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How to Adapt Your Bedding for Colder Weather
Although it isn’t something you have to do, swapping out your bedding for the season does come with benefits.
Most people think that if you swap out your bedding, it must be done every season. Not so! Twice a year is plenty often — once for the warmer seasons and once to cozy things up for the cooler months.
As for benefits, the most obvious is the warmth factor. Heavier blankets and sheets, plus added throws for layering, allows you to not only stay warm but also adjust the level of warmth throughout the colder months of the year. Lightening things up in the spring and summer seasons do the opposite.
Aesthetics are another benefit. Cold weather months usher in deeper hues and more luxe fabrics, which provide the perfect excuse for redecorating. In addition to physical comfort, don’t be afraid to update your home for visual comfort.
Fall Bedding Failsafes
Are you a hot sleeper? It might be a good idea for you to choose fabrics that are more breathable when you swap out your bedding this fall. Consider bamboo or cotton sheets, for example. Then load up on layers from a variety of fabric materials for a cozy, textured aesthetic. Here are the most popular types of fabric for bedding, from sheets to comforters:
Bamboo: Due to its durability and breathability (two must-haves for hot sleepers), bamboo is a great alternative to cotton. In addition, bamboo sheets are a favorite of those looking to be more environmentally conscious. Just keep in mind that some varieties must go through chemical processes for manufacturing.
Cotton: When affordability and easy care are important factors in your decision making, you simply can’t go wrong with layers of cotton bedding. Not only can you pick from a range of different weaves — jersey, sateen, twill, and percale — but cotton actually gets softer as it ages. It’s available in a wide range of style and color choices, and is probably the best year-round contender since it’s so comfortable. Regardless of your other bedding layer preferences, cotton is ideal for that first layer choice.
Flannel: If your bedding needs additional warmth during those colder months, then flannel sheets are the way to go. This is especially true in cooler climates. Just understand that hot sleepers may overheat during the night. Flannel comes in a range of weights, so try to pick one that suits your bedroom temperature as well as your sleeping body temperature.
Velvet: A luxurious fabric, velvet is also quite warm. It makes a rich, elegant addition to fall and winter bedding, and is especially suited for quilts.
Picking Perfect Layers
It doesn’t matter if it’s bed linens or outerwear, layering your fall and winter bedding is important. Doing so will give you the added warmth needed on those extra chilly nights, and allow you to adjust the temperature as needed during the night by peeling off layers or adding them. Here are the key layers to include:
Sheets: A fitted sheet and top sheet are necessary for the fall, despite your wanting to skip the latter. What’s important when it comes to sheets is the fabric composition, as they lay directly on your body. Find sheets that are two things: soft and breathable. Flannel is a good choice for those that aren’t hot sleepers.
Coverlet or Quilt: Either one of these will add more warmth to your bed than any blanket, but are typically too thin to be a top layer during the colder seasons. Position a quilt or coverlet beneath a comforter or duvet, making certain to pull your top sheet over the edge of the quilt for a tidy and finished appearance.
Duvet or Comforter: This layer of bedding ensures warmth and also provides weight to help you sleep soundly. When choosing a comforter or duvet, always consider your climate, how hot or cool you sleep, and the temperature of your bedroom at night in order to figure out the best choice for your conditions. Also think about the weight of each layer since they will be adding more heat retention.
Bed Blanket: Bed blankets are lightweight additions that serve to bring more warmth over top of a coverlet, quilt, comforter or duvet. Much larger than a throw blanket, bed blankets can also be layered in just below the outer bedding, so that they sit right on top of the sheets and get tucked in with them. The dimensions of bed blankets typically coordinate with the sizes of standard mattresses. They come in all kinds of weights and fabric options.
Throw Blanket: Great for a little added warmth or just some extra visual interest, throw blankets can be quite handy. In particular, look at blanket textures as this is an easy and effective way to help elevate the look of your bedding.
Pillows: The power of pillows in any season cannot be understated, but particularly when it’s cold outside. An extra pillow or two on the bed during fall and winter can really add to the coziness, but be sure not to go overboard. For example, a finished look on a king-size bed can be had with just two basic pillows, a pair of sham pillows, and either a bolster pillow or a handful of throw pillows.
