There’s nothing worse than having to face that biting cold first thing in the morning, or desperately trying to warm up as you climb into bed the night before. And with the colder months fast approaching, we’ve put together a handy guide on how to sleep warm and why it’s important to change your bedding with the seasons.
From layers to letting in light, there are plenty of ways to get warm and stay snug during cosy season. Whether on a budget or simply looking for a few pointers, we can hopefully help you feel warm and fuzzy both inside and out.
How can I keep my bedroom warm?
Choose a warm mattress for autumn
Maybe you’ve never really thought about it, but choosing the right mattress can have a big impact on the temperature of your bed. So much so, temperature regulating mattresses are essential all year round. Not only do they help to keep you cool in warmer weather, but many are made with a gel that also regulates heat release as the temperature drops.
Alternatively, memory foam is also great for helping you sleep warm. Despite common misconceptions that it will simply make you hot and sweaty, its material moulds to the contours of your body, helping to keep you warm. However, as it is not made from natural materials, this does mean it is less breathable and therefore heat is trapped much easier, so, if you’re a hot sleeper, maybe this isn’t the one for you.
Although, latex could be, as it works similarly to memory foam in that it works with body shape, but is much better at conducting heat. On the other hand, this is the more expensive option, so if you’re looking to buy on a budget, this probably isn’t for you either. Take a look at our range of mattresses, or use our mattress finder to help you make the right choice!
If your keep your mattress clean and in the best condition, then it might not be ready for the skip just yet, so why not look into mattress toppers? As a smaller, interchangeable purchase, mattress toppers provide an extra layer of comfort and warmth during colder months. Our memory foam toppers are perhaps best for hot sleepers looking for a quick winter fix.
Image credit: @aliceandthorn
Appropriate autumn bedding
You know how the saying goes: happy bed, happy life? Okay, we changed it a little, but a cosy bed makes tackling the winter blues ever so slightly easier. So, never underestimate the power of the right duvet and the importance of changing your bedding with the seasons.
Choosing the right duvet tog is essential, as this will help keep you warm all night long. ‘Tog’ stands for ‘thermal overall grade’ and helps us understand how well your duvet will retain heat and warmth during the night. The scale runs from 1, the lightest and least warm, up to 15, the cosiest of them all. Happy Beds HQ recommends investing in a winter duvet with a tog of at least 10.5 as temperatures begin to drop to keep you feeling toasty warm.
As strange as it may seem, headboards can play a part in sleeping warm. Investing in a high-quality fabric headboard is a must for those needing an extra layer of insulation. Whether sat drinking your morning coffee or settling down for the night, an upholstered headboard can provide better support and an extra layer to fight off that winter chill. Take a look at our headboard guide to find out if it’s the right option for you, as not every bed is capable of accommodating a new headboard.
Image credit: @our_home_interior_3
Consider your bedding materials
Not only are warm winter duvets and pillows important, but the material of your bedsheets can also be crucial during the colder seasons. Whilst we all know cotton is a firm favourite and an all-round bedroom staple, there’s good reason for this. It provides plenty of insulation and breathability, making it key to helping you keep cool in summer and warm in winter.
For those on a tighter budget, microfiber is a great alternative. However, it does offer less airflow than cotton so this is worth bearing in mind if you are a hot sleeper. Flannel is also perfect for colder weather - its mix of brushed fabric and wool makes it lightweight, durable, and insulating. Or, if you’re looking for a super warm, super soft, and super insulating option, try fleece - what does it not have to offer?
It is also best to note what materials work best for you - do you have a love-hate relationship with feathers? Or is bamboo bedding the one for you? Unsurprisingly for some, feather and down duvets are undoubtedly the best choice for colder weather. However, they are also the heaviest, so you may want to bear this in mind before purchasing! And whilst you’re at it, maybe treat yourself to a brand new comforter - a little TLC never hurt anybody after all.
Image credit: @the.squiffy.mill
Add layered bedding for warmth
Like ogres and onions, beds should have layers (if you know, you know). Rather than just sticking to your winter duvet or one additional blanket, try several different additions. Whether this is a comforter, mattress protector, or flat sheet, there are plenty of ways to trap air and add insulation. Why not add a chunky knit throw to the mix? Because can you really ever have too many blankets?
Not only can they look super stylish, but layers can be easily removed if you find yourself feeling a bit too warm during the night. You can also experiment with thicker and thinner layers to maximise the effect, and this can save money for those looking to stay warm on a budget.
Lynn Easton, owner of the boutique hotel Zero George in Charleston, also recommends triple sheeting. By layering a warm but thinner quilt between two sheets, you can add an extra layer of insulation, whilst also ensuring you don’t have to wash your blanket as often - genius.
And whilst we’re on the subject of bedding, fancy a simple (and maybe slightly strange) hack for sleeping warm? Blow dry your sheets. Yes, really. Perhaps not overly convenient for every household, but a short blast of hot air is guaranteed to make your double bedding toasty in a matter of seconds. Try it at around 70C, and don’t forget to store it away safely when you’re all done.
10 tips to keep your bedroom warm
Alongside choosing the right double bedding, there are a few other things you can do to keep your bedroom warm during colder months.
1. Invest in blackout blinds, curtains or shutters
Blinds, shutters, and curtains not only keep light out, but are also pretty useful for keeping heat in. Thicker materials provide better insulation, so blackout blinds or wooden shutters are two of the best options for keeping bedrooms warm.
2. Move your bed away from any windows
If you have any slight drafts or glass windows, the area around here is likely going to be the coolest in your bedroom. For a quick (and free) solution, try rearranging the room and moving your bed away from any windows - thank us later.
3. Get the most out of your hot water bottles
Hot water bottles are a firm favourite in most homes. Simply putting them underneath the sheets before you tuck yourselves in can be a much cheaper - and even maybe cosier - alternative to putting the heating on.
4. Wear the right pyjamas - even if they’re paired with a hat and gloves!
Dressing yourself for the cold is just as important as dressing your bed, so make sure you have the right nightwear as the temperatures drop. Try warm flannel pyjamas or a fun fluffy set, and if you’re still feeling the cold, why not grab some extra layers to stay snug as a bug.
5. Treat yourself to a draught excluder
There’s a draught excluder out there for everyone - even if sausage dogs and snakes don’t fit in with your decor. Old but gold, putting a draught excluder in place is sure to keep any cold chills at bay. You could even try rolling up a towel instead if you need a fast and cheap alternative.
6. Never hang your clothes on the radiator
We’ve all done it - hanging clothes on the radiator in the hope they dry in time for your evening plans. Well, maybe this isn’t the best life hack after all - putting clothes on the radiator stops air circulation and means it takes longer for your house to warm up. So maybe it’s time to get the clothes airers back out from the cupboard…
7. Make a floating shelf work above the radiator
If unique storage is your thing, why not install a floating shelf above the bedroom radiator? This helps to deflect heat into the room and you can make it look pretty good at the same time too.
8. Snuggle up to whoever is close by
Spread the love (and the warmth) by cosying up to a loved one. Whether it be your partner, your pet, or that stuffed animal you won at the fair when you were 5…
9. Decorate with the seasons
Keep up with seasonal temperatures by decorating accordingly. Blankets and candles are ideal for colder months, and really help to create that cosy feeling.
10. Make a warm brew, put your feet up, and get cosy
Nothing says cosy like a hot chocolate or a cup of tea. It’s the perfect - and easiest - way to stay warm. So, just before it’s time to get comfy, pop the kettle on, get tucked into bed, and enjoy.
How cosy is your bedroom?
With temperatures dropping and days getting darker, it’s important to keep warm and stay positive to help avoid being sleep deprived. Whilst there are lots of solutions out there, these are just a few ways that can hopefully help to make life a little easier.
Add a few autumnal colours or winter shades into your home via blankets and candles, or invest in some beautiful new bedding. We know it’ll make getting out in the morning near impossible, but just think of getting back into it once you’re home…
