Layering your bed according to season is the key to a good night’s rest. Here four experts reveal how to select linen and set up your bedding.
In summer …
“During the summer choose a summer goose down duvet inner with a natural lining as natural fabrics such as cotton and linen breathe well and allow for a comfortable night’s rest. A light-weight loose throw is a must-have for afternoon naps. A higher thread count fitted sheet and flat sheet makes for a more luxurious bed.” – Frans Alexander, owner of Frans Alexander Interiors
In winter …
“During the winter you can have more layers, and the higher the quality cotton and linen, the more comfortable your sleep. Ensure you select soft fabrics that are not just beautiful to look at but feel good against your skin. I like to use king pillows and different size scatter cushions that have different textures and colour tones but still complement each other.” – Frans Alexander, owner of Frans Alexander Interiors
It’s all about the base
“I always try to use the best quality (highest thread count) fitted sheets and duvet cover and pillowcases, as these are the items that touch your skin. A personal preference for my clients is using a plain colour – this allows you to be bolder with your bed accessories such as scatter cushions and throws. A plain base also allows you to change your bed accessories seasonally.
“I layer beds as follows: 1. Fitted sheet. 2. Flat sheet. 3. Duvet cover (we mostly use an all-seasons duvet inner). 4. Pillows (we usually do a plain-colour pillowcase of the highest thread count). 5. Bed décor (we like to use custom-made scatter cushions (with feather inners) that incorporate the colour scheme of the bedroom).” – Dale Dennis, owner of Ground Floor Interiors
Protect your mattress
“Layering your bed is important as a good night’s sleep is crucial to ensure you function at your optimum during the day. Start with a good-quality mattress protector. You can choose either a waterproof terry protector or cotton quilted protector.
“In addition to top-quality bed linen (@home stocks Egyptian Cotton linen in 230, 400 and 800 thread count), you can finish off your layers with a layer of faux fur or a mink blanket for extra warmth.” – Gift Mazibuko, senior bed and bath buyer at @home
Take it easy
“If you’d like a casual, relaxed look, use T-shirt bedding as it doesn’t crease, is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You can play around with using a T-shirt duvet cover and an Egyptian cotton sheet to balance the look.
“Add a neutral-shade T-shirt flat sheet with a duvet cover to add to the interest of the bed – this can also be in the form of embroidery or a double-sided duvet cover.” – Dewet De Villiers, head of marketing and content at KNUS
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