Ultimate guide to summer bedding
I fell into a little Pinterest rabbit hole the other day, looking for trends in the bedroom for summer and the main colours that I am seeing are zesty yellows, warm reds and cool blues coming together to create a fiesta mix, to spice things up in your decor and get you in the mood for summer.
I did a little research about summer bedding (so you don't have to!) and here's what you need to consider before you make your next purchase for summer bed linen. Then scroll to the end to see my summer bedding and bedroom styling vibes.
1. Should I keep the same duvet for winter and summer?
Your heavy winter duvet could possibly make you overheat during the warm summer nights. You will likely wake up sweaty in the middle of the night (use a cushion protector to avoid stains!), have a restless sleep and of course feel exhausted in the morning.
It is very important to keep your body temperature at an appropriate level consistently throughout your sleep. So your search for summer bedding should start with the duvet. If your home is very well insulated, and you are not keen on leaving windows open, then having a lighter duvet is all you need for the warmer months.
Together with a lighter duvet, consider adding an air conditioner such as one of the trane ac models.
2. How to choose the right duvet for warmer months
When buying a duvet, you will no doubt have to decode what TOG is and identify the most appropriate for your needs. Mistakenly, some people think that TOG stands for the quality of the duvet and as such buy the highest possible number, when they don't really need a heavy duvet! Put simply, Tog is a measurement of thermal insulation.
A low Tog number indicates a low level of insulation, a lighter duvet, good for warm rooms in warm months.
A high number duvet on the other side means that this is a duvet you would need to have during the winter or in rooms that have drafts, or bad insulation.
Our bodies prefer a cool to normal temperature when going to sleep.
Spring/Summer: use up to 4.5 TOG
Autumn: up to 10 TOG
Winter: you can get toasty with a 13.5 TOG duvet
Tip: Instead of buying a winter and a separate summer duvet, you can buy one with two layers that clip together.
This versatile all-seasons duvet features two duvets with different togs, which can be joined together or taken apart to provide the perfect level of warmth throughout the year.
3. Use lighter bedding fabrics
To keep cool, avoid heavier fabrics like flannel. They may feel super-cosy but they are guaranteed to make you wake up in a sweat!
A great option would be linen bedding throughout summer. Wonderfully tactile to the touch and appealingly simple, linen bedsheets will make a beautiful foundation for a host of additional decorative elements. Linen has enhanced breathability to ensure your temperature is regulated for an undisturbed, and truly sumptuous night's sleep.
This internationally known Fashion store, has its own Home Collection and this year featured beautiful bedding made of super soft muslin cotton. Available in a super trendy light purple colour, you can also get 10% off is you are a member (free to join).
4. Use bedding with ethnic patterns to make you think of holidays abroad
Escape to your summer sanctuary with a pattern that is a riot of colour and reveals a specific trend. Choose duvet covers or bed sheets featuring tropical blooms, Moroccan tiled designs or go for a kaleidoscope of Mexican-inspired watercolours.
Bold colours printed on luxe-to-the-touch cotton sateen with bordered by contrast piping, duvet covers that are full of colour usually also have a lush front that is complemented by a simpler design on the reverse.
This British Fashion designer designs the most colourful and beautiful bedding inspired by his travels abroad
5. Use bedding with floral patterns to feel as one with nature
The botanical trend continues to be strong when it comes to bedding. Bigger and bolder designs in saturated colours are perfect in the summer months. Greens, limes and yellows are favourites for this trend. Combine with scatter cushions.
If you want to wake up to a fabulous field of flowers you should try this John Lewis & Partners + Matthew Williamson Hedgerow Duvet Cover Set.
6. Summer striped bedding ideas
If you want to get the feeling that you have escaped to the coast, then use stripes on your bedding for a nautical theme.
Classic blue stripes give interiors a fresh, yet relaxed coastal look. Add bright red accents and bold blue textiles, or keep it calm by incorporating neutral tones with classic wooden furniture and a rattan weave rug.
This is my go to shop for striped bed linen.
7. My bedroom in summer - Palm Beach Style
Saving the best for last, here's how the Seasons in Colour Master Bedroom got a mini makeover for summer with Palm Beach inspired bedding! This set has everything and more.
What we like about it: Palm Beach/ Palm Springs decor is big, especially in the summer months. The design is bold and colourful and the exotic leaf print will evoke warm days in tropical climes, even when it's raining!
Colourful? Check.
Palms? Check.
Fun? Check.
