PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Your home should be your sanctuary — but especially your bedroom. 

After all, it’s the place where you escape at the end of the day (or for a mid-afternoon nap; we don’t judge) and it should be filled with things that bring you comfort, such as good bedding, the right pillow and, our favorite, a good book. 

But seriously, your preferred pillow, sheets, comforters and other accessories can all be key to you getting a good night’s rest. 

After lots of research, plus some personal experience, these are the five budget-friendly essentials that every bedroom needs to make it a comfortable (and stress-free) respite. 

Sweet dreams! 

Related: Goldilocks Would Approve of These Just Right Mattresses

(We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.)

The Perfect Pillow

Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows

$59.99 for a set of two | Buy Here

After years of searching for the Goldilocks of pillows — not too fluffy, not too flat — and never finding it, trust me when I say the Beckham Hotel collection pillow is the one you want.

Filled with a soft down alternative, and boasting a 250-thread count, the pillow is juuuuust right for back, stomach or side sleepers. The pillows, which come in a set of two, are OEKO-TEX certified and have a breathable, soft cotton cover. Unlike other cushions, I’ve found the Beckham Hotel pillows keep their shape even after repeated use.

I’m not the only one who loves them; the pillows have close to 240,000 positive reviews on Amazon. “I sleep so much better and wake feeling rested and ready to face the day,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “It’s not too firm and not too soft. It’s medium firmness and very comfortable.”

Bed Rest

Utopia Bedding Comforter Duvet Insert

$26.49 | Buy Here

Now that you’ve found the perfect pillow, the next step is pairing it with a cozy duvet. Bolstered by more than 118,000 positive reviews, the Utopia duvet insert’s name says it all.

Featuring elegant, box-style stitching, the 100% microfiber comforter has four corner tabs, making it easy to put inside any duvet cover and secure it in place. The comforter, which comes in a variety of colors and sizes, also looks stylish sans duvet cover, but what I like best about it is that it is machine washable — not to mention economically friendly.

“It’s wonderful when you receive a product, and it turns out to be even better than expected,” wrote one reviewer. “This Utopia Duvet insert has a light, luxurious feel that would make you think you are in a 5-star hotel.” 

Between the Sheets

California Design Den Cotton Sheets

$39.99 | Buy Here

A winner of Good Housekeeping’s Best Bedding awards in 2023 and 2024, California Design Den’s 100% cotton sheets offer luxury on a budget.

While most cotton sheet sets typically cost well over $100, California Den’s bedding is half the price — and has all of the sumptuousness. The 400-thread count sheet set comes with a flat top sheet, two standard-size pillowcases and a fitted bottom sheet with extra-deep pockets, which easily fits even tall mattresses.

Reviewers like that the machine-washable sheets, which come in numerous colors and patterns, are extra soft and resistant to pilling.

Mattress Matters  

Lucid 3 Inch Mattress Topper

$91.99 for a Queen | Buy Here

For an even dreamier sleep, consider a mattress topper, such as this highly rated down alternative and gel memory foam mattress topper by Lucid.

For those who sleep hot (I’m one of them), the contoured memory foam is infused with a cooling gel material that captures and dissipates heat. A ventilated design also regulates temperature and improves airflow, so you can sleep even more comfortably. The topper comes in thicknesses that range from 2 to 4 inches.

“My body feels so soothingly cradled,” raved one reviewer. “I’m not tossing and turning constantly trying to get comfortable. It’s just pure bliss. This may sound strange, but it feels like a hug.”

Lights Out

RYB HOME Velvet Curtains

$47.95 for a pair of 84-inch length curtains | Buy Here

If you’re looking to add some luxury to your space, velvet is always the way to go — including with curtains. I recently purchased these room-darkening velvet drapes by RYB HOME in bold emerald green for my 10-year-old daughter’s room and they did not disappoint.

Besides adding some glam to her boho-style bedroom, the plush, heavy drapes really do block out the light, ensuring better sleep. The curtains, which range in length from 72 to 120 inches for those extra-tall ceilings, also come in a ton of different neutral and jewel-like colors.

With two different sizes of rod pockets on the top, you can choose either rod pocket or back tap for hanging options.