5 Summer Bedding Ideas to Beat the Heat
Summertime, and the living is easy. That’s according to the classic song. Except when it’s a sweltering night that has you tossing and turning in bed instead of sleeping peacefully. When the temperature rises, so does the likelihood of disrupted sleep. And without enough rest, you’re not at your best mentally or physically. The easy solution: invest in suitable, comfortable bedding for the summer months.
The right sheets, comforter and pillowcase can make all the difference in the quality of your sleep. With a change of seasons on the horizon, implement these summer bedding ideas to transform your bedroom into a relaxing space, whatever the weather.
1. First, pack up the heavy bedding.
You put your bulky sweaters and coats into storage when winter is over and break out the sandals and swimwear. The same concept applies to your bed linens. To keep your winter bedding in top shape by storing it in a dust-free container. (Avoid plastic storage containers, which can cause yellowing, and opt for ones made from fabric.) This will free up space in your linen closet for your lightweight summer bedding.
2. Keep it light.
It’s a given that you want to avoid heavy fabrics like flannel during this time of year. The best bed sheets for summer are made of lightweight cotton. Look for a fine Egyptian cotton that uses extra long and extra fine combed cotton for the ultimate in breathability. It keeps your sheets feeling comfortably cool all night long. You’ll want the same type of fabric for your pillowcases so that your head stays cool, too. And there’s a bonus to using sheets made of the finest cotton: They usually have a sumptuously soft thread count for an extra luxe feel. Several of Elegant Strand’s sheet sets feature a proprietary Euro-Weave fabric. This unique cotton is the ideal combination of percale and sateen for a smooth fabric that both cools and caresses your skin.
“Light” doesn’t just apply to the best bed fabric for summer. It’s also the attribute to look for in terms of your bedding color scheme. White or light hues reflect light, while darker colors absorb heat, which can make your bed noticeably warmer than you’d like. Summer is also a great time to rethink the look of your bedroom design. Crisp white bedding is an ideal foundation for any interior design style—pair it with neutral colors for sleek minimalism or add vibrant decorative pillows for bohemian flair.
3. Practice the art of layering.
If you enjoy drifting off to sleep curled up in layers of sheets and blankets—or you simply love the look of a beautifully decorated bed—you can still do that during the summer months. The key is layering with lightweight bedding. In addition to cotton sheets and pillowcases, top your bed with a cloud-like duvet cover and a light quilted coverlet you can use for the occasional brisk nights when you want to keep your feet from getting too cold.
4. Don’t skimp on quality.
Don’t settle for just any lightweight bedding. Invest in linens made with care, not just in regards to the cotton fabric but also with an eye for exceptional craftsmanship. Perfectly tailored button closures and expertly sewn hems won’t feel rough or scratchy against your skin.
5. Think beyond bedding.
You’ve got everything you need for summertime bedding. Now remember to create a bedroom ambiance that’s inviting in warm weather. The temperature in the room shouldn’t go above 65 degrees at night; a stuffy bedroom makes it harder to fall asleep. To keep your bedroom from getting too hot during the day, use window coverings with blackout shades that block sun and heat. If you don’t have air conditioning, or you don’t want to run the A/C at night, turn on a fan or open your windows to get air moving through the room. It also helps to practice good sleep hygiene habits—no “blue light” electronics before bedtime, follow a set bedtime each night, avoid caffeine or alcohol in the late evening. This makes it easier to fall asleep no matter the season.
Need to pull together a bedding collection to get you through the coming months? Visit Elegant Strand. We specialize in mattresses, bedding and more luxury items for the home, and all of our products have been painstakingly designed and engineered to be the best of the best. You’ll find cool bed sheets for summer, breathable duvet covers, exquisite quilted coverlets and shams and other bedding that’s not just comfortable but beautiful, too. Browse all of our collections for the coolest bedroom this summer.