The sun has finally come out which means it's time to refresh your bedroom for the warmer months ahead.
The NHS recommends that adults should get about 7 to 9 hours of good-quality sleep each night. However, when the temperature increases, it can be harder to get the sleep you need.
We've got you covered with all our top picks and expert tips to get your bedroom ready for those spring/summer nights, so you can not only sleep well, but create a relaxing space to unwind.
If you haven't been sleeping well for a while, your mattress could be the problem. And a new season is the perfect opportunity to sort it out.
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, it's time for it to go.
A new mattress is a big investment so it's important you choose the right one. But with so many choices to consider, it can feel overwhelming!
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."
Of course, you'll also need to consider your budget!
If you're not sure where to start, Dreams offer this useful guide to help you choose the best mattress type:
Mattress Type | Features | Good for |
Coil springs that move together as one unit | Back sleepers, people on a budget | |
Individually wrapped coil springs that move independently | Back & front sleepers, couples | |
Body moulding foam that supports spine alignment and relieves pressure | Side, back & front sleepers, people who suffer from back pain | |
Open-cell structure that helps cushion pressure points and regulate temperature | Side & back sleepers, people who overheat at night | |
Hypoallergenic properties that also help prevent back pain | Side & back sleepers, people who suffer from allergies | |
Fillings such as cotton and wool, breathable fabrics with antibacterial properties | Side, back & front sleepers, people who suffer from allergies or overheat at night | |
Hybris of springs with a layer of memory foam, latex or gel | Side & front sleepers, people with allergies or who overheat at night |
We recommend visiting in-store (if you can) to test out different mattresses and comfort grades, and make sure you choose the right one for you.
Also, make sure you check out our latest discount codes on mattresses to make sure you get the best price! As well as Dreams, we work in partnership with brands such as Mattress Online, Emma Mattress and Simba Sleep, bringing our users the best and most reliable savings backed by our Code Guarantee.
Breathable bed linen
To ensure you sleep well during the warmer months, we recommend investing in some breathable bed linen.
Cotton is one of the most breathable fabrics and absorbs heat from your body throughout the night, allowing you to stay cool and dry. It's also soft and comfortable which is a must. Plus, cotton is typically one of the more affordable bedding options.
Linen is another great choice for the spring/summer months - both breathable and absorbent. It's also effortlessly stylish with a natural soft texture, but it can typically come with a higher price tag too.
According to Wayfair, you should also keep colour in mind. This is because dark colours absorb more heat, while lighter colours like white or cream will naturally repel heat. On a style note, you can never go wrong with crisp white sheets - it's giving luxury hotel!
Here's some of our top spring/summer bedding picks:
£ - M&S Collection Cotton Rich Bedding Set, £20-£30 at Marks & Spencer
££ - Yard Hebden Mélange Stripe 100% Cotton Duvet Cover Set in Eucalyptus, £26-£50 at furn
£££ - Edited Life Linen Duvet Cover and Pillow Case Set, £90-£140 at Dunelm
A low tog duvet
As the temperature rises, it's also a good idea to choose a lower tog duvet. A tog is a measure of how effectively a duvet insulates heat, so the higher the tog, the warmer the duvet, and vice versa.
Here's the recommended tog for each season, according to Dreams:
1-4.5 tog - perfect for summer summer
7-10.5 tog - best for spring and autumn
12-15 tog - to keep warm through winter
Of course, you might not want to change your duvet every few months, so you could opt for a 10.5 tog duvet which is good for all seasons. Check out the Silentnight Hotel Collection 10.5 Tog Duvet from £35 full price (though it regularly features in price drop offers)!
Cooling mattress toppers and pillows
If you're particularly sensitive to heat, you could even invest in a cooling mattress topper or cooling pillows. They're designed to draw heat away from you which creates a comfortable, cool sleep environment.
Our top pick is the Silentnight Cool Touch Pillow featuring a top layer of gel bubbles which offers instant coolness. We've shopped around for you and the best price we found (as of May) is £30 at Amazon.co.uk. Or try the Fogarty Temperature Balance Mattress Protector available from just £12 at Dunelm.
If you're planning to go all-out on a spring/summer bedroom refresh, we've got some top tips to help you revamp your bedroom decor.
Light colours
Reflect the change in season by introducing lighter colours to your space.
You don't need to be a dab hand at DIY to pick up a paintbrush, so why not give the walls a fresh lick of paint? Choose mood boosting colours such as sage green or pale pink or opt for light neutrals.
You could even just switch up your accessories and soft furnishings, swapping dark for light.
Fun florals
Spring is the season of new life so it's a great time to introduce some fun florals to your bedroom.
If you fancy a big change, you could use wallpaper to create a feature wall. We love the Gorgeous Gardinea Wallpaper from I Love Wallpaper (£18 per roll) and the Pressed Flowers Wallpaper from Dunelm (£14 a roll).
If you're looking for an easier alternative, you could opt for floral wall art. Desenio is our go-to and we've currently got a 30% off Next Poster Orders with Newsletter Sign-ups at Desenio deal live.
Of course, the simplest way to add new life to your bedroom is with fresh flowers. Lots of pretty blooms are available in supermarkets for less than £5 - we're thinking colourful tulips and daffodils! Flowers will instantly create joy and make your bedroom a more welcoming space to relax.
Considered lighting
There's no better feeling than waking up to the sun shining through! Brighter days mean more natural light so consider switching heavy curtains for more lightweight voile or linen alternatives.
Dunelm has got you covered with a wide range of affordable window dressings such as the Recycled Polyester Natural Slot Top Voile from £10 and the Sheer Elegance White Slot Top Single Voile Panel from just £4. That's what we call incredible value for money!
Of course, if you live in the UK, you can't always rely on the sun shining! So, it's worth looking at your bedroom lighting choices too. Switch out any dark, heavy lamp shades for lighter fixtures such as rattan or wicker pendants like this gorgeous shade from George.com (for £25).
We're obsessed with this paper KRUSNING lamp shade from IKEA too, costing £12. This is a real statement piece and it will create a a breezy and fresh feel to your bedroom.
Bedside table lamps are another way to add ambiance and warmth on those spring and summer evenings, instead of turning the main light on. We love this pastel Pink Ribbed Bulb Battery Lamp - £12 at George.com, and this sage Metal Dome Table Lamp - £20 at Marks & Spencer.
If you enjoyed this blog post, we recommend reading:
The best cheap home decor for your spring renovation
How to create a productive home office on a budget