The long, cold nights are creeping in, and getting into and out of bed is becoming close to unbearable. I live in an eighteenth-century apartment unit with terrible insulation. My bedroom is boiling over summer and freezing in the winter. Out of necessity, I've picked up tips and tricks to keep warm in bed over winter.
Of course, I could just put my hand in my pocket and pay for more heating, but that feels like an expensive short-term solution. I'd rather invest in the best warm bedding and work out ways to insulate my bedroom on a budget, so I can feel warmer throughout the winter weather.
As H&G's resident Sleep Editor, I've been lucky enough to sample some of the world's best bedding. I've cuddled up under the best comforters, snuggled under the best bed sheets, and made my bed with the best blankets. I've sorted through my linen closet to bring you the best warm bedding to help you make the switch between the seasons.
How to keep warm in bed over winter − expert tips and tricks
I've shopped at all the best places to buy bedding to bring you the pieces that suit every bedroom and every budget. Still, some of the best ways to keep warm in bed over winter are totally free. Take a warm bath or shower before bed: fill a hot water bottle or wrap your feet in a pair of cozy bed socks. Something as simple as moving around in bed should help to generate heat and keep you warm.
1. Switch to a winter duvet
As a sleep writer, I'm regarded as a bedding authority amongst my friends and family. Every year, they ask me when to switch to a winter comforter. My answer varies depending on where you live and whether you tend to run hot or cold. I'm a hot sleeper, so I wait until the last possible moment to switch from my best cooling comforter to something warmer for winter.
Here's how to choose a duvet for winter. Favor thicker fills made from dense natural fibers, such as down, feather, and wool. Size up from a Full to a Queen or a Queen to a King to achieve an oversized drape for extra warmth on either side of the bed. If you're wondering, 'what duvet tog do I need?', then make sure to consult our expert guide before you buy.
I've ranked and reviewed six of the best warm comforters for cold sleepers and winter weather. My favorite fill type is down for cozy comfort and natural loft, but you might prefer the natural thermoregulation of wool, silk, bamboo or eucalyptus.
This comforter is filled with down clusters. Those are the fluffy bits of feathers, rather than the filaments, for ultimate cozy comfort. For cold sleepers and winter weather, I recommend the Ultra-Warm option.
If you're allergic to feathers, or you prefer not to purchase animal products, then this is the best down alternative. 'I usually have to have a space heater on all night to stay warm,' reads one recent review, 'but ever since getting this comforter, I have stayed so warm even with my heating system completely off!'
If you want to be warm without overheating, then wool makes an excellent moisture-wicker. According to the Woolroom Clean Sleep Report 2024, organic wool can hold up to a third of its weight in water (or sweat) to keep your bed and your body cool and dry.
2. Buy warm bed sheets
Certain bed sheet types are more suitable for cold sleepers and winter weather. For natural thermoregulation and moisture-wicking, I favor brushed cotton, wool, and bamboo. You want something that can keep you warm without overheating. Polyester microfiber makes an affordable alternative, but it's not the best for night sweats: the shiny fabric isn't very absorbent.
It's not all a matter of materials: the way in which the fabric is woven informs the look and feel of the sheet. For example, cotton sateen is a nice, tight weave (three-threads-over, one-thread-under), which traps more heat than looser weaves, such as cotton percale (one-thread-over, one-thread-under).
The best affordable bed sheets are well-loved on Amazon, with more than 250,000 verified five-star reviews. Don't let the lightweight feel of these sheets deceive you: they're plenty warm for winter weather.
These sheets are warm without being weighty. Made from a blend of cotton and cashmere for strength and softness, the Heathered Cashmere Core Sheet Set belongs up there with the best luxury bed sheets.
When you brush cotton, the fluffy fibers stand up to better trap warm hair. That gives the Parachute Brushed Cotton Sheet Set a cozy look and feel for winter. This chic set comes in a range of cool neutrals to complement any color palette.
3. Switch on your electric blanket
If you tried to upgrade to warmer bedding for winter, and you're still shivering, then it could be time to turn up the temperature with an electric blanket.
Sure, you could pick up a heated blanket from your local home retailer, but it's worth spending a little more money to get some special features. I've seen electric blankets with adjustable heat settings and automatic shut-off.
The best heated blankets are pretty, as well as practical. You want something that looks just as good spread over the end of your bed as it does draped over the arm of your sofa or chair.
This electric blanket comes with an eight-hour timer to see you through the night. It's a great option for cold sleepers who share a bed with hot sleepers.
'I didn't realize how comfortable a heating blanket was supposed to be,' reads a recent review. 'We had an older one that didn't do a great job before the dog chewed on the cord while drying. This one is lush and soft. It preheats and then goes to the selected number if you choose the preheat option.'
This heated blanket is double-sided with a flannel top to weather spills and stains, plus a Sherpa underlay that feels soft against your skin. It comes with 10 time settings, six heating levels, and a hand-held controller for easy operation.
4. Better insulate your bedroom
By this, I don't mean that you need to rip open the walls and start laying down insulation rolls. There are plenty of easy and affordable ways to make your bedroom feel warmer in winter.
I like to open my bedroom window in the mornings to let fresh air circulate around the room. It's part of my morning routine at the height of summer or the depths of winter but I make sure to close my window at least an hour before I go to bed. For extra insulation, swap your blinds for heavy curtains. That way, you can block out light and noise and retain heat to create a warm and cozy sleep space.
Seal drafts around doors and windows using Rubber Weatherstrip Seals, like these ones from Walmart, and close your bedroom door before you sleep. For more inspiration, it's worth learning how to keep a bedroom warm without heating.
Whether you're in the middle of a remodel, or you're simply looking to switch up the look and feel of your bedroom for the colder seasons, you need to know: 'how do I make my bedroom cozy?' Play with color, texture, and lighting to create a beautiful boudoir.
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