Your guide to summer bedding
Blue skies as far as the eye can see and golden yellow sunshine beaming down on your face. Summer is here and the warmth is glorious, except when you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep. Being too hot can make it hard to drift off, and lead to spending the night tossing and turning. But with a few simple updates, you can transform your bedroom into a cool and relaxing haven.
Enter summer bedding. Having the right sleep set-up in hot weather can make all the difference in helping you stay cool. How do you choose the right summer bed coverings? Let’s take a closer look at finding the right bedding as the seasons change.
Why do you need bedding for summer?
As the seasons change, so do our bedding needs. Snuggling down under thick cosy bedding to escape the chill of winter is a blissful experience, but using the same bedding during hot weather can be a recipe for overheating.
During the cooler months, you might find yourself going for a warmer quilt, whereas Summer evenings call for lighter bedding, made from breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. These fabrics can help keep you comfortable throughout the night, helping you to get a better night’s rest.
Summer bedding ideas
So, what exactly should you look for when it comes to summer bedding? Here are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to your sheets, pillows and quilts that will help you create a cool bedding setup.
Bed Sheets for Summer
When considering what sheets are best for summer, you’ll want to look at natural fabrics. Man-made fibres trap heat and moisture, which is the opposite of what you need when it’s hot and humid. Look at bed sheets made from natural materials such as cotton, bamboo, and linen. These types of fabrics are soft on the skin, and have great breathability making them a great choice for summer.
Best Quilt for Summer
Some people may choose to go without a quilt during the warmer months. However, if you still want a little bit of coverage, a light layer is all you need. Strike the right balance between cosy and cool with quilts with a thin, lightweight fill of materials like cotton or Tencel™. Cotton quilts are often a go-to due to their breathable and lightweight properties. Tencel™ is known to be super-soft, while still being lightweight for those warmer months.
Summer Pillows
Your pillow shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to your summer bedding refresh. While the right pillow will offer support all year round, you may also want to consider airflow during the warmer months.
Tencel™ and cotton pillows are a great choice for summer. Both are breathable materials and lightweight. There are also memory foam options such as gel-infused open-cell foam with an airy structure to help disperse heat and moisture.
What type of bedding is coolest?
When it comes to choosing the coolest bedding, you’ll want to look for fabrics that are lightweight and breathable. Natural fabrics like linen are a top choice for summer. Cotton is another summer staple, known for being lightweight. Other popular fabrics include bamboo cotton, particularly for mattress protectors. This fabric can help create a breathable sleep surface, while also protecting your mattress from spills and sweat.
Is linen bedding good for summer?
With its superior breathability, allowing heat to escape so you stay cooler, linen is a fabulous option for summer bedding. It has moisture-wicking abilities, it to leave you feeling drier and more comfortable. Linen is very durable, and whilst initially it can feel a little crisp, it gets softer with each wash.
Summer bedding colours
While materials and textures are key, summer bedding isn’t just about the feel, but the look as well. It’s a great time to refresh your bedroom with lighter colours to create a fresh summer vibe.
You can’t go wrong with a neutral palette. Think crisp white bedding with soft creams and hues of blue that resemble the sky or sea. For those who love a pop of colour, brighten up your bedroom with yellows or oranges. You can also play with different patterns to add visual interest to your space.
How to layer bedding for summer
With all your fabrics chosen, you might be wondering how to create a bed for summer that looks as good as it feels. Start with a solid base, like a mattress protector that will help keep your bed in great condition. From there, add your quality bedding and linen, specifically breathable sheets. Then add a lightweight summer quilt. You can also add a thin summer blanket to the foot of your bed for extra warmth if needed. The key is to make it easy to take off layers to adjust to the temperature.
What to use instead of a duvet in summer?
During the warmer months, many people will want to go without a quilt, while still having a thin layer. Cool things down with a thin blanket of natural fibres, or simply opt for just a top sheet to cover you. Choosing to forego the heavy duvet for lighter options can lead to a more comfortable and restful night sleep, without overheating.
Other tips to stay cool during summer
While your bedding is a great start to staying cool throughout the night, there are a few other ways to set yourself up for sleep-success. Here are some other ways to stay cool during summer:
- Wear lightweight sleep clothes made from natural fibres.
- Setting up a fan in your room or opposite windows to create a cooling cross breeze.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Close blinds or curtains during the day to block out the sun, reducing the heat build-up indoors.
- Heat rises, so you may find that you sleep better in the rooms on the lower levels of your house.
No matter how well you sleep during the heat, a few simple tweaks can make all the difference in your sleep space and the quality of sleep you’re getting each night. If you need more inspiration, check out our Snooze blog.