As the temperatures begin to drop it’s time to start thinking about making our bedrooms more inviting for the winter months. Not only do we want comfortable sleep spaces, we also want lovely cosy places to retreat to on a chilly day. Somewhere to enjoy an evening snuggled up with a cup of tea and a book or a long lazy Sunday morning when its icy outside. From choosing the right winter bedding to the snuggly extras, here are my top tips for creating the perfect winter bedroom and enjoying a better night’s sleep.
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Switch to a Winter Tog Duvet
I love having a lightweight duvet through summer, then as soon as winter arrives switching over to a much warmer and cosier one. A 10.5 tog duvet is a good starting point while 13.5 tog is my ideal for the coldest months. But if you really feel the cold, you might even want to consider a 15 or 18 tog! But tog isn’t the only thing to think about when choosing a winter duvet. Size matters too! I’d always recommend going one size up if you can. I use a king size duvet on our double bed, giving us plenty of extra coverage and stopping chilly draughts creeping in around the edges. I’d also highly recommend investing in a natural feather or Feels Like Down duvet if you want that luxurious, inviting feel.
Feels Like Down 13.5 Tog Duvet from Julian Charles
Choose the Cosiest Bedding
When it comes to choosing bedding I always go for natural fibres. I think they’re so much more comfortable, but they’re also breathable, and while this is particularly important in summer, it’s just as valuable in winter. You want to feel warm and cosy without overheating or waking up sweaty. I’ve always had cotton or bamboo bedding, but this is the first winter I’ve had brushed cotton bedding on the bed, and I honestly don’t think I’ll ever go back! This is where the cotton fabric is gently brushed to lift the fibres – brushed cotton bedding has the softest cosiest feel to it. It’s the perfect choice for chilly winter nights when all you want is to climb into a lovely warm bed. I absolutely love it, and it makes bedtime feel like such a treat!
Robin Brushed Cotton Bedding from Julian Charles
Layer Up Your Bed with Extra Blankets
Adding an extra layer to your bed is one of the easiest ways to make your bedroom feel warmer and cosier during winter. It’s practical too, giving you an extra layer of warmth when temperatures drop, but one that’s removable if you get too warm during the night. It’s also an opportunity to introduce some cosy textures to your room, such as soft fleece, chunky cable knits or luxurious faux fur, which will make your bed feel even more inviting.
Dress for Bed with Cosy Socks and Pyjamas
The best time of day is when you get to change into your favourite cosy socks and comfy pyjamas! My go-to winter socks for lounging around the house are from Nordic Socks. They’re so thick and warm, and have wintry Nordic designs too. And when it comes to pyjamas I’d recommend choosing buttery soft cotton that feels comfortable against your skin, and nothing too restrictive or uncomfortable that might disturb your sleep. My favourite pyjamas are always from Chelsea Peers.
Insulate Your Bedroom for Winter
If you have a particularly cold house it’s worth thinking about other ways to keep the room warm, not just relying on your bedding or the central heating. Thermal-lined curtains are a great investment, helping to reduce heat loss through windows and keep chilly draughts at bay. And when decorating, consider carpeted bedrooms. We chose to cover up our lovely original floorboards in the bedroom, which did feel like a bit of a shame, but the extra layer of insulation underfoot and the warm feeling when getting out of bed on a cold morning made it worthwhile! But if you’d rather keep your wooden flooring, adding a thick, cosy rug is another great option. These are bigger investments than simply adding blankets and throws, but they can make a real difference to how warm and comfortable your bedroom feels through winter.
Ultimately though, creating a cosy winter bedroom is about seasonal swaps that make a big difference, from switching to warmer bedding to adding an extra blanket or some cosy socks before bed. Thinking about fabrics and textures is my number one tip for making your bed extra warm and inviting, and this will help you sleep comfortably through the winter months. (And Nellie clearly agrees!)
