’s budget. Until now. Aldi’s Gas Pizza Oven costs just £69.99 making it one of the cheapest models I’ve seen this year.
BBQ
Gas Pizza Oven
Ooni
Ooni Koda 2 Gas Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven
Landing in stores on Thursday (10 July), I’m really excited about the prospect of this Specialbuy. It’s even cheaper than Lidl’s pizza oven, which retails for £79.99. You can always count on Aldi for delivering some of the lowest market prices, whilst delivering on quality, which is the main reason I keep finding myself drawn to the middle aisle every time I visit.
Reaching up to 900 degrees, this oven boasts a rapid warm-up time, so you can cook authentic pizza in minutes. Alongisde reaching such high temperatures, the Aldi pizza oven is designed with a double wall, which retains heat in the cooking chamber, allowing you to cook pizza after pizza.
It has a cordierite pizza stone and a built-in thermometer to ensure crispy crusts. The oven also comes with non-slip rubber feet and a carrier bag so you can take this oven camping, picnicking and to your summer plans.
(Image credit: Aldi)
By contrast, the Ooni Koda pizza oven was highly regarded by Ideal Home’s expert reviewer, who praised the oven for how easy it was to make authentic pizza without mess or hassle. Ooni is rated as one of the best pizza oven brands by Ideal Home, and there are plenty of Ooni models to choose from to suit your needs.
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I’m not convinced the Aldi pizza oven will quite match the quality of the Ooni Koda, however, if you’re new to pizza ovens or have a smaller budget, I do think Aldi’s pizza oven is a great starting point. But if you’re having trouble tracking it down, here are a few more alternatives.
VonHaus
Vonhaus Gas Pizza Oven
This outdoor pizza oven takes just 15 minutes to reach 400°C and 5 minutes to cook, meaning you get delicious, authentic pizza whenever you want it. It’s also perfect for smoking meat, fish, and veg too.
Tefal
Jamie Oliver by Tefal Outdoor Gas Pizza Oven
Currently a whopping £100 off, this pizza oven is easy to set up and use, and even comes with a handy guide packed with yummy recipies.
ProCook
Outdoor Pizza Oven 12 Inch
This Pro Cook pizza oven include a smart rotation features to ensure an even bake on your pizza’s without faffing around with a peel.
Will you be trying to get your hands on the Aldi pizza oven this week?
Is there anything better than sinking into new bedding, especially when it feels luxurious? I have a couple of sets of bed linen I’ve invested in to recreate that boutique hotel vibe, and while some premium sets can be expensive, you can track down some deals on the high street, and I’ve recently spotted some gems in the bedding range at Very.co.uk.
As an interior stylist, it’s my job to track down homeware that looks expensive but is within a budget. The trick to finding where to buy bedding that looks expensive on the high street is to look at the details of each set. You want texture, pattern and a quality material (the best sheet material is usually cotton); all these factors will instantly make your bedroom look more expensive.
With that in mind, Very.co.uk has a great selection. From florals and stripes to seersucker and paisley, there’s lots to choose from, but these are the 6 sets I’d recommend to transform a bedroom.
Supersoft Gingham Seersucker Duvet Cover Set in Sage
I remember staying in a country hotel where they had gingham bedding and this pretty set would have fit right in. I love the seersucker texture to it, and the ruffled edges add extra charm. This set is made from polyester, which is not ideal if you overheat at night. But it is easy care, so it still looks good even without ironing.
Very X Wylder Wallflower Duvet Cover Set
Inspired by vintage botanical illustrations, the hand-drawn design of this set instantly gives it a premium edge. Note the darker shade of green on the reverse too – just right for folding over. I’d pick out cushions and a sheet in one of the colours from the design – maybe that soft oyster pink – to pair it with.
Very X Catherine Lansfield Seersucker Frill Duvet Cover Set in Pink
Another seersucker set, but this time in a delicate pink with indulgent frilled edging, which makes this a great choice for anyone who likes their bedding to feel fabulously feminine. Team this with a silk sheet for the ultimate luxe bedding combo.
Very X Dreams & Drapes Spring Glade Floral Duvet Cover Set
Hand-painted designs are always going to look more expensive and that’s certainly true of this pretty floral meadow set. The fact it’s also reversible (with contrasting green stripes on the reverse) means you get two looks for the price of one!
Very Home Apollo Luxe Border Duvet Cover Set
If you love Kelly Hoppen’s sleek monochrome designs then you’ll probably be drawn to this hotel-inspired set, with it’s graphic black border set in a frame-like pattern around the edge. The price is significantly lower than an equivalent designer set, and it’s also made from 100% cotton, so snap it up while you can.
Very X William Morris at Home Sunflower Ink Duvet Cover Set
While this set is a little more costly than the others, it doesn’t let the side down when it comes to looks. You’ll be dressing your bed with a William Morris design – the Sunflower motif – that dates back to the late 19th Century, which is striking and elegant. Plus, it has a 220 thread count for that extra comfort.
Which is your favourite set?
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Dreaming of a cozy boho bedroom, all layered up, but without the splurge? These Amazon picks bring texture and warmth. All without crossing the $200 line. So you can create a bohemian-inspired bedroom without breaking the bank!
Soft corduroy meets boho texture in these best-selling pillow covers. The cream tone blends effortlessly into any color scheme. They can instantly softness to your bed (or sofa, if you have one in your bedroom).
It’s modern, boho, and tech-friendly. With a woven drawer front and built-in charging ports, this nightstand balances form and function perfectly. So, it will add to the aesthetic while also giving you a spot to charge your gadgets.
These semi-sheer linen curtains softly filter light and bring a breezy, relaxed look to the bedroom. Bonus: they’re easy to hang and machine-washable. So, they’re not just stunning but also easy to manage.
Add texture to your bedside with this washable cotton runner. The tassels and geometric tufting scream boho chic. And it works in narrow spaces beautifully.
If you’re looking for affordable bedding, Amazon may well be your first port of call. It’s one of the cheapest options for fitted sheets, duvet covers, and bedding essentials.
But, we all know buying ‘blind’ can be hit and miss, so if you’re considering where to buy bedding that won’t break the bank, is the brand’s budget-friendly bed linen worth parting with your cash for?
I put Amazon’s bestselling duvet set to the test to find out. The Utopia Duvet Cover Set consistently tops Amazon’s bestseller charts, and with prices starting from just £10.99 for a double duvet cover and two pillowcases, it’s easy to see why.
Amazon
Utopia Duvet Cover Set
The Utopia bedding set is available in single, double, or king size, with prices for a double starting from just £10.99.
What’s more, this bedding set has over 50,000 reviews, and of those roughly 72% of owners give the bedding a 5-star rating. On paper, this duvet set sounds very impressive, so I was eager to get my hands on it to see if the rave reviews lived up to my expectations.
The set comes in over 30 different colours, including a funky design with navy arrows, which I ordered in a double. The set arrived super fast, of course; it’s Amazon, and on unboxing, I was pleasantly surprised. The print was fun, and I thought it would look great on the bed.
(Image credit: Future / Amy Lockwood)
However, when I removed the packaging, things unfortunately went downhill fast. In person, the fabric is very thin – I could almost see my hand through the duvet cover when I picked it up to put it on the bed. I guess it’s a bit much to expect £10.99 bed linen to feel expensive, but this still felt lower quality than I’d expected.
Plus, unlike most duvets, which feature buttons or poppers to fasten them up, this set has a zip at the base to secure the duvet inside, and, sadly, it’s one of those zips that feels like it’s going to break at any moment. If (or when) it does, you’re going to be left with a duvet cover that won’t close properly and can’t easily be repaired. Not ideal.
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Because the fabric is so thin, I was also worried that if I snagged it in the zip, it might rip the duvet cover, something a couple of the 1-star Amazon reviews do mention when I did some research.
(Image credit: Future / Amy Lockwood)
Altogether not a great start, but bedtime was coming, and it was time to get testing.
I’d clocked that this bedding was 100% polyester before I ordered it, but I hadn’t expected it to feel quite so synthetic to the touch. The weather has been hot, and touching this bedding instantly made me feel hotter. I could tell I was probably going to be in for a hot and sticky sleep, and I was right.
Polyester bedding is often dubbed the ‘hidden sleep thief‘ because its synthetic fibres lack breathability and reflect body heat back towards the sleeper, and I found exactly that. Despite the fabric being so thin, after 15 minutes or so, I soon began overheating.
The rest of the night was a restless balance between kicking the covers off because they made me too hot, and then pulling them back on when I got chilly. Needless to say, I didn’t wake up feeling very well rested.
(Image credit: Utopia)
What’s more, if you do get hot and sticky under these covers, you can only wash the bedding on a cold wash. That’s not ideal for bed linen, in my opinion.
The main benefit of polyester bedding – in addition to its affordability – is that it’s usually easy care, and although this set dried in super fast time once I pulled it out of the washer – and requires virtually no ironing (always a plus point!) – I feel like a cold wash just isn’t going to get it as clean as I would like.
So, do I think the Utopia Duvet Cover Set is a good value buy? By this point, it’s probably no surprise that, no, despite its price, I wouldn’t recommend this bedding. Yes, it’s cheap, but that’s going to be a false economy if it only lasts a few months or gives you a hot and sweaty night’s sleep. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that even that low £10.99 investment is going to be a waste of money for most people. Sorry, Amazon.
However, if you’re after budget-friendly bedding, all is not lost. These are three affordable alternatives I recommend instead.
The Linen Yard
The Hebden Duvet Set
If you want to benefit from Amazon’s super-fast delivery, then The Linen Yard has an Amazon storefront, and this reversible bedding set is often discounted, so you may be able to snap it up during Amazon Prime Day for less than its normal retail price. It’s 100% cotton, and although its 140 thread count is lower than DUSK’s option, its striped design looks great on the bed.
DUSK is a great alternative to Amazon for affordable bedding, with frequent bedding deals that see price tags slashed to very affordable price points. Thanks to a 50% off sale, this 200 thread count pure cotton bedding set is one of my top alternatives to investing in Amazon’s Utopia bedding.
Habitat
Stockholm Stripe Grey Bedding Set
A mix of 52% polyester and 48% cotton, Habitat’s polycotton bed linen also makes a very affordable option. Plus, this easy care bedding is machine washable at 40°C and can be tumble dried, unlike the Utopia bedding set’s cold-wash-only instructions. There are also plenty of prints and patterns to choose from in Habitat’s bedding range.
