A new bed is to be freshly dressed – but is a ready-made bedding set worth it, or is it more sensible to put together a duvet cover, pillowcase, and fitted sheet separately? Many customers ask themselves this question before ordering from biberna. The answer depends on how you sleep, how many pillows you use, and how you want to decorate your bedroom. We show you when a bedding set is the more practical choice and when it pays to opt for individual items.
The short answer first: Anyone furnishing a bed completely anew will almost always find a ready-made bedding set easier and cheaper. Anyone looking to add specific items, who has two pillow sizes on the bed, or who wants to mix qualities is better served by individual items. The comparison table below shows which case applies to you.
What is included in a classic bedding set?
A bedding set usually consists of a duvet cover and one or two matching pillowcases, mostly in the size 80x80 cm. Some sets add a second pair of pillowcases or a color-coordinated fitted sheet. The color, pattern, and fabric quality of a set are coordinated from the outset, so you do not have to worry about matching combinations. Anyone who wants to get an overview of the different fabric qualities first can find the right selection for every sleep requirement in our overview of all bedding qualities.
Buying a bedding set: These advantages are convincing
The biggest advantage is the time saved: A set provides a harmonious look at a glance, without you having to choose the duvet cover and pillowcase separately. This is particularly practical if you are furnishing a bed completely anew – for example, in your first own apartment or in the guest room. A set is also often attractive in terms of price, because you receive everything you need with one order. At biberna, you additionally benefit from the fact that all qualities – whether cozy Flannel bedding for cold nights or cooling Mako-Satin for warm summer nights – come directly from the manufacturer with tradition since 1932. And no matter which set you choose: Shipping with us is basically free of charge for all products within Germany, without a minimum order value.
When individual items are more worthwhile when buying a bedding set
Not every household benefits equally from a fixed set. If you use different pillow sizes – for example, an 80x80 cm and a 40x80 cm pillow in the same bed – or if more pillowcases are needed in the guest room than are included in the set, buying individually is more sensible. The same applies if one part of an existing set is worn out or if you deliberately want to combine the duvet cover and pillowcase in different colors, for example to mix several sets together. Anyone who already has a sufficient supply of pillowcases and only needs a new duvet cover also saves hard cash with targeted individual purchases. How many sets in total are sensible, we explain in detail in our guide How many bedding sets do you need?
Bedding set or individual items: the direct comparison
The following overview shows which option suits which situation. All prices are direct manufacturer prices – and shipping with us is always free of charge for all products in Germany, without a minimum order value.
| Option |
What makes it special |
Ideal for |
Price range |
| Ready-made set (duvet cover + pillowcase) |
Color, design, and quality are coordinated; one order, one box. |
First furnishing, guest room, children's room, moving |
from approx. €25.95 |
| Set plus additional pillowcase |
The set remains the basis, the extra cover covers the second pillow size (e.g. 40x80 cm). |
Beds with two pillow sizes |
Set price plus one individual cover |
| Buying individual items specifically |
You only replace the part that is really worn out, instead of the whole set. |
Restocking the linen closet, replacement after years |
only the required part |
| Combining two qualities |
Easy-care everyday classic plus a more elegant set for special occasions. |
Those who change seasonally or by occasion |
from approx. €25.95 or from approx. €59.95 |
Which option suits you?
You are furnishing a bed completely anew. Then you take a set and are finished in one step. For everyday use, Renforcé is the easiest entry – for example the Castell Renforcé Bedding in Ciel (0040760) from around €25.95. It is easy to care for, smooth, and withstands frequent washing.
You have two pillow sizes on the bed. Then you buy the set as a basis and add the missing pillowcase individually. Pay attention to the same quality and the same color number, so that both covers look the same after washing.
You want a set for special occasions. Then a targeted individual purchase of a higher quality is worth it, for example the biberna Mako-Satin Bedding (0615211) from around €59.95. Combed cotton in 4/1 sateen feels smooth and pleasantly cool – and matches almost every existing pillowcase in color.
You are looking for a ready-made set for winter. Then premium flannel is the cheapest way to warm bedding: The Castell Premium Flannel Bedding in Chili (0080447) comes for around €29.95 as a fixed set in 135x200 + 80x80 cm.
Budget in mind: biberna or Castell for your bedding set?
The budget also plays a role in the decision between a set and individual items. Under the roof of biberna, you find two brand worlds with the same quality standard: biberna stands as a premium brand for qualities such as Flannel, Mako-Satin, or Melange-Flannel, while Castell as a budget brand offers qualities such as microfiber, non-woven fabric, Nicki, or Renforcé at a particularly affordable entry price. Anyone looking for a complete set for a children's room or a second home often deliberately opts for Castell, while for their own bedroom the biberna original quality is usually used. This way, the set purchase can be specifically adapted to the respective purpose without having to make compromises on manufacturing quality – both brands are produced in the same full-stage production with high manufacturing depth, and because we deliver directly to you, you pay the direct manufacturer price.
What is often overlooked
Size and closure. Check before buying individually which duvet cover and pillow dimensions you actually need and whether your existing set has a zipper or a hotel closure. Our guide on pillowcases helps you with this.
Color consistency over the years. Two covers of the same color that were bought three years apart can differ slightly from each other. Anyone who values an exactly uniform look buys the duvet cover and pillowcase together.
Change rhythm. For a relaxed laundry change, at least two to three sets should be in the closet per bed – otherwise the fresh laundry is still in the dryer when the bed is already stripped.
Set or individual items – our recommendation
For the basic initial supply or a complete restart in the bedroom, we recommend a set: It is uncomplicated, color-coordinated, and usually the more economical choice. For targeted addition, restocking the linen closet, or special wishes regarding size and material, it is worth opting for individual items. Anyone looking for additional variety combines qualities such as the easy-care everyday classic Renforcé with a high-quality set for special occasions.
Bedding, fitted sheets, and pillowcases in coordinated colors are put together as a set by the Gift Finder, as a gift or for your own bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bedding set cheaper than buying individually?
Generally yes, as the duvet cover and pillowcase are calculated together. At biberna, you additionally benefit from the direct offer at a historically attractive price-performance ratio and from shipping, which with us is always free of charge for all products in Germany.
Can I combine individual items of different qualities?
Basically yes – as long as the size and closure fit together, for example, a duvet cover made of Mako-Satin and a pillowcase in Renforcé can be combined. However, color-coordinated sets are the more uncomplicated solution if you want to invest little time in the selection.
How many sets should I have for a regular laundry change?
For a comfortable change rhythm, at least two to three sets per bed are recommended. How to determine the right number for your household, read in our guide on bedding sets.
Can I get an individual pillowcase matching my old set?
If the quality and color are still in the range, yes. It is best to search for the article number of your existing set – it is in the product title in parentheses and makes the assignment unambiguous.
