Everyone seems to be obsessing over optimization — 100%, 100mph, all the time. Many of us cope by unwinding in bed — reading or watching Rivals — that moment of simply taking a breath is so important. No longer are beds just for sleeping; they signify a haven away from the relentless noise of the everyday — that means one thing — we have to be very intentional about our bedfellows. And by bedfellows, I mean our pillows.

Buying bedding is a tough gig, though — you have to consider softness, style, and support. But I’ve come across one pillow that ticks all my boxes. The wedge headboard pillow, available from Amazon, is half cushion, half headboard. Designed to be a backrest that is more supportive than any pillow, this firm wedge improves circulation and helps reduce strain. There are affordable options, but if you've got a bit more budget to spend, we really love this one that comes in different sizes, and has a removable cover, too. It has lots of great reviews, too.

But, of course — this is Livingetc, and while ergonomics is the primary function, designed to have you relax-maxxing in seconds, it has to look good. And, for something so practical for a bedroom, this actually rates pretty highly in that regard.

These headboard wedges are functional, providing back and lumbar support, but they also come in a wide range of designs, sizes, and colors.

Ergonomically, the headboard wedge pillow's support is unmatched. And aesthetically, it can tie a whole room’s design together. One pillow headboard and a few cushions can be enough to create an enveloping bedscape — one that is inviting and relaxing — so check out our bed recipes, which promote high-end, hotel-style sleep.

And for even more inspiration, sign up to the Livingetc newsletter.

When you think of summer bedding, linen is probably the first material to pop to mind. And for good reason. It regulates heat, promotes air circulation, and feels light. But what if I told you some bedding materials work even better in the heat?

Turns out, sleep experts actually favor cotton, wool, hemp, and bamboo lyocell over linen. So, if you're looking to buy bedding to see you through the warmer months, these materials should be at the top of your list.

But before you choose your favorite from these linen alternatives, let's take a look at why they come so highly recommended.

1. Cotton

Lucy Guy, homeware expert and product developer at Rise & Fall, says that cotton percale is another excellent alternative to linen bedding. "Our Crisp & Cool cotton is actually our bestselling range, outperforming cotton sateen and European linen due to its year-round appeal," she says.

"It has that freshly-made-bed feeling that stays cool against the skin, with a smooth matte finish and a lightweight weave that allows plenty of airflow. If you love the look of hotel-style bedding but want something that feels particularly fresh in warmer weather, percale is a great option."

This Light Greige Muslin King Duvet Set from H&M is so soft to the touch and made from 100% cotton. And personally, I'd save the duvet for summer and instead layer in with this Cotton Muslin Bedspread to keep it light.

2. Wool

Next, for your sheets or even your duvet, Lucy recommends wool. "There's a common misconception that wool is only for winter, but it's actually one of the most versatile bedding fills you can sleep under," she says.

"What makes it so effective is the way it handles moisture and temperature. It helps move humidity away from the body rather than trapping it, which can make a noticeable difference on warm or muggy nights."

She also finds it remarkably good at regulating your temperature as you sleep. "Instead of simply insulating, wool responds to changes in body heat, helping to keep you comfortable whether the night turns unexpectedly warm or a little cooler towards the early hours. That's why it's often a favorite among hot sleepers and anyone who struggles with overheating or night sweats."

3. Hemp

Kat Dey, co-founder of ettitude, tells me that hemp is one of the closest natural substitutes for linen because it’s also a bast fiber. "It has a similarly textured hand feel, excellent airflow, and outstanding durability," she adds.

"Like linen, hemp starts out feeling crisp and gradually softens with use and washing, developing character over time. It’s also a highly sustainable crop, requiring relatively little water and fewer agricultural inputs than many conventional fibers."

It's one of the best materials if you're detoxing your home. Whether it's stuffed into a mattress or draped as sheets and pillow covers. Which is why I've got my eye on these Luxury Organic Cotton & Hemp Pair Super King Pillowcases in Pebble from Floks.

4. Bamboo Lyocell

"For those who prioritize softness as much as cooling, bamboo lyocell is an ideal summer fabric. It offers exceptional breathability and moisture management, helping move perspiration away from the body so it can evaporate more efficiently," says Kat.

"Unlike linen’s textured finish, most bamboo lyocell sheets on the market are made with a sateen weave, which has a silky, smooth surface that feels cool against the skin, making it particularly appealing for learning how to sleep in the heat."

If you're wondering where to buy bamboo bedding, I recommend this Signature+™ Bamboo Lyocell Bedding Set in Pebble Cream from Panda London. Or, try this Waterlily 100% Bamboo Lyocell Fitted Sheet for a beautiful pop of blue.

And if you don't want to pick between all of these linen alternatives, how about a blend of two? "If you love linen but wish it were a little softer, a bamboo lyocell and hemp blend is the closest alternative," she says. "Hemp contributes the airy, textured feel, while bamboo lyocell adds softness, moisture management, and a smoother drape."

And this King Linen Sheet Set in Stone from ettitude is my find for the season. Now, while you find your favorite cooling alternative, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter for more styling tips.

As the weather warms and you begin resetting your bedroom for the season, one question will definitely come to mind: what bedding material is best for summer? Well, I'd heard of all the usual suspects (bamboo, cotton, linen), but I just found this Merino Jersey Fitted Sheet from SHLEEP that might be the definitive winner.

As a hot sleeper, I'm extremely picky about the way I dress my bed during this time of year. So, I did a bit of research into the fabric, and it turns out that Merino wool is ideal for summer. The fine fibers release heat instead of trapping it, and in turn make your skin feel cool and airy.

If you're wondering how to sleep in the heat and looking for new bedding to treat your home, here's why this is a stylish, summer-friendly option.

What is Merino Wool Bedding?

Merino wool is an ultra-fine natural fiber sourced from Merino sheep. And the jersey style comes from the knitted construction of the material. The interlocking technique used in jersey knitting allows for a softer, stretchy Merino wool finish. Plus, it has a natural elasticity that makes dressing your bed less of a chore. It's also one of the best bedding materials for a guest bedroom.

What are the Benefits of Merino Wool Bedding?

Since Merino fibers are naturally fine, it's the perfect choice for sleeping better. The active thermoregulation of the fabric, paired with its moisture-wicking ability and its itch-free softness, makes it an extremely beneficial foundation for a summer bed. If crafted from pure natural Merino, it can also be odor- and bacteria-resistant.

So, if you're interested in switching to Merino wool, here are some bedding buys that will go a long way in the warm months.

With the ever-so-unpredictable state of the weather, I also recommend scrolling through our guide of things to buy ahead of a heatwave. And for more summer styling ideas, sign up for the Livingetc newsletter.

Styling a bed is something of an art form. Achieving the kind of bed that rivals a luxury hotel — complete with crisp sheets, perfectly arranged pillows, and a backdrop that feels effortlessly cohesive — requires intention. Every detail matters, right down to the minutiae of your wall color and the thread count of your sheets. If only there were a foolproof formula for getting it right...

Well, what if we told you there is? While there's no right and wrong way to style the perfect bed, interior designers have long relied on a set of principles that elevate a sleep space from basic to beautifully considered. It might seem excessive, but given that the bed is the focal point of all modern bedroom ideas, it's a detail worth getting right.

Stuck for inspiration? Look no further. In search of the ultimate bed formula, I asked designers to share their tried-and-tested recipes for a perfectly styled bed. Think of them as the infallible elements that promise to transform your sleep space from humdrum to high-end.

1. Statement Headboard + Wooden Nightstand + Soft White Linen

Some of us are so puritan when it comes to styling a bed that we only ever choose white bed linen. If your sheets are plain, let your headboard be the main event.

Perhaps it's a bespoke upholstered option or an exaggerated form that draws the eye, or you could choose a wooden headboard framed with distinctive marquetry, as pictured here in Casa Cedo, a boutique hotel in Porto designed by Daniela Franceschini, founder of Quiet Studios.

To ensure visual interest while keeping the surrounding space soothing, Daniela opted for wooden tones on a backdrop of delicate blue. Sandwiched between white sheets and colorful walls, the headboard offers a beautiful vignette that does all the talking.

"The headboard has a pattern made with wood marquetry, and the bedside tables are art deco-inspired," she explains. "The lamps were produced in ceramic inspired by botanical moldings as an architectural detail romanticized." The result? A perfectly soothing bed where the walls, wood tones, and white sheets offer distinctive layering.

2. Warm Beiges + Layered Textures + Rich Wood

Neutrals are a go-to choice for a bedroom, but if you want to avoid a space that feels two-dimensional, you need to layer up on textural details. There's no doubt that a monochromatic color scheme like the one shown above makes a bedroom visually quiet and calming, but it's the textural accents that give it richness and depth.

The bold, large-scale patterned wallpaper was central to this room's design. "To let it take center stage, we kept the additional elements to a minimum," explains interior designer Rebecca Hughes. "Rich side tables from Scanditure add warmth without competing for attention, while the bedside table lamp from Heathfield (with a Pooky lampshade) adds a beautiful minimalist accent." The only pop of color comes from the deep red cushions.

If you're likewise committed to neutral bedroom ideas, make them warm and ensure there's still variety in the mix. Rebecca used a fabric headboard, a rich ochre throw, and a burlwood nightstand to create a tonal scheme that doesn't feel flat. "The result is a scheme that feels calm, cohesive, and effortlessly comfortable," says Rebecca.

3. Color Drench + Fabric Headboard + Patterns

If you lean more maximalist, take inspiration from this bedroom from Burbeck Studio. The key ingredients here are cocooning color and clashing patterns, culminating in a bedscape brimming with personality.

Start with your bedroom color as the foundation (here, a soft sage called Sobek by Paint & Paper Library). Drench the whole room for an enveloping effect, using complementary tones in the bedspread.

Creative director Jack Willcocks chose to introduce a deliberate tension of patterns that, on paper, shouldn't work together. The headboard is upholstered in a dense geometric weave, set against a sharply contrasting pillow in a tailored windowpane check, its navy grid punctuated with tiny red accents. Rather than competing, they create a layered, curated feel.

"This bedroom was designed to feel immersive, atmospheric, and quietly luxurious through the use of saturated color, layered textures, and bespoke detailing," Jack explains. "The bespoke headboard was upholstered in Zinc Textile’s Jenga Colibri fabric from the Juego collection, a richly textured fabric with an organic, almost artisanal character that complemented the earthy tonal palette of the room beautifully."

Whether you choose to pair a ditsy floral quilt with a bold-striped wallpaper or a chevron with a paisley, this is a great formula to replicate in your own bedroom. The many different elements of a bed — throws, cushions, undersheets — also make it easy to introduce patterns and switch them up as you desire.

4. Earthy Tones + Patterned Quilt + Whimsy

While this is a child's bedroom, the bed recipe isn't any less effective for anyone wanting to add whimsy to their styling. Start with a patterned quilt like the one seen above. From there, build an earthy scheme around the colors in the throw, then add a touch more whimsy through the surrounding decor. In this case, that comes in the form of a wavy headboard (try this one from Next), a fine-line print, and a tiger throw pillow.

"The approach for this space was to introduce a sense of youthfulness and warmth against the home’s refined original details," explains Daniella Gohari, design director at Electric Bowery. "Softness, color, and pattern were layered through the bedding, pillows, and quilt, creating a room that feels both inviting and cozy."

Personal touches were especially important to the design, complementing the bedscape itself to give the space a collected, lived-in quality. "A playful tiger-shaped rug and coordinating pillow, for example, add a final note of whimsy, bringing additional color, charm, and personality to the space," says Daniella.

5. Rattan + Jute + Linen bedding

Scandinavian bedrooms are instantly calming, but if you want the perfect balance of effortless simplicity and visual depth, it can be tricky to get the formula right.

Luckily, interior designer Pernille Lind has a reliable bed recipe up her sleeve. Start with a rattan headboard or bedframe, ground it with a jute rug, and then add perfectly crumpled linen bedding. You can mix the colors and materials in between, but a combination of these three elements will guarantee a serene sleep space.

When keeping a palette neutral (common in the Scandi style), Pernille says the secret to making it feel inviting rather than flat is layering distinct textures. "This room balances the relaxed with the strict, but all within a very carefully selected tonal palette, in all natural colors, where nothing stands out too much as a feature," she explains.

The aim was to create a calm, sanctuary-like bedroom by focusing on rich, natural textures rather than bold color. "The room is anchored by the Walford Hyem bed in natural oak and rattan," Pernille says. "To keep the mood soft and balanced, everything else was curated around this mix of wood and natural fibers."

Surrounding components consist of a bespoke jute rug by Tim Page, an upholstered bench and pendant light, both from Pinch, and oak bedside tables from HOWE London. "The entire scheme is pulled together against walls painted in Farrow & Ball's 'Slipper Satin', a warm off-white that acts as a soft backdrop, allowing the natural wood tones to stand out without too much of a contrast," adds Pernille.

6. Linen Bedding + Bold Color + Brass Lighting

Craving a fun and vibrant bed style that still retains a high-end feel? Choose linen sheets in contrasting tones, then add some warm brass sconces to your wall or headboard. In the space above by YSG Studio, a chocolate-y undersheet complements a smoky blue shade, colors picked from the handwoven African bedspread that lies on top.

The studio's director, Yasmine Ghoniem, says textiles were vital in bringing this "laid-back utopia" to life. "This room feels soft and voluptuous thanks to the super tactile bedding, plus wardrobe fronts that we covered with textured silk," she says. "There’s a bit of Tiki magic in this space. It gives off a tropical resort-like feel thanks to our mix of vintage and new finds, plus more precious items like the slimline brass bedside wall lights."

The structural sconces (see a similar style at Pooky), while discreet, add warmth and elegance to the otherwise playful scheme. With their structural brass arms, they complement the softness of the linen beautifully.

7. Satin Bedding + Fabric Headboard + Sculptural Sconces

Who said pared-back, minimalist bedrooms were boring? This bedroom (also from YSG Studio) is a no-frills recipe, yet it's far from bland. Instead, the richness emerges through texture — from the lustrous satin bedding to the softly fringed upholstered headboard.

A palette of gentle wheat and sage tones reinforces the room's calming atmosphere. "The clients wanted a bedroom that possessed a lavish yet tranquil feeling, with elements that were rich in substance rather than excess trimmings," says Yasmine. To achieve this, tactility became a guiding principle in the selection of materials and finishes. “Embossed vinyl and raffia-weave wallpaper clad the wardrobes,” she explains, introducing subtle depth and texture throughout the space.

Comfort was equally central to the design. Cream bed linen (try Bed Threads) was chosen in place of crisp white, lending a softer, warmer feel. “It conveys more warmth than customary white, and the loose bed throw adds a relaxed statement, complementing the padded bedhead’s linen upholstery and gently frayed seams,” says Yasmine.

The room's sense of effortless elegance is completed by floating bespoke stone bedside consoles and delicate brass wall lights, which appear to hover against the walls. Together, they create an airy, weightless quality that enhances the bedroom's serene, minimalist mood.

There's no singular formula for a successfully styled bed, but there are a few key ingredients that contribute to the overall look and feel (whatever it is you want to achieve). Swapping out a few throw pillows for a patterned bolster or switching to silky satin sheets instead of crisp white percale can make all the difference to your bedroom's vibe, turning your space from bland and basic to elegant and elevated.

Whether you're looking for inspiration for fresh summer bed styling ideas or you want to make long-term investments that transform your sleep sanctuary altogether, these designer-approved bed "recipes" provide all the inspiration you need.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

Hot-weather bedding is always a little tricky. You still want your bed to look soft, layered, and beautiful, but the last thing anyone wants in summer is a heavy duvet or too many thick textures. Knowing where to buy bedding is a good place to start, but in summer, it’s just as important to think about the fabrics, colors, and lightweight layers that will actually help your bed feel cooler.

The best bedding trends for 2026 are all about creating a bed that feels relaxed but still intentional, with breathable materials, softer color palettes, and textures that add interest without weighing the whole look down. Linen, cotton, percale, waffle, and lightweight quilts are the pieces I always look for when styling a bed for warmer weather.

And if you struggle to sleep when it gets hot, linen is always worth considering. This linen sleep hack proves just how much the right bedding can change the way your bed feels at night. So, instead of stripping everything back completely, I’d focus on building a lighter summer bed that still looks styled. These are the five hot-weather bed formulas I’d start with.

1. The Crisp White Hotel Bed

A white bed will always feel fresh in summer, especially when you keep the materials light and breathable. I’d style this look with crisp cotton sheets, a soft white duvet cover, and a lightweight quilt or coverlet folded at the end of the bed for that hotel-style finish. The key is to keep the palette tonal rather than flat. Mix white, ivory, and soft beige so the bed feels layered, clean, and expensive.

2. The Soft Coastal Bed

Pale blue is one of the easiest colors to introduce into a summer bedroom because it instantly makes the space feel cooler and calmer. Styled with white cotton, washed linen, and sandy neutrals, it gives the bed that relaxed coastal feel without looking too themed. I’d add a subtle stripe or waffle texture here to stop the look feeling too plain. It should feel breezy, comfortable, and like the kind of bed you want to fall into after a hot day.

3. The Green Garden Bed

For anyone who prefers warmer tones, an earthy linen bed is a beautiful way to make summer bedding feel softer and more grounded. Oatmeal, clay, terracotta, and warm white work especially well together because they feel sunbaked rather than heavy. Keep the base simple, then add one richer accent shade through pillowcases, a cushion, or a light throw.

4. The Earthy Linen Bed

Green always works well in a bedroom because it feels restful, but in summer it also brings in that fresh, garden-inspired feeling. Sage, soft white, butter yellow, and natural wood make a really pretty combination that feels light but still full of character. I’d keep the main bedding simple and use the color through sheets, pillowcases, or a small botanical detail. It’s a lovely option if you want your bedroom to feel fresh and seasonal without going too bright.

5. The Minimal No-Duvet Bed

On very hot nights, sometimes the duvet just has to go. But that doesn’t mean the bed has to look unfinished. A fitted sheet, a linen flat sheet, and a lightweight coverlet can still create a really beautiful look. This is where texture becomes important. A quilted coverlet, oversized pillows, or a slightly crumpled linen sheet will make the bed feel styled, even when you’re keeping the layers as light as possible.

The best summer bedding is about balance. You want pieces that help you sleep more comfortably, but also make your bedroom feel calm, inviting, and pulled together. Whether you prefer classic earthy linen or linen bedding alternatives like crisp white cotton, soft coastal blues, or a barely-there no-duvet setup, the right layers can make your bed feel lighter without losing that styled finish.

For more shopping edits, styling ideas, and the latest interiors inspiration, make sure to sign up to the Livingetc newsletter.

The 'correct' number of pillows you should have on your bed is an age-old debate. Two feels very minimalist, while stacking anything over eight can start to feel incredibly over-the-top. Of course, it can all work, but what's the best number of pillows when it comes to styling a bed in 2026? According to this bedding designer, it's six.

When I asked Molly Freshwater, the co-founder and creative director of Secret Linen Store, why, she said: "Why have four pillows when you can have six? Honestly, it's that simple." And it's true — while bedding trends are paring back, having six pillows still gives you plenty of flexibility when styling, without cluttering the bed.

To style your bed with six pillows, Molly recommends four standard pillows and two square throw cushions. The rest (color, material, patterns, poise) is up to you to arrange, however you like. Still sounds like too much? And where do you put them all at night? Here's why Molly swears by her six-pillow setup.

Why Six Is the Best Number of Cushions For Your Bed

The reasoning behind styling six pillows on the bed is, again, quite simple. "You should feel excited about the bed waiting for you at the end of the day, and in my bedtime world, that bed is dressed with six glorious plump (feather if possible) pillows every single morning," shares Molly Freshwater.

That said, the types of pillows you need are more of an exact science. A combination of four standard pillows and two squares is what Molly deems non‑negotiable. "It's the perfect marriage of comfort and aesthetics, and as a designer and founder of a bedding brand, those two things are basically my bedtime language," she explains. A cozy bedroom is never going to sacrifice the luxurious allure of a few extra pillows to soften things up.

Plus, four standards and two squares provide endless styling possibilities. Ideally, that looks like two standard pillows stacked on top of each other on either side of the bed, with the squares sitting upright in front as a finishing touch on your bed.

When it's time to sleep, your standards are ready to go, and for reading or lounging, "the squares are ridiculously comfy, like little clouds that invite you in for a bedtime story," says Molly. Best of both worlds? I think so.

How to Style Six Cushions on Your Bed

When it comes to styling six cushions on your bed, there's the standard layout, but "If I'm honest, it depends on which side of the bed I metaphorically roll out of," says Molly. "The joy of six pillows is the sheer number of ways you can dress them."

Stack the standards with the squares in front, sitting upright and looking very 'I have my life together,' or flip it, with "squares at the back, standards cascading in front like a soft little waterfall," says Molly.

No matter which styling variation you choose, "everything must be plump and placed, no 'just got out of bed' look for me," she adds. A well-made bed sets you up for the day.

As for what bedding color combinations and throw pillows to add, Molly's only rule is that "two pillows should match the duvet cover, two the sheet, and two should be your moment of fun — color, stripes, go crazy."

She likes mixing and matching in pairs, and "six cushions give you three fun combinations to play with against your duvet cover," says Molly. "Mix up the symmetry, stack them differently on each side, and let the bed have a little personality moment."

Alternatively, keep your bedding minimalist, opting for calming colors and a more symmetrical layout.

Stylish Pillows to Shop

Standard Pillows

Square Pillows

But, okay, okay, I know what you're thinking: Where do you store these extra pillows while you sleep? "I never let cushions end up in a sad little heap," Molly reassures me. "They deserve a romanticized bedtime routine, too. I like giving them a place, neatly stacked as part of the nightly undressing."

The floor is fine (provided you're diligent at keeping it clean and dust‑free, please), but a shelf, chair, or basket is even better. "If they're tidy while you sleep, making the bed in the morning becomes a tiny pleasure instead of a chore," adds Molly.

So there you have it — six pillows is the designer-approved, secret recipe for a well-dressed bed. Will you be trying this? For endless bedroom-styling inspiration sent straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter.

I’m semi-embarrassed to say it as an interiors obsessive, but I’ve never cared too much about bedding. Do I strive to stay abreast of the latest and greatest offerings in the space? Absolutely; it’s part of the gig, of course. But when I go to cover my personal four-poster, well, I’ve always found that a simple, affordable high-street buy gets the job done fine.

That’s what intrigued me so much about the opportunity to review some sheets from the relaunched Soft-Wash Cotton range from Cozy Earth, one of the best bedding brands on the market right now. Did this mean it was high time to see what I was missing? And, when given the chance to change my mind, would I stick to my conviction that budget bedding is good enough?

Well, after two weeks under the covers, I can safely say (and begrudgingly, so) that yes, quality sheets and duvets make a difference … and a big difference at that. In fact, I had half a mind to write this review from my bed because I’d rather hang out there all day than on my couch. (Yes, I am serious.)

Is Cozy Earth's Soft-Wash Cotton Bedding Good Quality?

The short answer here is yes; yes, it is.

Although some might argue that it is the least important part of this review, I knew I was in for a treat when I received the bedding in the mail. In my experience, the best brands are the ones that know the vibe check begins at the point of reception. The manner in which buyers receive the product must feel as streamlined, fabulous, and high-end as the product itself.

I was pleased to learn that Cozy Earth was well aware of this paradigm. Both the sheet set and duvet cover were wrapped in lovely cloth packages (pictured above), made of a similar (if not the same) fabric as the bedding. Pretty immediately, I knew I was in for a treat. (Plus, knowing how to neatly store the bedding was already sorted.)

Moreover — although it sounds redundant — “soft-washed cotton” really is the appropriate name here. I mean, these pieces are genuinely supple and sumptuous — a completely different finger feel than the 400 thread-count sheets I’ve used for years (which are totally fine in their own way, but don’t hold a candle to these). As it says in the description, the fabric is truly ultra-soft.

How Is It To Sleep In Cozy Earth's Soft-Wash Cotton Bedding?

As I do with all new bedding, I gave both the duvet and the sheet set a wash before putting them on my bed. Then, my nightly testing began.

Truthfully, I realized pretty immediately that I was sleeping better in my new sheets. I hardly tossed and turned, and it was that much harder to get up in the morning (which could be a pro or a con depending on how you spin it). If you are already used to extremely supple sheets, perhaps your reaction won’t be as profound as mine. But from where I was sitting — or sleeping, to be more apt — the juxtaposition between my budget bedding set and this one was stark.

When initially wrapping the fitted sheet around the mattress, I was almost concerned at how large it seemed, enveloping my Queen-sized bed. It wasn’t a problem, per se, but I did clock how it felt like perhaps too much fabric for the size. But after a few weeks of testing, I'm no longer worried at all. I think the large size is why I have not had to adjust the fitted sheet once since putting it on. It sits firm on my mattress and does not budge — a luxury I didn’t know I needed.

As for the duvet cover, it’s fabulously soft and delightfully cozy. I don’t mind my insert, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the cover I had before this and was keen to replace it (neither of those items were Cozy Earth, to be clear). Now, I genuinely look forward to wrapping myself up in bed each night. Moreover, the duvet cover itself is not too heavy; it doesn’t add a lot of weight to the insert, so hot sleepers should be fine to invest without worry.

I would, however, take a bit of caution with the sheets. They are fabulous and not too weighty. But, as someone who gets a hot flash or two in the middle of the night, there are brief moments that I crave something with more of a cloth-y finish, rather than the smooth/glossy feel you get here. I would still call the fabric breathable, but there is still an aspect of it that could be airier, in my opinion.

How Easy Is Cozy Earth's Soft-Wash Cotton Bedding to Care For?

So far, I have laundered both the sheets/pillowcases and duvet cover just one time — when they first arrived. That process went as normally as you’d hope. Both did come out of the dryer quite wrinkled, but that is, in my opinion, to be expected. And, in the case of the duvet cover, the creases have continued to fall out over time — every day, it looks a little smoother.

I thought about steaming everything to give the bed a much tidier look from the get-go, but ended up deciding against this just from a time perspective. And if you have a lot of pillows and accoutrements on top of your bed, it shouldn’t be a problem, anyway.

How Stylish Is Cozy Earth's Soft-Wash Cotton Bedding?

From a quality standpoint, Cozy Earth really impressed me. Stylistically, however, it’s not necessarily something to write home about. And I mean that less as a knock on the brand and more as a factual statement about the semi-one-dimensional nature of bedding.

There are no patterns in the soft-wash cotton line, so solid colors are all you can work with. There aren't an abundance of colorways, either (unlike what you'd see at a brand like Bed Threads).

That said, I think you could easily fit these pieces into your existing design scheme — which perhaps you’d spruce up with decor and throw pillows of a more exciting variety — and call it a day. They'd look minimalist and high-quality on their own, no doubt, just not trendsetting, per se. You really just want these products because they are truly as soft as they claim to be.

The Finer Details

A few additional things worth noting:

Packaging: I already touched on this briefly, but it’s worth noting that Cozy Earth does package its products quite nicely. I was impressed at how compact the delivery was, given the size of my order, and thought the buttoned pouch was a great touch.

Duvet Closure: Perhaps it is personal preference, but I do not like to see where my duvet cover is meant to close. You certainly wouldn’t think that, considering the duvet I had previously was secured together with eight all-too conspicuous wooden buttons, but the Cozy Earth option is much more my speed. The duvet closes with a zipper that then tucks inside the cover, meaning you can hide the closure entirely.

Duvet Ties: In Cozy Earth's case, the duvet ties are actually snap closures, which were easy to use but no easier than a typical tie in my opinion. This was neither a positive nor a negative.

Is Cozy Earth's Soft-Wash Cotton Bedding Worth It?

As a budget bedding evangelist, it shocks me to say this, but … yes, I would invest in this product again. I don’t think you need this bedding; it is expensive, and a cheaper option would suit just fine.

But — but — if you are hoping to level up in terms of your bedding experience, I think this range is exactly what the doctor ordered. It feels every bit as luxurious as its price tag suggests, and I did think to myself, “This would be worth it to pay for.”

Once you've sorted the bedding, find out what we thought of Cozy Earth's bath towels.

Still tossing and turning in the heat at night, even with multiple fans whirring? It's time to switch out your cozy duvet, not just resign to sleeping on top of it. And when it comes to the best bedding material to do that with, look to your favorite flowy shirt or loose-fitting trousers. That's right, it's linen bedding.

Livingetc's interiors editor, Emma Breislin, is well acquainted with sleeping when it's hot. "Having grown up in Australia, linen bedding is my non-negotiable for a good night's sleep in summer," she says. "Yes, it naturally regulates temperature, is moisture-wicking, and arguably the most breathable bedding, but its slightly crumpled aesthetic also helpfully conceals all the tossing and turning that tends to happen when trying to get to sleep in the heat. That's a win-win-win-win."

When it's really hot, she recommends removing any duvet insert and sleeping under an empty linen duvet cover. Ideally, though, she'd opt for a linen bedcover instead. "A linen bedcover, like Bed Threads', is slightly heavier — around 330 GSM compared to 170GSM with linen sheets — but is just a single piece of fabric," she says. "Plus, it's typically how the Europeans do it, so you can trust it's hot-climate approved and an effortlessly stylish way to dress a bed."

Leaving beds artfully undone is a big bedding trend this year, and there is nothing quite as relaxed-looking as a linen bedcover draped all the way over your bed and pooling on the ground on either side. It's just a big plus that it's also the secret to sleeping soundly when it's hot.

If you're sold on a linen bedcover, but maybe not this one specifically, here are some other styles to shop, plus more versatile linen duvet covers that work just as well without the insert.

When it comes to staying cool during the summer, just like how you make your bed, it pays to be prepared, and there are certain things you should buy ahead of a heatwave, like fans and BBQ accessories.

For more inspiration, subscribe to Livingetc's newsletter.

It's been a couple of weeks since I refreshed my bedscape to usher in the new season. While fabric is at the top of consideration when dressing your bed by the time of year, so is color. And it just so happens that Cozy Earth's famously rated Bamboo Bed Set has launched in a pleasant blue that's perfect for spring.

Aptly named 'River', this balanced, soft blue is one of the best sheet colors for sleep. This limited edition set is selling fast, and having tested it myself, I can't say I'm surprised.

Aside from this bamboo bundle being awarded on Oprah's Favorite Things from 2018, and Kris Jenner touting it as one of her favorite sheets for hot sleepers in late 2024, it's this soothing new color that finally led me to see if the hype is real. Here's what I have to say.

And right now, Cozy Earth's bamboo bedding has 25% off for Amazon's Prime Day, so there's no better time to get in on the action.

Is Cozy Earth's Bamboo Bedding Good Quality?

As bedroom trends shift towards creating a cocooning space that aligns with your wellness goals, bedding is becoming a considered part of the space, going beyond just style.

And when it comes to Cozy Earth's bedding, at first touch, you can tell that quality and aesthetics are equally prioritized. The soft sheets are crafted from 100% bamboo viscose and feel much softer than expected.

The fabric feels high quality, and after sleeping in it for a week, the only downside I've come across is slight creasing. But if I'm being honest, this is true of most bamboo bed linen I've dressed my mattress in. And I've found that a quick steam (if you're as particular), a fabric spray spritz, or a firm dusting can, for the most part, solve this issue.

How Is Cozy Earth's Bamboo Bedding to Sleep in?

I've tried bamboo bedding before, and there have been some sets that just don't deliver on coziness. Cozy Earth's, however, are luxuriously soft to the touch. And as a hot sleeper myself, I was just as impressed by its temperature regulation.

It feels cool when you first tuck yourself in and eventually relaxes, never warming or overheating the bed. The color also plays a role in calming the ambiance of the space and setting the tone for sleep.

On the whole, I found myself comfortably drifting off to sleep in these silky sheets every single night without complaint. And I have a feeling it'll make a repeated appearance on my bed once London summers come around.

How Does Cozy Earth's Bamboo Bedding Rank on Style?

First things first, it's undeniable that 'River' is such a lovely color to drape your bed in. And once I reset my home for spring, I knew I had to get these sheets out. Aside from it being one of the best colors for sleep, it also fits into the bright vibe of the season.

Plus, the almost silken look of the bamboo viscose fabric softens the space and adds a luxe look to even a simple, pared-back bed. For a spring bedroom spruce, I recommend pairing it with these matching River Bamboo Pillowcases, or this Laurel Silk Pillowcase for a mellow pop of pastel.

Is Cozy Earth Bedding Worth It?

Now, I won't ignore the weighty price tag. But if you're looking to truly invest in your bedding, this bundle is a great place to start. The attention to detail alone makes a great case for this set.

Aside from being comfortable, dipped in a silky blue, and a great overall addition to a low-cortisol bedroom for wellness, this set arrives in a fabric case crafted from the same material.

So, as cooler months approach and your spring-summer bedscape goes into temporary retirement, you have a neat way to store it. And across the some 9,400 five-star reviews, the most mentioned compliments include those of easy washing and high quality that stands the test of time.

Since this limited edition style is already flying off the shelves, here are some alternative palettes from Cozy Earth that I recommend for your spring bedscape.

More Blue Bedding for Better Sleep

Another Cozy Earth accessory I've received so many compliments on is the Channel Cuddle Blanket. It's the only thing that makes cold weather cozy in my home. For hotter weather, try Cozy Earth's Soft-Wash Cotton bedding.

But since we're onto warmer months, I recommend signing up for the Livingetc newsletter for more advice on dressing your home for the season.

I'm not entirely sure why, but my mattress is big. It's the deepest one I've owned by far and, until recently, that meant that fitted sheets never stay in place, and even ping off during the night, disrupting my sleep.

However, during my reviews of the best bedding brands recently, I was introduced to extra-deep sheets, and they solved all my problems. I now swear by my deep fitted sheets from The White Company, but I recently spotted that Habitat has an extra-deep fitted sheet, too. It's worth mentioning that the former will set you back £65 for a king-size sheet, while Habitat's comes in at a cool £28.

I was already keen to try it — it's Egyptian cotton and has a 400 thread count, which both sound promising — but then I also spotted it has hundreds and hundreds of 5-star reviews across its different sizes, and they're glowing.

"Lovely crisp sheet," says one, "feels more expensive than it is."

"It is hard to find high count 100% cotton sheets," another reviewer says. "They are so comfortable and soft for sleeping — don't want to wake up! Will definitely recommend and will purchase again."

Given I'm used to the more expensive fitted sheets from the likes of The White Company, Piglet in Bed, and Rise & Fall, could these Habitat ones really live up to the hype? Here's how I rated them across the two most important factors.

Grip

It's the reason I've bought an extra-deep fitted sheet in the first place, so let's talk about depth and grip. Habitat's offering definitely has the depth part covered, and it does have strong, elasticated corners that hold it in place. I slept on these sheets for three nights as part of this test, and didn't need to re-adjust the sheet once during that time.

However, there are some limitations with Habitat's deep sheets that come with the price. Yes, the elastic is good now, but often this is what fails on sheets with regular washing. Some of my other, more expensive deep fitted sheets include other elements to ensure your sheet won't budge from your mattress, including rubber grips along the sides and corners. One of my very favorite sheets I have is from Rise & Fall, which fits deep mattresses as standard and has these strong grips along each side of the sheet's elastic. However, for the price tag difference: £70 vs Habitat's £28, I'm more than happy with how Habitat's sheets hold up.

Comfort

When I first took these sheets out of their packaging, I was a little surprised they had a sateen sheen to them. It's not my favorite finish to look at (or feel if I'm honest), and it hadn't referred to them as such. However, they're undeniably soft to the touch, but keep just enough structure so that your bed doesn't look messy once they've been slept in.

With a 400 thread count, these sheets are somewhere in the ideal range for comfortable bedding (higher than 600, say, and they can start to feel a little stiff). There's a lightweight quality and breathability to the Egyptian cotton sheets that make them a dream to sleep in, too. They feel cool to the touch, which is a good sign that you're about to sleep in something that helps regulate your temperature.

A lot of bedding brands are now offering deep fitted sheets, while others have incorporated them as their standard for their sheet ranges. If you want something with a bit more design flair than this standard white fitted sheet, here's what I'd try.

Of course, this is a very practical approach to bedding, and you might not find deep fitted sheets for every bedding trend you want to embrace, but a sheet that won't stay in place is no one's friend.

If you want more advice on how to layer your bed, find the best quality bedding, or even just to learn how to sleep better, why not sign up for the Livingetc newsletter?

When Pottery Barn landed in the UK late last year, I was, of course, excited about the massive sofas, the faux flowers (seriously, go check them out), the cushions, the lamps, and the vases (among other things) — but I quickly learned about another of the brand's best-sellers: its bedding.

Considering Livingetc has made it our mission to discover all the best places to buy bedding, I took one for the team and offered to try Pottery Barn's Belgian Linen Flax Duvet Cover (I know, what a martyr). Now, why the linen, you ask? Well, full disclosure: I used to work for a linen brand, so I have strong feelings about the natural fiber, and felt I was best suited to put Pottery Barn's to the test.

So, how did it stack up? Linen bedding can be a divisive subject. Some love its relaxed, crumpled aesthetic and subtle textured feel. Others despise it. Thankfully, Pottery Barn's linen arrived much softer than others I've slept in. The fabric often requires a 'break-in' period and a certain number of washes before it starts to soften (this one didn't), and the general rule is that it will continue to soften with every wash after that. So, safe to say, it was a good start. Find out how it fared and all my thoughts below.

Is Pottery Barn's Linen Bedding Good Quality?

There is a lot you can garner about good-quality bedding the second you pull it out of its packaging (and well before you get underneath it). The first, of course, is a touch test — the softness of the fibers is important, as you'll soon be getting very up close and personal with it.

Pottery Barn's Belgian Flax Linen Duvet Cover felt good; slightly brushed thanks to the pre-wash it gets (more on that later), which gave it instant softness. Inspecting the inner seams, things all looked neat and tidy, and I discovered it had internal ties in each corner to help secure your duvet in place; a big tick in my books.

Along the bottom edge, it's got a row of buttons, which have been cleverly concealed within the seam. It's also made from 100% Belgian flax, which is where you want linen bedding to be from. So, in terms of first impressions, I'm impressed.

How Is Pottery Barn's Linen Bedding to Sleep In?

As I mentioned, Pottery Barn's Belgian Flax Linen Duvet Cover felt soft straight out of the box. Why is that significant? Well, at the beginning, linen is an incredibly coarse fabric, which is why it has traditionally been able to be handed down through generations, getting softer with each and every wash as the fibers slowly break down.

These days, brands 'prewash' linen bedding to speed up this aging process (sometimes as much as 50 years), so that it's super soft as soon as you get it. While it means linen bedding typically doesn't last a lifetime anymore (you can still expect to get a good few years out of it, just like other bedding), it does mean it's comfortable to sleep in straight away. A worthwhile trade-off, if you ask me.

One of the reasons why linen bedding is so popular where I grew up (in Australia) is that it's good in all climates and for both hot and cool sleepers. This is thanks to the natural thermoregulating and moisture-wicking properties of its hollow fibers, which let heat escape when it's hot and trap warmth when it's cold. Pottery Barn's linen bedding lived up to this, as the most comfortable set I've got on rotation right now — and it didn't even take a few washes to 'break-in'.

How Easy Is Pottery Barn's Linen Bedding to Care For?

One of the biggest downsides to this bedding set (but it's the case for every linen bedding set I've ever owned) is that the fabric tends to shed slightly when you wash it. This goes part-and-parcel with it getting softer with each wash, though.

I made this mistake of washing my new linen duvet cover with a white sheet, which ended up with dark lint all over it, but that's my bad. The Pottery Barn website recommends machine washing separately, and in cold water on a gentle cycle.

Then there is the look of linen. After washing, it will naturally dry quite crumpled, and unless you're into that 'relaxed' aesthetic (I am), you'll have to iron it. For that, Pottery Barn recommends a warm iron.

How Does Pottery Barn's Linen Bedding Rank on Style?

As I previously mentioned, when air-dried, Pottery Barn's linen bedding will look softly crumpled, but in terms of style, I quite like the 'artfully undone' look (it's a big bedding trend for 2026, too).

Color-wise, this specific set comes in nine different solid colors — including Café Noir, Chambray, Brick, and Loden — which all have a nice 'washed' finish that adds to the soft look. The brand also flags that "Color variations are inherent to natural fibers, and slight variations may occur to what is shown online for our Flax colour option," so that's worth keeping in mind, though variations will be barely noticeable.

Pottery Barn also has other linen bedding in its range that you could layer up on your bed, including a Belgian Flax Linen Diamond Quilt, Belgian Flax Linen Fringe Ruffle Pillowcases, and Belgian Flax Linen Floral Stitch Pillowcases.

Is Pottery Barn's Linen Bedding Worth It?

So, the big question. Is Pottery Barn's Belgian Linen Flax Duvet Cover worth it? I have certainly enjoyed it, that's for sure. So, perhaps the bigger question is, how does it compare to similar linen bedding on the market?

Pottery Barn, interestingly, offers only two sizes in its duvet covers: Double/King and Super King. I guess that's because you can (in fact, I recommend) sizing up to a King cover for a double bed, so the duvet drapes nicely over the edge.

So, comparing King-sized 100% linen duvet covers, something similar will usually cost £200 at Bed Threads (currently £170), and £209 at Piglet in Bed (currently £167). Piglet in Bed also has a Linen Blend option that's even cheaper. Pottery Barn's linen bedding is, therefore, on the slightly more expensive side, but I still think it's a worthwhile investment if you're considering it.

It's been well-warned that using red in the bedroom is a recipe for a restless night's sleep. Sure, the color may be synonymous with romance and allure, but when it comes to sleep wellness, the fiery shade incites an energy that's not so conducive to rest. But in 2026, I'm seeing more and more designers challenge this narrative, and I'm starting to think it might just be the next 'it' color for bedding — but it's all about how you use it.

This year's bedding trends are generally about wrapping the room in warm, earthy tones, but you'd be remiss to discount deep rouges as part of that. When it comes to red bedroom ideas, though, it's worth noting that I'm not talking about drenching the space in it (although, with the right shade, that totally works). Instead, it's safer to focus on your bedding specifically.

Well-considered red bedding blends elegance and sensuality with enveloping warmth. It's all in the specific shade of red you select, and how you balance it with other colors and textures in the room. So, if red is your favorite color (like me), don't be afraid to bring it into the bedroom. Here's how to style it in a way that still invites rest in the bedroom.

Why Red Bedding is Trending in 2026

In terms of color theory, "Red is the color of heat, intensity, and energy," says Livingetc's color expert Amy Moorea Wong. "But, of course, it also represents passion and sensuality… In short, it brings the drama." This may not sound like the most sleep-inducing mood, but there are ways to soften it.

"It really depends on the type of red you use for your bedding," says interior designer Blair Moore, founder of Moore House Designs. "For instance, I'm drawn to reds with warm undertones because they bring a sense of romanticism to a space." Think oxblood, rust, brick, and wine, which create a cocooning, intimate mood. These tones add emotional richness and a cozy depth to the bedroom without feeling too bold or overpowering.

The key is restraint and materiality, as is true whenever you're decorating with red. This is because "red often works best when introduced as a layer," says Blair. "A throw or blanket at the foot of the bed adds depth to the scheme without overwhelming the room, especially when paired with neutral bedding."

In more minimal interiors, red bedding creates contrast and interest; in historic spaces, it feels natural and grounded. It's bold, but it's versatile. So, don't dismiss red as a bedding color to avoid this year; run towards it.

How to Style Red Bedding

Though the 'unexpected red' theory made a bright pop of red popular, that's the kind of intensity we want to avoid with red bedding. Again, 2026 is more about deep burgundies, rusts, terracottas, or brick reds — something with a grounding feel.

In practice, start by introducing red into your bedding scheme gradually, "with accent pieces such as end-of-bed throws and cushions for pops of heat (and perhaps incorporate a few red details into other textiles such as the duvet, rug, or curtains)," says Amy.

Then consider how layering in design will help elevate the scheme. Different fabrics, such as velvet, linen, or silk for richness and texture, will prevent your bed from looking flat. Texture is truly the key to getting this daring bedding color right. "In the bedroom, especially, materials will dictate the mood you set — this is a room where fabrics are interacted with more than any other space in the home, so tactility and the right kind of feel should lead," says Amy.

Pro tip: "Think of your red bedding in controlled doses," says Blair. This way, you can fold back or adjust parts of the bedding with the different seasons. "This helps keep the space calm and livable while allowing red to introduce warmth, depth, and emotion," she adds.

Does that mean you should never color-drench your bed in red? Not necessarily. An all-red bed can read as extremely elevated and sexy. Just make sure the rest of the room balances such a bold bedding choice (think natural materials and neutral color schemes, etc).

"We like to pair red with warm creams, soft taupes, and muted browns," says Blair. "Natural wood tones, such as walnut or oak, help anchor the palette, while plaster or limewashed walls soften the contrast."

A mix of varying red tones across the bedding can help dilute the intensity as well. "Using different reds and hot oranges, and browns together makes for a very warm, considered space to sleep — think amber, ginger, and burnt sienna with paprika, brick, cinnamon, and espresso," adds Amy.

For a more adventurous pairing, adding a plum tone will introduce a moody contrast. Alternatively, for a bolder juxtaposition, "a dusty blue (used in small doses) will cool the heat while still hinting at sleep-inducing tranquility," suggests Amy.

If you're looking for an alternative to dependable white bedding, don't shy away from color. Blues, neutrals, and earth tones will always be elevated in the bedroom, but why not try something a little more challenging in 2026? Red is sure to make a style statement.

Want more ideas for how to style your bedroom? Be sure to subscribe to the Livingetc newsletter for more tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox.

Whether you believe in the Zodiac, birth charts, birth month attributes, or not, there's no denying that leaning into the connectivity of it all is interesting, if not just fun. But have you ever considered how your birth month could (and should) influence your decorating? Recently, I've discovered that your birth month can actually help determine the best color bedding for your specific sleep space. Cool, right?

Channelling your birth month colors into your home's design palette helps you feel much more in tune with your space. And considering your bedroom is a sanctuary where you spend hours resting, relaxing, and unwinding, it's always a good idea to personalize it so you can be at your most comfortable. As a June birthday, I'm told I should lean into soft yellows that both calm and welcome my more excitable personality, while people born in January apparently unwind best in a more neutral space that caters to their focus-driven nature.

But, as Amiya Baratan, Livingetc's home wellness writer (who helped me research this story) adds, "It's still important to ensure that your bedding is inked in the best colors for sleep." So, it's worth finding a happy medium between your birth month bedding color and those that help promote rest. Want to know what color works best for your birth month? Read on.

January: Slate Gray

People born in January are known to be grounded, focused, and quietly powerful. When it comes to birth month bedding colors that will help them sleep better, a soft, yet deep blue-gray is a fabulous choice.

Gray mirrors January's structured, practical side, while the soft blue undertones in a stone or slate gray mellow the palette from leaning too bland (or millennial gray). Plus, you can add as little or as much as you want to this color scheme. Natural materials will lean into stone gray's soft side, while high contrast variations will bring a bit more of January's intensity.

February: Lilac

February-born individuals need a unique space that caters to their creative and philosophical sides. For that, decorating with purple comes straight to mind, but not just any purple — soft lilacs, specifically, that welcome a more serene sleeping space.

Not only does this bright shade of purple mimic the calming hues of dawn on a snowy morning, but it's just bold enough to cater well with February's adventurous spirit. Pair lilac bedding with a few earth tones to amp up the serenity. Once the bedding is sorted, don’t forget a cozy reading nook or writing desk somewhere in the space.

March: Soft Seafoam Green

When it comes to finding the right bedding colors for a March birthday, it is all about high-comfort and soft, natural colors. March-born individuals are typically empathetic and emotionally attuned, and so you want your sleep space to promote maximum peacefulness. What's more calming than the gentleness of clear, seafoam green waters?

I also think that a seafoam green floral print would work beautifully for March bedrooms, as it calls to that lively change in seasons. These are starting to bloom again, but there is still a certain amount of cool serenity. You can then layer in other shades of green, turquoise, or soft blues for a tonal, but cheery bedding color combination.

April: Creamy White

For those born in the month of April, I'd suggest opting for a creamy white bedding color scheme. April's birthstone is a diamond, suggesting that a sense of clarity is valuable to a good night's sleep. Plus, this calming shade will help appease April's fiery energy. And, if you still feel like you need a pop of color here and there, creamy whites make the perfect base.

May: Olive Green

Olive is a deep, trendy color, but it's nautral roots are also quite timeless. "I find that this color makes for a beautiful bedscape for people born in May," says Amiya Baratan.

"Considering the month is tied to Earth signs, Olive green bedding is a great choice for anyone born in this start of summer month," she adds. May's link to Earth signs also means that texture and tactile elements will be important for your bedding choice. Perhaps brushed cotton or linen sheets will elevate this look. Olive and other tonal shades of green make for a rejuvenating and calming sleep space for May.

June: Butter Yellow

Yellow bedding for June was an obvious choice. For starters, June is often associated with the Gemini Zodiac, and yellow is a power color for the Gemini. However, yellow also more broadly caters to June's excitable personality. Excitability is not often associated with the vibes needed in a sleeping space, which is why butter yellow provides a more calming essence.

June needs versatility, and butter yellow acts as a neutral in that way, just with more edge. With butter yellow bedding, you have the freedom to change and experiment with other colors and decor, while keeping a sense of excitement and uniqueness.

July: Baby Blue

What sets the tone of July more than a soft baby blue reminiscent of clear summer skies and cold, blue water? July-born individuals should embrace a cozy and cocooning baby blue for their optimal birth month bedding color.

People born in this month are often warm, optimistic, sensitive, and cheerful, and soft baby blue gives them a serene place to land at the end of the day. Blue is a sensory-conscious color, and when paired with other breezy bedding, like cotton sheets and soft blankets, the ultimate July-inspired nurturing bedroom is created.

August: Coral

August is a magnetic month to be born in: it's famously the month of fiery Leo star signs (who might I add have orange as their power color), and people with a vibrant zest for life. To translate this energy to a more bedroom-appropriate shade, coral would be a lovely and relaxing bedding color.

Coral brings boldness, but it is also a warm color that you can easily wrap yourself up in when it comes time to rest. Pair it with natural terracotta shades, and you'll have a bedding color scheme for the coziest of bedroom ideas.

September: Teddy Brown

Teddy brown is nostalgic, grounded, and earthy — all a perfect match for someone born in September. "Especially since it's connected to both earth and air elements, this shade of brown feels like a balanced swatch to land on," says Amiya.

Not to mention, with autumn in full swing at this time of year, it only feels right to let this lush brown reflect the season outside. Curl up with a soft teddy brown or caramel throw, or add a pop of deep mocha brown to create a little contrast in the design.

October: Soft Whites with Pastel Pinks

October can be a hard birth month bedding color to place, but given October's creative and social energy, a balanced and serene energy is best in the bedroom. For that, a base of crisp, but soft whites with muted pink accents is ideal. Pink is one of October's birth month colors after all!

Pink bedding brings the spirit and feels warm at an increasingly chilly time of year, while white adds a stable and tidy presence. Make things feel more luxurious by opting for a bed cover or bedspread rather than a duvet or cozy blanket at the foot of the bed. Even a bed valance could bring an elegant layer to the room.

November: Moody, Comforting Reds

Red bedroom ideas can seem outwardly counterintuitive, so that's why a moodier shade of red like oxblood or burgundy feels more comforting and cocooning for November's cozy side.

Red bedding is sexy and alluring, yet equally cozy. Red bedding mimics the seasonal time of year, seen in the falling leaves and warm apple spices. This dark intensity is the perfect starting color for people born in November, and you can create balance from there with more neutral throws or a few lighter shades.

December: Navy Blue

December is cold, moody, and the start of winter, but it's also comforting, deep, and full of holiday spirit. Which is why I think Navy blue is a fabulous bedding color for this birth month.

People born in December are often full of wonder, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit. Decorating with navy blue captures that depth, while still offering a calming tone for your sleep space.

Navy is also a fabulous color to layer with, meaning you don't have to go for a navy color drench. Navy sheets or a navy throw can provide just the right amount of intensity and serenity for your December bedding.

Want to try decorating more in line with your birth month in the bedroom? Try a vase of birth month-inspired flowers on your bedside or vanity.

Whether your day has been exhausting or uneventful, sinking into a gorgeously made bed is an undisputed delight. Cocooning sheets and billowing duvets have long been the formula for a good night’s sleep, but it’s always possible to make your moments of rest and relaxation feel more up-to-date. Interior designers love bringing a new direction to bedrooms, and their bedding trends for 2026 are the stuff of dreams — a little less ‘hotel’, and a lot more home.

While high-quality materials are always the first step (and, if you’re still searching for perfectly crisp cotton pillowcases or just-languid-enough linen sheets, we’ve created the ultimate guide on where to buy bedding), these are only your building blocks. This year, the looks to know range from the layers that go on top all the way through to how your bed is dressed (or, rather, deliberately left a little undone).

So, what are the bedding trends for 2026? And how can you translate them for your own space? Get comfortable, lie back, and read on. Here's what designers say.

1. Soft Touch Sheets

When it comes to choosing materials, few spaces matter more than the bedroom. Rich, tactile, cozy fabrics like tufted wool, brushed mohair, and, in particular, looped bouclé are now entering the mix where cotton and linen once dominated.

“Bedrooms are increasingly being designed as spaces for physical reassurance, and so there’s a renewed desire for surfaces that register immediately to the body,” believes Julianne Casper, founder and creative director of Principal’s Daughter. “There’s a growing appetite for fabrics that cocoon and comfort rather than simply impress at a distance. Bouclé, whose softness is structural rather than decorative, is one material that answers that need instinctively.”

“Let the craftsmanship of the fabric speak for itself,” advises London-based interior designer Emilie Fournet. “Bouclé bedcovers drape so easily and take almost no effort to look refined. The comfort they bring meets one of design’s most natural human requirements — a relaxing bed.”

2. Traditional Prints

Once dismissed as chintzy and too fussy, decorating with floral patterns is back in the spotlight for 2026. Larger-scale prints (rather than tighter ditsy-style designs) are a confident choice that translates beautifully onto quilts and bedspreads.

“Florals are having a moment again,” says interior designer Garance Rousseau. “In my practice, I love decorating with clashing patterns and introducing an unexpected element in bedrooms. Here, it is undoubtedly the floral bedding that adds the real finishing touch.”

Bolder colors lend the look a contemporary edge, especially if the rest of your bedding is a step beyond simple white sheets. “Don’t be afraid to take a risk,” advises Garance. “Mix colors you’re drawn to in clothing, nature, or art. Some of the best combinations come from experimentation.”

3. Trims

The trend for fringed sofas has made it into the bedroom, with trims and passementerie now adorning pillowcases, duvet covers, and quilts. They’re subtle, but they’re there — it’s less about creating a ‘look at me’ moment, and more about giving your sheets a custom flourish.

“Bringing tassels and trims onto bedding is an excellent way to add a little detail and interest,” says Summer Thornton. “It’s a reflection of our desire for more layered, expressive interiors, and transforms simple bedding into something special.”

“Fringe is re-emerging because we’re craving movement, softness, and soul in our spaces,” agrees interior designer Jaimie Baird. “A fringed bed skirt or coverlet carries a sense of heritage and sophistication, but let it be the accent rather than the chorus. Scale matters, too. Longer, looser fringe feels more romantic and bohemian, while tight, short fringe can skew a little costume-like.”

4. Relaxed Moods

An easy bedding trend to tap into? Leaving beds artfully undone, with the topsheet, bedspread, or quilt draped over the sides and skimming the floor for a relaxed, carefree look. “This reflects a broader shift toward interiors that are softer, more human, and less rigidly styled,” says Kylie K. Bass from KKB Interiors. “It’s not messy, it’s about ease, comfort, and calm.”

“Less than half of people make their beds every day, and the untucked look is becoming ever more popular,” reveals McKenzie Milhouse from By George Collective. “It’s about making your bedroom more lived-in and less like a hotel room. Draping a bedcover and leaving it undone is laid-back, but can still bring uniformity and understated elegance if you’re using quality materials.”

“Fabric is everything,” agrees Kylie. “This bedding trend relies on textiles with natural softness and weight: linen, washed cotton, and wool blends. I wouldn’t style a formal or fluffy duvet this way, as overly structured or lofty pieces tend to fight the look rather than enhance it.”

5. One-and-Done

Interior designers are embracing restraint and opting for a single bolster cushion on beds rather than crowding spaces with several decorative pillows. “The days of the over-styled pillow mountain are behind us,” confirms Filip Berdek, creative director at Moniomi.

“A single bolster provides a clean, architectural line that adds structure to a bed without the visual clutter of multiple cushions,” he explains. “This is a great way to add texture, pattern, or color. Here, we used a dark burgundy bolster to break up a monochrome palette and add a layer of tonal depth.”

Dimensions are key. “Using just one long decorative cushion gives a sinuous, sensual, and elongated look to your bed,” says Jessica Gertsen. “I like to leave enough space on either side of the bolster to reveal a sliver of the bed, and in my projects, always get them custom-made to ensure the proportions are perfect.”

6. Watch Your Tone

While crisp white bedding is a classic for a reason, interior designers are mixing up shades. The trend for colorful bedding is less about one particular shade or a surprising hue that’s popular on social media, and far more about nuance. Rather than opting for just one color, it’s about combining different versions of it to achieve a layered look.

“There’s a move away from pre-set, perfectly coordinated bedding to instead composing a bed like an interior scheme in itself,” says Banda Interiors’ Edo Mapelli Mozzi. “The trend is about tonal layering and working within a close color family but varying shade, texture, and material, so the look is relaxed rather than uniform. Slight, subtle shifts are key.”

“The mixed but not quite matched look is forgiving and flexible,” agrees Megan Prime, principal at JAM. “Soft, earthy colors in a tone-on-tone look register as pleasant neutrals, and a more monochromatic scheme calms the mind for sleep as it feels less harsh than high contrast, bright whites.”

From unexpected textures to bold patterns, the bedding trends for 2026 might just be the design refresh you need to transform your space and give you a good night’s sleep. Either way, the looks will certainly make your time spent awake all the more beautiful. And to make it easy, our in-house stylist has curated a patterned bedding edit of the best styles to shop.

Want more inspiration? Sign up to Livingetc's newsletter to have it delivered straight into your inbox.

Layering your bed so it's perfectly cozy and cuddle-worthy is not as easy as it sounds. The trickiest part by far is finding the right types of pillows. But I just discovered the 'sobagara' pillow, and it might just be the game-changing sleep accessory I've been looking for.

It's one of the lesser-known, more technical secrets of Japanese sleep. And according to the experts, the magic of this pillow lies in its stuffing of buckwheat hulls. It provides the moulding of a foam pillow with far better comfort.

And this Makura Japanese Pillow from Mille Oreillers is the handmade option I've got my eye on.

Dr. Brigitte Steger, a senior lecturer in modern Japanese studies at the University of Cambridge, tells me that while there's no pillow that's a one-size-fits-all, she finds that sobagara pillows are far better than cheap polyfills.

Literally translating to buckwheat hulls, 'sobagara' pillows are a good option for hot sleepers and anyone who tends to rest on their side. "Historically, people have been using all kinds of field waste bundled up in some cloth," says Brigitte.

"Buckwheat hull has turned out to be one of the more useful, comfortable, and lasting fillings. They offer nice head support if you have the right size, and are also fairly good for temperature control."

However, Brigitte explains that it's all in the quality of the pillow you choose. From the size, to the shape, and even the standard and processing of the buckwheat stuffing.

Maiko Shimazaki, founder of Revitalist15, tells me that they are a great alternative to conventional pillows and may provide better sleep for those who prefer a firmer feel or struggle with allergies.

"Sobagara pillows conform closely to the shape of your head and neck and provide firmer, more stable support than standard soft pillows. This helps keep the spine aligned, which can relieve neck and shoulder tension," she says.

"The tiny hulls allow air to circulate freely through the pillow, which contributes to excellent breathability. Unlike synthetic or down pillows that trap heat, sobagara pillows help keep your head cool and dry overnight."

Additionally, she points out that buckwheat hulls do not attract dust mites, mold, or other common allergens. This makes sobagara pillows a wonderful option for people with sensitivities.

"Lastly, buckwheat hulls do not compress or break down like down, foam, or synthetic fiber fills," she adds. "As a result, sobagara pillows provide consistent support throughout the night and over the years."

So if you're looking for a pillow that checks these boxes and you're on a mission to master sleep hygiene, this Japanese pillow is worth a try.

If you're keen on further exploring the aspects of Japanese sleep, it might be time to try futon beds. These floor sleeping accessories are space-friendly, stylish, and sleep expert-approved.

No room in the house is as sacred as the bedroom. It's a personal haven where we lay our heads to rest each night for a moment of restoration and rejuvenation. But did you know that the wrong bedding (specifically, the wrong bedding color) can disturb this divine ritual, causing restlessness and alert energy rather than serenity?

"Color is largely subjective, and we all experience it differently," says sensory color expert Pippa Jameson. "That said, many of us have a consistent physiological response to certain tones." This is because color isn't just aesthetics; it supports mood and function. "When you choose color with the function of a space in mind, it works harder for you," adds Pippa. For example, you want a bedding color that promotes sleep, not socialization or stress.

Soft, muted tones create a sense of calm and reassurance, helping the mind to gently slow at the end of the day, while overly saturated colors can read as 'too alert' for the bedroom. Why is our bedding color so important? Well, it sits so close to our body (we literally wrap ourselves in it), so we need to choose shades with less visual intensity to reduce stimulation. So, importantly, which bedding colors should we avoid if we want to sleep better? Here's what the experts say.

1. Overly Sharp and Saturated Hues

"Color has an extraordinary ability to influence mood, often without us realizing it," says Jessica Hanley, bedding expert and founder of British bedding company, Piglet in Bed. While you may be enjoying certain bold color trends right now, they probably aren't the best for your sleeping space.

"I tend to be cautious with very bright or highly saturated tones when it comes to bedding colors, particularly anything overly sharp or synthetic in feel," says Jessica. Colors such as vivid reds, Ultra Azure, and electric blues, and even stark, cool whites, can feel visually activating rather than restful.

The divide in what's right and what's wrong all comes down to the science behind bedding sheet color psychology. High saturations hold an intensity that can create subtle tension, making it harder for the mind to settle. "Even if only on a subconscious level, these shades can feel energizing when what we truly need at bedtime is softness and quiet," says Jessica.

That said, rich colors absolutely have a place in bedding when used thoughtfully. The key is to soften and balance it. "I love the idea of introducing warmer, more diluted versions rather than anything too bold or primary," says Jessica. This way, you can still embrace color in your bedding while making it feel livable and calm.

2. Dark Shades Like Black and Gray

Cutting blacks and harsh grays are not often seen in bedding and for good reason — it can read as intense, unsettling, and even sad. Color psychologist Suzy Chiazzari explains that black doesn't reflect light, which makes it an inescapably intense color. "So some people feel secure and relaxed with black bedsheets, while others may find them threatening and psychologically uncomfortable," she adds.

However, more naturally-led dark colors can still have a place in bedding color palettes. Think shades like deep charcoals found on black-sand beaches, rich browns reminiscent of forest floors, or cozy caramels for a touch of warmth, instead.

You might incorporate these darker colors through smaller, layered elements such as an accent cushion or throw at the foot of the bed. "This allows the color to add depth and character without overwhelming the overall sense of ease," says Jessica. A pop of chocolate brown or even our current color crush Obsidian Heart can be really stylish when integrated strategically.

3. Bold Oranges, Reds, and Pinks

To help work out the bedding colors to avoid, it helps to think about color in terms of temperature. As a general rule, warmer tones on the color wheel, such as reds, oranges, and hot pinks, tend to feel more stimulating. Cooler, muted tones such as gray, blue/greens, and soft neutrals feel more regulating.

"I would generally avoid large amounts of bright orange, red, or saturated pink in bedding," says Pippa Jameson. "Not because they are 'bad' colors, but because they can feel activating. In a space designed for rest, that extra stimulation can work against you."

However, it all depends on the individual and their sensory profile. Some people are more sensitive to color than others. For certain nervous systems, "highly saturated warm tones can keep the body slightly alert," says Pippa. "In a bedroom, we are usually trying to support the shift from day to night, so restorative tones and sensory conscious colors help the brain quieten rather than stay switched on."

If you love a stronger color, such as oxblood red or burgundy, there is absolutely a place for it in the bedroom. The key is proportion and placement. A general rule of thumb when decorating with red in the bedroom is to use it in smaller volumes or in a moodier, diluted variation.

"Think trims, cushions, throws, or artwork rather than the main duvet cover or walls," says Pippa. "An earthy clay, deep cinnamon, or muted berry will feel very different from a bright pillar box red. It is not about removing fun and personality, it’s simply about adjusting intensity."

"The most restful bedrooms are often built around bedding colors that feel timeless and quietly familiar," says Jessica. Warm neutrals create a cocooning effect, while earthy shades like botanical greens, clay, and muted pinks add depth without heaviness.

Once you've ruled out the bedding colors to avoid, it's time to discover bedding color combinations that carry a natural softness that feels super comforting. "These are the shades that will be perfect for a space of restoration," says Jessica.

If you want more inspiration and advice for how to furnish your bedroom, why not sign up to the Livingetc newsletter?

Fitted sheets make sense in theory (of course), but we all know that in practice, they can be a nuisance. The corners are difficult to pin around the mattress, and you end up having to reposition them every morning. So what if I told you you could skip it altogether?

I was recently invited to an event hosted by luxury bedding brand Frette, where I was given a bed-making masterclass. My biggest takeaway? Forgoing a fitted sheet and opting for a neatly-folded flat sheet instead. That's right. Frette's UK general retail manager, Saemeyeah Sheikh, shared that the secret to a high-end bed is starting with a flat sheet folded with 'hospital corners' rather than a fitted sheet.

So, if you're struggling to find a fitted sheet that fits correctly and looks stylish (rather than saggy), consider this your sign to ditch it altogether. Who needs to spend time debating a flat vs fitted sheet when a luxury look takes way less?

And I get it. This may sound slightly counterintuitive: isn't a fitted sheet supposed to streamline the bed-making process? Deep-fitted sheets are an easy way to ensure that every inch of the mattress is covered, stress-free, but "At Frette, we prefer using a flat sheet as the bottom sheet because it offers more flexibility and control over the fit," Saemeyeah Sheikh explains.

Moreover, tucking a flat sheet tightly under the mattress creates a very smooth surface, similar to sheets you find in luxury hotels. "It also works well for beds with unusual depths or mattress toppers where fitted sheets may not fit perfectly," adds Saemeyeah.

It takes a bit more time and practice to get the smoothness and folds right, but once you get used to it, Saemeyeah says, "many people find the result looks more polished and luxurious."

How to Fold a Flat Sheet Around a Mattress

Still slightly confused on how this works? Watching the Frette team demonstrate how to style a bed made it look a lot easier (it's worth noting: they had a team of four to help fold), but recreating it at home is another feat entirely. That said, nothing good comes easy — and it's certainly not impossible.

"Start by laying the sheet out so there's the same amount hanging over on both sides," says Saemeyeah. Then, "Tuck it firmly under the bottom of the mattress. To make hospital corners, lift the side of the sheet near the foot of the bed at an angle, tuck the loose part underneath, then fold the top flap down and tuck that in too."

To finish, do the same on the other side and pull everything firmly so it looks smooth and tight. It may be a little extra effort, but a more luxurious-looking bed is surely worth it.

The Best Flat Sheets to Use

How good this style looks is also determined more by the fabric than by whether you use a flat or fitted sheet. And investing in high-quality materials counts. As one of the most expensive sheet brands, Frette is known for exceptional craftsmanship and luxury fabrics. So when choosing the right flat sheet for sleeping, Saemeyeah has a few standout suggestions.

If you love a fresh, five-star hotel feel, Saemeyeah suggests trying a tailored or percale fabric. "They are typically structured, crisp, cool, and breathable," she adds.

For something that will feel more buttery against the skin, "Go for a sateen as this type of bedding is silky, smooth, and softer, and it often feels slightly warmer than other varieties," says Saemeyeah.

And finally, she adds, "Jacquard, a highlight of Frettes' new Spring collection, offers elaborated patterns to elevate the elegance while maintaining premium comfort."

I love an interior design trick that challenges the status quo. Who knew that ditching the fitted sheet was a fast track to a more expensive-looking bed?

No matter where you buy your bedding or what type of sheets you prefer, we all want something that looks elevated. So, will you be trying this trick?

To add a bed skirt or not add a bed skirt? A bed skirt, otherwise known as a bed valance, is a detail that has often been cast aside as too traditional or 'old-fashioned' — modern bedding tends to lean more minimalist with spreads doing the heavy lifting. However, with theatrical, vintage, and maximalist influences coming back around, a bed valance may be just the detail you need to elevate your bed.

The basic function of a bed valance is practical; it's a way to cover the box spring or bed base and hide any storage you've squeezed under there. I'd argue that's part of why we've ditched them in the past, but there is a very stylish place for them in modern bedroom ideas. Whether you are considering a bed valance for functionality or form, there are a few tricks to elevating them into a style that works for 2026.

To start, a well-designed bed valance helps soften the look and make it feel more like a piece of furniture rather than just a functional item. A ruffle can add a touch of texture, while a box pleat adds a streamlined fabric finish. It's all about how you style a bed valance with the rest of your bedding, and for that, I've asked designers for a few tips on how to do this bedding trend well. Here's what they shared.

What Is a Bed Valance?

"At a very practical level, bed valances are there to hide the bed base, particularly when you're using a divan with storage drawers," explains London-based interior designer, Laura Stephens. While mainly used for aesthetics, "bed valances reduce dust under the bed and protect the bed base from dirt and wear," adds Australian interior designers, Alexandra and Rhiannon from Mori + Curll.

Bed valances let you get all the benefits of bedroom storage ideas, such as built-in drawers, without it visually detracting from the room. "Bed valances create a much cleaner and more refined overall look," Laura adds.

Visually, a valance 'finishes' the bed. "It gives it presence and weight, and adds an extra layer to the room that immediately makes the space feel more comfortable and luxurious," Laura continues.

If you typically opt for a more minimalist type of bedding, a bed valance can work in tandem to continue the fabric to the floor. The same goes for more traditional or cottage-style bedding; a ruffle, pattern, or pleat makes the bedding feel complete — anchoring it in the space.

How to Make Bed Valances Look 'Cool' in 2026

So, how do you ensure a bed valance won't feel too heavy, stiff, or traditional? It's all about balancing them within the design style of your bedroom.

"We tend to fully integrate bed valances into the wider scheme, rather than treating them as an afterthought," says Laura. "That usually means matching the bed valance fabric to the headboard, or choosing something that closely complements it, so the bed reads as one cohesive design."

A color drench or pattern drench, depending on the style of your space, becomes an extension of the bed rather than overwhelming the bed with fabric. If you are using a patterned fabric, "we like to pull colors from the pattern into other upholstered elements of the room, like the bedding and window coverings," adds Alexandra.

To keep a bed valance feeling contemporary — especially if you are working with minimalist bedding styles — "a tailored or box-pleated corner looks neat, considered and bespoke rather than frilly or traditional," says Laura.

You can also use a plain fabric for the valance, which is usually more cost-effective and helps keep the overall look calm. "It's those small refinements that ensure bed valances feel relevant and modern rather than dated," she adds.

Or, for something bolder, you can introduce visual interest through a border or a decorative trim that ties back to other elements in the room, such as the headboard fabric, cushions, or curtains. It's just about balancing visual weight in the room.

"If you have patterned bedding, a simpler bed valance works best, whereas in a more minimal scheme, a subtle trim or contrast edge can add just enough detail," says Laura. "When everything feels connected, the bed valance becomes an understated but very effective design tool."

Shop Bed Valances

How to style a bed should center around your design style and how you interact with your sleeping space. Is the base of your bed distracting rather than adding to your bedding setup? Don't underestimate the power of a bed valance.

While winter continues to drag its heels and our lives are largely lived indoors, there’s no better time to inject a little joy in the form of pattern into your home. While color can be all too easy to tire of, patterns, in contrast, offer something more enduring, adding depth, curiosity, and visual intrigue that rewards the eye over time.

One pattern trend continuing to surface everywhere right now is botanical prints, many rooted in the work of William Morris and the Victorian Arts & Crafts movement he helped shape. From simpler leafy repeats to richly intricate floral designs in vibrant palettes, many of Morris’s designs are instantly recognizable, bringing a sense of nature-led optimism into the home, whatever the colorway.

Still, botanical patterns don't have to be bold and overwhelming. When softened through earthy, muted tones, they can appear calming rather than commanding, and this is where Zara Home’s new Morris & Co collection really excels.

Working with browns, neutrals, and gently washed-out hues, it offers a notably restrained take on Morris’s 19th-century designs. The result feels almost archival in spirit, restoring these exuberant patterns with a sense of quiet intention and making them surprisingly soothing to live with. Here's what I'm tossing up buying.

Other Morris & Co. Collaborations to Know

But Zara Home's new botanical collection is just one of the numerous Morris & Co. homeware collaborations that have dropped lately. From soft bedding to statement rugs and curtains, in 2026, we can honestly drench every surface of our homes in these heritage patterns, should you want to.

Here are some of my favorite collaborations to know about.

January is behind us, and while winter lingers, these Morris & Co collaborations inject a welcome burst of joy and cosiness while subtly prepping the home for spring.

Zara Home’s collection is just one of a host of new releases from January that have excited me, so if botanicals aren’t your thing, there’s still plenty of fresh inspiration to brighten up your space.

If you want your bedroom to feel more personal, layered, and instantly designed in 2026, patterned bedding is the answer. As a stylist, it’s the fastest, most effective way I know to transform a bedroom without touching the walls, buying new furniture, or committing to a full redesign. Patterned bed sheets, quilts, and pillowcases add character, depth, and a sense of intention that plain bedding simply can’t compete with.

Pattern is one of the biggest interior design trends of 2026, and it’s showing up boldly in the bedroom. Florals layered with stripes. Checks mixed with abstract prints. Vintage-inspired motifs paired with modern graphics. The key trend is pattern on pattern, and when it’s done well, it feels expressive, cozy, and surprisingly sophisticated rather than chaotic.

I always say the bed is the visual anchor of the room. When your bedding has personality, the whole space feels styled. You can keep the rest of the room calm and still make a statement, or lean into the maximalist bedroom mood and layer patterns confidently. Either way, patterned bedding does the heavy lifting.

My approach is simple. Start with one hero pattern you love. That might be a bold floral sheet set, a striped duvet, or a graphic quilt. Then layer in secondary patterns that share a color family or mood. The mix should feel collected, not matched. A little contrast is what makes it interesting. This collection brings together patterned bedding pieces that make it easy to embrace the trend.

Patterned Bedding

Patterned bedding is not about following rules. It’s about trusting your eye and letting your bedroom reflect a bit more of who you are. If you’ve ever felt unsure about mixing prints, the bed is the safest place to start.

My advice is always the same. Be brave with your sheets, then build around them. Let patterns clash slightly. Repeat colors loosely rather than perfectly. And remember that the most interesting bedrooms rarely look “finished” — they look layered over time.

If your bedroom has been feeling flat, consider this your permission slip to turn up the volume. Start with the bed, have fun with pattern, and let the rest of the room follow. And if you want a second opinion or help pulling the look together, Design Lab by Livingetc is here to help — offering personalized styling advice to make pattern feel confident, considered, and completely your own.

New year, new bedding? Yes, please — and one of Britain’s premier textile houses is promising double the mileage this year. In its 2026 trends forecast, Christy predicted 'reversible versatility' will take over our bedrooms as the year unfolds. Think double-sided blankets and reversible bedding; it's two looks for the price of one.

Now, if I'm being honest, that's where reversible bedding's reputation has long been stuck: it's cost-effective and practical, but not particularly stylish. But when a brand with a history like Christy's spotlights a bedding trend, it's worth paying attention. And after doing a little digging for myself, I can confirm: it's on the money.

Along with a shift towards more considered consumption, the trend "reflects a move towards more relaxed, personal interiors where bedding isn’t overly 'matched' but layered and expressive," explains Christy's head of product, Claire Hester. Where pattern clashing once raised eyebrows, it now signals a strong eye for design, and reversible bedding does most of the hard work for you. Take these sets, for example.

So, how do you make reversible bedding feel elevated and not visually overwhelming? "Strong reversible designs are rooted in careful color pairing," explains Claire. "The two sides should feel harmonious and connected, often with one being more decorative and the other calmer." Think florals offset with stripes, gingham counteracting thistles, and oversized blooms complemented by more delicate repeats.

Piglet in Bed, another popular UK-based bedding brand, shares the sentiment, having also launched reversible bedding in 2025. "It felt like a natural extension of our mix-and-match approach," says founder Jessica Hanley.

When it comes to styling, it's easy for reversible bedding to look like it belongs in a kids' bedroom, warns Jessica. "But what we’re doing is a grown-up, elevated take," she says. "Think checks and stripes, or cleverly paired patterns that make mixing and matching super easy."

In these newly elevated forms, reversible bedding "allows the bed to feel refreshed and re-styled with minimal effort," Claire says. "A simple turn-back of the duvet is one of the easiest ways to showcase the reverse side and add depth to the bed." But styling doesn’t end at the sheets. "Layering is also key, pairing reversible bedding with textured throws, quilts, or coordinating cushions helps create a curated, considered look," adds Claire.

"Choosing the right colors and patterns is also key to making reversible bedding feel elevated," adds Jessica. "We typically pair two similar, but distinct, patterns — a small-scale check paired with an oversized version, or stripes in inverted tones. Matching similar tones makes sure both sides feel cohesive, even if the designs themselves are quite different."

Ready to try your hand at the reversible bedding trend? Here are some of my favorite designs to shop.

Looking for something a little more pared-back and classic for your bedding? You might like the piped bedding trend instead, for that luxe hotel-inspired vibe.

With three separate sets of visitors laying claim to the new sofa bed in our spare room at some point over the next few months, it’s safe to say that our teeny tiny linen closet has been in a state of pure chaos in recent weeks.

Previously home to just our own king-size bedding, it’s now also housing a few different double duvet covers and sheets for the sofa bed, and a couple of single ones that go with the fold-out camp bed. And — unsurprisingly — this has made picking out matching sets pretty tricky. Especially as I only ever buy white bedding. Oops.

Surely there's a better way to store bed linen? Thankfully, there is. When I stumbled across a TikTok from @theorganizationstation, who used elastic bedding bands like this from Amazon, I was shocked by how simple (and affordable) the solution was. It's great for keeping the right duvet covers, pillowcases, and bed sheets stacked neatly together in one easily-identifiable bundle. Why didn't I think of this sooner?

As someone who’s broken a sweat trying to squeeze a too-small bottom sheet around my mattress on far too many occasions, these labelled bands feel like the ultimate hack for finally getting my linen closet in order.

Don't have a king bed? Don't worry — there are plenty of different styles and sizes of labelled bedding bands available. Here are some of my favorites.

Want Something Different...

Feeling refreshed after getting your linen cupboard in order? It's a good feeling. And why stop there — discover the latest organization trends in the home to see how you could sort the rest of your space, too.

I recently hosted my parents, and as any doting daughter would, I put them up in my bed while my partner and I took the blow-up mattress in the living room. Now, my mother has high standards when it comes to fabrics (she taught me to always check the tags), and she's also never been one to shy away from telling you what she thinks. So, safe to say, I slept well that night after I heard her slip under the Wave Embroidery Duvet Set from Christy that I'd be testing, and say, "Oh, these sheets make such a lovely crispy, crunchy sound."

And while, in my eyes, that should say enough, I won't leave the review there. While she spent just a few nights beneath the sheets, I've been reviewing them for a few months — testing how they feel as the temperature drops, how well they wash, and, importantly, what they look like on the bed.

During this review process, I also happened to be invited to the 175th anniversary celebration for Christy, and learned so much about the heritage bedding brand that has supplied everyone from Queen Victoria to, more recently, Wimbledon. In short, Christy's sheets have really impressed me (and my mother), and I'm already considering trying out the towels next.

Is Christy Bedding Good Quality?

There is a lot you can tell about a bedding material just by looking and touching it. The first test is always the touch test — good bedding will often feel cool to the touch, but this also gives you a chance to feel how close the fibers are, and therefore, how soft and breathable the bedding will be.

This Christy duvet set instantly felt cool to the touch. It also had a firm rigidity that gives it that 'crispy' hotel-like feel, but it didn't feel tough or scratchy in the slightest. It's made from 100% Cotton Percale in a 200 thread count, which isn't the highest, but certainly isn't bad.

The next thing I always look for is the quality of the seams, and, on a duvet cover specifically, the closure mechanism (whether buttons, a tie, or a zip). In this case, it's clear buttons, nice and evenly spaced, so your duvet won't sag between the gaps.

The stitching along the seams is also very neat and feels somewhat reinforced in the corners, which makes it feel especially durable compared to other bedding I've tried.

It's worth noting that it doesn't have internal ties in each corner of the duvet cover, which some do to hold the insert in place — a detail I typically like — but I also haven't had any issues with my duvet gathering or bunching yet. (If this is a big concern of yours, you can buy these duvet snap clips from Amazon that solve the problem for just £5).

How Is Christy Bedding to Sleep In?

As my mother can attest, as soon as you slip into this Christy bedding set, it makes that satisfying 'crunchy' sound, and feels cool yet soft. I've been sleeping in it for a few months now — October through to December — and even as the temperature has dropped, I've found it has remained warm and snuggly, yet still super breathable (and my partner is a particularly hot sleeper).

Similarly, the pillowcases are soft yet cool, so if you're someone who finds themselves constantly flipping to the 'cool' side throughout the night, with this set, you won't have to as much.

I also have a double bed, but a king-sized duvet cover, so that it generously drapes over the side, so I sized up for this duvet cover and haven't had any issues with it slipping or sliding on my bed.

How Easy is Christy Bedding to Care For?

As cotton bedding, it's relatively easy to care for. The instructions say a 40-degree 'normal' wash is best (though I've been doing it on cold), to tumble dry on low heat (but line drying is best), and to iron at no more than 150 degrees. It also says not to bleach, dry clean, or wash in products containing optical brighteners.

I will admit, though, that it wrinkles quite easily — I guess that's the downside to the 'crisp' feel, and I'm not really one to be bothered to iron my bedding, but I find that after sleeping in it for a few nights, it smooths out a bit. (And for the sake of the photos in this review, I ironed it.)

I used to be fiercely loyal to linen bedding, but I've grown to learn that, as much as I like the relaxed look, there is something about crisp cotton bedding that's also very appealing. And, even though I religiously wash my bedding weekly, cotton tends to somehow feel fresher for longer, which is a bonus.

How Does Christy Bedding Rank On Style?

As previously mentioned, the sheets do crinkle very easily (and after washing), so to ensure they look their best, they'd really require ironing — probably before and after they're put on the bed.

I'll also admit, when it comes to bedding, I typically tend to reach for classic white sheets. This set is a great foundation for any bedroom, while the blue embroidered wave edge detail adds a little touch of something-something without having to commit to anything too trend-led or overwhelming.

That said, it's probably not the first design from the Christy range that I'd choose for myself (it reminds me a little too much of the scallop-edge decor trend that was everywhere in 2023), but there are plenty other, more timeless styles to shop.

Is Christy Bedding Worth It?

For the price (which feels very reasonable), Christy's bedding seems like a no-brainer to me. When you find a brand that's been around for 175 years, there's typically a reason why... and now I know why.

If you're someone who loves the feeling of 'crisp' sheets, or perhaps you're a particularly hot sleeper, I think these 100% cotton sateen sheets are a wise investment. Honestly, regardless, I don't think anyone will find these sheets uncomfortable — it's not like a linen that takes time to soften.

But it's also worth considering the upkeep that may be required in terms of aesthetics. If you like not only the feel of crisp sheets, but the look, you'll have to be prepared to iron your sheets (likely both before and after they're put on the bed).

For me, they've already replaced my John Lewis' Washed Cotton bedding as my go-to sheets, and yes, now I'm eyeing off a set of Christy's towels...

What is muslin bedding? Did you know that cotton bedding actually comes in a range of different weaves and finishes, from crisp and cool percale to smooth and silky sateen and, yes, textured muslin.

After years of being strictly reserved for baby swaddles and cloths, thanks to its innate softness, lately, muslin duvet covers and pillowcases seem to be everywhere — and it might just be the best bedding material yet.

As for my first encounter with muslin bedding? I was invited to preview DUSK's new season back in October, and I happened to touch what might have been the softest duvet cover I've ever felt: the gorgeous Santorini Muslin Duvet Cover & Pillowcase Set. I genuinely haven’t stopped thinking about it ever since…

Muslin bedding is a natural cotton fabric made with a loose plain-weave. It's seriously soft and snuggly to the touch, while still being lightweight and breathable enough to still be comfortable for hot sleepers. Generally boasting a gauzy and subtly crinkled texture, with a puffy and cloud-like drape, muslin bedding has an effortlessly inviting vibe.

But while DUSK may have introduced me to the wonderful world of muslin bedding, it's certainly not the only brand serving up duvet cover sets in this seriously soft and sumptuous fabric (I told you, it's everywhere). So, here are a few alternative options to shop.

Muslin bedding is soft, snuggly, and has a lovely laidback look. That said, it might not be the style for everyone, especially if you like a more classic, crisp look.

If you lean more 'hotel-style' when it comes to your bedding, you might want to consider the piped bedding trend instead. This style is typically made from crisp cotton percale or silky cotton sateen, and looks ever so sophisticated.

Are you waking up and not feeling rested? Are you dreaming of lying your head down after a long day, only to find yourself tossing and turning? If you answered yes to either of these questions (or both, like me), it may be time to invest in better bedding. And, after testing Cozy Earth's Bamboo Jersey sheets, I may have found just the upgrade you're looking for.

I've always been someone who seriously considered the type of sheets I dress my bed with, as it's not lost on me that the quality of your bedding can elevate your entire experience. Egyptian cotton has always been at the top of my list, and as of late, linen sheets have been higher on the agenda. But jersey fabric? That was a hard no.

Until now. So, how did Cozy Earth's Bamboo Jersey sheets flip my script? After three weeks of sleeping on them, washing, and repeating, I found that they completely challenged what I thought I knew about the fabric. The sheets are stretchy (enough so to firmly hug the bed), breathable, and ultrasoft. As a result, I've become a jersey-sheet convert. But are they the right sheets for you? Here's my honest review of this viral US-based bedding brand's sheets, and what to expect should you choose to shop them for yourself.

• It's Not Just for Pillowcases — This Smooth, Skin-Friendly Silk Comforter From Cozy Earth Is the Ultimate Bedding Upgrade
• I Tried Cozy Earth's "Aloe-Treated" Silk Pillowcase and Consider Me Converted — It's Expensive, Sure, but Think of the Money I'll Save on Facials
• I Tried Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Viscose Comforter — Is It Really Worth the Spend?
• I May Have Just Found the Greatest Blanket on Earth — Cozy Earth, That Is

Are the Cozy Earth Bamboo Jersey Bedsheets Good Quality?

From opening the packing, I knew that these sheets were going to be different than my regular crisp cotton sheets. Mostly because of the sheer weight of the set — honestly, I couldn't believe how heavy it was.

First up: the touch test. I expected jersey to mean super soft (too soft), but the bamboo vs cotton material gives this set a bouncier, more breathable character. The stretch is akin to your favorite exercise set, while the softness is reminiscent of your favorite plain white tee.

There is a double stitch along every seam, and the elastic band on the fitted sheet is actually strong enough to hold onto your mattress through the night. Anyone who's dealt with pesky sheet corners knows this is a major win.

It's all sunshine and roses so far, but how do the Cozy Earth Bamboo Jersey sheets hold up after washing? Full disclosure: I don't have an in-unit dryer, so that affects my experience. It took about two days (and some time near the radiators) for the sheets to dry completely, but once they were, they kept their form and texture beautifully. One thing I will note is that after about one month of consistent wearing and washing, there is slight picking happening already, especially where your body would lie.

Overall, I'd say that this bamboo jersey sheet set thoroughly impressed me in both the quality of material and comfort. But how has my sleep improved?

How are the Cozy Earth Bamboo Jersey Bedsheets to Sleep In?

It's like with T-shirts: you question how a plain T-shirt could ever cost £75 until you feel the material. And if those T-shirts make a difference to your outfit, surely these sheets could change the way I sleep. Despite my reservations, the softness of the Cozy Earth Bamboo Jersey sheets feels just as luxurious to sleep in as it did upon initial impression.

For context, I tested the sheets for about one month, washing between the first and second weeks. At the time of testing, November's winter weather was settling in London — temperatures were around 3 to 9 degrees Celsius at night.

I was excited to test this bedding as the touch test alone removed any of my initial reservations. And yes, sleeping on them proved to be a similar experience. The bedding was soft, had just enough weight to maximize coziness without feeling stuffy, and kept me warm through the night.

I opted for the white as, for me, it's the best bedding color for a restful sleep. I also have a mattress topper on my bed, so even though my mattress isn't thick, I often struggle with fitted sheets coming loose during the night. However, as mentioned, the Cozy Earth Bamboo Jersey Fitted Sheet is large enough to almost be considered a deep fitted sheet, and has a strong elasticated band around it that helps it stay in place all night long.

Composition-wise, the sheets are made of 93 percent bamboo viscose and seven percent spandex, which explains their breathability and temperature-regulating ability. Paired with the knit design and meticulous stitching, its durability meets style.

How Does Cozy Earth Rank on Style?

In terms of style, there is not so much more to say other than that these are your very standard white bed sheets. They look crisp and clean when made on the bed, but I wouldn't venture so far as to say they stand out style-wise from something like an Egyptian cotton sheet set.

The main thing to note here is that they are a bit weightier and have a quality knit construction. I noticed that I was able to smooth out any wrinkles more easily and style the sheets in a way that I can't always achieve with crisper cotton or silk.

Cozy Earth's Bamboo Jersey sheets also come in light blue, stone, and driftwood brown — a very earthy and sleep-promoting collection.

Are the Cozy Earth Bamboo Jersey Bedsheets Worth It?

Cozy Earth's Bamboo Jersey bedding is expensive for a sheet set, yes, but I'd argue that it's one where you can really feel the difference in quality when it comes to sleeping. Overall, this is a bedding I'd invest in.

And when it comes to where to buy bamboo bedding, it's also worth noting that Cozy Earth's pricing is similar to many of its competitors. At £150 for a king-size flat sheet, it is pretty much on par with what you can find elsewhere (and it's currently on sale).

That being said, investing in Cozy Earth's set isn't the most expensive sheet option, but it's still an investment in something more luxurious. The prices are higher, but you'll have a sturdier build and a noticeably more comfortable sleep. Of course, you can shop for more affordable alternatives to high-end bedding, but you may lose some of the quality.

I hadn't tried anything from Cozy Earth before testing these bamboo jersey sheets, but I will be back for more. Perhaps even with the matching Cozy Earth bamboo viscose comforter.

Maybe it's the fact I live in London (where the water is very, very hard) or that I recently turned 31, but I've started to really notice those little lines that I wake up with around my eyes — I sleep on my side with my face seriously scrunched into the pillow — sticking around until well after my first cup of coffee. So, when Cozy Earth kindly offered me the chance to test one of its silk pillowcases, I thought it was about time I jumped on the bandwagon.

The benefits of silk pillowcases, by now, are generally well understood. Smoother hair, it's softer on your skin, hypoallergenic, naturally thermoregulating... so, what's taken me so long? Honestly, I was hesitant about the work involved in washing silk pillowcases, and I don't particularly love the lustrous look of the fabric against my otherwise crisp cotton bedding.

Safe to say, I was going to be a picky customer when it came to reviewing Cozy Earth's £90 (currently £63) Silk Pillowcase, but the brand has reached cult-status in the US (it even made it to Oprah's 'Favorite Things' list before), so I was excited to see how it stacked up. Before writing this review, I made sure to inspect, wash, and use the pillowcase for two weeks to see if it really was deserving of its 4.9/5-star reviews. Here's how it went.

• It's Not Just for Pillowcases — This Smooth, Skin-Friendly Silk Comforter From Cozy Earth Is the Ultimate Bedding Upgrade
• The Idea of Jersey Bedding Made Me Hesitant Initially, but Then I Tried Cozy Earth's Bamboo Jersey Sheets — And, Wow, I'm a Convert
• I May Have Just Found the Greatest Blanket on Earth — Cozy Earth, That Is
• I Tried Cozy Earth’s Bath Towels — Here's My Honest Thoughts on Whether They’re Worth the Hype
• "The Softest Sheets I've Ever Touched" — Cozy Earth's Soft-Wash Cotton Collection Converted Me Into a Total Bedding Snob

First Impressions

My first impression of the Cozy Earth Silk Pillowcase was very positive. I really liked the color (I already have John Lewis' Washed Cotton bedding in French Blue that I was trying to match, and it was pretty close).

Apart from that, this is what stood out to me most:

• Shipping: Considering it was coming from a US brand, delivery to the UK was faster than I've experienced with some local brands. Specifically, the order was confirmed on Tuesday, shipped on Friday, and received the following Monday. It's also worth noting that there is free shipping to the UK on orders over £350, and considering the cheapest sheet set starts at £240, it shouldn't be hard to spend that much.
• Packaging: I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, and although I don't imagine I'll ever actually be bothered to store my pillowcase in it again, it did arrive in its own buttoned-up pouch, rather than plastic, which felt like a nice touch.
• Sizing: Once I put it on my standard-sized pillow, I did notice that it felt a little oversized, but perhaps that has to do with the US-UK bedding size conversion. Regardless, the pillowcase has a decent-sized overlap closure inside that comfortably holds my pillow in place.

Is Cozy Earth's Silk Pillowcase Good Quality?

Cozy Earth lists that its silk pillowcases are made from 100% Mulberry silk with 6A long fibers, which is the highest quality of raw silk available. Mulberry silk is made by silkworms, which are fed mulberry leaves, and is known to be the best and softest variety. Considering it's produced in a controlled environment, it's also considered the most consistent and therefore durable type of silk.

On first inspection, it felt just as cool and silky smooth as you'd expect. It was lightweight and subtly shimmered as it caught the light. To add to its silky-smooth feel, the fabric has been sand-washed and "treated with aloe vera," which, according to the brand, provides additional soothing benefits to hair and skin.

As it's a delicate fabric by nature, a lot of the complaints I read about silk pillowcases relate to tears, especially along the seams. I did see that one review mentioned the pillowcase had started splitting along the seam after nine months of use. In my own inspection, I noticed it appeared to be a double seam (good for durability) and that it looked very neat. I consulted my mother, a talented seamstress, who confirmed my suspicions: "Looks very well made," she added.

It's also worth noting that Cozy Earth's bedding range comes with a '100 Night Sleep Trial' where you can sleep on your decision (literally) before choosing whether you'd like to return or exchange the product. After that time, the complete bedding and bath collection has a 10-year warranty against "pilling, abnormal rips and tears, and workmanship defects", and in that instance, will be replaced.

How Easy is Cozy Earth's Silk Pillowcase to Care for?

This, for me, is arguably the biggest question, because it was the care required that prevented me from purchasing a silk pillowcase in the past. Cozy Earth's website says it's machine washable, but the tag on the pillowcase specifies dry cleaning or hand-washing in cold water using a mild detergent. It also recommends hanging to dry and only using an iron on a cool setting — and definitely not the dryer.

Taking the more cautious approach, I chose to hand-wash my pillowcase in cold water with Koala Eco's Natural Laundry Wash (available at iHerb). To dry it, I laid it flat on a towel, which I then rolled up and squeezed to remove excess water (just like if you're drying a woollen jumper). I then unrolled it and left it lying flat on the towel to air dry.

Surprisingly, it didn't take very long to dry, and looked and felt good as new. So, a little bit more faff is required than just shoving it in the washing machine with the rest of your sheets, but one day I might be brave enough to try (though I'd make sure to put it in a washing bag, like this one by Steamery, to protect it from getting tangled with the rest of my washing).

So, Is Cozy Earth's Silk Pillowcase Worth It?

So, is Cozy Earth's Silk Pillowcase worth it? £90 is certainly steep for one pillowcase, and there are definitely more affordable alternatives on the market. In saying that, one of Livingetc's former style editors swore by Blissy Silk Pillowcases, and they retail for £83 each, so in terms of quality options, it appears to be quite comparable.

And what about my skin and hair? While I haven't necessarily noticed a big change in my hair (I'm still early days), I have noticed that the few pesky zits that kept popping up along my jawline (coincidentally on the same side of my face that I sleep on) have been nowhere to be seen lately...

Stylistically speaking, I probably would have preferred a set over a single pillowcase, so that my bedding matches, but for this price point, I'd probably look at Cozy Earth's very popular Bamboo Pillowcases instead — they offer a lot of the same benefits, but only set you back £90 for a set of two. They also come in a few more colors and some of the brand's best-selling patterns.

That said, if you're serious about your beauty sleep or looking for a great gift for someone who is, I don't think you could go wrong with a Cozy Earth Silk Pillowcase. (Plus, it's currently 20% off in the brand's Black Friday sale, so now is the time to shop.)

I will preface, though, that, should you choose to look at cheaper options and different brands, it's important to ensure you're not getting satin rather than silk. They may look similar, but they're anything but.

Any great host knows that their duties extend way beyond the food on the menu. Along with the delicious bites, decor, and drinks — if you've got family and friends travelling far and wide to see you this season — you'll also need to give some serious thought to which bedding is best for a guest room.

After all, "bedding is absolutely central to creating a cozy, welcoming feel," Jessica Hanley, founder and CEO of Piglet in Bed, acknowledges. "It’s also the part of the room your guests will interact with most, setting the tone for how comfortable and rested they’ll feel during their stay — something that feels especially important during the busy, festive hosting season," she adds.

Instead of losing sleep scrolling through the many different types of bedding there are to choose from, we asked experts to share their top duvets, pillows, and sheet recommendations that will suit most sleepers — with tips on where to buy bedding, too. So, if you're ready to unlock a better night's slumber for your guests so they can check in and chill out, stick right here.

What Duvet Should You Choose for Guests?

Out of all the things that should be in a guest room, a great duvet is one of them. Of course, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to the thickest layer of bedding, with numerous types of duvet fillings available. From natural options like down, feather, and wool to synthetic alternatives filled with microfiber and hollow fiber. So which duvet fill is best for guests?

In Jessica Hanley's opinion, you can’t go wrong with a duvet made from 100% natural materials. “A merino wool option, for example, is perfect for regulating temperature, keeping your guests cozy and comfortable throughout the night,” she explains. “I also always make sure there are plenty of extra blankets on hand for anyone who likes a little extra warmth. The key is to choose something that feels luxurious but versatile enough to suit different sleeping preferences.”

Whereas, founder and creative director of Bedfolk, Jo James, says if you want to offer a cloud-like sleeping experience akin to a boutique hotel, she'd opt for 100% down every time. "These duvets are light as a feather, whilst still being plump and warm, so it’s the perfect sleep experience," she notes. "Just always opt for European Down and Feather Association (EDFA) Traceability Standard to be sure your fill comes from accredited sources in Europe, meeting the highest welfare standards."

With optimal bedroom temperatures said to be around 16-18°C, the TOG rating (i.e., the measurement of a duvet's thermal insulation) is another factor to consider. So what TOG rating will ensure guests are on the right side of warm and cozy?

“A medium-weight duvet — around 10 TOG — is a safe choice for most guest bedrooms,” Jessica advises. “It strikes the perfect balance between warmth and breathability, meaning your guests will feel comfortable whether they tend to run warm or cold.”

What Sheets Should You Choose For Guests?

Like duvets, bed sheets are crafted in a number of fabrics. And when it comes to which fabric is best for guests, according to experts, there's a clear winner every time.

“I’d always opt for natural fabrics like linen or cotton — they're breathable yet warm, soft to the touch, and always feel welcoming,” Jessica notes. And Jo agrees. “I’d always recommend going for 100% natural fabrics (e.g., cotton or linen) — the difference in terms of sleep experience is radical, as they are much more breathable and allow for natural airflow," she says. "They also tend to just get softer and softer with use, and who wouldn’t want that!”

Fabrics aside, your next decision is what color and pattern sheets to pick. But this is where opinion is split. Jordana Ashkenazi, founder and design director of Element One House, says she would always opt for white bedding to help give a hotel feel. “It has that crisp, fresh look that instantly reminds me of luxury and calm,” she says.

But if the bedding trends of 2025 are anything to go by, bold and layered patterns are big news, and the same goes for mixing and matching your bedroom color combinations. “This is the perfect time to lean into seasonal colors like deep greens, rich reds, dusky pinks, and navies," Jessica concurs. She says the same goes for "fun patterns" such as ginghams, stripes, or scattered florals. "They add a touch of personality without overwhelming the room."

Ultimately, the color, style, and pattern of your sheets will come down to personal preference — and whether you're trying to create a calm space, soothing bedroom, or make the bedroom feel like a hotel.

But if there’s one thing experts agree on, it’s that layering your materials is key. “Layering different colors and textures can make for a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing bed,” Jo says. “Mixing up fabrications (as long as they are 100% natural, no synthetics) can also work well. I love a linen duvet, for example, but prefer washed cotton against my face, so I will use that for pillows.”

What Pillow Hardness Should You Choose for Guests?

Finding the perfect pillow to lie your (or your guest's head) can make all the difference between a good night's kip and a great night's kip. But with more than 10 different types of pillows available to add to your basket, which way should you twist and turn?

"The best thing you can do for your guests is offer a variety of pillows," Jo says. "I tend to go for some feather and down fill, which have a bit more structure to them (for those that like a firmer pillow), and then some 100% down options, which are super-soft and lofty (perfect for sinking into)," Jo explains. "If you also mix in a 60 x 60 square pillow in a natural fill, you’re giving your guests an array of mix-and-match options."

Considering the average person spends one-third of their life sleeping, you’d think that we’d all be experts at hitting the sack. But as we've seen, sleep is influenced by a variety of factors — and bedding is just one of them.

To really ensure guests enjoy a five-star experience, Jordana suggests adding a few more thoughtful touches. "Lighting, scent, and small thoughtful details go a long way,” she notes. “I’m a huge fan of wall sconces and reading lights — they create such a warm, inviting atmosphere and add a real sense of design intention. Warm rugs underfoot make a big difference, too, especially in the colder months.”

To go one step further, Jordana recommends leaving out a few nice products for your visitors — like hand cream, body lotion, and body wash. "It’s all about creating a space that feels layered, calm, and genuinely welcoming — like a boutique hotel, but with a more personal touch,” the expert adds.

For more tips, discover the easy guestroom updates that will give this space a cozy feel.

The recent cold snap has me hauling my heavier duvet out of storage and craving a bedding refresh. Enter Piglet In Bed's new collaboration with Morris & Co., which has landed just in time, and includes beautiful washed cotton and linen-blend bedding, pyjamas, housecoats, and eye masks, all in the heritage pattern house's signature prints.

The bedding brand's own range is already underpinned by rich colors and classic patterns (think stripes, gingham, and herringbone), but Piglet In Bed's design manager, Adam Crick, tells me that the collaboration came about after a deep dive into "how heritage design and medieval-inspired aesthetics are resonating with today’s consumers."

"We saw a growing desire for authenticity, storytelling, and craft in interiors," he explains. "Morris & Co’s legacy of intricate, nature-based patterns felt like the perfect answer to this movement." What first started with a sleepwear collaboration in spring last year has now expanded into an extensive bedding collection, and the perfect antidote to your winter blues.

Like what you see? Piglet In Bed’s collaboration with Morris & Co. is just the beginning. This season, we've also seen the prestigious pattern house collaborate with Hillarys on a range of curtains, Habitat on a collection of homewares, and even Swyft on a range of sofas — you can cover your whole house if you want.

I used to pick my bedding like I picked my coffee table books — purely off first appearances and pretty colors. But now that I have learnt so much more about more technical aspects, like the best seasonal fabrics to dress your bed, I'm tackling the subject of duvets next.

And the first thing I highlighted to educate myself on is tog ratings. This scale of numbers is almost always tagged on duvet labels, but commonly skipped over. That is, despite it being one of the key characteristics that can help you learn how to sleep better.

So, I spoke to a couple of experts and answered all the questions you're probably wondering when you spot this decimal rating on a duvet. But first, let's start with the meaning of this very term.

What Is a Duvet Tog?

Phoebe Street, bedding expert and brand marketing manager at Pretty You London, tells me that a duvet’s tog rating indicates how warm it is.

"Basically, the higher the number, the warmer it’ll be. A 4.5 tog is on the cooler side and works well in summer or warm homes, while a 10.5 or 13.5 tog is better for cold nights or draughty rooms," she notes.

"You might assume that tog is a measure of thickness, or maybe even quality – but that’s not the case! In reality, it’s simply about how well a duvet traps heat and retains warmth."

So, based on the type of bedding you're picking out, it's important to check for a tog rating and narrow your sights on a number that best suits your bedroom environment.

What Is the Best Tog Duvet to Use?

Contrary to popular belief, Phoebe points out that there isn’t one blanket rule for the ‘best’ tog. She finds that it completely depends on the time of year, how warm your home is, and how you naturally sleep.

"For summer, a 4.5 tog is light and breathable, while a 10.5 to 13.5 tog is good for the cooler months. If your room runs on the warm side or you're a hot sleeper, an even lower tog range of 7 to 9 typically suffices without making you overheat," says Ed Ovendon, bedding expert and co-founder at The Lad Collective.

"To accommodate a year-round setup, many people layer or opt for a midweight duvet that transitions with the seasons — the same way you switch from flannel to crew neck T-shirts with your sleepwear," Ed continues.

It's not just about making your duvet look good, but also about making sure that your bedscape is fully equipped to keep you cozy throughout the night.

How Does Tog Differ Based on Material?

You might think that tog ratings are universally accurate across all fabrics. However, Ed explains that this is misleadingly untrue.

"A 10.5 tog down duvet retains more body heat and is airier than a synthetic 10.5 tog one," he notes. "This is because natural fills capture warm pockets of air, while still keeping everything feeling breathable and pleasant to sleep beneath the weight of masses of feathers."

On the other hand, he finds that natural duvets made with cotton or bamboo mixes tend to feel cooler and more breathable at the same or similar tog ratings.

When deciding how to rate the tog rating based on fabric, Phoebe recommends considering the weightiness of the material and the natural insulation levels of the fibers within.

And as always, it's famously better to rely on quality bedding brands prioritizing natural materials for transitional, healthy bedding year-round — which is why knowing where to buy bedding is key.

FAQs

What Tog Rating Do Hotels Use?

According to Ed, most hotels provide 10.5 to 12 tog duvets. "This is the comfortable medium that applies to most guests, in plenty of different climates," he says. "The secret is balance — choose a duvet that keeps your body in a steady temperature zone, helping you stay asleep longer and wake up more refreshed."

Learning about the materials on your bedscape is important to master sleep hygiene and build a cozy sleep space that feels just right. So while we're on the topic of things you should know, there's more to non-iron bedding than meets the eye, and our explainer reveals all.

I love making my bed, but I only take contentment in this daily chore on the weekends, when I truly have time to make it completely crease-free and perfectly set. So, when I heard about non-iron bedding, I was immediately hooked on the idea of such a low-maintenance material.

When it comes to the best bed sheets, I'd say non-iron would be up there in my demands, but I've learnt to do my research before I jump to and dress my bedding from head to foot in a new fabric. And it turns out that there are some downsides to non-iron bedding that are worth knowing before you buy.

So here's the lowdown on non-iron bedding. And for good measure, a couple of alternative styles to get into for that crisp hotel-style bedscape.

What Is Non-Iron Bedding?

"Non-iron bedding is made from fabrics that are made to not wrinkle, so your sheets and pillowcases look smooth straight out of the dryer," says Kenny Timper, sleep science coach at Sleepopolis. "It’s usually cotton blended with polyester or finished with a special coating to keep the fabric from creasing."

On its own, cotton is one of the best bedding materials around. But Nancy Johnston, bedding expert at Truuce, tells me that non-iron bedding has solved the one small issue cotton has always been guilty of. "Unlike synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon, cotton doesn’t have built-in elasticity to bounce back into shape," she explains. "Once it creases, it stays that way until heat or steam helps realign the fibers, which is why ironing or steaming works so well."

And non-iron bedding takes away the need for this extra task, saving you time and keeping your bed looking perfect with just a quick tug. But it might not be the best for your sleep hygiene in the long run.

Is There a Drawback to Non-Iron Bedding?

Nancy tells me that the biggest drawbacks to sleeping in non-iron bedding are the overall comfort of the fabric and the chemicals it's often treated with.

"To keep the cotton fibers flat and crisp, non-iron fabrics are coated with resins that may contain formaldehyde derivatives, which could irritate sensitive skin," she points out.

"Plus, the coating also blocks airflow, making the fabric less breathable and more likely to trap heat and moisture. This can lead to clammy nights, which is the opposite of restful slumber for hot sleepers."

She also explains that over time, these coatings on your non-iron bedding can break down, leaving sheets feeling stiff or even coated. All in all, it's a bedding material to avoid for safer and better sleep.

What's a Great Alternative to Non-iron Bedding?

If you want a smooth look without chemicals, Kenny recommends dressing your bed in higher-quality natural fabrics like long-staple cotton, linen sheets, or bamboo bedding.

"These materials typically naturally resist wrinkles a bit more and get softer with each wash," he notes. "And linen especially looks good with a lived-in texture, so it hides wrinkles well."

Nancy also suggests OEKO-TEX certified cotton or Belgian flax linen. "They both age naturally in a way that feels soft, lived-in, and inviting. High-quality natural fibers relax after a few washes and develop an effortless drape without chemicals," she says.

"Or, you can look for blends such as 70% cotton or linen with 30% polyester to reduce wrinkling while maintaining the comfort of natural fibers. The polyester adds a bit of resilience and helps the fabric spring back after washing."

FAQs

How Do You Avoid Ironing Bed Sheets?

If you want to avoid ironing bedding, Kenny suggests using your hands to smooth them over while it’s still warm and straight out of the dryer. "Give them a good shake before putting them on the bed to also release any wrinkles," he advises. "If you want a crisper look, you can lightly steam them once they’re on your bed. Washing your bed linen in smaller loads also helps since it gives them more room to tumble and dry evenly."

Rather than swapping out your current bed linen for non-iron bedding just to save your household schedule from an extra chore, it's better to prioritize your health and comfort with fabrics you can rely on. And our where to buy bedding guide is the best place to look for high-quality materials that span a range of price points.

As winter rolls in with its cool breeze, there's nothing I yearn for more than a warm bedscape to keep me comfortable through the night. And, typically, we're quick to fall for anything that looks soft and is tagged with words like insulating and warming.

However, the experts tell me that this isn't always a good thing when you're trying to learn how to sleep better. Getting caught up on these inviting buzzwords could actually hinder your rest and leave you feeling totally uncomfortable.

"Most people think warmth equals heavy materials, but in reality, it’s all about airflow, layering, and moisture management," says Nancy Johnston, bedding expert and founder of Truuce. "The goal in winter isn’t to trap heat, it’s to retain comfort without creating a sauna under the sheets." So here are the materials to steer clear of, and what to opt for instead this winter.

1. Microfiber

According to Nancy Johnston of Truuce, microfiber bedding is one of the worst winter bedding materials around. "This fabric is a favorite because it is very soft to the touch and relatively inexpensive, but it is made from synthetic fibers that trap heat and moisture," she says.

"Instead, I recommend opting for 100% cotton percale or sateen sheets, both of which are made from cotton, just different weaves. Cotton is a natural fiber that will breathe and wick moisture away from your body."

Our guide on where to buy bedding has plenty of recommendations for the best cotton accessories to drape and decorate your bed this winter. So stay away from microfiber and indulge in this natural fabric instead.

2. Velvet and Flannel

When I think of wintry bedrooms, thoughts of luxurious velvet and festive flannel are among the first to come to mind. And as good as they may look and seem in theory, Nancy tells me that they're best avoided.

"These popular fabrics feel so cozy and luxe to crawl into at night, but you may find yourself overheating at three in the morning," she explains. "If you love the soft feel of flannel, make sure your flannel sheets are made from 100% cotton."

She finds that this subtle shift in fabric will result in a highly soft type of bedding without heat-trapping to the point of discomfort. Plus, it lets you indulge in the classic look of the material without losing out on sleep.

3. Polyester Blends

Cathy Rust, bedding expert and founder of Cool Your Sweats, tells me that polyester is another bedding material to avoid. "This bedding material is made from plastic and is therefore not responsive to people’s changing temperatures," she advises.

"Generic polyester sheets, blankets, and comforters will trap heat next to you. And if you're a hot sleeper, your body will sweat as a way of cooling down. Only, the moisture will not escape, leading to an uncomfortable sleep environment."

As an alternative, Nancy recommends breathable and airy Belgian flax linen. "It is naturally temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking like cotton," she says. "But it also allows for a little more air flow."

4. Down Bedding

Another common mistake that comes about when setting up your bed for the colder seasons is switching out your blankets for down duvets. Trust me, even if it seems like just the finishing touch you need for a cozy bedroom, you're better off without it.

"Down duvets are deliberately heat-trapping, so they are very good for cold sleepers but not so great for hot sleepers," says Cathy. "Plus, there is no heat-regulating aspect to down and feather duvets."

As an alternative, Nancy suggests treating your bed to natural-fiber duvet covers like cotton or linen that allow air to circulate freely. After all, the last thing you need is your duvet being the reason you have trouble sleeping through the night.

5. Waterproof Materials

Cathy tells me that layering your bed in waterproof mattress covers and protectors is a major faux pas. It might feel like a wise choice to prolong the life of your mattress, but it will not assist in peaceful slumber.

"These trap any heat your body is giving off. If you’re a cold sleeper, this won't make too much of a difference. However, if you’re a hot sleeper, it's better to switch to a non-waterproof mattress cover," she notes.

Rather than choosing waterproof fabrics that feature polyurethane, you can opt for a more natural approach and look for protectors crafted from cotton and linen for improved sleep hygiene.

FAQs

What Is the Best Bedding Material for Winter?

All in all, natural fabrics are the best choice for bedding in the winter. Look for cotton, linen, bamboo, and silk bedding. These fabrics will regulate air flow and keep your bed feeling comfortable and warm without the discomfort of heat trapping.

When it comes to creating a space for great rest, Japan knows what it's talking about. From temperature regulation to minimalist bedrooms, our guide to Japanese sleep secrets should be your next stop for a lesson in better slumber.

If there's one thing I can't stand, it's uncomfortable fabrics. Be it an itchy jumper, a scratchy throw, or worst of all, prickly sheets. I need my bedding to be invitingly soft, or I will not be able to catch a wink of rest. And it turns out that there are a handful of reasons behind why your sheets could turn heel and begin irritating your skin.

From entrusting your sleep hygiene to all the wrong fabrics to buying from bedding brands without glancing at the label for friendly color certifications, here's everything you should keep an eye out for.

And, we would never leave you in the lurch. So, for good measure, we have also included some helpful solutions to ensure that you look forward to cozying up in your bed at night.

1. You're Picking the Wrong Fabric

One of the reasons you could have trouble sleeping through the night is a poorly put-together bedscape. And I don't mean in design or layering, but rather in material.

"Some fabrics, such as polyester or microfiber, can be incredibly heat and sweat-sticky," says Dr. Emma Lin, sleep specialist and founder of Ready02. "And this may irritate your skin or produce small elevated spots called folliculitis."

The best way to combat this discomfort is to switch out your bedding for better fabrics. "I recommend making the switch to natural fibers such as cotton, bamboo, or TENCEL™," she suggests. "They breathe and maintain your skin cool and dry."

And if you're wondering where to shop, our guide to bedding brands you can trust will deliver on comfort, style, and affordability.

2. You're Not Changing Your Sheets Enough

Another reason your sheets are irritating your skin could be infrequent washing. I get it, laundry is a task that all of us love to put off. And unlike clothes, bedding doesn't directly reflect the need for a wash. However, that's exactly why it's so important to regularly refresh your bedscape.

"Skin cells, body oils, and sweat can accumulate on your sheets through regular use. This can cause dust mites, whose waste is a major trigger for allergies, eczema, and skin irritation," says Amreen Godhrawala, bedding expert at Puredown.

"As for how often you should wash your sheets, I recommend a weekly laundering. And, if you have very sensitive skin, consider changing them every four to five days in the unseasonably humid months."

3. You're Using Strong Detergents and Fabric Softeners

Yes, washing your bedding often will help if your sheets are bothering your skin. However, if you're selecting the wrong detergents and fabric softeners, you could be reversing the effects of this solution.

"Using more detergent than you actually need or picking a liquid loaded with fragrances and dyes leaves a chemical residue on your sheets that directly causes skin irritation," says Emma.

"Instead, I recommend making the switch to hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dye-free liquid detergent. It's also advisable to use only the required amount of detergent per load, and consider adding an extra rinse cycle to your wash to clear any soap residue."

Our walk-through on how to wash bed linen will help you tackle laundry like a pro. Plus, you can also take a scroll through our rundown of how to care for bedding for added comfort.

4. Your Sheets Have an Unnecessarily High Thread Count

I'm slightly embarrassed to share that I only just discovered that there is such a thing as too high a thread count. Up until now, I was under the common assumption that the luxurious feel of bedding and thread count numbers were equally proportional.

But Emma sets the record straight, saying, "Some believe higher thread counts are better, but very dense sheets have a tendency to heat and, in turn, exacerbate itching or sweating."

To avoid any discomfort, she recommends looking for cotton and bamboo bedding that sports a 300 to 500 thread count. She explains that this will result in a cooler, softer, and better bedscape for sensitive skin.

5. Your Sheets Are Dipped in Chemical Dyes

"Many types of bedding, especially 'wrinkle-free' ones or intensely colored sheets, are treated with harsh chemicals like formaldehyde resin, chlorine, and other heavy metal dyes," says Amreen.

She explains that the skin can absorb their residues in the fabric, and this could eventually become the culprit behind contracting dermatitis and other allergic reactions.

"Check for certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and GOTS-certified organic cotton in your bedding," she advises. "This will certify that the fabric has been tested and found free from a long list of harmful substances. And, it's pure from farm to finish to help you sleep better."

FAQs

What Are the Best Sheets for Sensitive Skin?

"Softness, nature, and gentle chemicals are important considerations when selecting the best sheets for sensitive skin," says Emma. "I prefer organic cotton, bamboo, or TENCEL™. And, remember to opt for bed sheets that are hypoallergenic or OEKO-TEX certified, as they have been safely tested."

Besides your sheets, there might be some other things in your home that could also be troubling your skin. Since hard water is one such culprit, I recommend checking out the faucet filters and on-the-go filtered shower heads to cover all your bases.

Arguably, I'd say that pillows are the most important part of any good bedscape. Considering you rest your head on it every single night, or maybe even during the day (no judgment), these sleep accessories should be in tip-top shape.

And in the course of learning how to sleep better, I have understood that pillows don't always get refreshed as often as expected. These supportive sleep accessories, like any other part of your bedscape, have a valid shelf life, and experts say it could be as little as a year.

So, if you can't remember the last time you brought new pillows into your bedroom, it might be time to treat yourself now. But just for good measure, let's discuss the exact turnaround and why this spruce is so important.

How Often Should You Replace Your Pillows?

Dr. Leah Kaylor, sleep expert and clinical psychologist, tells me that most pillows should be replaced every one to two years. And while that might seem like a fairly quick expiry, there are some understandable reasons to back it up.

"Over time, pillows lose their shape and support, which can strain your neck and spine," she explains. "They also collect sweat, skin cells, oils, and dust mites — all of which can trigger allergies and affect sleep quality."

So, in order to truly master sleep hygiene, this is the timeframe you should abide by to keep your bed in a healthy and cozy condition.

How Does the Pillow's Material Affect This?

Christina Heiser, content director at Saatva, also agrees with following this general rule of thumb. However, she explains that the type of pillows you choose impacts how long they last.

Down and Down Alternative: "These pillows typically last one to two years. They compress more quickly but can be machine-washed, which helps extend their lifespan," she advises.

Memory Foam and Latex: "This pillow type often lasts two or three years because they’re denser and more durable, but they usually can’t be machine-washed — only spot cleaned."

Synthetic Fill: And lastly, she explains that any pillow with a synthetic filling tends to wear out fastest, usually within a year, as the fibers break down and clump.

How Do You Know When You Need a New Pillow?

Old, worn-out pillows could contribute to trouble sleeping through the night. So, it's important to look out for signs that your current pillows need to be retired.

"If your pillow looks flat, lumpy, or won’t spring back when folded in half, it’s time for a replacement," says Leah. "Waking up with neck or shoulder pain, or constantly fluffing your pillow to get comfortable, are also red flags that it’s no longer supporting you properly."

Comfort aside, Christina tells me that some more serious signs could reflect the need for new pillows. "Sneezing or allergy-like symptoms caused by dust mite buildup is another indicator," she notes. "And if you happen to spot any noticeable discoloration, even after washing, you need a fresh set."

What Are the Risks of Not Changing Your Pillow?

According to Christina, hanging onto an old pillow can compromise both sleep quality and health. "Prolonged exposure to sweat and bacteria on old pillows can create an unpleasant and unhygienic sleep environment," she explains.

"Plus, poor spinal alignment from lumpy pillows may lead to chronic neck or back pain, while accumulated dust mites and allergens can cause congestion, watery eyes, and sneezing."

So, choosing the perfect pillow and replacing your old ones every few years is more than just a design choice. It ties into wellness and the overall hygiene of your bed.

And this way, you can move past aesthetics and choose new pillows based on the best position for sleep, too. For instance, this Latex King High Loft Pillow from Saatva, available on Amazon, is a great choice for side sleepers.

Don't Forget to Refresh Your Bedding, Too

FAQs

How to Make Your Pillow Last Longer?

"In order to make your pillows last longer, you can use a protective pillow cover under your pillowcase to block sweat and oils," says Leah. "Wash pillowcases weekly and the pillow itself (if machine-washable) every few months. Fluff it daily to restore shape, and keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent material breakdown."

This pack of two Teflon Stain Resistant Pillow Protectors from Dunelm will give your pillow an added layer of comfort, while also keeping your pillows in prime condition for long.

If you dream of the plush pillows from your last vacation away, our guide to the types of pillows used in hotels will bring that luxurious coziness right into your own sleep space.

There's perhaps no place in your home more personal than your bed. It's more than just the place you rest your head after a long day — it's a source of comfort, the embodiment of a warm hug, and the one spot in your home where you can truly unwind. That's why it's all the more important that your sheets live up to expectations.

Our bedding is the perfect example of where style and function seamlessly converge. Aesthetically, they offer a great way to refresh your bedroom and tap into current trends, but being tactile in nature, quality should always prevail. Personal preference also comes into play — whether you gravitate toward the silky feel of sateen or the crispness of percale, a cloud-like duvet or a light quilted comforter, your choice of bedding should suit both your style and sleep habits.

As with most homeware shopping, it can be difficult to know where to buy bedding you can truly count on. That's why here at Livingetc, we turn to the most trusted designers and style insiders to tap into their expert insights. If you've ever wondered where the most stylish designers source their own bed linen for the best bed imaginable, we've got the inside scoop.

It's the little things in life that bring us the most joy, so splurging on some luxury bedding is one of the best investments you can make for your home. From your decorative throw right down to your undersheet, listen to the expert and choose from these trusted buys when shopping for your next set of bedding.

With that out of the way, all that's left to do is brush up on the best ways to dress a bed for that hotel-level of luxury. Bedtime really can't come fast enough.

A plush and inviting bed is desirable year-round, but especially during the winter months, as cozy, dark evenings set in. And while a sumptuous bed is always the goal, it's not always so easy to achieve, and there are many reasons why your bedding may look flat.

Thankfully, a few simple tweaks will soon have your bedding elevated to hotel-standard. It's about knowing where to buy bedding to how to layer different textiles. “There’s something so inviting about a bed that looks truly lived-in — soft, rumpled linen that hints at slow mornings and unhurried routines," says Jessica Hanley, founder and CEO at popular bedding brand, Piglet in Bed.

"Achieving that effortlessly cozy look isn’t about perfection, but about texture, balance, and a few little tricks that bring that gentle ease to a bedroom," says Jessica. Here's where you might be going wrong, and how to fix it.

1. You're Using the Wrong-Sized Duvet

Small duvets are a common bed-making mistake that can make your bed look flat. "A duvet that only just covers the edges of the mattress can make the whole bed look a little flat and skimpy — not quite the full, enveloping look we all love," says Jessica Hanley of Piglet in Bed.

To fix this, opt for an oversized duvet for your bedding, which allows excess fabric to drape over the edges. "Try using a king-size duvet on a double bed," Jessica advises. "It instantly gives your bed that generous, cloud-like drape — no tugging over who gets the covers, and a lovely, cocooned feeling when you climb in. It also creates those soft, natural folds and overhang that make a bed look beautifully relaxed."

2. Your Duvet Fill is Too Thin, and Your TOG is Too Low

Not only is it important to choose a generously sized duvet, but you also need to consider the TOG level and the material it is made from to ensure a plump-looking bed.

"A very light fill can leave your bedding feeling a bit limp, especially in cooler months," says Jessica Hanley. "Choose a natural fill like merino wool or responsibly-sourced down; they hold their loft beautifully and feel super plump."

"Down or high-quality microfiber alternatives are great choices because they trap air and naturally puff up, giving that soft look," adds Claire Hester, product director at Christy.

"For year-round comfort and a plump appearance, I usually recommend around 10.5 TOG," she adds. "It’s the perfect middle ground, not too thick, but full enough to give your bed that lofty finish."

3. You're Not Layering Enough Cozy Textiles

Once you've chosen the right duvet for your bed, one that's well-sized and made from fabrics that offer a fuller look, styling your bed with the latest bedding trends can add volume and interest.

"Flatness can often come from simplicity, but not the right kind," says Jessican. "A single duvet and two pillows can look a little bare, even in the calmest of spaces."

The fix is simple: layer various textiles and don't forget to mix and match different types of bedding for a tactile finish. "Think cushions, a bedspread, or a textured throw folded at the end of the bed," says Claire Hester. "Mixing fabrics, such as pairing crisp cotton with velvet or chunky knits, adds depth."

"I love using chunky blankets made from more voluminous textures such as bouclé, wool, mohair, or a sumptuous velvet," adds interior designer Jenny Luck. "I also love folding back the top section of the duvet, which creates an inviting feel, and stacking plump cushions and bolsters in front."

4. You're Playing It Too Safe With Color

When choosing textiles to layer on your bed, don't shy away from color. According to experts, a lack of color can be a contributing factor to why your bedding looks flat. "Using just one flat color across your bedding can make it look a little lifeless," says Claire Hester.

"Introducing contrast, like pink sheets with a white duvet cover, or layering soft neutrals with rich accents, adds dimension, which tricks the eye into seeing more volume," Claire adds. If you're new to playing with color, it's worth leaning on the most popular bedding color combinations.

Decorating with the latest pattern trends will also have a similar effect, creating a layered look that keeps the whole bed setup visually interesting.

5. You're Forgetting a Mattress Topper

It pays to think beyond the bedding itself when creating a plush setup, and elevate it with a mattress topper. "A mattress topper is my non-negotiable, bringing that 'sleeping on a cloud' comfort," says interior designer Samantha Watkins McRae.

"From there, I like to layer a flat sheet, a top sheet, and a duvet cover as the foundation," she continues. "For a relaxed and layered look, add four Oxford pillows, two decorative cushions, and a long bolster across the front. The varied heights create a sense of volume and softness.”

Choosing the right duvet is the first step to creating a plush bed that is anything but flat, while adding color and layered accents helps elevate it. You can also learn how to make bedding fluffy to keep your setup looking fresh and inviting each day.

I must admit, I'm rather looking forward to cozying up in my bed at 8pm, guilt-free. Switching to cozy autumn bedding is an annual ritual for me, but it has to go beyond aesthetics alone. As someone who always feels the cold, a warm material is at the top of my agenda.

It's currently that awkward time of the year when you can never quite find the right temperature. You know the deal — chilly sweater weather in the morning, but stripping down to a T-shirt and shorts in the early afternoon. If you're anything like me, you've also vouched not to turn on the heating until at least October 1. Come bedtime, however, you're paying the price.

In a bid to avoid using my partner as a living, breathing footwarmer, I'm on a mission to make my bed as warm and cozy as possible, starting with the best material for the job. To aid me in my endeavor, I asked bedding experts for the best material to choose to create the warmest bed. And if you're also torn on where to buy bedding, I've compiled six beautiful bedding sets to shop for total ease. Consider this a complete guide to hunkering down for the hygge season (you're welcome!)

I love using a different type of bedding for every season. Most of us would opt for a cool, crisp percale or linen for summer, and perhaps a soft sateen for spring, but what about autumn nights when you're longing for a warmer, more cozy bedroom? Well, for me, the answer has to be brushed cotton or flannel.

In recent years, I've become a brushed cotton convert. As the name suggests, this soft-touch fabric is made from regular cotton that's been brushed to lift the fibers, creating a soft, fuzzy texture. The result is an insulating yet breathable material perfect for chilly evenings (and a visually "velvety" appearance — think light woolly fleece).

For an extra layer of warmth during winter, consider upgrading to flannel bedding. While often used interchangeably with brushed cotton, flannel is actually brushed on both sides to create a thicker, warmer fabric. Traditionally, its weave would also incorporate wool, but these days the napped surface is usually made from a loose cotton weave.

Livvi DiCicco, a certified sleep science coach with Sleepopolis, says flannel sheets are one of the best upgrades you can make when the weather turns cold. "Because flannel is brushed to raise the fibers, it holds a layer of air close to the body, which works almost like built-in insulation," she says. "Unlike crisp cotton sheets that can feel icy at first, flannel feels warm the moment you get into bed and stays cozy through the night. It’s also breathable, so you don’t get the stifling heat that can sometimes happen with heavier fabrics."

Caring for either flannel or brushed cotton is relatively simple. Wash as usual in cold or warm water, but Livvi warns against hot drying as this can cause shrinking or weakening of the fibers.

"A low tumble dry or air dry helps them last longer and keeps them fluffy," she says. "You don’t need to iron flannel sheets, either, since their slightly fuzzy surface naturally hides wrinkles." Better still, regular washing will actually make brushed cotton or flannel even softer, making it arguably the best bed linen that looks good for the longest.

If you're ready to cozy up your bed for the cooler seasons ahead, let brushed cotton or flannel bedding be the upgrade to your sleep experience you didn't know you needed. Here are some of the best options on the market that pair both style and comfort.

FAQs

How Do You Keep Brushed Cotton Clean?

You can safely wash brushed cotton or flannel as you would any other cotton-based bedding material. That said, to help maintain it softness, a gentle wash with cold water is usually best. This will prevent wear or shrinking of the fibers.

Harsh detergents should also be avoided on flannel or brushed cotton as they can strip these delicate fabrics, and always use a low heat setting when drying to prevent shrinking.

In the battle of the best bedding materials, flannel and brushed cotton sweep the floor every time during the cooler months. For a soft touch and toasty bed, they really can't be beaten, plus their durability makes for effortless styling of your bed during the winter seasons.

For that warm, snuggly feeling that makes getting into bed the best part of your day, flannel or brushed cotton is as warm as it gets. The only downside? You'll never want to leave your bed in the morning.

If you had £1,000 burning a hole in your pocket, would your first thought be to spend it on bedding? I'd guess not, but you know the adage — we spend a third of our lives asleep — at this point, so maybe, just maybe, it's the one place we should be investing our money, after all.

However, there's a difference in buying good bedding and buying some of the world's most expensive bedding. Frette, an Italian luxury bedding company (and a favorite amongst celebrities and lavish hotels) tops the majority of the lists of sources of the most expensive bedding. The brand's new collection launched recently, with sheets starting from around £800, which, as it turns out, is a modest price for Frette.

I've found myself wondering just how much high-quality materials can contribute to a better night's sleep. I love my linen sheet set, but an elevated blend of cotton, cashmere, and silk? That sounds like a game-changer, but, really, can any bed sheets justify that sort of price tag?

To qualify as a luxury item, several requirements must be met, as it turns out. Thread count, quality of materials, craftsmanship, and style are all points of contention. However, the question remains. To find out what actually makes a £3,000 bedding set different from the sorts of sheets we're used to using every day, I've done the research and consulted with the experts.

Below are a few reasons why bedding brands like Frette can charge what they do for the most premium products, plus where to buy bedding of the highest caliber.

What Makes Luxury Sheets Worth the Price Tag?

When you get down to the brass tacks, what truly sets luxury sheets apart is the quality of bedding materials and craftsmanship involved in their creation. At Frette, for example, "every piece is crafted by Italy’s finest artisans, following a meticulous production process (patented in the case of their cotton) that prioritizes quality at every stage and extra finishing techniques," Cristiano Quieti, chief merchandising and marketing officer at Frette explains to me.

To put it in perspective, the best thread count for sheets generally falls between 300-600, depending, of course, on the quality of the weave. Most luxury brands weigh in at about 600-800, resulting in increased durability and softness.

Note, however, that thread count means the number of threads woven into a square inch of fabric (ie. the weight of the fabric) and is not necessarily an indicator of the quality or comfort. For example, lighter and more breathable fabrics (percale and linen) have a lower thread count.

Although thread count is often cited as a primary measure of fabric quality, it cannot be assessed alone to qualify as luxury. "The caliber of the threads themselves and the finishing process play equally important roles," says Cristiano.

Which leads us to material and craft. Rest assured, luxury bedding labels will never have the word 'synthetic' anywhere near them. Whether shopping for linen vs cotton sheets or the best silk bedding, you can count on these pieces to be high-grade and high-reward.

For Frette this means "only the finest extra-long staple (ELS) cotton is used, sourced from the top three to four percent of the global cotton harvest. We also incorporate unique fabric blends, combining materials like cotton, silk, cashmere, and sateen-finished linen," says Cristiano. This level of quality sometimes requires up to four weeks to produce, reflecting the attention to detail and time invested in each creation.

So, Is Going Luxury Worth the Investment?

But how does all of this add up to thousands of pounds in value? And is investing more really the secret to making your bed more comfortable?

As it turns out, quality does go a long way in pursuit of a better night's sleep. It's the difference between Upland and Egyptian cotton sheets. Where one is more standardized, the latter is sourced from a particular plant with extra-long staple fibers, producing a fabric that’s naturally softer, smoother, and more durable than other cottons. And yes, offers a better night's sleep.

The same goes for satin vs silk sheets — it's often worth paying a little extra for silk where better sleep, stronger hair, and glowing skin are involved.

"We talk about the 'sleeping experience'," Cristiano tells me, "because the time we dedicate to rest is precious. Sleeping in our slinky sateen sheets, for example, is a pure treat, the best way to prepare for the day ahead."

This caliber of sheets is for those looking to indulge and invest in quality rest. My skepticism is slowly melting, and if I've piqued your curiosity as well, below are five other luxury sheet selections to explore.

Other Luxury Sheet Brands to Consider

It's a high price to gamble with, I know, but expensive sheets might just be worth the investment. Many of these brands are, after all, the sheets that the top hotels use — and who doesn't want to sleep like they're at a 5-star hotel in the comfort of their own home?

The start of a new season brings a wealth of 'news' in the interior design world — new collections, new trends in paint color, and new decor swaps. However, the most inspiring aspect of the new season's bulletin is all the fresh patterns to play with. The latest one on my mind? Piglet in Bed's color-drenched gingham for the brand's Autumn 2025 bedding collection.

For this season, the UK-based bedding brand is reimagining the charm of heritage style for modern living. Founder of Piglet in Bed, Jessica Hanley, explains, "The new patterns in our Winter at Hawthorn collection — from our first color-drenched gingham to bold stripes — reflect a fresh take on our bestselling designs, while the autumnal colorways capture the richness and warmth of the season."

Gingham is both a staple in Autumn pattern trends and part of Piglet in Bed's signature, but this collection's colorways push that classic look a step further. Instead of gingham's usual single color plus white pattern, "The color-drenched gingham was our way of exploring depth by layering tones from the same color family," says Jessica. It's playful yet sophisticated; here's everything you need to know.

Traditional patterns have recently reclaimed their place in contemporary interior design trends — take the plaid bathroom tile trend or the polka dot mania, for example. So, it's only fitting that gingham is having its makeover moment.

"When choosing the colorways for our color-drenched gingham, we started with shades our community already loves and gave them a fresh twist by pairing them with complementary tones," says Jessica. It's based on the double-drenching paint technique you know and love, translated for an elevated bed-scape.

Each bedding color combination is designed to bring character into a room, allowing people to layer and mix patterns with ease, and to evoke the comforting, sunlit feeling of a space that’s both contemporary and timeless.

"It’s also a gentle way to encourage our community to experiment with richer color combinations and feel more confident when styling their spaces," adds Jessica. Below are a few ways you can shop the color-drenched gingham collection.

Other Stand-Outs From the Autumn Collection

While the color-drenched gingham was an immediate favorite, there are other new and noteworthy prints and pigments to pay attention to from Piglet and Bed.

Jessica says, "Our new Autumn 2025 collection is designed with mixing and matching in mind." For instance, the bold stripes pair beautifully with the color-drenched gingham for a playful, layered look, while the versatile and plain hues: Rhubarb, Rose, and Botanical Green, ground the bolder patterns, adding that seasonal warmth without overwhelming the space.

"As the season turns, now is the time to really lean into layering and adding texture to create a look that feels inviting all season long," says Jessica, and I couldn't agree more.

Piglet in Bed's new collection is inspired by that quietly eccentric spirit: "A love of old houses, well-worn textures, and the beauty of a life that’s gently unraveled at the edges," says Jess.

For more bedding inspiration, explore our edit of the latest bedding trends for all the styles that designers are recommending right now.

Given that many premium linen bedding sets retail for somewhere over £200, M&S linen bedding immediately struck me as a good deal, at just £105 for a king size set. It, at a glance, looks great, and comes in a really promising range of colors if you're following modern trends — the big question: how does it sleep?

I've tested a few M&S sheet sets now, and I definitely rate it as a bedding brand. If you scour the reviews of this particular product on the M&S website, you'll find a lot of five star reviews, but also a few one star reviews that compare it to 'sleeping on sandpaper'. I get the sense that these reviewers are perhaps new to linen bedding, and in general, it's not ever as soft as cotton bedding to begin with, especially straight out of the packet, without washing a few times first.

What I can tell you as someone who has reviewed a lot of linen bedding is that this is actually one of the ones I've tested that felt pretty soft after the first wash. It's a light and airy linen that does well in warmer temperatures, but it's fair to say that this comes with some drawbacks, too.

Is M&S Linen Blend Good Quality?

The first test for linen bedding is the touch test — simply putting the palm of your hand on the sheets, and seeing if it feels slightly cooler than the ambient temperature of the room. M&S's linen bedding does feel cooler, which is a pretty good sign that it'll help regulate your temperature as you sleep.

After that, it's time to turn the sheets inside out, and see what's going on inside. In terms of seams, this bedding in particular actually has an exterior seam, so there's only a short overlocked hem on the inside, with two rows of single stiches on the exterior border. This exterior seam is generally stronger than an interior one, with neat stitching. However, there are a few loose cut threads at the end of the seams on these sheets, even though they're on the exterior.

The M&S linen bedding does have a little linen shedding, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, and even more expensive sheets such as Bed Threads linen bedding had some shedding. However, not all linen sheets do this, so it's worth noting.

How Is M&S's Linen Bedding to Sleep In?

I always pre-wash every bedding set before sleeping in, something that for linen bedding, always helps it soften a little, as linen fibers are a little stiffer and crisper before washing. However, I did note that the M&S bedding was significantly softer than a lot of the other linen bedding I'd try after this first wash. It feels light and airy, great for summer and for hot sleepers. This bedding was partially tested in a heatwave with temperatures between 24°C and 18°C during the night, and it definitely helped keep things cool.

However, this softer structure did seem to affect its longevity between washes, as I make a note of how long it is before the bedding starts to feel 'saggy', as linen does after a certain amount of time being slept in. I'd say you would need to wash these bed sheets after around 4-5 days from that perspective, which might be more frequent than you'd like.

One of my other requirements these days is a deep fitted sheet, and this M&S linen bedding deep sheet delivers. It means the sheet is less likely to come loose, which is something I need as my mattress is quite deep itself.

How Does M&S's Linen Bedding Rank on Style?

This linen bedding range is pretty simple but classic, and has a range of 13 colors to choose from. Largely, they're the more common colors you'd see for bedding, but there are some more out-there, 'rich' colors, too.

In general, this linen has a great texture and looks sophisticated on the bedding. You could, also, choose a mix of color bedding and pillowcases for a more creative way of how to style a bed, as you don't only have to buy it in bedding sets.

Is M&S Bedding Worth It?

We've already talked cost, but as a reminder, we're looking at £105 for a king size bedding set (without a sheet), which, compared to something like Bed Threads and Secret Linen Store at around £230-£250, is good value. M&S's offering doesn't necessarily meet the same standard across the board, but it's a great linen bedding for the price, regardless, and one you'll be happy with if you're into linen.

Of course, they're still expensive compared to basic cotton sheets, and they're not for everyone, as those aforementioned one star reviews go to show. But if you want linen sheets that don't cost too much of your budget,

Few things compare to snuggling up in a soft, cocooning hotel bed. From a comfort level, they're the very best — a high threadcount, plump down pillows, and premium mattresses — but there's also an aesthetic allure, particularly when it comes to one popular style: piped bedding.

Featuring a thin, decorative cord or trim that creates a raised border, the piped bedding trend carries a certain air of sophistication — an effortless 'quiet luxury' created by clean, sleek lines.

In 2025, bedding trends are mirroring the same detailed framing we've seen in the rest of our homes. (Think: painted trims, wallpaper borders, and scalloped edges.) Design-wise, piped bedding does the same, says Siobhan McMillan, homewares lead at Loaf.

"It adds a nice contrast or pop of color, helping define the shape of your bedding and giving it a cleaner, more finished look," she says. "It’s also a great styling tool for introducing more color into a room, especially when paired with tonal cushions or a blanket to highlight the piping detail and pull the room together."

Below, discover pretty piped styles from all the places we recommend for where to buy bedding, and bring the hotel aesthetic home.

The piped bedding trend is a simple way to bring refined elegance to your own home. The embroidery demonstrates a level of detail that's usually only reserved for the best design hotels, so it's sure to imbue your bedroom with sophistication.

Nothing is better than climbing into a bed at the end of the day when the sheets are clean, crispy, and curated to your preferences. But nothing is worse than waking up in the morning to find they've all come loose and are a gathered mess beneath you. What went wrong? Well, your fitted sheet probably isn't deep enough.

Slipping fitted sheets is one of the biggest bedding problems that will get in the way of your beauty sleep. This annoyance can happen for a variety of reasons — stretched elastic and slippery materials are common culprits. However, as someone who has tested endless mattresses and types of bedding over the years, Livingetc's bedding expert, Luke Aurther Wells, says, "The answer is more likely down to the size of your mattress versus the size of your fitted sheet."

Not all mattresses are the same thickness, and once you layer on mattress protectors and toppers, you’re increasing the size exponentially, likely without changing your fitted sheet size to suit. "Since I changed to deep fitted sheets, I’ve found I have far fewer problems with them coming loose," Luke says.

So, a better night's sleep could just be a new sheet away. Deep fitted sheets ensure that the entire mattress is covered and that corners are well and truly tucked.

You may know where to buy bedding, but where to buy deep fitted sheets is a slightly different ball game. Luckily, many brands today are beginning to offer a wide variety of deep fitted sheets, and I've done the research to source six of the best retailers.

Rise & Fall

If sheets are old and no longer fit the bed well, that often means the elastic used on the fitted sheet has worn out and lost its grip. "That's why my number one recommendation for where to buy deep fitted sheets is Rise & Fall," says Luke.

Not only do Rise & Fall's extra deep fitted sheets have super-elasticated edges, but they also feature a rubber 'grip' around the corners, which helps to secure the fitted sheet in place.

Marks & Spencer

When it comes to affordable sheets in stylish colors, you can't beat Marks & Spencer's range. With over 1,300 reviews, this particular fitted sheet has gained a 4.7-star rating on the brand's site.

Most customers express that the depth of the sheet allows it to stretch perfectly over a larger mattress, and that they are of great quality for the price. And at £12 for a double sheet, you can't argue with that.

The White Company

The White Company has almost become a household name at this point for refined yet luxurious homeware shopping. And when it comes to where to buy deep fitted sheets, the brand is currently offering a chic selection.

The Savoy Egyptian cotton deep fitted sheet is currently a best seller on the White Company's site, with reviewers specifically praising the dependable quality.

Secret Linen Store

Luke says too-loose sheets could also be dependent on the bedding material. "Slippery materials such as satin and even cotton sheets with high thread counts might not hold as well in place," says Luke.

When sourcing your deep fitted sheets, you might want to consider linen. Secret Linen Store has a variety of plain colors and pretty patterns in its deep-fitted sheet collection.

And Livingetc has even conducted a Secret Linen Store linen bedding review that explores the brand's sheets even further, if you want more information.

Bedfolk

To feel complete, a cozy bedroom simply needs good sheets, and Bedfolk is promising a stunning collection of deep fitted sheet options.

The most notable I spotted? The linen deep fitted sheet in clay. Woven from the highest quality Belgian and French flax, these sheets promise unmatched comfort.

Piglet in Bed

Piglet in Bed has become one of the biggest bedding brands in the UK. I've tried the brand's linen sheet on my own bed, and I can vouch for the softness.

While they don't offer an explicitly labeled 'deep fitted' sheet, all of their standard fitted sheets are large enough to fit up to a 40 cm mattress depth.

Who knew that investing in a deep fitted sheet would be one of the top things to aid sleep? Making these small but meaningful adjustments to your bedding is essential to creating the cozy sleep sanctuary of your dreams.

Linen isn't for everyone. Not in clothes, and certainly not in bed sheets. What it delivers in light, breezy style can present some problems elsewhere — a little rough to begin with, a little too easily dishevelled.

Some linen is better than others, but if it's not for you, that's okay. Except when it comes to a brand like Bed Threads, which has (probably) the most trendy bedding you'll find out there at the moment, but has, until today, only sold linen sheets. The linen haters have truly been missing out.

However, Bed Threads has just released a very new collection — not just a new colorway, but a foray into a completely new fabric. Cotton. It's not, exactly, ground-breaking, aside from the fact that there's now something for everyone in the brand's offering.

Also, its linen bedding gets hundreds of 5-star reviews, and in fact got nearly a perfect score in our own Bed Threads' 100% French flax linen bedding review, so we're expecting good things from it.

It's organic, a 200-thread count, and a percale weave (which we'll take over a sateen any day of the week).

So, why cotton and why now?

"We’ve always said we’d only ever expand when the right product came along," Genevieve Rosen-Biller, founder of Bed Threads, explains. "After eight years of building a bedding brand around high-quality, feel-good home essentials, we’ve come to deeply understand what our customer is looking for."

And this extension felt like a natural evolution for the pair. "It broadens the Bed Threads offering without compromising on our core values of comfort, sustainability, and style, and delivers a genuinely unique product in market that we know (through search term data and constant streams of customer enquiries) that people are looking for: a soft, crisp percale that's organic, GOTS-certified and comes in a range of unique colors," adds Genevieve.

It holds the highest certification for organic textiles, she adds, which "ensures that every part of the process — from farming to finishing — meets strict environmental and ethical standards."

But beyond the sustainability credentials, "We also tested multiple weights, weaves, and finishes (over 50 rounds of samples!) until we landed on something that felt just right," Genevieve explains. "What makes our cotton unique is the balance we’ve struck: it’s breathable yet weighty, crisp yet soft, and entirely chemical-free. It’s a conscious choice without compromise."

The new collection comes in eight shades — Berry, Butterscotch, Vanilla, Crisp White, Apple, Moss, Aegean, and Espresso. If she had to pick a favorite, Genevieve would recommend Espresso. "It's a color but can double as a neutral and works well with neutrals or brighter colors (like Apple!) for something more directional," she explains. "It’s the kind of color that instantly makes a space feel grounded and stylish, regardless of the other elements in the room."

When asked about the future, Genevieve said there's "definitely" scope to expand. "We see this as the beginning of a long-term category for us, not a one-off," she explains."Just like we’ve done with linen, we plan to build this collection slowly and intentionally. We’ll be listening closely to feedback, seeing how people respond to the current colors and styles, and evolving the range accordingly. Longevity and versatility are key for us, so every addition will be made with purpose."

"The collection was born from conversations with our community," she continues. "We were hearing from people who loved the look and feel of our brand but were seeking an alternative to linen — something equally elevated, but with a different texture and finish," she adds. "We wanted to create cotton bedding that felt as thoughtful and luxurious as our linen: minimal, breathable, timeless, and consciously made. That’s what guided every step of this collection."

If you've clicked into this article, your first question might be: why on earth does anyone need that much bed linen? Yes, I've got well over 20 sets and, no, I'm not running a hotel.

However, what I do have is a partner who is a stylist, and who also reviews bedding as part of what he does for a living, so in my linen closet, you'll find at least one set of sheets from anyone and everyone who sells (good-looking) bedding. At risk of a sheet avalanche at any moment, I've turned to an ever-increasing number of bedding organizers to make storing it work for us, so in the extremes, I've learned some good lessons.

These organizers offer a way to keep different bedding sets together, in neat piles, while keeping them fresh, so they're ready for Sunday bed sheet changes and for guests arriving. That means only being able to find one pillowcase out of a set is a thing of the past.

These are the best options for organizing your bedding, with my advice for how to store bed linen in them to maximum effect.

Yes, for a household of two, the amount of bedding I own might be extreme, but if you've got a couple of kids or more, it's not long before you'll find yourself nearing the same number of sheets in your own home. Though extreme in number, these lessons apply to organizing linen closets of any size to keep things in order, fresh, and ready to refresh your bed at a moment's notice

I've got a fair bit of experience with bedding, so when friends or family ask me for some advice about what to choose for dressing their beds, I've got opinions to impart. Often, it comes down to things like whether they should go for linen sheets, and often, I'm not super sure that they should.

Linen is expensive, for one, but it's also quite coarse for the first part of its life cycle — I think its stiffness can be a bit of a shock to the system if you're not used to them. However, there's no denying they look great. It's great then, when you can find the best of both worlds from a bedding brand, and I think this is what Piglet in Bed's bedding offers with its linen blend sheets.

Taking the best parts of both linen and cotton bedding sounds good in theory, but there is always going to be compromises, so in putting Piglet in Bed's Ivory Kemptown Linen Blend Striped bed linen to the test, I wanted to see how it compared to both pure linen and pure cotton sheets I'd also been testing.

This is the first version of my Piglet in Bed bedding review you're reading, meaning it's been inspected, washed, and slept in for at least two weeks. This review will be updated a little later in the year, once the bedding has been used for a total of four cumulative weeks. It's important, especially for linen bedding, which tends to be a little coarser to begin with, and softens after multiple washes and uses.

Is Piglet in Bed's Linen Blend Good Quality?

Before sleeping in this bedding, I like to put it to the test by getting a little more hands on with the sheets.

Does it feel cool to the touch? This is actually a pretty good sign that the bedding will be breathable and help regulate your temperature. For this linen blend bedding, perhaps predictably, it did feel cool to the touch, but not as cool as the pure linen sheets, yet cooler than the cotton ones I tested.

I always think you can get a measure of quality by looking inside the sheets as well, both at the tidiness and the extent of the seam stitching. Neat, reinforced stitches are a good indicator of the best linen sheets — and suggest your bedding might have better durability.

For Piglet in Bed's linen blend bedding, I found the stitching was particularly neat; however, I did note that while the edge seam did feel sturdy and secure, there wasn't a reinforcing straight or chain stitch, as you'll see in some other bedding.

What else you'll find inside, however, is a nice surprise. Piglet in Bed's bedding has ties in the corner, so you attach them to the top of your duvet and keep it in place, to stop the duvet from shifting down and feeling lumpy. It's designed to work with Piglet in Bed's own British wool duvet, but I think you could easily sew a small loop to the top of your duvet if you wanted to make use of them.

How Is Piglet in Bed's Bedding to Sleep In?

I tested Piglet in Bed's linen blend bedding for two weeks, pre-washing before its first use, and between the first and second weeks. Just as a reminder, linen bedding is generally a little coarser to start with — this linen blend had the sense to a degree, but was noticeably less crisp and rough than pure linen sheets I had also tested after the first wash. By the second wash, it felt significantly softer and more comfortable.

In comparison to some of the linen bedding I'd tested, I found these sheets felt a little heavier and potentially less breathable. As a hot sleeper, I prefer linen that's a little lighter, especially during the hotter summer months (and this was partially tested in a heatwave with temperatures between 24°C and 18°C during the night). However, as a play off against the softness it provides, I think it strikes a good middle ground.

I usually make a note of how long it is before the bedding starts to feel 'saggy', as linen does after a certain amount of time being slept in. I'd say you would need to wash these bed sheets after around 7-8 days from that perspective.

The Piglet in Bed fitted sheet that matched the bedding was also pretty exceptional: strong elastic and deep — my two requirements to fit my big mattress. Having a sheet with good grip makes such a difference to your sleep, so it's always worth investing in a decent one in my opinion.

How Does Piglet in Bed Rank on Style?

Piglet in Bedding's style walks the line of rustic and humble, with luxuriously layered. Patterns like check, gingham and stripes, and a deep, rich color palette means there's a lot of scope to get creative with the brand's bedding offering.

What I'll say about this specific linen blend bedding is that it has a really nice level of the natural crinkle I love about linen, but that can go a bit too far with pure linen sometimes.

Is Piglet in Bed Bedding Worth It?

Let's get into the cost. Piglet in Bed's linen bedding runs at a similar cost to most other luxury linen blends such as Bed Threads and Secret Linen Store, however, its linen blend bedding offers a more affordable way in. A duvet in pure linen costs £169, while the linen blend is £139 — not a huge difference, but a fair amount over the cost of the entire bed set.

If you can't get on with natural linen sheets, but you love the look, these are the ones I'd suggest you try. They may not have all of the pros of pure cotton or pure linen bedding, but they're a nice middle ground that gives you, largely, the best of both.

My partner and I are extremely divided when it comes to where our loyalty lies in the flat vs fitted sheet debate. For me, a bed isn't complete without both a flat and fitted sheet neatly tucked in. For him, a flat sheet is only an annoying encumbrance to a good night's sleep. So, who is right?

The basic purpose of each type of bedding is simple: a flat sheet (sometimes called a top sheet) is a loose layer that lies between you and your blanket or duvet cover. A fitted sheet, in comparison, fits snugly over your mattress with elastic corners that hold it in place.

Where the fitted sheet is a staple of any well-made bed, a flat sheet — even I'll admit — is negotiable, with many choosing to forgo it. But there are benefits to both, and below, I'm diving under the covers to discover the difference between a flat vs fitted sheet, and whether you really need both.

What constitutes a 'well-made' bed depends on who you ask. If you're still wondering what a top sheet is exactly, and how it differs from a flat sheet, I asked Livvi DiCicco, a certified sleep science coach at Mattress Clarity, to explain.

"The fitted sheet protects your mattress and stays in place while you sleep, while the flat sheet is a barrier between your body and your top layer, helping regulate temperature and hygiene," she says.

While it adds an extra layer of warmth (or a lighter layer when it's hot), the added benefit of a flat/top sheet is that it keeps your bedding cleaner for longer. "The flat sheet also keeps your duvet or blanket cleaner by catching sweat and skin oils," Riley Otis, a certified sleep science coach at Sleepopolis, tells me.

If you prefer a minimalist bedding style or are a hot sleeper, you may prefer to stick to your duvet or coverlet as a single layer. But adding a flat sheet can actually help you regulate temperature and sleep better in the heat (especially if you choose to sleep under the flat sheet as a standalone cover).

For those (ahem, my partner), who claim that flat sheets just end up getting tangled and bunched up in the bed, Livvi adds that it's a fair point, but when it comes to the fitted sheet, "it is always worth using, as there’s no real upside to going without it."

And then, of course, it's worth considering the flat vs fitted sheet debate when it comes to styling your bed. Layering both instantly elevates the look, if you ask me. Not only can the flat sheet offer a moment of color, but it creates a more dynamic, layered, or hotel-style feel, and who doesn't want that?

To really make the sheets stand out, try playing with unexpected bedding color combinations, rather than just the classic all-white. A baby blue flat sheet paired with a light olive green fitted sheet makes getting into bed every night that much more exciting.

Making the bed may seem like an easy task, but it is also a chance to further express your interior design creativity. And for that, checking out all the latest bedding trends will be your greatest guide.

Even before doing this La Redoute linen bedding review, the brand's sheets are something I already recommended to people. By reputation, I've heard that they're good quality, and though, initially, the price tag looks like a match for most of the best bedding brands' linen offering, there's something to keep in mind.

A full set of La Redoute's Linot bedding in king size will set you back around £260, but as this is La Redoute, you can pretty much always count on a generous discount being available that really makes these a great budget offering. At the time of writing, that discount is 40% with free delivery, meaning these sheets come in at around a cool £150.

Of course, a good price only matters if the quality stands up, and for La Redoute, I'd say it generally does. I put it through the same test I did the luxury bedding brands, and in many respects, it stands up to the competition.

This is the first version of the La Redoute Linot bedding review you're reading, meaning it's been inspected, washed, and slept in for at least two weeks. This review will be updated a little later in the year, once the bedding has been used for a total of four cumulative weeks. It's important, especially for linen bedding, which tends to be a little coarser to begin with, and softens after multiple washes and uses.

Is La Redoute's Linot Bedding Good Quality?

Before even putting it to the sleep test, I can make some observations by getting hands on with this bedding set.

First, the touch test — does it feel cool to the touch? This is a sign that, generally, it may help thermoregulate your body temperature if it feels cooler than room temperature. For La Redoute's bedding, it passed the test, though perhaps not as cool as others I tested (I noted Cultiver's linen bedding was the best for this).

Even the best bedding materials are prone to wear and tear, being regularly slept in, and because they need regular washing to keep hygienic and maintain their shape.

With that in mind, I always take a look at the stitching inside the sheets. Good, strong seams are the signal of the best linen sheets — not only for just care and attention given to them manufacturing process, but also how long, potentially, they'll endure.

The Linot bedding is a good example of good stitching, with strong edge seams and supporting chain stitch, which is a little bit stronger than the basic running stitch some, even luxury, brands use for their bedding.

I noticed a tiny bit of fiber shedding with these sheets, which you'll sometimes see with other linen sheets, sometimes not. It's not a huge problem, and pretty natural for this textile, but something worth noting.

How Is La Redoute's Bedding to Sleep In?

Full disclosure, there's a slight quirk with this product listing on La Redoute which I fell victim to. For its king size bedding, the brand offers two sizes: a king size at 230cm wide and one at 240cm wide. Not noticing, I accidentally bought the larger one, despite having a pretty slim, lightweight duvet. This meant my bedding didn't fit my duvet fantastically, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of it too much.

I tested La Redoute's linen bedding for two weeks, pre-washing before its first use, and between the first and second weeks. As a reminder, linen bedding is coarser to start with, and should, in most cases, soften after use and subsequent washes. I didn't find La Redoute's bedding too crisp for its first use, but I could definitely feel it starting to soften during week two.

I found the bedding in general to be quite a light linen, which suits me well as a hot sleeper, and part of my testing took place during a time when there was a 'heatwave' in the UK, with temperatures between 24°C and 18°C during the night. I felt it handled regulating the temperature well, even with the heat stacked against it.

It was hard to judge how susceptible La Redoute's bedding was to 'linen sag', where the bedding starts to lose its shape after sleeping in it, only because it was slightly oversized to begin with. From comparing other linen beddings I've tested, you'd need to wash these bed sheets after around 6-7 days for not just hygiene, but for them to regain their shape.

How Does La Redoute's Linen Bedding Rank on Style?

I was really taken with the look of La Redoute's linen — dired flat, it had a great natural crinkle, and I didn't really need to press it to get it looking how I'd like straight from the drying rack.

The brand mostly offers plain colors over pattern, though there is a simple striped version, and there's a pretty generous range of 20 different colors. Within that, it wisely leans more towards neutrals, think beiges, browns, softer shades of colors like pink and green — but there are a few brighter options, too.

Is La Redoute Linen Bedding Worth It?

We've already compared the costs, so you know that this is a good option if you don't have the budget for brands such as Secret Linen Store or Bed Threads. It looks great, and has a good amount of colorways to choose from, so there's no real reason to hold you back.

These are the sheets I'd invest in when you're making use of La Redoute's sale prices, however, I might be more tempted by the luxury brands if we're looking at full price, as these are actually a little more expensive, and maybe don't deliver on the luxury feel in quite the same way as the other brands are presented. You'll find a few more neps in the fabric on these sheets than the others mentioned already, for example. They add to the charm, but I'd go without them if I had the choice.

Have you ever been making your bed and, as you are struggling to tuck in all the different layers, thought, 'What is the point of the top sheet?'

It's a universal experience, and ultimately a good question. However, there is a point to its existence, and if you have been struggling with the recent summer heat waves and looking for the best bedding for hot weather, you may want to tune in because the top sheet just might help you solve how to sleep in the heat.

Mark Tremlett, founder of Devon-based mattress and bedding company, Naturalmat, explains, "When made from the right materials, a flat sheet can provide an extra layer of breathability during the warmer weather. Allowing air to circulate freely between your duvet and the flat sheet, helping to prevent overheating, so you stay at just the right temperature throughout the night."

It's time to give the top sheet another shot. I've asked experts to explain 'What is a top sheet?' and more on this bedding essential.

What Is a Top Sheet?

Literally speaking, a top sheet, also known as a flat sheet, lies between you and your duvet and is aimed at keeping your covers from touching you as you sleep. Top sheets are available as part of many of the best bedding sets, and can also be bought individually.

Its primary purpose is to protect your duvet from the dirt, oils, and bacteria our bodies naturally release during the night, helping to keep your bedding fresher for longer. Mark Tremlett adds, "Not only a practical addition, but when styled thoughtfully, a flat sheet can also enhance the presentation of your bed. It can add depth and dimension to your layers, creating an inviting bedscape that might just feel too good to resist."

However, if you are looking for cost-effective ways to keep your bed cool, introducing a flat sheet can be a more affordable and versatile alternative. "Its breathable layer will help keep you cool during warmer nights, whilst adding an extra layer of comfort when the temperature drops," explains Mark.

Sleep and bedding expert at Time4Sleep, Jonathan Warren, shares that another benefit of a top sheet during hot weather is that "Washing a top sheet is generally a lot easier than washing your duvet, especially in the summer when you might be washing your bedding more than usual."

So, if you’re struggling to sleep during the heat, it’s a good idea to try and introduce a flat sheet to your bedding arrangement before investing in a separate duvet or other ways to beat the heatwave.

What Is the Best Kind of Top Sheet for Hot Weather?

Like most bedsheets, top sheets also come in a variety of fabrics, like cotton and linen. While this is mostly down to personal preference, there are a few things to consider. Jonathan says, "Cotton is best for the consistent use of your top sheet year-round, thanks to its sweat-wicking properties. Linen bed sheets are more breathable, making them a great choice for warmer weather."

Bamboo is another material that is popular for its breathability. “Opting for bedding and bed linen made from natural materials is one of the best ways to combat the hot weather," says Mark. Natural materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, and wool have excellent temperature-regulating qualities to keep you cool all night long.

The good news is that you are not short on solutions, and below are a few fabulous options to consider.

Other Pairings to Help Combat a Heatwave Sleep

It's true that in the summer, sleeping under only a top sheet and no duvet can keep you cooler during the hotter nights, while in the winter, a top sheet provides an extra layer of warmth. However, there are a few other things you can pair with your top sheet for an even cooler sleep. Hot sleepers, I've got you covered.

Mark recommends pairing your top sheet with a lighter duvet, such as a cooling comforter. Duvets made from duck feathers and down are soft and fluffy, while also providing airflow when you need it most. An organic wool duvet is also a good choice, as it "will trap heat when you need it and disperse it when you don’t, making it a great choice for both heatwaves and cold snaps," says Mark.

The best part about incorporating a top sheet into your bedding ideas is that it doesn't come with a large price tag or many different components.

A top sheet promotes air flow simply by separating you from your duvet. And if you still get too hot, strip down to just the top sheet for an even cooler solution.

Finally, a good night's sleep and a heatwave can exist in harmony.

Rise & Fall is a brand that's been in my periphery for some time, but not one I'd ever bought from before. However, it's a cool, contemporary bedding with great styling on its website, so I wanted to explore more. Rise & Fall has some great reviews, and uses comparative pricing against brands such as The White Company and Bedfolk on its site, which makes it feel like you're getting a good deal on some good quality bedding.

Like my other reviews of the best bedding brands, I sought out one of Rise & Fall's best-selling bedding sets to get a sense of the quality. Its offering is divided in two: its Crisp & Cool bedding, and its Relaxed & Refined linen. Opting to review its organic cotton bedding, I'll be honest, I wasn't the most excited to try it out as part of my raft of reviews. It seems a little ordinary to begin with. Nicely packaged, yes, but your classic, hotel-style bedding in a cool, but smaller pool of color options.

However, when it came to the sleep test, I couldn't have been more surprised, and this was the bedding set I returned to quickest to sleep in again. At £160 for a Crisp & Cool bedding set in king size, it's competitively priced for the quality, but not inexpensive for cotton bedding.

This is the first version of the Rise & Fall review you're reading, meaning it's been inspected, washed, and slept in for at least two weeks. This review will be updated a little later in the year, once the bedding has been used for a total of four cumulative weeks, but in honesty, I'll have probably slept in these sheets a lot more before then. If the brand does the basics this well, I might well be heading back online to look at its clothing range, too.

Is Rise & Fall's Bedding Good Quality?

Before putting this bedding through the sleep test, you can get a sense of the quality by delving inside the covers.

The first test I undertake is the touch test, which gives a sense of how soft the fibers are, but also whether it's going to regulate your temperature properly when sleeping. The best bedding materials should feel cooler to the touch, or so they say. I tested Rise & Fall's Cool & Crisp cotton bedding in the same conditions as a raft of other bedding. In general, linen bedding felt cooler to the touch than the cotton examples, but this bedding still had a slight sense of cool to it.

At first touch, I felt like this bedding was a lot firmer and sturdier than other bedding I was testing. It's what I imagined is closest to good hotel bedding.

Next, I take a look at the seams inside the bedding. You can kind of get a sense of the quality of a bedding, and its longevity, by the care and attention used inside. For Rise & Fall, the seams felt strong and well-reinforced. They weren't the tidiest of all the bedding I tested at this time, but comparable to other cotton sheets such as those from The White Company.

How Is Rise & Fall Bedding to Sleep In?

I tested Rise & Fall's cotton bedding for two weeks, pre-washing before its first use, and between the first and second weeks. At the time of testing, the weather was warm, but temperate at night, around 14-15°C.

I didn't enter the sleep test for this bedding with any particular high expectations of these being the best bedding sets based on the touch test alone, but I found that the bedding was soft, felt good on the skin, and had a lightness to it that made it feel comfortable to be under.

I have a pretty deep mattress, so we often struggle with fitted sheets coming loose during the night, or at the very least, I'd have to re-fit the sheet every morning when I wake up. However, not only does the Rise & Fall fitted sheet feel comfortable to sleep on, it has a very strong elasticated band around it.

This band is rubberized, too, so it grips to your mattress, and it's extra deep, so also fitted comfortably around my entire mattress, keeping it in place. I didn't have to remake the sheet at all during the weeks I tested it, and I also found it kept my mattress protector in place, too.

If you look at the reviews on the Rise & Fall website, you'll see this fitted sheet often gets a shout out as one of the big pros of this bedding brand's offering.

How Easy Is Rise & Fall Bedding to Care for?

Cotton, in many ways, doesn't need as much care as linen throughout the weekly cycle of your sheets, and this set still felt pretty fresh by the end of the seven days.

This isn't, however, a type of bedding that looks great when not pressed, so I did spend time ironing before putting on the bed, even after drying it as flat as possible post-washing. It irons fine, but also creases quickly, so I found myself going back over it once the sheets were on the bed.

How Does Rise & Fall Bedding Rank on Style?

Some people won't do anything but, but I'm not a huge fan of a plain white cotton bedding. It might work in a hotel, but I feel it feels a little one dimensional in an everyday bedroom, and Rise & Fall's is a fine enough material that I could see the yellow tint of my duvet through it.

The brand, does, however, have a small selection of other colors to choose from in the cotton, including one ticking stripe. They're very modern and minimalist colors — this bedding feels like it lends itself to contemporary spaces, as there's not much in the way of frills or decoration. This, to be honest, is my style of bedding, and the colors on offer are pretty much as far as I'd stray from neutral bedding colors.

The brand also has a small range of blankets and cushions to finish off your bed. Think raw-edged cotton and linen and lumbar cushions for a minimalist bedscape. It's an even more curated range of colors and finishes, but a nice offering all the same.

The Finer Details

When you're spending this much on bedding, I think the finer details matter. So, how does Rise & Fall's rate on the parts that aren't a necessity for you to enjoy your bedding, but might sway you in this direction?

Packaging: All of Rise & Fall's bedding comes in its own branded drawstring bag. They look great, and gives you a way of storing the bedding neatly when cycling through the rest of your bedding.

The Button Test: These sheets have pretty standard clear plastic buttons, and simple closings for the duvet.

Is Rise & Fall Bedding Worth It?

Rise & Fall's Crisp & Cool bedding is expensive for cotton bedding, but it's one where you can feel the difference in quality when it comes to sleeping in it. This is a bedding I'd invest in again.

It's also worth noting that, at £160 for a king-size, it is cheaper than many similar competitors, something the brand proudly highlights on the listings with price comparison. According to the site, a similar offering from The White Company would cost £244, and from Bedfolk would cost £254.

If it's still a little on the pricey side for you, you could always look at the next bracket down, cost-wise, with something like M&S Ultimate Cotton Bedding, which retails at around £89, or a brand such as Christy, which has an organic cotton bedding set for £98 in king size.

However, if you're going to invest in anything from Rise & Fall, I think this fitted sheet is one of the best ones I've reviewed. Deep? Check. Elasticated? Check. Good grip? Check. I'll definitely be buying some more of these.