The days are turning shorter, snow is falling (for some of us, anyway) and the holiday decorations are up. Yes, winter is here, along with our desire for all things cozy and comfortable. From wool socks in funky patterns to weighted robes that calm the mind and body, it seems like everyone is getting out their snuggly winter staples and preparing to hunker down for the cold months ahead.
If you’re looking for ways to feel extra cozy and comfortable this winter, why not start with your bed? With longer nights and shorter days promising to mess up your sleep schedule, now is the perfect time to refresh your bed and commit to a better night’s rest.
Make Your Bed More Comfortable
Keep reading for a few simple tricks you can use to turn your bed into the warm, comfy cloud you deserve.
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Sleep on a quality mattress
Do you ever find that you sleep better in a nice hotel? The quality of the mattress could be a big reason why. Luxury hotels typically splurge on custom mattresses with memory foam designs that conform to the shape of your body, helping reduce pressure and pain on the back, neck and spine. You can achieve similar results (minus five-star treatment, of course) by investing in a high-quality mattress. In fact, some mattresses — like those at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel — can be found on the hotel’s own website.
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Invest in the right mattress topper
If splurging on a hotel-quality mattress isn’t doable, fear not because mattress toppers can give you that cloud-like feeling you crave (and deserve!). Mattress toppers are exactly what they sound like — a layer of cushioning that goes on top of your mattress. Mattress toppers come in a variety of materials, including feathers, down, latex, wool and memory foam. If you’re going for a luxury hotel vibe, consider investing in a high-quality feather mattress topper to make your mattress feel luxuriously soft and fluffy. Are you a hot sleeper? Opt for a cooling mattress topper made from breathable materials, such as wool or cotton.
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Upgrade your sheets
If your sheets are scratchy and uncomfortable, or just not doing it for you on those cold, snowy nights, then it’s probably time to replace them with a warmer set. For maximum warmth and coziness, you really can’t go wrong with a set of high-quality flannel sheets. Flannel is a great insulator, which means it traps your body heat and keeps you warm in cold temperatures. Flannel sheets also come in a variety of holiday designs that can give your bed a more festive vibe.
If you’re a hot sleeper, you might be more comfortable choosing sheets made from natural fibers — like cotton or bamboo. Cotton and bamboo sheets are usually better for sweaty sleepers because they are breathable and don’t retain heat.
No matter what kind of sheets you go with, make sure they’re high-quality. Be aware that weight instead of thread count determines the quality of flannel sheets. For cotton and other types of sheets, choose a thread count between 300 and 500.
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Pile on cozy blankets and throws
After a long day of trudging through work and the deep snow, wrapping yourself up in a cozy blanket is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Not only are blankets and throws the perfect way to add warmth and texture to your bed, but they’re also practical. When you can’t crank the thermostat any higher, they can help you remain comfortable and sleep soundly through the night.
So, which blanket is best for winter? That depends on what you’re looking for in a blanket. For optimal sleep this winter, you can’t go wrong with a weighted blanket. These heavy blankets use gentle pressure to trigger a calming reflex in the body and help you fall asleep faster.
If you’re just looking for a way to make your bed look more inviting and cozy, consider adding a couple of throw blankets to your bed and styling them in perfectly arranged layers. Whether it’s plush, chunky cable knit or fleece, adding throw blankets to your bed is guaranteed to add hygge-level coziness to your space.
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Splurge on an amazing pillow or two (or three)
When it comes to your nightly snooze, what you rest your head on matters. Lumpy pillows with yellow stains aren’t just off-putting, but they’re also a sign that your pillows have worn out their welcome. Before you buy cheap pillows that hurt your neck, though, consider investing in at least one luxury pillow designed to usher in a better night’s sleep. For example, if you’re a hot sleeper, buy a memory foam pillow with a gel-cooling pad that keeps you from overheating. Are you a stomach sleeper? Buy a low loft pillow that supports your neck without all the bulk.
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Consider a four-poster bed
If you want to transform your bed into a haven of sleep, comfort and style, look no further than the four-poster bed (aka, a canopy bed). Although these style beds now come in a wide array of styles — modern, traditional, elegant, wood, metal, etc. — they all have one thing in common: their rectangular framework of four connected posts.
Sales of four-poster beds have supposedly spiked since the launch of Bridgerton, Netflix’s steamy, regency-era romance. But the benefits of these stylish bed frames go beyond the allure of timeless English classism. Four-poster beds also provide a perfect opportunity to install a beautiful canopy or curtain set, which can help block out drafts while adding cozy definition to your space.
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