It's that time of year where snuggling up in bed suddenly feels more appealing than going out and braving the cold weather.
If you're starting to feel the chill in your bedroom, you might need to invest in a higher tog duvet, or some thermal curtains. I personally like to refresh my decor as the seasons change, too.
It's also a good time to make sure you've got the basics covered. The NHS recommends that adults should get about seven to nine hours of good-quality sleep each night. If you're not getting the sleep you need, something as simple as changing your pillows could make a big difference.
I've put together some of my top tips to help you get your bedroom ready for the colder months ahead - including some budget-friendly options (I know we're all starting to think about the wonderful but costly C word and tightening the purse strings right about now)!
Let's start with the basics
Do you need a new mattress?
It's recommended to change your mattress every 6 to 8 years, but there are telltale signs you might need to invest sooner. If you notice visible sagging, that's a sign your mattress is passed its best. And if you regularly wake up feeling stiff and unrested, your mattress could be the problem.
A new mattress is a big investment, so it's important to choose the right one, and using a voucher code could help you save.
According to Dreams: "There are a number of considerations to look at when choosing a mattress, including mattress size, mattress type and comfort grade. While the size of your mattress depends on the space you have available, mattress type and comfort grade depend on the sleeper."
The Simba Hybrid® Luxe Mattress regularly tops the charts, winning 13 awards and boasting more than 10,000 5-star reviews. It has an incredible 9 layers and triple spring layers for ultimate comfort. It's not cheap but it's an investment, covered by a 10-year guarantee. It regularly features in offers and you could save with a Simba discount code.
If you're after a more budget-friendly option, consider the Dormeo Octasmart Plus Memory Foam Mattress from £499. It's powered by patented multi-award winning Octaspring® technology with smart body zones creating optimal support. You can save £10 off when you sign up to the Dormeo newsletter, too.
If you're still undecided, Dreams offers some expert guides to help you choose the best mattress for your needs.
Choose the right pillows
Pillows can also play a big part in how well you sleep.
When choosing pillows, it’s about finding the right type to suit your sleeping style. There's a lot consider including pillow filling and firmness levels, but most importantly, your pillows should be comfortable and supportive.
If you're a side sleeper, a thick and firm type of pillow is the best option such as the Snuggledown Side Sleeper Pillow costing £15 at Dunelm. It has a special deep box wall construction which offers neck and shoulder support right to the edge of the pillow.
If you're a back sleeper, consider a thinner, softer pillow to avoid muscle strain. The Slumberdown Feels like Down Medium pillow pair is a great choice which will gently support your neck and spine for a comfortable nights sleep. They're available to shop at a range of retailers, but the cheapest I've found them is at George.com for £14 (which is fantastic value for money, in my opinion)!
Tailor your tog
As the temperature cools, it's time to switch your summer duvet for a higher tog alternative. A tog is a measure of how effectively a duvet insulates heat, so the higher the tog, the warmer the duvet.
Hannah Shore (from Silentnight) told Glamour:
“Typically, a winter duvet would be between 13.5 and 15 tog. The 15 tog Silentnight So Snug is a perfect winter duvet for anyone that feels the chill. However, we all run at different temperatures and those who tend to overheat may find a lower tog duvet more comfortable."
During the colder months, I use the Duck Feather & Down Duvet from DUSK in 13.5 tog, and highly recommend. It feels super soft and luxurious. It starts from £100, but regularly features in offers with huge discounts (it's currently available from £60, and you can save extra with a promo code).
Create a cosy space
Escape the cold, rainy days outside by creating a cosy haven to snuggle up and relax. It's all about embracing warm colours, adding cosy lighting and building textures.
Warm colours
Add warmth to your bedroom with rich oranges, deep reds and greens. Or if you're a neutral lover like me, opt for warmer hues such as beige, brown and creams.
You probably won't want to paint your bedroom every season (if you do, of course, go for it)! So, if you are planning to freshen up the paint, it's best to choose a colour that will work all year round. My go-to neutral paint colour (which is used in both my bedroom and living room) is Farrow & Ball - Cornforth White. It's not too warm and not too cool, so it's the perfect year-round shade. I also love the warmth of colours like Egyptian Cotton and Malt Chocolate by Dulux.
But the easiest way to embrace warm colours is through decor and soft furnishings. I love this Washed Cotton Plain Dye Duvet Cover Set in Cinnamon from DUSK. The Amberley Waffle Cotton Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set from Dunelm is another lovely choice and the Natural, Olive and Terracotta colour options are perfect for this time of year.
Cosy lighting
As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, it's important to consider the lighting throughout your home, and especially in your bedroom.
In general, there are 3 types of lighting: ambient, accent and task lighting. And when thinking about your bedroom, you should consider both ambient and task lighting (at least).
Also known as general lighting, ambient lighting is best achieved with ceiling lights that will illuminate the whole room. Task lighting ensures functionality, for instance, through a bedside table or reading lamp, which is essential for those dark nights!
I also prefer to choose warm bulbs (as opposed to cool bulbs) to add warmth and comfort on winter evenings.
Texture
Building textures is another easy way to add warmth and cosiness to your bedroom.
Layer up your bed with snuggly blankets and cushions. Using the same fabric and texture for all soft furnishings can make the space feel flat, so the more different textures, the better. Think fax fur, boucle and chenille.
Here, I've layered up my velvet bed with cotton bedding, a faux fur throw and a boucle bolster cushion. Although all the elements are a similar colour, the different materials add warmth and make the space feel inviting.
Here's another example of my bedroom styled for the colder months. This time, I've layered waffle textured bedding with a chunky knit throw and cushions.
More helpful heating tips
- It's essential to identify and eliminate any drafts or chills that may be dragging down the temperature in your bedroom. But how? Simply light a tea light and waft it slowly past your doors and windows. If the flame flickers at any point, that means air is coming through. If you discover any draughty spots, cover them up using a draft excluder or insulated curtains and blinds.
- If you have wood or laminate flooring in your bedroom, it's a good idea to introduce a thick pile rug. It will make your bedroom feel cosy and stylish, whilst trapping the heat and helping to insulate the room.
- I couldn't be without a hot water bottle during winter. A top tip is to slip it into the sheets about an hour before getting in bed. Then, your bed will be warm and toasty when you're ready to jump in and drift off.
- Open the curtains in the morning to let the sun in and add warmth to your bedroom, but remember to trap that sunlight by drawing the curtains closed again before the sun sets.
Bethany Smith is our in-house writer for all things interior design. Connect with her journey and latest work on Instagram at @bethanyhome_. If you enjoyed this guide, check out some more of her recent blog posts here:
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