Knowing how to get pee out of a mattress is key if you live with children or pets who are accident prone. 

Our cleaning experts will guide you through the five simple steps to removing urine from a mattress so you can sleep in fresh-scented peace, including their homemade solutions and product recommendations for successful cleaning.

Knowing the best ways to remove urine stains will ensure you're armed and ready to return your bed to its brilliant best if an accident happens.

How to get pee out of a mattress like a pro

Just like getting pee smell out of a couch, any accidents on your mattress can be addressed with swift action and careful use of the right products. 

Where our industry pros have suggested the best cleaning products, we've sourced high-quality, affordable items from trusted retailers. 

All prices were correct at time of publication. 

Step 1: Blot the stain

The first and most crucial step in addressing urine on a mattress is to act quickly. Urine can seep deep into the mattress fibers, making it harder to remove and potentially leading to lingering odors and stains. 

Shaun Veran, chief operating officer at OURA, says, "Urine is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi because it's packed with water, salts, urea, and other organic compounds. 

"When urine soaks into a mattress, it creates a damp environment that invites these microbes to grow, leading to nasty smells and potential health issues. Because of this, it's incredibly important to clean and disinfect the mattress quickly and thoroughly to stop these unwanted guests from taking over."

Begin by blotting up as much of the urine as possible with a clean, dry cloth or paper towels. Acting quickly is essential because the faster you respond, the less time the urine has to soak into the mattress. 

Shaun adds, "Press down firmly but avoid rubbing, as this can push the urine deeper into the mattress. Blotting helps to remove as much liquid as possible before it soaks in further, reducing the moisture that can support bacterial growth."

These Scott Paper Towels from Walmart are highly absorbent and ideal for attacking fresh urine stains should an accident occur. Alternatively, use clean, dry microfiber towels, such as the 15-pack of colorful ones from Walmart, which are known for their excellent absorbancy.

Step 2: Apply a cleaning solution

Once you've blotted up as much urine as possible, the next step is to clean the area with a solution. 

Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, says, "Mix up a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and give the stained area a good spritz. The vinegar's acidity helps break down the urine and eliminate odors.

"Let it sit for around 10 minutes to really penetrate the stain and work its magic, then grab some fresh paper towels or a clean cloth and blot the area again. This time, you should start to see the stain lifting."

There are so many household jobs you can do with vinegar. This Good & Gather White Distilled Vinegar from Target comes with thousands of great reviews and — at 128 fl oz — will last you a long time and budget-friendly.

The Better Homes & Gardens Glass Spray Bottle from Walmart looks great and holds 16 fl oz, making it ideal for housing your homemade vinegar-based cleaning solution for use indoors and out (vinegar is great for keeping pests out of your home, too).

Step 3: Sprinkle baking soda

After applying the vinegar solution and blotting, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda, which is great for cleaning and removing odors, over the entire affected area. 

Karina says, "Now for the best bit — when it comes to neutralizing those pesky odors, baking soda is your bestie! Seriously, this stuff works wonders. It's a natural deodorizer and helps absorb moisture, making it perfect for tackling pee stains.

"Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stain. You can be pretty liberal here — we want to ensure all the smells are fully absorbed. Leave the baking soda to work its magic for a few hours, or even overnight if possible. The longer it sits, the better it'll absorb any remaining moisture and odors."

After the baking soda has had time to work, vacuum it up using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. Vacuuming removes the baking soda and any absorbed urine and odors with it, leaving the mattress cleaner and fresher.

The Black+Decker dustbuster Handheld Vacuum from Amazon comes with more than 20,000 five-star reviews and is a budget steal.

4. Use an enzymatic cleaner

For particularly stubborn animal urine stains or strong odors, an enzymatic cleaner can be very effective. Enzymatic cleaners are specially formulated to break down the proteins found in urine, effectively eliminating both stains and smells. 

Shaun recommends Rocco & Roxie Enzymatic Cleaner from Target, which boasts great reviews and is specially formulated to tackle pet urine.

He says, "Enzymatic cleaners break down urine proteins, effectively removing stains and odors at the molecular level. Spray generously and allow to sit to give the enzyme enough time to break down the compounds. Blot the area well to remove any excess moisture."

Will Cotter, chief operating officer at HappyCleans, also likes Rocco & Roxie, as well as Bubba’s Super Strength Enzyme Cleaner from Amazon, which offers a full refund if it can't banish your stain. 

He says, "These are great products that will most likely do the trick, but another method that works pretty well is mixing one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water and a few drops of dish soap. 

"Get a spray bottle, put the mixture in there, then generously spray it on the stain. Let it sit, then grab a clean cloth and blot that stain away. Just don’t soak your mattress too much, you don’t want to make it all soggy."

Karina recommends Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover from Amazon. She says, "This enzymatic cleaner is specifically formulated to break down urine stains and odors effectively. It's safe to use on mattresses and other surfaces."

Another popular choice is Bissell 2X Pet Stain and Odor Remover from Target. Karina adds, "Their pet stain and odor remover is a reliable choice for removing tough stains like urine from mattresses, and carpets too."

Step 5: Allow to dry

The final step is to ensure the mattress dries thoroughly. This is crucial to prevent mold and mildew from developing inside the mattress when you clean it.

If possible, move the mattress to a well-ventilated area or place it outside in the sun. Sunlight helps to naturally deodorize and dry the mattress more quickly, as well as having a bleaching effect on stains. 

You can also use  your best fan to increase air circulation around the mattress, positioning a fan near the wet area and letting it run for several hours. If the weather is humid, consider using a dehumidifier in the room to speed up the drying process. 

The NineSky Dehumidifier for Home, 85 OZ Water Tank, available on Amazon, is labelled as its bestseller and comes in four finishes. Customers bought it more than 6000 times last month and on average, rate it 4.3/5 stars.

Make sure the mattress is completely dry before putting any bedding back on it. This can take up to 24 hours, depending on the extent of the cleaning and the environmental conditions.

Meet our experts

In need of a new mattress? If you are a side sleeper, then opt for a soft-medium mattress, like this Brooklyn Bedding hybrid mattress. If you are a stomach sleeper you want to go for a firm or medium-firm mattress, like this Helix Midnight Luxe mattress.

Looking for a new bed frame too? We love this wooden bed frame from Zinus for a mid-century look. Finish off your bedroom set-up with more of our So Chic Awards winners like this Nolah mattress topper, Panda bamboo pillow, cotton sheets from The Company Store, and Mattress Firm's cloud comforter.

By following these five simple steps, you can effectively remove urine from your mattress, eliminating stains, odors and keeping your mattress clean and fresh.

Next, check out how to get cat pee out of carpet.

Learning how to wash feather pillows can make a huge improvement to your sleep hygiene. You'll definitely notice a difference to your snooze quality when your pillows are fluffy and fresh. 

But over time, pillows can accumulate odors, stains, and debris so it's important to to keep not only your pillow cases clean, but the inner feather pillow, too. Our experts weigh in with tips to wash feather pillows at home and still keep their shape.

You may be worried about tossing it in the washing machine as this can sometimes damage the filling or make the pillow come out lumpy. Not to fear — we asked the experts how to do laundry properly so your pillows end up feeling as good as new.

How to wash feather pillows at home

After finding one of the best pillows, you want to make sure you keep it in good shape. A lumpy, squashed pillow can cause tons of neck pain. Not only are dirty pillows pretty gross, but they harbor bacteria and can cause acne or allergies.

But don't sweat it, with a few pillow cleaning hacks from the pros, you can restore them and be sleeping on a cloud in no time.

Step 1: Prep the pillows

Before you get started, check over your feather pillows for any dirty patches. Keep a stain remover, such as Miss Mouth's stain treater available on Amazon, on hand as part of your laundry room essentials. Let the stain remover sit for at least 20 minutes before washing feather pillows.

You'll also want to look for any tears or damage at this stage. Check the seams of the for rips as these can worse in the washing machine and the filling will spill out. If you find a rip or snag, repair it by hand sewing or using a machine. 

You'll also want to check the care label for laundry symbol meanings to be clear on the washing requirements. “You should always check the care label before washing pillows. Different materials will call for different methods and some are hand-wash only," says James Joun, laundry expert and co-founder of Rinse.

Step 2: Load pillows in the wash

To machine wash feather pillows, you'll need to make sure the machine is balanced so the pillows don't come out lumpy. "Wash two pillows in the drum so it's balanced on both sides. You can also add some extra towels to help balance things out," says James. 

Check your pillow size to make sure they're about equal to each other.

Step 3: Gentle wash

To avoid damaging the feathers, wash on a cool setting with a gentle detergent or one specifically made for feathers such as the Nikwax Down Wash available on Amazon.

"To protect feather pillows, use a mild laundry detergent that won't strip the feathers of their natural oils," says Angela Rubin, a cleaning expert from Hellamaid.

You may also want to add an additional rinse cycle to get rid of any soapy residue deep within the filling of the pillow.

Step 4: Tumble dry

After you wash feather pillows, restore their bounce by giving them a tumble dry on a low heat. "You can toss feather pillows in the dryer but it should be on a low setting. Anything too hot can risk damaging the feathers," says James. 

Use dryer balls like these wool dryer balls available on Amazon with over 75k reviews or tennis balls to fluff up the feathers. 

Make sure your pillow is dry all the way through to avoid dampness or mold growing inside.

Pillows are an often-neglected item when it comes to doing the laundry. If you're wondering how often you should be washing your pillows, it's probably already time. 

Just avoid making common laundry mistakes like washing on high heat or using harsh chemicals. 

Smart blanket storage ideas ensure they’re easily available when the temperature drops, but won't clutter up your space the rest of the time. Even smaller blankets can take up plenty of room when they’re not in use and crowd out other useful items.

Professional organizers are used to the challenge of storing voluminous blankets and experts in advising on the ways to tidy these away in rentals, apartments, and small first homes. Here, they share 13 great blanket storage ideas with Real Homes.

If you're in search of small space storage ideas, we’ve got plenty to share including utilizing racks, vacuum storage bags and pretty baskets, making these blanket storage ideas neat but functional.

13 blanket storage ideas from the pros

Whether you want to grab a blanket in the living room, or pop them among your bedroom storage ideas, here are our experts' tips for blanket storage ideas that will eliminate cozy-item clutter. if you have too many blankets, first edit down your collection.

To help you make the most of their advice, our expert in-house shoppers have also gathered budget-friendly and high-quality products to consider.

1. Invest in a blanket rack

Make yours a decorative feature as part of handy living room storage ideas or in a bedroom. 

“Blankets themselves can add texture and color to a space,” says interior designer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey. “Storing blankets in a way where guests can see them is my favorite.

Chantelle says a blanket rack is her top way to store blankets and we like the Frenchi Home blanket rack from Amazon, which is freestanding and can be positioned wherever is convenient in a room for maximum flexibility. 

She adds, "They make the room feel inviting, warm, and cozy and create easy access for guests. Showing off blankets on a rack is such a great addition to a room visually, as well, helping create a theme and style — it's practical and aesthetic."

2. Opt for a ladder

If propping a blanket storage solution against the wall is convenient, a ladder is a great alternative to a rack, and perfect for a small modern living room as it occupies less floor area.

“Storage ladders are real space savers: they use the vertical space and blankets become part of a decoration while using nearly no floor area,” says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky. “They also give blankets a chance to breathe, avoiding the smell of damp."

3. Bring in a basket

Add a natural touch to a bedroom or a touch of texture to a neutral small living room with a basket for blanket storage. 

“Baskets give some style and are perfect for air circulation therefore the blankets do not go stale,” says Artem. “They are versatile, portable and they can add to your room decor.”

Opt for an open design with one of our best storage baskets, or a deep version (such as the rollable mobile wicker storage basket with lid from Wayfair) which can accommodate several blankets, and be moved easily to where items are needed.

4. Use under-bed space

When you’re organizing under the bed, consider making space for blankets there, using a purpose-made container that’s easy to slide or on wheels so it’s easy to move in and out to tidy away or access a blanket. 

“Under-bed storage containers (such as this Rebrilliant metal under-bed storage set of two from Wayfair) are space-saving, ideal for storing additional or seasonal blankets,” says Artem.

5. Depend on an ottoman

Storage ottomans provide generous space for blankets and a whole lot more inside, while adding color, pattern if you want it, texture, softness, and utility to a room.

“Storage ottomans work as a two-in-one solution keeping the blankets handy and also offering extra seating,” says Artem. “They protect blankets from dust and are ideal for living rooms or bedrooms.”

We like the Winston Porter Foronda upholstered storage ottoman from Wayfair, which comes in eight classic colors to complement your chosen palette for the room.

6. Display blankets on hooks

Gorgeous hook designs for entryways (as seen here) needn’t just be a solution for coats and bags. They’re perfect as wall storage for blankets, too. 

“Aesthetically pleasing hooks are space-saving alternatives converting blanket storage into a visual component of the room,” says Artem.

7. Store where it’s needed

As we’ve noted already, blankets can add an accent of color, introduce pattern, and provide contrasting and appealing texture to a room, and that’s why storing one on the bed can be a great way to refresh a small bedroom or add to your modern guest bedroom ideas. 

Fold the blanket into thirds lengthwise then lay it across the foot of the bed so it drapes evenly at either side. Be sure to use a blanket that repeats colors from elsewhere in the room for a pulled-together look. 

We're fans of soft throws such as the Sophie floral faux throw from Anthropologie which are comfy and gorgeous.

8. Protect it with a vacuum bag

For long term blanket storage, opt for good protection. If they’re sizeable — or you’re looking for smart small bedroom storage ideas — storage that compresses voluminous blankets are particularly handy. 

“Vacuum storage bags (such as the variety pack flat vacuum bag set from The Container Store) are ideal for storing bulky blankets,” says cleaning and organizing expert Karina Toner. 

“They compress the blankets, making them easier to store in closets or under beds, helping save space and keeps blankets protected from dust and moisture.”

9. Create a blanket station

If you like the idea of being ready to make everyone cozy for movie night, and you want to maximize space in a small living room, consider making a blanket station for stashing them. 

“Create a designated spot in your home for blanket storage,” says Karina. “Whether it’s a corner of the living room or a decorative brilliant storage basket, having a designated spot encourages everyone to neatly fold and return blankets after use, keeping them organized and easily accessible.”

10. Opt for linen closet storage

Find space for blankets when you’re organizing a linen closet and you can keep them in great shape over the summer when the heaviest versions aren’t required. 

Put blankets away clean (and make sure you wash a wool blanket with care to avoid shrinkage). 

Spread each out on a flat clean surface and fold in half lengthwise, then fold in half the opposite way. Fold again as necessary. The aim is to create a square-ish shape compact enough to stack on a shelf. You might need to use ties around bulky blankets to keep them in a compact package, or shelf dividers such as these gray fabric ones from Brightroom at Target.

Stack blankets in the closet and add a dryer sheet (we love the fragrance of these Mega dryer sheets in lavender and vanilla bean from Calm on Amazon) to the space to keep the atmosphere fresh.

11. Think ease of access

If your small home doesn’t have a linen closet, then pro organizer Amélie Saint-Jacques of Amelie Organizes is a fan of keeping blankets where they’re needed.

“If there is no linen closet, I like storing off-season blankets in the room where they are used,” she says. “In a living room, you might use a shelf behind a closed door of the entertainment center, a storage ottoman, or a decorative basket. In a bedroom, you could store the blanket on a closet shelf or in a bin under the bed.” 

The best storage furniture for small homes and apartments can help you add space to stash items to any room.

12. Let a trunk double up

Get yourself a trunk or another style of storage chest and it will double duty. First, it’s the ideal place to tidy away blankets when they’re not in use. Secondly, it’s a clever coffee table alternative in the living room. And it is the light items like blankets that you want to put in one of these as lifting them out won’t be hard work on your back.

Of course, a trunk (the Ludlow rectangular trunk end table at Pottery Barn is a bestseller) can also be a hard worker in the bedroom, where a small version is a nightstand alternative as well as location for blankets when they’re not in use.

13. Make a blanket seating decor

Make like a stylist and upgrade a small living room by dressing up seating with the blanket rather than putting it away. 

Folding a blanket for a chair or sofa is like folding it for the bed: start off with thirds lengthwise. But for seating, you’ll now need to fold in half across the width so it’s rectangular in shape. Then arrange over the end of the sofa or your best armchair.

And if you like the idea of a more relaxed look, fold the blanket in half, hold by the middle and drape over the edge of the seat, arranging the sides until it’s super inviting.

FAQs

Blankets are an essential for getting cozy and for style, but you might want to add a weighted blanket to your selection, too. Users swear by them to reduce stress, enhance sleep quality, and create comfort. They’re not hard to care for either, and you can wash a weighted blanket in a washing machine or by hand.

Clever comforter storage ideas are a must so these bulky items can be put away tidily when they’re not in use. Whatever size the bedroom, a comforter can take up more than its fair share of storage due to its large volume.

Professional home organizers know all about storing this room’s essentials and they've shared plenty of ingenious ideas. They’re used to coming to the rescue of homeowners and renters, and especially those who don’t enjoy generous space to put things away.

Our pros have shared 10 great bedroom storage ideas for this pesky comforters to keep your room as spacious as possible.

10 comforter storage ideas from our panel of experts

Clever small bedroom storage ideas and solutions will resolve the conundrum of where to store a comforter that's not in use, especially as we move from the chilly winter to milder spring and swap our our bedding. 

We've asked organization pros for their top tips and tricks, and provided matching items carefully selected by our expert shoppers to help you shop the guide.

1. Centralize supplies in a linen closet

Gathering like-with-like can make life at home easier and if you have a linen closet, it's is the perfect for comforter storage. 

“Ideally, if there is a linen closet we want to get all bedding in that space,” says Mary Jo Contello, owner/organizer at Organized by MJ in Houston. "A great tip is to dedicate each shelf to a room or bed size.You can add a dryer sheet to keep it smelling nice and fresh. I recommend storing comforters when they have been cleaned so they are ready to use." 

Bear in mind  you can wash a down comforter, although it does require more patience than cleaning one with a synthetic filling.

2. Use a vacuum bag

Space-saver bags aren’t just useful when you’re storing a comforter in the linen closet, though. Also known as vacuum bags, they can shrink a comforter down so it fits in all sorts of places where it wouldn’t otherwise go. 

Designs like the Variety Cube vacuum bags from The Container Store just require you to use a brilliant vacuum cleaner to take the air out and suddenly there’s a whole lot more places around your home you can use to store a comforter.

We also like the Cozy Essential Store 20-pack vacuum storage bags on Amazon, which come highly rated by more than 55,000 shoppers. Pop your comforter in, attach your vacuum nozzle to the hole, and watch it compress down into a fraction of the size like magic. You can use the surplus for out-of-season clothes storage to free up space in your closet.

3. Claim under-bed space

Failing to organize under the bed means foregoing a valuable storage opportunity for a comforter (among plenty of other items). 

“If you do not have a linen closet, the next option is to store in the room the bedding is used in,” says Mary Jo. To keep the comforter in good condition put it into in a low profile under bed storage bin or a vacuum bag, she suggests.  

4. Keep it weathertight

Sometimes you need to store items away from the living spaces of a home. In the case of a comforter, be aware of the need to protect it well if that’s the case.

“If you don’t have room in the home for storage and it goes to storage, garage, attic or basement, I would recommend storing in a weathertight bin,” says Mary Jo. “This type of bin will keep bugs out and keep the comforter nice and fresh.”

This six-pack Sterilite 64 quart latching hinged see-through plastic stacking storage container tote from Amazon in crisp green is perfect for the job.

5. Maximize closet space with dividers

If you think you don’t have any space to spare in a bedroom closet, think again. Just like drawer organizers, closet shelf dividers can make storage furniture ready to accommodate more, including, in this case, a comforter. 

They’ll partition a single shelf where items tend to topple onto one another into neat nooks. They’ll provide flexibility in future, too, although building in partitions is also an option if you’re sure about the closet layout you prefer.

“Closet shelf dividers (these cheap and cheerful acrylic clip on HONSREO shelf dividers from Amazon are perfect for the job) keep comforters neat on a shelf and easy to find, and eliminate shelf chaos,” says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky.

Bear in mind that you might need to shrink comforters down to fit the shelf along with everything else that has to go there, but that’s where vacuum bags (see above) come to the rescue.

6. Hang it up

Use hanging options for comforters as a savvy small apartment storage ideas, especially if they are lightweight. There is a reason bedding stores display their samples this way, and it's not only space-saving but visually quick to find what you need so you can use a clip hanger in your closet. Use metal clip heavy duty hangers from Homecube USA on Wayfair for the job.

Otherwise, Artem suggests, “Small space solutions include over-the-door organizers that utilize the door space to hold lighter comforters or throws in a very useful manner."

Alternatively, opt for a clothes rack (such as the Simple Houseware double metal clothes rail from Walmart) to drape it over. One of these is perfect for a guest bedroom as well as your own, making it easy for the sleeper to move the comforter to the bed. 

7. Bring in a basket

Think storage baskets if you have a little floor space available. “Wicker baskets  provide a nice aesthetic and also allows comforters to breathe, and are perfect for putting in the bedroom for easy access,” says Artem.

Try the FIYAMMY Store large lidded rattan basket on Amazon. It's gorgeous, has 13 different size configurations to choose from and sturdy to boot.

Since a bulkier comforter is likely to bulge, the best way to make it neat to go into a basket is to lay it out on a clean surface, fold in thirds along its length, the roll. Secure near either end with matching cords before putting it into the basket.

8. Keep it in an ottoman

It’s worth finding space for a storage ottoman in a bedroom if you can, since it not only adds space but is also perfect for perching on to pull on your jeans.

“If you are hoping to store the comforter in the bedroom itself, then I love a trunk (this see-through trunk from Urban Outfitters is modern and fun), storage chest or ottoman situation at the foot of the bed,” says interior designer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey. 

“This is a great storage solution that can also serve as a decor item — genius. And it makes it very easy for guests to add the comforter to the bed if they are looking for an extra layer.”

9. Opt for flexibility

Small bedroom storage ideas can feel in short supply, so being flexible about where items — including a comforter — can open the door to more solutions. But if you don’t want to end up lifting containers around, think designs with wheels, or ones that will easily slide across your bedroom floor.

You could pick a shape that fits under the bed like the Sterilite clear view underbed storage bin from Target, which can easily be wheeled elsewhere when you need to fit something else there. 

Alternatively, opt for a deeper design with a more compact base that could occupy space in the lower part of a closet in a bedroom or entryway.

10. Keep it in plain sight

A comforter may not need to be tidied away into a bag, basket, or closet. Keeping it out in the bedroom can be a great solution. 

When you’re arranging furniture in a small bedroom, think about including a chair or a bench at the end of the bed. Fold the comforter and it can be stored on either of these. What’s more, it will be right at hand if a sleeper is cold in the night.

A comforter has a role to play in ensuring you get a good night’s shut-eye and you’ll also need to know how to choose sheets for beds to sleep well. If you're open to the idea of upgrading to the best linen sheets you can afford, it will absolutely be worth the spend. 

And if you’re going to college, there are a host of tactics you can use to make a dorm bed more comfortable, too. 

Hold on! There may be things you can't recycle floating around in your recycling bins. Recycling housewares is a great way to help the environment, but there are a few things to know before you get started.

Certain items you have lying around at home could actually be repurposed instead of thrown in the garbage. Overall, it’s a win-win for everyone involved!

I spoke to an expert, who rounded up some home items that shouldn't be recycled and what to do with them rather than tossing them into the recycling bin.

7 things you can't recycle

While you may have all the best intentions when recycling goods around your house, there are actually some things that don't belong in there. We break down what to do with items you can't recycle, from household essentials to electronics and more.

1. Textiles

Textiles and fabric, whether clothing curtains or duvet covers, can’t be recycled in the curbside recycling system. Curbside recycling systems can only handle paper, plastic, metal, and glass materials. Because textiles are made of totally different materials like cotton, wool, and polyester, they need an entirely specialized channel to recycle. 

Few cities have textile recycling programs today, but New York City and select others are making strides to provide more access. Certain brands like Patagonia, H&M, and Uniqlo offer recycling drop-off programs in-store today and we can always donate usable textile items in the meantime.

When it comes to bedding, natural materials like linen and cotton (like these 100% cotton bedsheets from H&M) tend to be a more eco-friendly choice than synthetic materials like polyester.

2. Electronics

While our homes are chock full of electronics, from our TV remotes to kitchen appliances, they cannot be recycled in US curbside recycling systems. One reason is that they are complex mixes of materials. Electronics use different metals and plastics, as well as rare earth minerals, battery components, and LED screens. 

"Because they are constructed in such a complicated way, they require specialty drop-off programs to be recycled, which can be found at many retailers like Best Buy and Verizon," said Economy Professional and Recycling Expert Charlotte Dreizen.

3. Tanglers

“Tanglers” are really tricky contaminants for recycling facilities. They can be any long, winding product ranging from a garden hose to a computer charger to a strand of string lights to plastic bags. 

"These items wrap around the very first piece of equipment at a recycling facility whose job is to separate the paper from all other materials," explained Dreizen. "When that equipment gets all jammed up with tanglers, recycling facilities have to shut down for workers to cut them out using box cutters, which is dangerous business!"

Most tanglers have to be trashed, but many plastic bags like takeout bags can be brought to store-drop offs at grocery stores and retailers like IKEA, Target, and Walmart. Try to invest in some high-quality products, like these Room Essentials string lights from Target, that you're going to use year after year.

4. Paper towels

"Since we can recycle paper almost universally, many people think they can recycle paper towels because they’re also made from trees," said Dreizen. "But, paper towels can’t be recycled because they are so soft and flimsy that they can’t be sorted in recycling facilities."

We also need our recyclables to be clean and dry, so most paper towels that we’re using to wipe up spills or clean our kitchen counters would be contaminated with food or moisture. Instead, we can recycle paper towels in most composting programs, if you have access to one, as long as they don’t have harsh cleaners on them!

You can cut back on your waste overall by switching to reusable paper towels, like these FEBU reusable dishcloths available on Amazon.

5. Propane tanks

"Now that we’re winding down the season where we’re barbecuing in the backyard, a lot of people have empty propane tanks to contend with," said Dreizen.

Luckily, most communities have opportunities to refill propane tanks at gas stations or hardware stores which help us keep reusing propane tanks for a long time. When a propane tank is ready to be discarded, it’s always best to bring it to your community’s household hazardous waste drop-off. Because they still contain small amounts of fuel, they can be dangerous fire-starters if placed into the recycling system! 

6. Furniture

"The vast majority of furniture can’t be recycled in our curbside system today, either because it’s not made of a material that the recycling system can handle or its size," expressed Dreizen. 

"Our recycling system was designed to handle bottles and jars and boxes and items that are much larger and are simply too big for recycling equipment to handle, no matter what it’s made of."

But, furniture can often be made from a mix of materials like textiles, metal or wood frames, adhesives, and foam, which render it unrecyclable in the curbside system. 

Some communities have dedicated recycling programs established for furniture, but it’s always best to repair or donate when at all possible! 

7. Batteries

Much like propane tanks, many kinds of batteries can also cause fires and explosions in the recycling system. 

Lithium batteries, as well as lithium-ion (otherwise known as rechargeable) batteries, are frequent culprits and should always be brought to dedicated battery recycling or household hazardous waste drop-offs. 

Battery recycling programs can be found at many hardware stores and by searching for your nearest location at call2recycle.org.

Meet the expert

FAQs

Reducing our overall waste and disposing of items properly is just one of many small changes we can make to live more sustainably. Implement more eco-friendly tips into your daily routine and you'll really start to feel the difference.

If there’s one thing you can’t forget when going to college, it’s bedding. You don’t want to rock up on your first day with nothing to sleep on but a lumpy mattress. That’s not cute, bestie. Don’t worry, though — I’ve got an idea. Dormify has an amazing dorm bedding section, which totally has everything you’ll need.

Dormify is a site that specializes in — you guessed it — dorms. Everything on there has been thought about in terms of sizing, so you won’t be left with sheets that are too small or furniture that’s too big. It has a gorgeous aesthetic that’s fun and playful, making it easy to make your room look super stylish. Oh, and you can ship directly to your halls, to save you all the hassle of moving boxes.

If you’re about to move in and are thinking you should probably get your bedding figured out, I’m here to help. I’ve rounded up a range of different bedding options, so whether you need a whole new sheet set or just finishing touches, you’re (literally) covered. After all, a cozy bed equals a cozy dorm.

Sweet dreams are def made of these Dormify bedding buys

I’ve broken this list down into sheets, comforters, and shams. Not only this, but I’ve made sure to scope out pieces that are highly-rated, stylish, and especially useful for dorms.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.

Dormify sheet sets

I totally think that sheets are a great, quick way to add color and style to a bedroom.

Dormify comforter sets

Dorm rooms can be really temperamental, so it’s a good idea to have a warm bedding choice, just in case it gets chilly. 

Dormify shams

Make your bed extra comfortable by adding a sham or two.

Up next: 10 dorm room ideas to make your place the cutest on campus

Hands up if you knew about the H&M dorm section? Nope... Me neither. Until now. In fact, I used to think that H&M just sold clothes and homeware for the gals who got their hands on their first rental apartment. But it has now curated a college-appropriate page for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors!

Hennes & Mauritz (aka H&M) stocks most of the items we've got on our dorm packing list, plus more! Think buttery soft bedding, soft throws for when your room gets chilly, and pretty little things that you might not *need* but definitely want if you want to be the it girl of college interiors.

There are over 120 new H&M buys on this list, so rather than you scrolling, I've picked out some of the most useful accessories I'd add to my basket. What's more, everything I've selected is discounted right now (though I can't promise that these prices will stay).

9 of the best picks from the H&M dorm section

From study breaks to hangouts to focusing on final exams, your dormitory needs to be ready for the new semester this fall. Shop decor, bedding, bath essentials, and more to have the right space for the right grades.

Orrr, you can shop the entire H&M dorm section for yourself.

H&M dorm organization

H&M dorm picks for your bathroom

H&M dorm bedding

Living in a dorm room can be tough, but freezing your ass off shouldn't be one of them. Plus, if this is your first time living away from home, you want to do everything you can to make your new living space cozy AF. 

Since so many college campuses don’t allow students to use space heaters, it can be particularly challenging to make your dorm feel warmer during the winter months. However, with these smart strategies and design hacks, you can make your room feel comfy despite the freezing cold weather. 

Here, you’ll find practical tips for making your dorm room feel like a warm oasis (vacay, anyone?) Plus, we’re sharing some of our favorite finds to hunker down and stay toasty with. 

1. Invest in a cozy rug 

One of the first elements to consider when you’re living in a cold environment is the type of flooring in your space. Flooring is often overlooked, but it can make a big impact on your overall living experience. If you’re assigned a dorm room that has concrete, tile, or wood floors, it’s likely that your feet will be the first part of your body to feel cold. 

To combat that experience, invest in a cute dorm rug that will provide some extra comfort and warmth during the winter. Fabrics like wool, nylon, and polyester are all smart choices when dealing with less-than-ideal temperatures. 

2. Make smart bedding choices 

There’s nothing more frustrating than being too hot or too cold while you’re trying to fall asleep. When temps drop and you want your sleep area to feel extra cozy, consider swapping your dorm bedding. 

Cotton, wool, down, and down alternative bedding are all good materials to use when setting your bed up for a cool season. Make sure your sheets, mattress topper, duvet, comforter, or quilt are made with those fabrics to ensure you stay snug while catching your z’s.  

3. Keep plenty of blankets on hand 

Who doesn’t love a good throw blanket? They’re useful, affordable, and they add a comfy vibe to a living space. While you don’t want to create clutter in your dorm, having a few quality blankets will help you stay warm during the winter.

The keyword here is “few.” Rather than hoarding 10 cheap throws, splurge on two to three that are high-quality — they’ll not only hold up well over time but they’ll actually keep you warm as opposed to blankets that are made with inexpensive materials. 

Another option to consider? Weighted blankets, which can be especially helpful when you’re feeling chilly.

4. Use closet staples to your advantage 

Sometimes there’s only so much a blanket can do. For moments when you need to be up and moving around in your space (or for when the weather is especially unpleasant), resort to your closet staples to keep you warm. 

Layer your favorite wool socks, throw on your UGG boots, or wrap yourself up in your best bathrobe to make the elements a little more bearable. 

5. Be strategic with the headboard you choose 

A metal headboard is a no-go when it comes to living in cool climates. To guarantee the warmest possible experience, opt for bed frames and headboards that are made with plush materials. 

There are plenty of fabric dorm headboards that are cute, comfy, and budget-friendly, just be sure to steer clear of leather since that can also feel chilly.  

6. Don’t underestimate good lighting 

Warm versus cool lighting often comes down to personal preference, however, it can also impact the way your space feels. When dealing with cool temperatures, warm lighting can offer the sense of a cozier space. 

While this is more of a mental swap than anything, don’t underestimate its power. Adding table lamps, floor lamps, and nightlights that all have warm colored bulbs can create the illusion of a more welcoming and temp-controlled atmosphere. 

If you want to clean a mattress topper so it looks brand new again, now is the perfect time for a refresh. You probably loved it when you first bought it but now you’ve started to notice that it has a few stains here and there or that it doesn’t smell as fresh as it used to. 

Cleaning your mattress topper might feel a little overwhelming, especially if your topper isn’t machine washable. Don't worry — we're here to show you how to do just that in six simple steps.

Our guide to cleaning your fabulous mattress topper is so much simpler (and quicker) than you’d think. Let's get started and whip your bed into daisy-fresh shape.

How to clean a mattress topper

Good to know

Time: 1 hour (plus drying time)

Difficulty: Easy 

Helpful hints: Some mattress toppers can be machine washed, if this is the case for your topper, opt to throw it in your washing machine instead of using the method below.

Here’s what you’ll need

• White vinegar (this Heinz white vinegar available from Amazon is our go-to)
• A clean towel
• Baking soda (we always recommend this Arm & Hammer baking soda from Amazon)
• Vacuum (this Miele vacuum from Amazon has all the power you'll need)

How to clean a mattress topper

Step 1: Remove and wash your bedding 

First things first, start by removing and washing all of your bedding, from your sheets to your comforter to your pillowcases. That way, when you re-make your bed, all your bedding will be nice and fresh.

Step 2: Remove the topper from the mattress  

Next, carefully remove the mattress topper from the mattress, placing it on the floor with the topper side facing upwards. If your topper is too heavy to move on your own, make sure to ask a roommate, friend, or partner to help you. 

Step 3: Spray the mattress topper with white vinegar 

To clean the topper, fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and distilled white vinegar and spritz the entire topper with the solution. Leave it to sit for five minutes before carefully blotting the mattress topper with a clean towel. 

Step 4: Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress topper 

The next step is to coat the entire mattress topper in baking soda. Then, once the topper is completely coated, leave it to sit for a minimum of eight hours. The baking soda will help to remove any odors, freshening up the topper. 

Step 5: Vacuum up the baking soda

Once the baking soda has had time to chill and the topper smells fresh, the next step is to vacuum up the powder. 

Step 6: Replace the mattress topper and make the bed

That's it! You can now replace your mattress topper and make your bed. 

FAQs

In need of a new mattress? If you are a side sleeper, then opt for a soft-medium mattress, like this Brooklyn Bedding hybrid mattress. If you are a stomach sleeper you want to go for a firm or medium-firm mattress, like this Helix Midnight Luxe mattress.

Looking for a new bed frame too? We love this wooden bed frame from Zinus for a mid-century look. Finish off your bedroom set-up with more of our So Chic Awards winners like this Nolah mattress topper, Panda bamboo pillow, cotton sheets from The Company Store, and Mattress Firm's cloud comforter.

Ok, there are a lot of things you need to pack before heading to your first dorm room. Obvi, there’s gonna be the odd thing that you forget, but there’s one thing that def needs to be top of your list (yes, even before your phone charger). I’m talking about bedding, people.

You’re going to be in a completely different bed from your one at home, so you’re going to want to make it as comfortable as possible. This way, you can get a great night’s sleep, so you’re totally rested and ready for your studies.

Quick Menu:
1. Mattress toppers
2. Sheets
3. Comforters
4. Pillows

That being said, you probs don’t want to be spending a lot of cash on it and don’t need anything that’s super bougie. Luckily, I’ve got all that for you, right here. I’ve rounded up the best bedding for dorms, covering everything from pillows and sheets right up to toppers and comforters.

Ready to grab some fresh bedding for your fresh start? Scroll on down…

Shoppers love these dorm room bedding buys, and they’re all under $100 

Your dorm bed is going to be so gorg once you've got it properly decked out. I've also made sure all the bedding in this list will fit onto your dorm bed, which will most likely be a twin XL.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.

Best mattress toppers for dorm rooms

Right, so unfortunately, your dorm mattress may not be the comfiest thing ever. Luckily, there’s an easy fix for that.

Best sheets for dorm rooms

Get tucked into bed with these gorgeous sheets that are great value for money.

Best comforters for dorm rooms

Look, I get it — sometimes just a top sheet isn’t enough. These will help you stay cozy all night.

Best pillows for dorm rooms

Can you imagine sleeping without one? NTY. You’ve gotta rest your pretty head properly after a long day of studying.

FAQs

Where to buy dorm room bedding

• Amazon dorm room bedding
• At Home dorm room bedding
• Dormify dorm room bedding
• Target dorm room bedding
• Walmart dorm room bedding

How we chose these dorm room bedding buys

I’m a former dorm dweller myself, so I know that it’s important to grab quality bedding that will make you feel at home, but also won’t break your budget. That’s why I scoured through plenty of sites, finding dorm bedding that are great buys and that have lots of five-star ratings. I also made sure that the bedding featured had options that will fit twin XL beds, so you’ll be able to grab something that fits your dorm bed properly. 

Up next: 12 dorm room lighting buys to give your space a glow up

Let’s get real AF for a mo. Of all the aspects of making a bed, the top sheet is the most controversial. Some sleepers are aghast at the thought of sleeping without one, while others feel it’s a completely unnecessary concept. 

Who would have thought that a single piece of fabric could cause such debate? But, gather a group of your friends together and ask them if they use a top sheet, and you’re sure to get a rather diverse set of answers. 

To help settle the debate, we’ve done some digging and have put together a guide to everything that you need to know about top sheets, their purpose, and whether you need one. 

What is a top sheet — and what is it used for?

A top sheet is an additional sheet that sits just below the comforter (and above the fitted sheet). Oh, and FYI, it's a flat sheet rather than a fitted sheet. 

Why is a top sheet part of a bedding setup?

While many see a top sheet as simply being an additional layer of bedding comfort and warmth — or a great alternative to a comforter on hot nights — a top sheet actually has another purpose. 

Comforters can be hard to launder, so the less you need to wash them, the better. That’s where a top sheet can come in handy. Because it acts as a barrier between the sleeper and the comforter, which means that when there’s a top sheet in place, the comforter remains more hygienic as it’s protected from all the gross stuff like sweat, dead skin cells, oil, and dust mites. 

Do you need to use a top sheet?

Whether you opt to use a top sheet is a personal preference — some sleepers love a top sheet, while others prefer to go without one. There are both pros and cons to sleeping with a top sheet.

Pros:

• Can help to protect your comforter
• Easier to clean than a comforter or duvet
• Can aid temperature regulation while you sleep
• A top sheet may feel nicer to sleep under than a comforter or duvet

Cons: 

• A top sheet doesn’t always stay in place
• A tangled top sheet isn’t the most comfortable thing to sleep with
• For hotter sleepers, the extra layer may be uncomfortable
• A top sheet adds another step to making the bed

What’s the difference between a top sheet and a fitted sheet?

While a fitted sheet (also known as a bottom sheet) is applied directly over the mattress, a top sheet is laid above the fitted sheet and below the comforter or duvet. And, while the top sheet is flat, the bottom sheet features an elasticated edge that tucks easily under the mattress to hold it in place. The top sheet works to protect the comforter or duvet, while the bottom sheet does the same for the mattress (or mattress protector).  

POV: The time has come to replace your old bed sheets. You’re keen to treat yourself to some hotel-esque bedding, so naturally, you opt for the highest thread count bedding you can find. But when you unwrap your sheets and adorn your bed with them you’re left feeling disappointed as they just don’t feel as silky or smooth as you’d expected.  

You're probably wondering what’s gone wrong. The chances are that you’ve picked out bedding with a high thread count that’s made from poor-quality fibers (yep, that's a thing), which is why your sheets don't feel as smooth as you'd expect. 

Listen up besties, if you’re shopping for new sheets, understanding thread count and the ins and outs of what constitutes quality bedding is crucial. Else, you might just end up forking out for some hella expensive linens that aren’t even that comfortable. 

Intrigued? Discover everything you need to know about thread count and why it matters when it comes to bedding.

What is thread count?

Let’s dive into it. So, thread count is the total number of yarns per square inch of fabric. And, usually, a high thread count means finer yarns have been used as you can fit thinner yarns into a square inch than you can with a thicker (or coaster) yarn. What this has led to is the concept that a higher thread count indicates higher-quality sheets that are softer and more durable. 

But, that said, it’s not just the thread count that matters. Other factors, such as the quality of the fiber and the weave of the fiber also impact the quality of the sheets, like with cozy bamboo sheets. So, while it’s easy to get hung up on thread count, it’s important to realize that it isn’t the exclusive factor in high-quality bedding. 

What is a high thread count?

What constitutes a high thread count is somewhat subjective. For some, a thread count of 500 or more is considered to be high, while for others sheets with a thread count of 1500 or higher are counted as a high thread count. 

Why does thread count matter?

Traditionally, thread count mattered because the higher the thread count, the higher quality the sheets were considered to be. That said, what it’s important to appreciate is the fact that while higher thread count sheets can be of a higher quality than their lower thread count counterparts, thread count is not always an indicator of quality. 

You see, the quality of the fibers used is also important in relation to how nice the bedding feels. So, while it’s true that bedding with a thread count of 500 may feel comparably better than a set of sheets with a thread count of 200 if both sets of sheets used the same yarn. Whereas, if the lower thread count sheets used a higher quality yarn than the high thread count sheets, you may find that the lower count sheets are actually the better option. 

It’s also important to understand that there are some downsides to very high thread count sheets, where packing too many fibers into the fabric can sometimes impact airflow, resulting in sheets feeling heavier and less breathable. 

In extremely high thread counts (such as 900 or more), it’s important to be aware that the thread count may be inflated with the use of double or triple-ply threads, which are often of lower quality. But with each thread featuring two or three fibers, they’re counter two or three times in regards to thread count, resulting in a set of sheets that have a thread count of 900 but are actually of a lower quality than a set with a thread count of 300. 

What does it mean for bedding?

When choosing new bedding, it’s important to look at a range of factors, not just thread count. Yes, thread counts can be a good indicator of quality but this isn’t always the case. You'll want to make sure you can wash your sheets regularly while keeping the quality intact.

So, it pays to look at the material the sheets are made from and the fiber content of the material. You’ll find that 100% cotton weaves are always a great option, especially when compared to artificially manufactured materials (like polyester and polycotton) that tend to be of a lower quality regardless of thread count. 

When it comes to cute and comfy bedding, Nordstrom is one of my absolute favorite stores. I mean, what's not to love?! The product range is diverse, there are plenty of styles to choose from, and let's not forget how cheap some of the items can be. 

You can imagine how excited I was when I realized that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale had arrived! Yep, that's right, besties — the Anniversary Sale is here and oh my god is it good. If you're looking for some of the best bedding and aiming to freshen up a sad looking bedspread, jump on the sale before it ends on August 6.

In case you're not sure what you want or where to start, I've spent the past few hours scouring the sale for all of the very best bedding buys, and FYI there's plenty to choose from — from comforters to ultra plush throws — you won't close the tab with an empty cart.

More Nordstrom home deals 

• Browse all Nordstrom home deals
• Browse Nordstrom bedding and bath deals 
• Browse Nordstrom home decor deals
• Browse Nordstrom kitchen and tabletop deals 

Our favorite bedding picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Nap time and your nightly eight hours are going to feel so much better when you're wrapped up in these cute sheets, pillows, and blankets.

The reality is that for most of us, changing the sheets is one of those tasks that we (ever-so-slightly) dread. It’s annoying and a lot of work and, to be totally honest, can feel like a mammoth task.

However, when you actually take the time to change your bed and freshen it up with clean, neatly folded bedding, it makes a seriously big impact on not only the look and feel of your bedroom but also on your mood. Just imagine how dreamy it’ll feel to slip into clean, fresh, crisp sheets. 

While the task itself can def feel a little hellish, once you’ve nailed the process it becomes far easier —  promise. How do I know? I’ll let you in on a little secret: I spent my high school years working at a fancy hotel as a chambermaid. So, when it comes to bedding — and how to make a bed (without too much fuss or stress) — I’ve got you covered. 

How to make a bed

Good to know

Time: 10 minutes 

Difficulty: Easy

Helpful hints: Whatever you do, don’t strip your bed before leaving the house with the intention of making it when you get home, because I can promise you that when you walk back into your bedroom (having forgotten you’ve pulled the sheets off before you left) you’re going to seriously regret it. If you’re removing your bedding, always make sure to re-make the bed right away. 

How to make a bed

Step 1: Get your bed linen ready  

Make the process easier by getting everything that you’ll need to make your bed ready. Grab the clean sheets, bedding, and anything else that you’ll need. I like to keep entire bedding sets inside their matching pillowcase to make them easier to spot and so that I don't end up with mismatched pillowcases, because ugh. You can actually buy bed sheet organizer bands, though — these Amazon ones went viral on TikTok and are so handy.

Step 2: Strip the bed 

Next, remove the old bedding from the bed. First, take the duvet cover off the comforter (if there is one). Then, remove each pillowcase, the top sheet, and the fitted sheet. Place the used bedding into your dirty laundry basket, ready to be washed. 

Step 3: Add a fitted sheet 

The great thing about fitted sheets: no need for tucking. All you’ve gotta do is slip the sheet over each corner of the mattress and you're done. To make getting the sheet on the mattress easier, work on hooking one corner of the sheet over one corner of the mattress at a time. Start with the bottom two corners, and then move onto the top two. In order to fit the sheet over the entire mattress, it’s important to make sure that it’s properly spread out. Oh, and FYI, if you’ve got a deep mattress, you may want to opt for a deep fitted sheet (like this one from DeaLuxe at Amazon) or go up a size for ease (and comfort). 

Step 4: Add a flat sheet (optional) 

Whether or not you add a top sheet is a judgement call. Some love it, others hate it. If you’re someone who loves the feel of sliding between two crisp sheets (think: major hotel vibes), then a top sheet is a total must. But how do you add a top sheet to your bed? 

Okay, so you wanna start by spreading the top sheet over the fitted sheet and aligning the hem of the sheet with the top of the mattress, making sure that the sheet is spread evenly over the bed. Oh, and don’t forget to check that there’s the same amount of sheet hanging over both sides. Next, tuck the sheet at the bottom and top of the mattress underneath it, ensuring it’s smoothly tucked and pulled tight. Then, tuck each edge underneath the mattress, again pulling the sheet tight and making sure the material is smoothly tucked and isn’t rumpled up under the mattress. 

You can tuck this sheet in with your hands, obvi, but some people like to use a coat hanger to help. Otherwise, you can actually buy a bed-making tool (like this wooden one from Amazon) which helps you to tuck in your sheets as tight as you can, without risking breaking a nail. IYKYK.

Step 5: Put your comforter cover on  

The next step is to add a new comforter cover (if you're in need of a new duvet insert, don't miss our expert guide). For this, some people opt to simply open the cover and stuff the comforter inside it, slowly pushing each corner of the comforter to the edges of the cover, before shaking it out. 

Others prefer to use the inside-out method. To do so, turn your duvet cover inside out and lay it on top of your comforter, making sure that all the corners and edges are properly aligned. Then, place your hands inside the cover until you reach the top two corners, and grab the matching comforter corners through the material. Once you’ve got hold of the corners of both the comforter and cover, you can then start to pull the cover down over the comforter, turning it back around the right way as you go. Once the entire comforter is encased in the cover and all the edges and corners are aligned, shake it out and lay it on the sheets. 

Step 6: Add your pillowcases 

The next step is to add new pillowcases. To put the pillowcases onto your pillows (if you need new pillows — they only last two years max FYI — our best pillows guide can help) you can either stuff the pillows into the open cases or you can use the inside-out method above. Once you’ve put fresh cases on, add your pillows to the top of the mattress, stacking one on top of the other. 

Step 7: Add a throw blanket

Once the rest of your bed is made, you can then add your throw of choice. Lay the blanket out on the bed and pull it up to just below the pillows, and then carefully tuck the base of the throw under the bottom of the mattress (along with the sheets and the bottom of the comforter). Pull the sides down, making sure that each side of the bed has an equal amount of throw hanging from it. 

Step 8: Turn the bedding down

Finally, take the top of the throw, duvet, and top sheet and carefully fold them over, pulling around five inches of the material down the bed and neatly folding it over. 

FAQs

Do you ever just scream at your screen when you realize you can only use one coupon code at a time and the items you've fallen in love with in your cart won't be nearly as discounted as you thought? Because oooof, same. BUT, that's not gonna happen with Wayfair's Way Day sale, which lets you secure discounts of up to 80% and stack promotional offers in their flash sales over the next couple of days, and one of the best offers we've seen so far has to be the bundle bed and bath deal. Scroll on for the deets.

Basically, if you buy two or more of the bed and bath items from this selection of products, you get an additional 25% off your purchase. It's the perfect way to re-furnish a whole room or two at a time, without breaking the bank. And it's a great time to stock up on luxury bath towels and soft AF bed sheets.

Way Day's sales last until tomorrow night, so don't worry about wasting precious time scrolling through the qualifying items — I've already done it for you. Here's exactly what I'd snap up for each room to score this unreal deal.

The bed edit

The bath edit

Silk pillowcases are my secret to better skin, hair, and sleep. Yes, these bbs are a must-have in your beauty routine. If you suffer from sensitive skin (like me), or are a curly-hair girl, like our ecommerce editor Christina, you'll seriously benefit from sleeping on a silk pillowcase — but only if you keep it clean. 

There's certainly no point expecting glowing results from swapping out your cotton cover for a silky sham if you're not going to wash them. I'm talking more than popping it in the wash every other week with your bed sheets. Your pillowcase collects more dirt than the rest of your bedding. You put your head, hair, and neck on it night after night, and bacteria can build up pretty quickly. Plus, it only takes one late one when you *regrettably* slept in your makeup to stain it.

As far as fabrics go, silk is hard to care for. Delicate to the touch, thin, and pretty expensive, one wrong wash of your silk pillowcase and you could completely ruin it. I won't let that happen to you though. I've put together a simple three-step guide to loosen your laundry load, better your beauty sleep, and keep your silk pillowcase in great condition. 

Good to know

Time: 1–2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Helpful hints: If you haven't already, make sure to check the care label. Depending on the momme and overall silk composition, how you wash silk will differ. Some silk pillowcases can be thrown in the wash with the rest of your bedding. Most will need to be hand washed, in which case, follow the steps below:

Here's what you'll need

• Your sink (or a wash bowl) 
• Fabric stain remover, like this one from Shout
• A soft cleaning cloth (from Amazon) or brush 
• A washing machine (if your pillowcase allows it) 

How to clean a silk pillowcase

Step 1: Pre-treat stains on your pillowcase

Whether you wear self-tanner, spilled your morning coffee, or slept with a ton of mascara on, it's more than likely your pillowcase has stains. After sleeping on it for more than a few nights, I'd be surprised if your silk is completely stain-free. It's a thin, delicate material that usually only comes in light colors like white or pink, so it's prone to staining.

Start by removing the pillowcase and then pre-treat stains with a strong remover. Follow the instructions on your treatment, which may mean diluting the solution or simply applying it directly to the mark. Work it into the area with a soft cloth or brush, and allow it to sink in for around 10 minutes. 

Top tip: It's a good idea to buy a specific treatment for the type of stain you have — I used Carbona's makeup stain remover, for example. 

Step 2: Wash according to the correct instructions 

Some silk pillowcases may be able to withstand a cycle in the washing machine, but make sure to double — if not, triple — check this to avoid the chance of completely ruining your pillowcase. Generally, we'd suggest hand-washing even if the label states otherwise. If hand-washing, do so with cold water in a sink or tub and an ultra-gentle detergent.

Turn your silk pillowcase inside out and softly push the pillowcase back and forth in the water, letting the solution soak in. You should try not to twist, drag, or rub it too roughly, as silk fibers are extremely weak when wet. You should then drain and refill the sink with water to rid the pillowcase of any soapy suds and residue from the detergent.

If you can machine wash your pillowcase, here are the recommended steps: 

• Turn the silk pillowcase inside out before laundering, and place the pillowcase in a mesh laundry bag or even an old pillowcase to protect the silk from tearing and pulling in the washer.
• Add a gentle powder or liquid detergent without enzymes or bleach — a plant-based eco-friendly laundry detergent may do the job.
• Use a cold or lukewarm delicates cycle if possible.

Step 3: Let the silk pillowcase dry completely

Make sure your pillowcase is properly dry before putting it back on the bed or storing it. Unfortunately, silk pillowcase can't be tumble-dried, unless the label suggests otherwise. Silk will struggle to withstand high temperatures and may tear, bobble, or lose its smooth texture if thrown in the dryer. Instead air dry on a clothesline or rack for a few hours. This may take some time, but it'll be worth the soft results. Make sure you dry it away from direct sunlight too, as the harsh rays can cause the silk to discolor. 

If your pillowcase is strong enough to get through a tumble dry, make sure to do it on the lowest heat setting possible. You should also take it out of the dryer while it's still a little damp, giving it some time to air dry. To speed up the drying process, you can lay it on an absorbent towel. 

FAQs

Whether it's self-care Sunday, errand run Tuesday, food shop Friday — or whatever day of the week you choose to tick off your home to-do list, laundry is likely patiently waiting for you. This week, designate a specific laundry day to get it all done. I'm talking bed sheets, pillowcases, protectors, duvets, AND pillows. Yes, the big bedding refresh. But before you get going and start using your washer and dryer to their full potential, can you wash pillows in the washing machine? 

I spend my time testing a bunch of the best pillows, along with other bedding buys, and they aren't cheap. We all know how an incorrect wash cycle can ruin your fave sweater. The same goes for bedding, but completely avoiding the wash won't do our pillows any favors either when it comes to longevity. 

So I've asked the experts and found out there's more than just a simple yes or no answer (annoying, but it pays to know how to wash your pillows properly). Whether you can wash pillows in the washing machine depends on a couple of things.

Can you wash pillows in the washing machine? 

Just like your duvet, bed sheets, and the rest of your laundry, you can just throw a pillow in the washing machine, too, right? Well, that's what I thought. Whether you can wash a pillow in the washing machine really depends on what it's made of and how big it is.

"You'll want to check and thoroughly read the care label instructions," says vice president of marketing at CD One Price Cleaners Jonathan Reckles. "Most care tags will recommend hand washing or dry cleaning, with some allowing for a machine washing at a low temperature and rinse speed." If you're unsure, Jill Zwarensteyn, editor for Sleep Advisor and a certified sleep science coach recommends "always using a cool and gentle wash pre-set if your machine has one."

And of course, its size will determine whether you can pop it in the wash, or not, too. FYI: Your drum should never be more than three-quarters full — especially when washing bedding, as you'll want enough room for the water and suds to drain as much as possible.

You can also clean a memory foam pillow at home with just soap and water.

A few of my favorite feather pillows 

Confession: I wash my bed sheets when I get around to it. Generally, I don't leave it longer than two weeks, but I do rely on the fake tan stains to force me to change them (ew, I know). I'm sure if you asked anyone how often they wash their bedding, most would say once a week. And if that's the truth, then I'm impressed. But honestly, stripping your sheets, doing the laundry, and making the bed again (I mean, mainly trying to stuff my duvet insert into its cover) is a chore I'm convinced we'd all skip if we could. 

The fact is, we spend about one-third of our lives in bed (if not more for our lazy girls out there), meaning it's essential we keep our sheets clean. So how often should bed sheets be washed? Once a week? Every two weeks? When they start to smell? The question has sparked responses from celebs, including Khloé Kardashian, who admitted she washes her sheets every couple of days. 

Yup, it can get confusing — especially since we all have different routines, lifestyles, and bed sharers. So, to get the real answer to how often we should be washing our bed sheets, I've spoken to experts from Bed Threads and Brooklinen. If this isn't the motivation you (and me) need to do our laundry, I don't know what is. 

How often should bed sheets be washed?

One to two weeks! The experts have spoken and are in agreement that how often you change your sheets will actually depend on a few factors, including what type of bedding you have, whether you're a hot sleeper, eat in bed, or have pets. 

Katie Elks, Brooklinen's director of design and product development generally suggests "washing your bed sheets every two weeks, and alternating between two different sets to increase longevity." But if you do sleep sweaty (like me), then Elks recommends throwing them in the washing machine more often. Bed Threads' founder Genevieve Rosen Biller agrees: "Ideally you should be washing your bed linen once a week." But if you have bedding made from natural fibers, she says "these will need to be washed less frequently than synthetic materials." If washing them more frequently is getting on your nerves, shop for bedding that keeps your body temp down "Linen sheets tend to be moisture-wicking, lightweight, and cooling, to prevent you from overheating," she says.

Top tip: "Pillowcases should be washed the most frequently as they generally absorb more sweat or body oils and wear in faster due to the weight on top of them," says Elks, adding that you should change your pillowcase a minimum of once a week.

Your home decor horoscope has arrived, and to celebrate dreamy Pisces season, we're looking at the best ways to decorate your bedroom according to the stars.

A bedroom is by far the most personal room in any home. It's your sanctuary and safe space, and you curate everything from your bedding to your trinkets to create your perfect space based on what you need to feel soothed and relaxed.

Just like your star sign, your bedroom says a lot about your personality and who you are. So you're looking for a quick way to make your space feel more like home and more like you, scroll on to find the one item you need in your bedroom, based on the zodiac.

Aries: An on-trend laptop tray

Aries, you adore embracing the latest and greatest in home decor trends, so you probably already have your eye on an acrylic piece for your space. As a busy fire sign, you're always occupied, and you're likely guilty of many late nights staring at your laptop screen. Look after your device's health (and your own) with a cute tray to help with ventilation and improve your neck and back posture.

Taurus: A sensational skincare candle

As a Taurus, you love anything that indulges the senses, and this skincare-focused candle does that in more ways than one. Unwind with its soothing scent while the candle burns, and bring relaxation to the next level once it cools down a bit and turns into a luxurious body oil to work into dry patches that need a little extra love.

Gemini: a soothing weighted blanket

Gemini, let's be honest: Thanks to your clever and social nature, you are constantly overthinking, and it can be impossible to shut your racing mind off at night and get some sleep. Encourage true rest with a calming weighted blanket that also looks adorable on your bed and is filled with crystals to help you feel intentionally comforted each night.

Cancer: super-snuggly bedding

As a Cancer, you are the ultimate homebody. Like the crab that represents your sign, you value your sanctuary and love to feel cushioned, warm, and safe within your space. Create the perfect bed with a snuggly white duvet decorated with a chenille tropical pattern that subtly reminds you of seashells and the beach — and makes you feel right at home.

Leo: luxurious pillowcases

Leo, you love to be pampered like royalty, and your bedroom likely reflects your love for all things opulent and luxurious. Get ready for the best beauty sleep of your life with a set of satin pillowcases, which are great for your hair, skin, and eyelashes. Opt for a fun and colorful pattern that reflects your confident personality.

Virgo: A sunrise alarm clock

Virgo, you are known for being organized, practical, and punctual. Every item in your space is thoughtfully placed and has a function. As an earth sign, you are soothed by bringing nature-inspired elements into your space, and this lamp incorporates both Himalayan salt and a marbled rocky look for a grounded piece that will keep you right on schedule.

Libra: a stunning shelf

As a Libra, you adore all things aesthetically pleasing. This is especially true in your bedroom, which is sure to be light, airy, and balanced, like the scales that represent your sign in the zodiac. Bring some extra harmony into your space with this arched wall shelf. Use it to create a beautiful display of geometric vases, candles, and dried florals.

Scorpio: a black bedding set

Snuggle up every night in a set of on-trend black bedding that matches your mysterious and romantic vibes, Scorpio. The color is low-maintenance, retains heat, and the waffle texture of this set is perfect for creating an extra cozy setting. As a lover of the arts, you're always down to try a trend if it really speaks to you, and this is a look our sleep editor loves.

Sagittarius: a travel-themed candle

Sagittarius, you are known as the wanderer and traveler of the zodiac and love to fill your home with elements that remind you of your adventures. This aesthetically pleasing candle collection from Bohéme has serious bedside table appeal. The pretty vessels capture the essence of a variety of destinations. Plus, they're portable enough to make any space you're staying in smell and feel like your very own bedroom.

Capricorn: adorable storage solutions

Cap, you are extremely productive and organized, so you like to keep a neutral and clean room. These little gems are the perfect size for hair ties, lip balms, and eye creams, plus they have a dip in the lid to create a trinket tray for jewelry. They're a great way to bring a touch of coordinated color into your bedroom while also keeping your nightstand clutter-free. 

Aquarius: funky printed bedding

Aquarius, you are eccentric, original, and love to decorate your bedroom with unique pieces that really speak to you. You're also very passionate about taking care of the planet, so remind yourself of your love for Mother Earth every night with this fun mushroom-print bedding set that is also sustainably packaged without using plastic.

Pisces: a dream decoder

As a Pisces, you are the most intuitive sign in the zodiac. You're very in touch with your emotions, and you're in tune with the signs the universe might be sending your way. This deck of dream-decoding cards is perfect to keep in your bedroom with a journal to interpret what your subconscious has been saying after a night of sleep. 

Moving into your first apartment is a very exciting time. Once you’ve found the right place, there’s so much to do and so many decisions to be made. 

But there’s no reason to be anxious or intimidated. Decorating an apartment, even on a budget, and getting all set up, can honestly be easier than you think. 

As long as you've avoided all these rental red flags, you're in the clear! So get started setting up your apartment ASAP.

Tasks and To-dos Before Moving In

You know we're here for all the tidying and decluttering. Funnily enough, this is a top priority according to interior designer Adriana Alvarez of House of Honey. Here is what else Alvarez says to check off:

• Measure your door openings, windows, and rooms to be furnished
• Buy cleaning supplies
• Buy a shower caddy. (“There’s nothing more unsightly than a messy shower area.”)
• Unpack kitchen and bathroom supplies before anything else
• Unpack closet items second– these items make up most people’s personal belongings and it will immediately make you feel more at home

From adding more of your personality to the space, to making the most of features you cannot change if you're renting, here is what else the experts have to say about creating a beautiful and functional first home, pronto.

1. Identify The Essentials

It’s crucial to identify the essentials and then shop within your budget. According to interior decorator Liz of Toombs of PDR Interiors, the essentials are “Seating for yourself and guests, a place to eat your meals, a bed for sleeping, good storage for clothes and display of decorative items.” So you'll want to prioritize these purchases if you haven't got them already, fishing out some good closet organizers and all the rest to keep your space tidy as best you can.

2. Invest In Important Items

Comfort is key. So it’s important to invest in a good bed (inc. great bedding) and plush seating. “You will spend most of your time in the apartment sleeping or sitting in the living room watching television. Quality upholstery will last. You can take it with you when you move and have it recovered when the fabric wears out or you tire of it,” says Toombs.

A quality mattress is essential because an uncomfortable mattress can impact your sleep and overall well-being.

If it isn’t in your budget to buy a decorative bed, purchasing a simple but sturdy bed frame from Amazon or Wayfair for around $200 and elevating it with a beautiful headboard is a great way to save some cash.

3. Don’t Overspend When It Isn’t Necessary

While you feel you might need to splurge on that statement pillow or boucle ottoman — trendy items aren’t worth the money if you aren’t working with a huge budget. “Throw pillows, curtains, and décor should not be investment pieces. The trends change quickly, so don’t spend a lot of money on these items,” says Toombs. 

4. Figure Out Your Floor Plan

“The most important thing to have figured out is your floor plan," says Alvarez. "It's important your space has flow and function and feels proportionate to the room. Create seating areas, and if your space allows it create separate spaces for eating, working, and living. Take the time to move furniture around before accessorizing until you find a flow that works for you.”

A great time to make a note of the floor plan is during your apartment tour. Take measurements and photos so you can prep prior to moving in.

5. Save By Purchasing Second Hand

Check sites/apps like Offer Up, Nextdoor, or Facebook Marketplace for second-hand furniture. “Anything that is a case good is usually a great save vs. buying new. If you're in a major metropolitan city like Los Angeles or New York, people with bigger budgets than you are always getting rid of cool things in great conditions that can become your treasure! Think dressers and armoires, coffee and side tables, even bar carts and mirrors,” says Alvarez. 

6. Swap Out Unattractive Hardware

Rental properties typically lack attractive hardware in places like the kitchen and bathroom, but there are a ton of ways to cover up ugly rental features. Alvarez recommends changing it up. All you need is a screwdriver. “The biggest eye sore is satin nickel hardware in the kitchen. Switching out knobs and pulls to a finish that goes with your color scheme is a small detail that goes a long way,” says Alvarez.

Wayfair and Amazon have very inexpensive hardware that can make a major design impact. Swap it back when you leave and you won’t get charged by your landlord.

7. Add Curtains To Elevate The Space

So many rentals have hideous window treatments but Alvarez has an easy fix. ”Investing in curtains in main areas like your living room and bedrooms will make the entire room feel curated and thought of. My favorite washable curtains are from Ikea.”

8. Swap Out Lighting

Much like window treatments and hardware, rentals generally don’t have attractive lighting fixtures, but this is an easy swap if you can invest a few dollars. “Have a handyman switch out your light fixtures that are semi-flush mounts or sconces,” says Alvarez. “Make sure you also switch out bulbs where you can, so the lighting isn't too cool/harsh. The best-looking spaces have a soft-white/warm color temperature.”

Alternatively, Toombs recommends incorporating table and floor lamps for ambient lighting because most apartment overhead lighting is harsh.

Apartment Essentials

Additionally, Alvarez advises a good upholstered bed, loving the Diana Camel Upholstered Queen Bed from CB2. I'm into this more budget-friendly option available at Novogratz: the Holly Upholstered Wingback Bed.

A microwave is another great buy, Alvarez mentions this simple Black + Decker pick available on Amazon.

Next, a couch is a must. And if you're wondering where you can put a couch in a tiny living room, there are ways, trust us! I've got my eye on the Novogratz Cassidy Futon Blush Velvet Sofa which is at a slightly more accessible price point (considering how gorgeous it is).

Team that with a coffee table, beautiful plateware  and drinking glasses like these Green Floral Embossed Drinking Glasses, then all you need is some great lighting and you're golden.

Upgrade your sleep routine with the best bed sheets on the market. Our sleep editors got to work tested dozens of sets and picked our favorite options.

The sheets we rate the highest below are the best of the best, otherwise, we've narrowed this guide down by bed sheet material — from cotton to linen, bamboo, and microfiber. There's something for everyone.

Whether you've recently moved in or you're on the hunt for a crisp white set that you can rely on year-round, here are our favorites. If it's fancy, seasonal bedding that you're searching for, then don't miss our best bedding sets guide for fun designs that are trending now.

The best bed sheets — by material

We've tested a bunch of the best bed sheets, as rated by shoppers or created by some of our favorite bedding brands such as Brooklinen, Cozy Earth, Comphy... and more.

For photo purposes, the bed sheets in this guide have been featured in white. The majority of the sheets below also come in other colors though, FYI.

The best cotton bed sheets

Let's kick things off with cotton bed sheets. This is arguably the most popular material of bed sheets — and sometimes it's one of the most affordable. Here are our three favorites...

The best linen bed sheets

Linen sheets are durable, soft and they look super expensive. Hence why they are so popular! Though they do come at a price tag, as you'd expect, you can rely on these three to bring your bedroom up to scratch...

The best bamboo bed sheets

Bamboo bedding is quickly becoming one of the most preferred bedding materials, as it is naturally cooling and softer than you might expect. Here are our top three bamboo bed sheets to shop today.

The best microfiber bed sheets

Microfiber sheets are some of the most affordable sheets you can buy — but that doesn't mean they aren't high quality. Our three favorite sets are among the most reasonably priced sheets in this guide, and they wash incredibly well...

What to consider when choosing bed sheets

• Size: Bedding isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. In addition to buying sheets that match your bed size, you'll need to take the depth of your bed into consideration, too. Make no mistake, most mattresses are compatible with a traditional set of sheets. However, if your mattress’ height exceeds 14 inches, you’ll likely need to invest in deep-pocket sheets. Since deep pocket sheets have some extra fabric, they stretch over the extra height and offer a snug, non-constricting, fit.
• Material: When it comes to shopping for bedding, there’s a good chance you prioritize softness above all else. After all, nobody wants to spend those precious eight hours wrapped in stiff, scratchy sheets. However, the type of fabric you choose can play a huge role in your bedding’s overall comfort. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like bamboo or linen are ideal for the summer or for anyone who runs hot when they sleep. Conversely, heavier fabrics like flannel and cashmere will come in handy once the temperature drops. If you’re looking for middle-of-the-road bedding you can use year-round, opt for a cotton material like percale or sateen.
• Finish: The finish of sheets is just as important as the material. Before you add some new bedding to your cart, check out the fine print. Anyone who is prone to pesky allergens will want to buy sheets that are hypoallergenic or made with materials that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Want your bedding to get Mother Nature’s seal of approval? Keep an eye out for sheets with Fair Trade, OEKO-TEK, or even GOTS certification.

FAQs

Does thread count matter?

For years, it's been believed that your bedding thread count matters — the higher your thread count is, the softer it will feel. However, a lot of top bedding brands like Brooklinen and Parachute claim thread count isn’t as important as we once thought.

Thread count is determined by the number of vertical and horizontal strands in one square inch. While this may sound appealing, it could actually result in thicker, coarser threads, making it heavy and hot. According to Brooklinen, anything over a 500-thread count should raise some eyebrows. Instead, prioritize quality. High-quality, single-ply bedding may have a lower thread count, but there’s a good chance it’ll be softer and more durable than those 800-thread-count sheets that seem too good to be true.

What’s the difference between percale and sateen?

This may come as a surprise to you, but not all cotton sheets are created equal, and they often fall into two categories — sateen and percale. Their nuanced weave patterns make a difference.

Percale’s simple one-over-one-under weave typically results in crisp sheets with a matte finish. Sateen, on the other hand, uses an intricate four-over-one-under weave to create a luxurious, silky feel.

When is the best time to buy bedding?

Looking to save some money on cheap bedding? You can snag a great deal around seasonal sales like Black Friday or even Amazon Prime Day in the summer and fall. these large sales events typically include sleep products like mattresses, comforters, and bed sheets.

How we test bed sheets

All our reviews are based on the real-life experience of using these sheets at home, many of which have been used (and washed) many times over. We contact the brands behind these bedding sets who will send them to one of our writers or editors to review. They then sleep under these sheets and wash them a couple of times before noting their verdict. Only the best picks end up in this guide.

These gorgeous bedding sets are often given to us free of charge, and due to the personal nature of bedding, we have been able to keep our samples. These are our favorite bedding sets based on factors like quality of construction, material, breathability, color options, value for the money, and ease of care. 

All of the products in this guide with a star rating have been reviewed by a member of the Real Homes team. Ones without a star rating have been chosen purely based on their customer reviews.

As Real Homes' previous ecommerce editor, Louise tested the Ettitude Signature Sateen Sheet Set. Jaclyn was previously our sleep editor and former ecommerce editor at Homes & Gardens. She knows her stuff when it comes to great bedding and tested the Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set, the Cultiver Linen Sheet Set, and the Quince European Linen Fitted Sheet Set.

For a truly luxe experience, consider investing in some hotel-style bedding. From fluffy duvets to high-thread-count sheets, your bed will transform into a cloud. Look forward to your best sleep ever.

Whether you’re heading to university as a fresher, or returning for your second or third year, make sure you’re prepared for September with all your university essentials. From new bedding, a laundry basket and towels to small kitchen appliances, pots and pans, and cleaning supplies, the checklist can be endless. I should know, as a recent graduate, how important it is to get everything you need ahead of time. Because why wouldn't you want to start the new school year well prepared?

You might think shopping for the essentials involves kitting yourself out with everything you can find from IKEA, and while it does, to make your halls feel more like home we’ve put more elevated basics in the mix, all at an affordable price, of course. Including John Lewis towels, student bedding bundles from DUSK and trendy bathroom buys from Made.com, you can set up your space in style. 

Oh, and don't forget the practical buys either, like one of the best mattress protectors. So tick off as you go, and find everything you need to start the term right.

Your uni essentials check list 

How we chose these uni essentials 

Most of these uni essentials are the best affordable or value for money buys from our buying guides. So they've been tried and tested to make sure they balance out on price and quality. Otherwise, they're brand favourites and best-sellers you can rely on, like Flash's speed mop or Command Strips. And while cost is the overarching factor when it comes to buying basic essentials, we've considered style and practicality too – basic doesn't have to mean boring. 

If you're giving your bedroom a makeover, some cheap bedding may come in handy. While you may be investing in a high-quality mattress or duvet, you don't have to break the bank when it comes to sheets and comforters.

As an interiors editor who spends hours browsing home buys every day, I can spot the best value for money when it comes to bedding. Considering everything from the size to the material, I found the best of the bunch.

See my top picks and the best bedding brands to pick up without going over budget.

The best cheap bedding sets

All of my picks are under $100, with a mix of the best bedsheets and comforter sets. From plain designs to patterned picks, all of them can be cleaned in the washer and dryer and some even have special features (like breathability). 

These choices are also loved by shoppers. I chose options that are highly rated with hundreds of reviews. 

You also might want to add a mattress topper to your cart for extra comfort. Soon enough you'll feel like you're sleeping on luxe hotel bedding.

How we chose

While I haven't tested all of these bedding sets, there are many factors I looked for when selecting these picks. I browsed through hundreds of listings and chose the highest-rated bedding sets. I read reviews from genuine shoppers to see what they liked about each set. I also checked each listing for the following:

• Material: Bear in mind that everyone's body reacts differently to materials. While polyester is super affordable, you may wake up with sweats. Linen and bamboo are cooling, but prepare to pay a little more.
• Washability: You'll want to ensure you don't have to take your bedding to the laundromat to be professionally cleaned. Steer clear of silk bedding and opt for machine-washable cotton.
• The number of shams included: Even if you sleep solo, it's worth looking at whether the brand sells the pillowcases separately. I prioritized sets that included multiple shams.

Where to buy cheap bedding

There are so many places to shop for cheap bedding sets that don't look "cheap." What I love about going online is that you can find a great selection using the filter tools to personalize your shopping experience.

Some retailers may offer a discount on a particular colorway, so it's worth clicking on the different options to see if you can snag a deal.

• Amazon bedding sets
• Bed Bath & Beyond bedding sets
• Dormify bedding sets
• H&M Home bedding sets
• Target bedding sets
• UO bedding sets
• Walmart bedding sets
• Wayfair bedding sets

The best bedroom set-up starts with learning how to make a bed the right way so you can make the most of your new investment. If you have room in your budget after snagging some cheap bedding, you may want to grab a couple of small bedroom upgrades to improve the overall feel. A new duvet insert can turn your bed into a cloud for maximum comfort.

If you're wondering 'what is the best thread count for sheets?', you needn't lose sleep over this question, as it turns out quite a few people don't actually know!

We get it: you're buying sheets, deciding on fabrics, colors and patterns (AKA, all the fun stuff), and this jargon terminology keeps popping up. Now we probably all have a basic idea of what thread count means – you want high-quality sheets you want a high thread count, yes? Well, no actually... not always. 

We've got as scientific as homeware gets and unpicked the myth (with the help of experts) on thread counts. What exactly is thread count, what's the best thread count and does thread count even matter? We unravel the answers.

Read on to find out what in fact you should be looking for when buying the best bed sheets... 

What is the best thread count for sheets?

With thread counts in the hundreds being proudly listed on the specs of bedding, it is no wonder we all assume that a higher thread count is a good thing. 

Thread counts range from as little as 180 to over 1,000 and prices do tend to go up the higher the thread count. But really, there are only so many threads you can fit into a square inch of fabric and that amount does depend on the thickness of the yarn, so most sheets tend to naturally be around 200–400 thread count.

Therefore, there isn't a set number for a good thread count. Textile quality is contextual.

So when faced with sheets with different thread counts, how do you choose the best? It helps to understand thread count a little more.

What exactly is thread count?

Let's start at the beginning, what is thread count? 

'The thread count of a duvet refers to how many cotton threads are in a square inch of the material.' explains Farah Arshad, head of design at DUSK.com. 'This number is worked out by counting the number of horizontal and vertical threads within the fabric. Generally speaking, the higher the thread count, the higher the quality of the material, but this may mean bed linen is higher maintenance.'

For context, Martin Seeley, CEO and sleep expert at MattressNextDay says that: 'Hotels tend to use bedding with a high thread count as the higher, the softer. Ideally, you be sleeping in a duvet cover with a 250 to 300-thread-count mark.'

However, the marketing of high thread count means that many manufacturers want stand-out numbers on their products. This is where it gets a bit more sneaky and why thread counts aren't always the best thing to focus on when buying your sheets.

'Thread count has been given a hugely exaggerated importance in the world of bedding and as a result it holds a perceived value of better quality. The truth is that a higher thread count doesn’t always mean quality bedding – it’s the quality of the threads (not the number of threads) which counts.' explains Jo James, founder of Bedfolk.

'In reality, it’s only possible to fit a limited number of threads in this space. The exact number depends on the thickness of the yarn but it’s usually a count of around 300–400. To get around this, manufacturers commonly wrap individual cotton yarns around each other to create plait-like threads called a multi-ply yarn.'

Multi-ply yarn is a way for brands and manufacturers can create high thread count sheets that are technically above the limit that would naturally fit in per square inch by wrapping yarns around each other (think of a French braid).

Now there's nothing wrong with multi-ply sheets, but they tend to produce heavy and thick sheets and single-ply sheets are lighter and more breathable.

What is the best thread count then? Does it even matter?

You have probably got the gist now that the best thread count is often marketed as being the highest thread count, so anything above 400. But that high number doesn't mean it's actually the best it just means you are getting a denser, heavier sheet. And yes, these high thread count and multi-ply sheets do tend to have that more luxe, hotel feel to them. 

However, what if you don't like thick, heavy sheets? Or what if this bid for a high thread count has resulted in a coarse-feeling sheet? That would mean a high thread count wouldn't be the best. So basically, it comes down to personal taste when choosing the best thread count. A 200 thread count set might not be considered 'luxury' but it can still be great quality and have a light and airy feel to it which you may prefer. 

As a rule of thumb, we would say a good sheet would be above 200 thread count if you are after something quality. 'Anything below 200 will feel rougher and you will be able to see the weave in the fabric' explains Molly Freshwater, creative director of Secret Linen Store. 

This is a thread count that's the most common with cotton sheets and there are plenty of price points too so even if you are on a budget a 200-thread-count sheet is easily achievable. Plus, look out for that multi-ply yarn, and avoid it if you don't like a dense sheet.

Instead, opt for single-ply as 'only very fine, high-quality threads can be used without the plait-like wrapping. explains Jo James. 'Single-ply threads make the most breathable, soft and durable cotton sheets. As a rule, a thread count of 200 or more can be used to make luxury bedding and you should meet anything over 400 with a healthy dose of skepticism as it likely involves multiply, rather than single-ply yarns.'

So what makes for the best sheets?

A high thread count can certainly equal great quality, hotel-style sheets but it's not the be-all and end-all. In fact, thread count has very little to do with the most important things you look for when buying sheets – breathability and softness. This is determined by what your sheets are actually made from. 

What you need to be looking at when buying sheets, perhaps even more so than thread count is material. It's the quality of the yarn used to create your sheets, not the number of threads, that will determine the quality. You can have the highest thread count going but if that material is poor quality it won't make much difference. And vice versa, a low thread count sheet made from high-quality material can still be an amazing product.

For example, linen – 'when choosing 100% Linen, as the yarns are thicker and slubby, we don't talk about thread count with regards to quality. The quality of 100% linen is dictated by its weight, not threads per square inch.' explains Molly. The same goes for bamboo, which is such a lovely light, breathable material for sheets. It could have the same thread count as say a cotton sheet but the feeling would be totally different. 

'To invest in the best, it’s important to look at the raw materials (go for 100% natural), the manufacturing process of the sheets, and the expertise of the makers.' advises Jo.

'If you are choosing cotton bedding, look for long-staple cotton rather than short-staple. Short staple is typically used in fabrics where softness and durability is not so important; it can feel rough and is prone to bobbling. Long-staple fibers are typically used in single-ply sheets which are always going to offer the softest and most breathable fabrics.'

Silk and cotton are usually two of the most popular offerings on the market. But not all silks are the same and on comparing two types of cotton, you'll see differences and nuances in overall feel.

'Choosing the right type of silk for your bed linen can be overwhelming, so select one based on the amount of care you are able to provide for it, so you can ensure it feels soft against your skin,' says Georgia Metcalfe, founder of luxury bedroom retailer, The French Bedroom Company. This is especially important if you are choosing the best silk pillowcase for friction-free sleep against your hair and skin.

'If you’re a fan of soft bed linen, choose charmeuse silk, for something with more texture choose tussah. The thread count is similar but the way it is woven has an impact on how it feels. If you’re not a fan of ironing and like luxurious silk, choose sheets that are textured.'

So lessons learned here? Thread count, while a good measure of your sheets density, means very little else. The key things to look at when buying sheets are the material, how it feels, how breathable it is, what fabric suits you best and how easy they are to clean in your best washing machine. We've got a full guide on how to wash bed sheets laundry day is looming...

Other factors that might affect feel or perceived thread count

Just to add another layer of complexity, the way your material is woven can play a part in how it feels when you wrap yourself up in the best duvet cover.

For example, while Percale weave might feel crisp to some, it may feel scratchy to others. Brushed cotton or lambswool can feel like you're cuddling a teddy bear, or on the contrary, wearing an itchy jumper. And don't bring up Seersucker in the Real Homes' office – this crimped texture is loved by many of our staff, and loathed by a small majority.

The good news is that most online retailers have a fair returns and exchanges policy, so granted you haven't slept in the sheets, most shops will allow you to send it back if you've felt the material and know it's not right for you. 

Department stores with shop fronts are one of the best places to buy bedding. Yes, we know you shouldn't do it, but if the packaging is sealed with a sticker, you might just get away with feeling the material out, again, to gauge its suitability. Or, if the specific bed sheet you're looking for is styled on a bed – don't be afraid to get up close and inspect it. Unless of course, there's a clear 'do not touch' sign – because we won't be held responsible for you getting escorted out of the store.

Ultimately, only you'll know where your preferences lie, but if you want to play it safe and stuck for ideas for a guest bedroom, go for at least a 200 thread count, in a neutral, non-offending colorway for that boutique hotel feel. 

It's been rooted into many of us since we were children that we should learn how to make a bed properly and to do so pretty much soon as we get up. 

Years on, in adulthood, life coaches, sleep and well-being experts often advocate the grounding benefits of this daily ritual – claiming this fairly simple act can give you an instant sense of order and control, positively impacting on your entire day, productivity and quality of life. 

However, there are some mixed opinions on whether this is strictly the best routine after all, or not. Some sleep experts have even stated that making the bed every morning could be doing you more harm than good – claiming it isn't as hygienic as an unmade, aired and, albeit, disheveled bed – as the former could harbor more bacteria, potentially damaging your mattress in the process.

Hannah Shore, Silentnight's Sleep Expert says, 'One of the key factors to be considered when creating a calming sleep environment is a tidy bed and bedroom space. However, there are many theories stating that making the bed first thing each morning can allow for bacteria to spread under the covers.' 

So when you want to keep your health, well-being and bed intact, which is the better route to take? We asked the experts.

Why shouldn't you make the bed everyday? 

According to The Sleep Council the average adult loses 285ml of fluid each night, perhaps more so in the summertime with higher temperatures. Meaning there's a chance of trapping in all of that moisture when you make your bed. 

Doing this every morning could mean this festers during the day, leaving you with less than fresh sheets to sleep on in the evening.

Martin Gill, MD of the luxury mattress and bed retailer, And So To Bed backs this, saying: 'During the higher temperatures we will sweat more as our bodies try to cool us down. This sweat wicks away from the body and is absorbed into the linen and, if you are without a mattress protector, into the mattress as well. 

'When we make our bed the next morning we are preventing that moisture from evaporating, meaning it has nowhere else to go and remains within the mattress and bedding, which can lead to bacteria build up and damage.'

Robin Wilson, founder of the CLEAN DESIGN HOME® brand says, 'I do not recommend fully making your bed when you first wake up, as it is better to turn down the sheets to let them air out for at least an hour.'

Wilson’s statement is supported by a 2006 study – according to a 2006 study published in the journal Experimental and Applied Acarology: leaving your bed unmade during the day gives your sheets the chance to breathe, resulting in fewer dust mites. Since we generate more body heat and sweat at night, if you practice getting up, doing your morning routine (exercise, shower, breakfast), and then making your bed before you leave home, you might breathe easier at night.' 

Is it healthier to not make your bed?

Gill says, 'It is recommended, for hygiene and mattress longevity, that instead of making your bed every morning, you strip it back instead. Open your bedroom windows and allow your mattress to breathe.'

Shore backs this method also, 'When making the bed each morning, instead of pulling the duvet all the way up the bed to the pillows, simply fold the duvet back to allow air to circulate and let the bedding air off. Throughout the night, we apply heat and moisture directly to the bed as we sleep, so by allowing the bed to air, it creates a more hygienic sleeping environment.'

However, Karin Sun, Founder of luxury bedding company Crane & Canopy stresses that you should still make your bed every day once this process is done, saying: 'While making your bed every morning might seem like a chore, this simple habit can begin your days on a positive note, and a healthier one... Surveys have even shown that bedmakers are happier and more successful at home and work, feel more rested, and are more engaged in a healthy lifestyle than their rumpled-sheet peers.'

Wilson adds, 'You start your day with your first accomplishment: making your bed (after you let it air out!) and then you return home, you will have a made bed. The most important thing is to prevent and protect your bed from allergens with the Rule of 3’s created by Robin Wilson – which means that you have 3 layers of bed protection: the mattress protector, then the mattress pad and then the fitted sheet, which ensures that over time, your dead skin cells and dust mite accumulation are within the mattress and less near your skin.'

The verdict: should you make your bed every day?

A quick poll of some of the Real Homes team reveals that while we all make the bed daily, most of us are pro bed airing for a couple of hours before making the bed up, every morning. 

Deputy editor of Real Homes magazine Ellen Finch says, 'I used to make my bed first thing in the morning because I don't feel like I've started my day without doing so, but after hearing whispers about bacteria festering, I now leave the bedding to air for an hour or two first.' 

Assistant editor Alison Jones agrees. 'My mum and my nan always said to let the bed air when you get out of it, so I've always done what I was taught.'

It's evident that whether you make the bed every morning or not is more of a personal choice but perhaps the healthiest approach is to let your bed air for an hour or two – perhaps more so during the summer months – before making it up completely. Then of course, cleaning your mattress and bedding regularly is a must to get rid of any bacteria build-up which is inevitable. 

Gill also notes how mattress flipping is important if yours needs it: 'It is also important to remember to flip or rotate your mattress as per the manufacturer’s instructions.'

So do eventually think about making your bed, just ensure your sheets and mattress have had enough air time – especially after a warm night – to maintain a healthy and tranquil sleeping environment.

Our bedrooms are our sanctuaries, so it's no surprise that the environment and design of our space influence our sleep. "You have to stop thinking about your bedroom as a bedroom, but as a recovery room," emphasized JD Velilla, the Senior Director of Sleep Experience & Technology for Serta Simmons Bedding.

As a self-proclaimed sleep nerd and even sleep hacker, Velilla coined the idea of the sleep recovery room to emphasize the importance of prioritizing your space as one that benefits sleep and active recovery.  It's all about identifying and curbing the distractions in your environment that keep you from getting a good night's sleep. 

It’s not just the sleep system, which at its heart is the mattress, the pillows, the linens. It's where you start, simplified by sleep-expert approved recommendations, but you need to tackle other things in the environment and fine-tune from there. 

A recent study from Serta Simmons with OnePoll concluded nearly 60% of respondents say they are not sleeping well and less than a third of adults feel refreshed when waking up in the morning, even after getting the recommended amount of sleep. 

Velilla walks us through how to properly set our bedrooms up for sleeping and shares his favorite products along the way.

1. Reframe how you consider your bedroom

The aforementioned survey found that 7 in 10 Americans need their bedroom set in a specific way to inspire sleep. For instance, the study found that sleeping in a silent room (31%) with some light on (72%) contributes to “excellent” sleep.

"Sleep needs are as unique as personality, and everyone's environment is different too," said Velilla. 

The primary way to reset the function of your bedroom is to leave it for sleeping, and if that's not possible, Velilla suggests trying to partition out the space, such as placing a desk further away from the bed. Your bed is for sleeping, and sleeping only.

That means avoiding watching TV in bed, working on your computer from your bed, and any late-night snacking that may tune your brain to associate your bed with activity.

2. Build your Sleep System

At its base, it starts with your sleep system, which refers to the bed itself: your mattress, the bedding, and the pillows. Opt for high quality and breathable materials, and you'll be off to a great start. 

A mattress fit for your needs

Pillows that align with your sleep position

The best pillow? Essential, and should be chosen according to how you sleep. 

Side sleepers need a soft, loftier design while stomach sleepers will do best with firmer, thin pillows to keep necks aligned. Back sleepers can really go either way, and do best with a medium to medium-firm option. 

Breathable bed linens

Parachute Percale Sheet Set

The best bed sheets are vitally important, after all, your body is wrapped in them all night long. Choosing breathable linens also complements any cooling technology of your mattress to maximize temperature regulation. 

Thread count also matters in this case. While we know that thread count can often be overinflated to appear "softer" and more luxurious, most appropriate thread counts fall between 200 and 600. In this instance, a lower thread count, like percale, helps you sleep cooler and will be more breathable. Our pick: the Parachute Percale Sheet set, made with long-staple Egyptian cotton.  

View at Parachute

3. Consider Environmental Distractions

Velilla bought a home where the bedroom faced the sunrise and nobody is behind him, enabling him to wake with the sun and fall asleep in darkness. Now, not all of us can be that lucky, but the best tip on starting this recovery room journey: keep a journal to log all the disturbances or reasons you can't sleep. Do you find it too hot to sleep, or are external or bedroom lights affecting you from falling asleep?  

Velilla pegged temperature, air quality, sounds and light as having some of the most profound impacts on your sleep environment. An air purifier grows even more essential if you're working from home, or air quality could suffer in regards to new construction. It can help clear the space of any odors, allergens, or worse, VOCs, as well as can reduce snoring. Meanwhile, too much blue light can overstimulate your mind as opposed to a softer amber hue. However, for Velilla, white noise is critical for blocking out any other disturbances, from snoring partners to outdoor street sounds.

Improving air quality can help sleep

Blueair Classic 480i Air Purifier

The BlueAir Classic 480i is one of our top choices when it comes to the best in air purification: it's quiet, easy to use, and promises to clear the room of pollutants every 12.5 minutes.

Modify the temperature to promote slumber

DYSON Hot+Cool Smart Air Purifier

The ideal bedroom should be set between 60 and 67° F. If you're not able to adjust your thermostat, opt for the best fan like the Dyson Pure Hot and Cool This air purifier and fan get 5-stars for its ability to cool, warm, and purify your space. Plus, we can't resist a triple-function device. 

Mask sudden sound changes that can affect sleep

Tuft & Needle Snooz White Noise Machine

Velilla was most enthusiastic about the Tuft & Needle Snooz noise machine, which is both compact and easy to travel with and recreates the calming sound of a fan, without moving air around. 

4. Personalize according to your health needs

Once your recovery room is set up for sleeping, you can individualize your space even more according to your specific sleep issues. Suffering from anxiety or stress? You're not alone, but you may find a meditation app soothing. Looking to curb snoring? An adjustable bed could be useful for angling your body just right? Hot flashes? Go after all-natural materials that are breathable and make sure your room is set to an appropriate temperature. 

Meditation and sleep resources at your fingertips

Calm

Those dealing with anxiety, and stress may find relief by working with a mediation app such as Calm, which encourages mindfulness with meditative exercises, short bedtime stories, soothing sounds, and more. Free content is available, but a paid subscription to Calm Premium unlocks access to Calm's entire content library.

View at Calm

Customized Sleeping Positions

Serta Motion Perfect Adjustable Base

Adjustable bases can improve sleep in a number of ways, including positioning your body in a way that prevents snoring (with the Anti-Snore  Head Tilt) or elevating yourself to the Zero Gravity pre-set position for a weightless feel that promotes active recovery. Even better, the Serta Motion Perfect Adjustable Base can work within most existing bed frames so you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort... and this model has a massage system. 

During Sleep Month, it's time to consider your sleep hygiene and get your sleep into check. When it comes to sleep, there are an overwhelming number opinions out there as to the best ways to improve your sleep. This time, we consulted seven sleep experts to the items they use to encourage better sleep.

In the last two years, a Sleep.com study has revealed that while our time in bed has increased, our sleep quality has progressively gotten worse due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, many participants citing increased stress and anxiety as cause for their insomnia.

While sleep starts with your sleep system— having the very best mattress, pillows and bedding that fit your needs— these sleep-expert approved picks will help lull you to sleep, curb insomnia, and ultimately optomize your bedroom for sleeping. It's time to take control of your sleep health, and these expert-backed tips are among the best places to start.  

Sleep expert approved product recommendations

1. Apollo Neuro

2. PureGlow Himalayan Salt Rock Lamp & Diffuser

3.  Tuft & Needle Snooze White Noise Machine

4. Austin Air Bedroom Machine Air Purifier

5. Blackout EZ Window Cover

6. Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier

7. LectroFan EVO Sound Machine

Crisp white cotton sheets are a classic. After all, white bedding goes with literally everything while providing a blank canvas for decorative pillows and blankets.

62% of us say we don't sleep as well as we'd like – could our bedding be to blame? Sleep experts argue that fresh white bedding could negatively impact the quality of our slumber by reducing our melatonin levels. So what's the best bedding color to go for?

Sleep expert's white bedding tip

'Color matters,' asserts Sleep Expert, Dorothy Chambers from SleepJunkie. 'The sheet color choices for your bedroom may seem like only a cosmetic preference, but it can really influence how well you sleep.

'Stay away from whites and blues as it’s thought these colors might affect melatonin levels,' Dorothy warns. Melatonin is a hormone primarily released by the pineal gland in response to darkness, and it governs our circadian rhythms (our 24-hour body clock).

So it makes sense that bright white and the color of the sky would conflict with this sleepy hormone that is produced in the evening. Dorothy Chambers argues that shades in the yellow, orange, red and black families are best. 

Although, we'd suggest picking whatever color bedding feels the most like a big hug – perhaps a sumptuous pink or dark navy, like this luxurious set from La Redoute. 'Darker hues such as inky blues, earth tones, or deep greens can give a very cozy effect and can help you feel cocooned by your bedding,' comments Founder & Creative Director of Bedfolk, Jo James.

James Higgins, CEO of Ethical Bedding and expert in bedding cites the largest global color study that saw 29,596 people take part. This research found that blue and green hues have the most relaxing and calming effect on the brain.

Climbing into a forest green bed does sound pretty dreamy. Dunelm's pure cotton duvet in peacock looks like a good option. 

Whatever you go for, think not only about how the color will look but how it might affect you as you drift off. If you're serious about improving your sleep quality this year, investing in the best mattress for your sleep style is essential.

Will you be steering clear of white bedsheets?

Cleaning your bedsheets regularly will help you sleep better, says a new study. We all have our own views on just how often you should wash your bed sheets, taking into consideration our health, hygiene, and the condition of our bed linen.

But it turns out that there's a sweet spot of every 12 or 13 days for the best chance of sleeping soundly.

Clean sheets for a better night's sleep

Research by Sleep Junkie reveals a direct correlation between how often people wash their bedsheets and how satisfied they are with their sleep. Respondents who washed their sheets on average every 12.8 days reported being 'very satisfied.' 

Once a week is usually the recommended amount, but this study suggests we don't need to be putting our best bed sheets through the washing machine and dryer quite so often. As well as saving us some time, this will also mean less wear and tear on the fabric.

But things quickly go down hill, as those who held off an extra four days before washing them (every 16.7 days) were 'somewhat unsatisfied' and people washing sheets every 19.9 days were 'very unsatisfied.'

We asked James Higgins, CEO of Ethical Bedding, what he thought, and he agreed that clean sheets are a fundamental factor in our sleep routines. After all, we spend about eight hours a day in close contact with our bedsheets. 

'That’s eight hours of sweating, tossing and turning, and drooling that your bedsheets put up with each night,' says James. 'In the early stages of our sleep our circadian rhythms (body rhythm) are still very much ticking and our sense of smell is performing at its usual rate,' James comments. 

'If your sheets are beginning to have an unpleasant smell, your brain can become irritated and keep you from becoming sleepy.' Hygiene aside, it's important to keep bedding clean to simply give you the best chance of nodding off.

James goes on to say that itchiness from unclean sheets can also get in the way of a good night's sleep. Skin irritation is a physical blocker to getting a good rest, stopping us from switching off mentally.

If you're still struggling, consider investing in the best mattress. We often change our sheets as part of a weekly Sunday reset, but the 12-day rule gives us some welcome wiggle room.

If you love the look of smooth sheets, but hate ironing, the water hack to remove creases from bedding is the ultimate lazy laundry tip for you. 

There are plenty of bedsheet crease remover hacks out there to keep your best bedding looking good, using everything from fabric softener to vodka. However, Australian digital creator Chantel Mila, shocked TikTok when she proved that all you need is a spritz of water for smooth sheets. 

Water hack to remove creases from bedding

In her TikTok post 'three inexpensive ways to make your bedroom look and feel amazing,' the cleaning and home styling expert demonstrated that you can skip ironing your sheets if you give them a spritz of water when putting them on your bed.

A fan of any lazy laundry method, I put the hack to the test on my incredibly crumpled bedsheets. I have a bad habit of not neatly folding and looking after my best bedding sets. As a result, my pillowcases and duvet cover had developed some deep, unforgiving creases.

Before

It's safe to say I was skeptical that this simple hack could make much of a difference. To make matters harder I was trying the hack on a fluffy duvet cover, rather than the flat bedsheet seen in the original TikTok hack.

I filled a salon spray bottle with water. I opted for a salon-style spray bottle because I wanted to get a really fine mist that would dampen the sheets, not soak them. I brought mine from a local drugstore, but you can pick up a Spray bottle from Amazon for $4.89.

I put the covers on the duvet and set to work misting the sheets and making the bed. I carefully misted the whole duvet, before pulling it taut across the mattress and tucking it into the sides of the bed.

The creases in my duvet cover ran deep, so I had to run my hand over the bed a few times to help smooth them out. Overall, the process added just two minutes to how long it usually takes me to make the bed, and I must admit I was impressed with the results.

After

The water from the mist dried very quickly, in a matter of minutes. The final result wasn't perfect as the deeper creases still lingered, however nearly all the small creases had almost vanished. It was definitely a serious improvement.

I imagine the hack would be more effective with slightly less crumbled sheets. I will definitely be trying this again.

A cozy bedroom starts with a beautiful and inviting bed. Your bed welcomes you at the end of a long day when you’re ready to relax and unwind and the colors and style set the mood. If you’ve struggled with how to make a bed both comfy and pretty at the same time the following tips will help!

After all, if you've invested in the best bed your budget will allow for, it's only right to do it justice with a little layering and styling for that cozy yet polished hotel feel. 

But a good bed-making routine doesn't just keep your bedding looking its best, it is also important for your health and wellbeing. 

Karin Sun, Founder of Crane & Canopy says: 'Making your bed each morning creates a stress-free sleep environment to enjoy in the evening, but it also helps keep harmful allergens at bay, and keeps dirt, dust, and pet dander from settling under your sheets – guaranteeing a more sanitary sleeping space. Moreover, a made bed reduces the appearance of clutter and makes your bedroom look and feel more organized.' 

So it isn't just about making it look pretty for guests – it is an important part of your sleep health, too. Find out how to make a bed, styling it for not just those Insta moments, but for a healthy daily habit.

How to make a bed step by step

Making your bed goes further than just throwing the duvet over the entire thing and putting in that little extra effort really pays off. It doesn't take long to layer your bed properly and a bed well made will set off your bedroom decor instantly also. 

1. Start with a good foundation

A cozy bed starts with a quality foundation so it is very much worth investing in the best mattress you can afford. On average, mattresses last anywhere from seven to ten years so if yours is older than that, you may want to consider looking into a new one. We spend a third of our lives sleeping so making sure you have a mattress that meets your needs should be a priority! 

2. Mattress pads are a must

Mattress pads are a must as they perform double duties, they help protect your mattress from stains and they also add extra cushion to your mattress. Look for a high-quality mattress pad at places like Downlite Bedding. It’s like sleeping on a cloud and you’ll be so glad you made the investment!

3. Cover those box springs

If you have a platform bed, you don’t have to worry about a bed skirt. But if you have a box spring, hiding it is a must when going for visual appeal. There are different colors and styles of bed skirts to match any taste and Amazon is a great place to find the perfect bed skirt. Whether you want one with ruffles or straight lines, one that matches your bedding or just a simple white, bed skirts give your bed a finished look when used over your box springs.

4. Don't skimp on the sheets

Cheap, stiff sheets are a bit like laying on sandpaper so again, it's worth picking up the best bed sheets you can. Sheets should feel soft and lived in without looking shabby. Organic cotton is a great choice for soft and cozy sheets. If you’re looking for high-end sheets that will last but still have a cozy feel, Boll and Branch is a great choice and they have multiple options to choose from. 

Keep yours looking great in and out of the closet by learning how to fold a fitted sheet properly.

5. Down comforter or quilt 

Now that you’ve got your bases covered, it’s time for the pretty fluff! A down comforter with a duvet in the winter when it’s cold is so nice to crawl under at the end of the day! During the heat of summer, a light quilt works really nice since it’s not as heavy. 

I suggest going neutral on the comforter or quilt and adding color with some fun throw pillows and blankets. This way you can easily change out pillows with the seasons or if you just want a different look without having to buy all new bedding. When I was searching for new bedding, I decided to go with a gray duvet with matching pillow cases from Amazon. It was beautiful, affordable, and neutral so I can mix and match other colors whenever I want a new look!

6. All the pillows

Pillows are the icing on the cake of a beautiful bed. I like to start by stacking euro pillows in the back against the headboard. It helps create height and establishes a focal point. I suggest purchasing euro pillow inserts and covers, that way if you want a different look, you just have to purchase new covers which saves money! I found my navy blue euro covers and inserts on Amazon. 

Next, layer pillows with the cases from your sheets and matching quilt or comforter set. If you’re in need of new sleeping pillows, Downlite Bedding is a great place to look for those, too! If your sheet pillow cases aren’t decorative you may opt to store them in a basket by your bed for easy access when you need them later. 

Now you’re ready for some pretty throw pillows! Sometimes matching throw pillows come with your bedding set, but mine didn’t so I found some nice blue pillows at Target to match my euro pillows. I chose blue to go with my neutral gray comforter for a pop of color and also because blue is a soothing and relaxing color. Choose colors that make you look forward to being in your room, colors that feel inviting to you. I recommend choosing assorted sizes to add interest!

I also picked up these color block pillows from Target and this lumbar design also.

7. Don't forget the throw blankets

The finishing touch to layering a beautiful and cozy bed is adding a blanket or two. In the winter I like to place a large blanket at the end of the bed in case we get cold during the night. In the summer months, a light throw blanket is perfect to have on hand just in case. Not only are they practical but it’s another chance for you to add some color and coziness to your bedding!

There's a lot of talk these days around getting the 'best night's sleep', but are we really doing all we can to ensure that this becomes an everyday reality? 

The first step is making sure your bed is as comfortable as possible, from sourcing breathable and super soft bedding to finding the best mattress to make sure your body is supported in all the right ways.

Gone are the days of piecing together the best bedding from multiple retailers, you can now buy everything you need in one place, with Eve among a roster of sleep specialists offering all you need for a restful night's sleep with just one online checkout.

Having won multiple industry awards for its original Eve mattress, the sleep brand has expanded its product range to include all the essential components necessary for a comfortable bed. But do they measure up? We put the range to the test to find out.

Eve bedding: reviewed and rated

We have included a mini-review of everything we have slept in/on/under below. Each is rated out of five stars too, with the average being the star rating we have arrived at for the brand as a whole. We start with the various bedding options first including pillows, duvets, and mattress toppers. 

If you know you need a new mattress, jump straight to the Eve mattresses section to see the full range – or take a look at our round-up of the best eve mattress deals.

Designed as an extension of your mattress, the Eve memory foam pillow offers all the benefits of memory foam while addressing its more commonly cited drawbacks, such as overheating. 

The hypoallergenic foam and antimicrobial 'UltraFresh' finish allows you to benefit from its comforting and muscle-aligning properties. 

Users mostly rate it as excellent and 'like sleeping on a cloud'; others say it's too firm, but in our experience, memory foam pillows do feel firmer than any other pillow type, and take a little getting used to (we'd rate it medium to firm). 

Once you've adjusted, though – if you can, not all our sleepers could get used to the initial firm feeling – you may never want to go back to traditional fillings, whether natural or synthetic. Either way, there’s a 30-day trial, so you can send it straight back if you don't get on with it. 

What else? The cover’s durable jersey fabric is knitted, which makes it feel like it has a lot of give, and it's super soft, too. 

For memory foam fans, it might take some getting used to as it’s far flatter than your average memory foam pillow, which is why we've rated it as best for back sleepers.

The cover can be removed and washed at 40°C, and it’s hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.

Real Homes Rated: 4/5 stars

On first impressions you think ‘this pillow is too flimsy’ but then you rest your head on it and your opinion is instantly altered to ’this feels so comforting and squidgy, while surprisingly supportive’. It’s hard to describe but I’ll try, when your head is placed on the pillow you feel a level of support for sure but what you really notice is the plumpness of the pillow around your cheeks (if on your side) or ears (if sleeping on your back).

The snuggle pillow is ideal for front and back sleepers or those who simply like a pillow to hug and use as a comforter. 

Thanks to its blend of hollow fibre filling, the Snuggle pillow feels like sleeping on feathers, ideal if you wish to avoid any animal products. The malleable hollow fibres allow a generous amount of bounce, yet the pillow retains its shape, unlike a real feather pillow which can require plumping. Hence why it's the ideal sleep accessory to cuddle up with. It's also easy to get your pillow into the optimum shape by simply pulling the hollow fibres apart to instantly make it more squidgy. 

I once had the pleasure of meeting a bonafide pillow guru, seriously – this person was responsible for sourcing pillows for famous 5 star London hotels. So they knew their stuff! The expert in question revealed to me a simple trick, to test a pillow is to hold it out on your arm to ensure it doesn't ‘flop’ in half. The middle should retain some shape to balance the ends - otherwise there’s not enough support. So I did the test with the Eve pillow and it passed with flying colours.

This comfy pillow is machine washable, in temperatures up to 40 degrees. Ideal for those who like to give their pillows a semi-regular wash to maintain hygiene standards.

I personally still prefer a firmer pillow but this Snuggle pillow has changed my perspective on the softer side of design.

Real Homes Rated: 4.5/5 stars

As far as pillow protectors go this option certainly isn't cheap, but then it is made from fabric developed by scientists for NASA. That level of expertise comes with a price, but is it worth it? 

The specialist temperature balancing pillow protector is said to store warmth given out by your head overnight and release it when you need it. In terms of testing that is the case, all I can say is I've not woken with an unpleasant sweaty hairline after a hot night's sleep - so it must be working?!

What is it like to sleep on? The design has a zip fastening, as opposed to an envelope folding end to ensure the pillow is perfectly fitted inside, and don't be afraid that a spacesuit-style fabric is any different to that of a regular fabric; it simply has a slightly cool feeling to the touch but you don't feel that once your pillowcase is over the top.

Also don't think it's too high tech to care for easily, it washes well and retains all the qualities that make it the premium pillow protector that it is.

Real Homes Rated: 4.5/5 stars

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly synthetic duvet, then look no further. This Eve Light Eco duvet is padded out with a clever filling made from recycled plastic bottles. This lightweight duvet still has all of the fluffiness you'd expect from a feather and down duvet, only it's focused on doing its bit for the planet. The feather-free filling is better for animals and allergies, plus its 100% cotton cover is super breathable so your skin can breathe easy at night, no matter how hot it is outside.

This duvet is exactly what you expect from the title, it's ultra-light but thoroughly effective for providing a sense of comfort for when you can't go to sleep without a duvet, but don't want to feel too hot.

Extremely light in weight, this duvet offers a 4.5 tog rating, one of the lightest options available in the world of duvets, and is aimed at keeping things cool between the sheets. Of course, with this thickness, it does take some time for your body heat to warm things up, so it’s not ideal for those seeking instant warmth.

You can choose to wash this duvet at 40 degrees, provided you have a washing machine with a drum big enough for the job - but although it is light, it is still a large piece of bedding that might be best left to the professionals.

Real Homes Rated: 3.5/5 stars

Eve's linen and bamboo mix duvet set feels super soft to the touch, even after two months of washing, which at one 30 degrees machine cycle a week equates to 8 washes during our testing period.

Crisp yet comfortable, the 54% linen and 46% bamboo is the perfect blend to deliver hotel-worthy luxury, yet remain easy to care for. 

Even better are the small details, like the label on the flat sheet that tells you which side is the short side. A super simple yet highly helpful design feature that eliminates one of life’s minor annoyances, and makes an everyday task like making the bed just that little bit easier.

Real Homes Rated: 4.5/5 stars

This mattress protector is honestly one of the best I've ever slept on. The specialist temperature balancing mattress protector is said to store your overnight body heat and release it when you need it. 

As someone whose sleep is only ever disturbed by changes in body temperature, I've found this invaluable for my freshly made bed. It can't be a coincidence that since I've been sleeping with this on my bed - for three months now - I've not suffered a restless night's sleep due to overheating. 

This mattress protector isn't cushioning, instead, its purpose is to protect the top layer of the mattress from sweat and dead skin cells (sorry, but it’s true.) 

Made of the same fabric as the Eve Temperature Regulating Pillow Protector, the mattress protector has a slightly cool feeling to the touch, but you don't feel that once your fitted sheet is over the top. 

It also washes well and retains the qualities that make it a premium mattress protector.

Real Homes Rated: 4.5/5 stars

The aim of a good mattress topper is to make you feel like you're sleeping on a new mattress, and it's therefore the perfect solution if your mattress is in need of replacing but you're not in a position to invest just yet. As such, Eve's topper could well be the remedy to improve your sleep and buy you a few more years out of your mattress.

Firm and supportive, it's made using the same foam found in the original Eve mattress – a formula that is 30 times more breathable than old-school memory foam – and that's designed to keep your body comfortably cool as you sleep.

The design features wide straps on either end, which are adjustable to make sure it fits your mattress base snuggly – so there's no movement while it's doing its job on the top. 

The cover on this mattress topper is a knitted soft polyester blend that is allergy friendly and free of any harmful chemicals, all to ensure the best sleep environment possible. And to make care super easy, you can keep simply unzip the top layer and pop it in a 40 degree wash to keep it fresh.

As with most mattress toppers, it's worth pointing out that that extra layer of depth will mean your regular fitted sheets may no longer fit, so you will need to invest in some deep fit options to accommodate the extra mattress height.

Check out our full Eve mattress topper review for all of the detail. 

Real Homes Rated: 5/5 stars

If you've been put off investing in a weighted blanket because of their looks, then you may be impressed by Eve's more traditional-style offering.

Like most of Eve's range, when it came to designing this bedding-of-the-moment, the brand decided to keep things simple. There is one size and weight of weighted balnket available, and instead of opting for glass beads and quilted polyester, it went for a cream ribbed-cotton number that I for one am very happy to have on my bed.  

However, what you gain in good looks you do sacrifice slightly in terms of performance. The thick ribbed-knit looks great, but it does mean this blanket doesn't drape as well as many of its quilted glass-bead counterparts, which means you lose out on some of that all-over hugging sensation. 

You still get a decent 7kg of weight with this blanket, which I definitely felt helped me sleep more soundly, but it wasn't quite as satisfying to drape around your shoulders as some of the very best weighted blankets we've tested, and when it wrinkles the thick fabric means areas of weight are removed from your body completely, so it didn't offer the all-over swaddling sensation that is a large part of a weighted blanket's appeal. 

Is this blanket still worth it because it looks good and offers a good amount of sensory pressure to help you sleep more soundly? Depending on how you balance the scales of aesthetics and performance - and how large your budget is, because this option certainly isn't cheap - then, in our opinion it could well be.

Real Homes Rated: 4/5 stars

Eve mattresses

It's not every day we say that a mattress suits every kind of sleeper, but the Emma Original Hybrid mattress lives up to this bold claim. You'll especially love it if you're a side sleeper – though it's also extremely comfortable for front and back sleepers, too.

As a hybrid, the Original Hybrid has a combination of memory foam and springs, but the former isn't overwhelming: in fact, it has the pleasant feel of a traditional pocket-sprung mattress, perfect for anyone who's undecided on a foam mattress. It's pretty firm, which we found helped with aches and pains and supported key pressure points. This is thanks to a new-generation aerated foam, called Airgocell that also aids cooling and breathability – something missing in regular memory foams.

The Original Hybrid didn't quite live up to the Emma Original on motion transfer, thanks probably to the latter's all-foam construction. However, this is only really an issue if you and your partner are at very different bodyweights – or night-time schedules.

Fillings
Alongside the top-secret Airgocell formula, this mattress also comprises of memory foam, which moulds to your body's contour; 'cold foam', which helps stabilise the springs below; the aforementioned springs, which offer targeted support; and a base foam later, which stabilises and adds height.

What do you get for your money?
An impressive 200-night sleep trial, plus a 10-year guarantee.

Real Homes Rated 4.5/5 stars

A premium mattress, the eve Premium Hybrid mattress is one to consider if you're looking for next generation, firm pressure relief. It's perfect for those who like/need firm support – great if you have a bad back or achy hips.

This is one of the deepest mattresses in our guide, which was the very first thing we noticed about it and is good for hoisting yourself out of bed every morning. The mattress is FIRM so this may take a bit of adjusting if you've moved on from a softer mattress.

For motion transfer you barely notice your sleeping companion is there. And for sinkage into the mattress you can except the same level of support across the entire surface.

Fillings?
There are no less than four layers of foam, including the new Floatfoam layer, before you hit springs. There are 1,500 of these individually wrapped, and more importantly, targeted to all those pressure points. There's a non-slip case at the bottom, too, to keep it all neatly in place. And, it has a top cover which can be zipped off for washing. It's even antibacterial and antimicrobial, which is reassuring. 

What do you get for your money?
A 10 year guarantee; free returns after 100 days and excellent, speedy delivery.

Real Homes Rated 4/5 stars – read our full eve Premium Hybrid mattress review

A cut above your regular blow-up mattress, the Sleep Away mattress offers guests an 8cm layer of substantial foam to bed down on and transforms into a compact roll when not in use with a handy zipper that ensures it doesn't come unrolled, plus a carry handle if you want to take it out on location. Glamping anyone?

Once unfurled Eve says you should give it 30 minutes to plump up to full volume - far better than half an hour spent inflating a blow-up mattress with a foot pump - although when we tried it we found it was ready to use pretty much instantly.

Inside the sleeping surface is just a simple block of foam (we were kind of expecting some hidden springs) but we tested it overnight and found it was perfectly comfortable for a few nights' sleep, although it is worth noting that without any spring support heavier sleepers will compress the foam more, so may end up sleeping closer to the ground.

The removable grey cover with Eve's distinctive yellow highlights has a nice textural feel and makes things look and feel a lot less basic, plus it can be removed and washed at up at 40 degrees. It was also simple to roll the bedding up, and zip up the fastener so it stays rolled - although potentially you might save more space by keeping it flat and sliding it under a bed when not in use.

Overall it's a useful option to have to hand for sleepovers and impromptu overnight stays.

Real Homes Rated: 4.5/5 stars

About this review and our reviewer

About my sleep

To relate to my review it's important to know a little about me and my sleep patterns to work out how my experience might compare to your own. For starters, I am a late 30-something female (not willing to admit I'm nearly 40) of average weight and height. Why is this important to know? Size has an impact on how a mattress might feel to each individual – determining the levels of firmness and support needed by different body types.
I've always had the ability to sleep soundly for a solid 8 hours, without anything disturbing me – until this last year when I've found overheating at night frequently waking me, but only to levels of stick-your-leg-out-the-bed-hot. Hence why I've been keen to try the latest tech to maintain a stable body temperature while asleep to prevent this becoming more of a problem, and so far (touch wood) it's been working. 

My sleep stats:

• Sleep position: I'm a Flexi-sleeper (made up that phrase) I sometimes sleep on my side, other times on my back
• Insomnia: no, and if woken I can go back to sleep with ease
• Sleep problems: overheating in recent years
• Average sleep time: minimum 8 hours

How often should you wash your sheets? The answer probably is more than many of us do. Washing bedlinen is a chore, especially if you're the ironing type, and all that washing and tumble drying will take its toll on the fabric. But – not washing your bedlinen enough will take its toll on your health, which undoubtedly is worse. 

If you bedroom ideas this summer include crisp, fresh sheets, you really should keep them that way for more than just the aesthetics, according to medical experts and bedlinen manufacturers. Here's what they have to think about the frequency of washing required to really keep your bedlinen clean. 

How often should I be washing my sheets?

Lucy Ackroyd, Head of Design at Christy recommends: 'Wash and change your bedding at least once a week.' That is unless you suffer from allergies or have a dog or cat sleeping on your bed: 'If you have pets sleeping on your bed or you’re an allergy sufferer, particularly in hay fever season, I’d recommend upping it to twice a week.'

Don't forget your duvet and pillows, too; although they need much less cleaning than sheets, 'It’s important to not neglect your inner bedding either so aim to wash your duvet and pillows at least twice a year as even with linen covering them – the inner fillings can absorb dead skin cells and body oils and odours.'

Wonder what can happen if you don't wash your bedlinen that often? Dr Chun Tang, from Pall Mall Medical, warns of the dangers of not washing your sheets often enough, commenting: 'Think of your bed sheets as a sponge, absorbing old makeup, dirt and body secretions, night after night. When sleeping on unclean bed sheets, it’s common to experience skin redness, irritation, and breakouts. Dust mite droppings, a common associated risk of unclean bedding, can also worsen asthma symptoms and trigger eczema flare ups.' 

If that didn't sound bad enough, if you get into bed with a knee scrape or insect bite, it's washing day: 'any sores or wounds may become infected through contact with dirty bed sheets. This infection can worsen or spread leading to more serious health complications and infections, including sepsis and cellulitis.' 

This has definitely convinced us. Worried about the bad effects on your sheets of over-washing? Fortunately, the best way to do washing with your sheets in is mostly washing them on warm, with only an occasional hot cycle to make sure you kill all the bacteria that build up over time. Lucy comments: 'As a general rule, wash your bed linen at 40 degrees on a gentle but warm cycle which will kill bacteria whilst not ruining the fabrics and colours. However, to remove oils and stubborn bacteria that can build up over time, put them through a 60-degree wash every month or so. This routine will allow them to be perfectly hygienic without taking away their quality and crisp feel.'

If you have a blood stain to remove, you'll need to learn how to remove blood stains from sheets in our guide, as the process will be a bit different.

If you're struggling to sleep due to hay fever, you're certainly not alone. Google searches for 'hay fever sleep' are up by 733% since mid-April, with sufferers battling symptoms at night.

• See also: Best air purifier - the best filters and purifiers for cleaner air in your home

If you're doing all you can to tackle itchy, streaming eyes, headaches and uncontrollable sneezing, consider how your bedroom might be able to help alleviate your symptoms.

A few small tweaks to your bedroom's conditions could help you get a refreshing night's sleep. MattressOnline says one good trick is to cover your bed with a spare sheet during the day, forming a 'pollen barrier'.

Try throwing a spare sheet over your best bed sheets and ideally cover your pillows up, too. This quick fix will take less than a minute and all you need is a spare bed sheet or two.  

'This prevents allergens from sitting on your bedding,' says MattressOnline. 'You can take it off each evening and your duvet should be safe from particles.' If you're finding it hard to get comfortable at all, consider if it's time to buy a new mattress - our best mattress guide will help you pick.

Part of the battle is simply feeling hot and bothered at night - investing in silk pillows and a calming pillow spray will make the world of difference. More on this in our guide to the best sleep aids you can buy online.

Also, it may seem obvious, but remember to wash your bedding once a week on a hot wash to kill pollen particles. Drying your bedding indoors rather than outdoors is preferable, too.

This will stop pollen from the trees from landing on the sheets and sitting in the creases or sticking to them, making your allergies worse.

• See also: How to sleep better - 20 tips on how to reduce stress and improve sleep naturally

Even with your pollen barrier, keep windows in your bedroom shut where possible to prevent pollen particles from making their way into your room. These will attach themselves to furniture and linen such as bedding which could leave you to suffer with allergies when you go to sleep.

Shutting all doors and windows takes no time at all, and will mean your room isn’t full of allergens like dust mites and pollen particles.

While we wait for the pollen count to go down and for our eyes to de-puff, we'll be trying the pollen barrier and hoping for the best.

On the hunt for some brand new (yet cheap) best towels for your bathroom? A new set of towels, especially if on display, can turn any bathroom from drab to fab. And, if you are upgrading your hand towels it's important to make sure they are nice and fluffy for when guests use your loo. I spotted these towels at my friend's house, and I just had to ask where they were from. Not only were they ridiculously soft but they looked so luxurious and I loved the colour. To my surprise, they were from DUSK. Not (yet) heard of DUSK? This luxury online retailer specialises in everything from home fragrance to bedding and obviously, towels. I've only ever tried their candles and reed diffusers, but you can bet that I've now put in a large order of towels. Which ones, I hear you say?

The Monaco Supreme Cotton Towel is the towel I am gushing about right now. These towels are as plush as they look thanks to their 100 per cent soft cotton construction, while they are an impressive 500gsm. Not just that but they are also lightweight and quick-drying, too – no soggy towels! They've been rated 4.6-stars out of five by 1,000+ reviewers, which is unsurprising to me, and did I mention that prices start from just £1.50 as they are currently on sale? You know what to do...

Keep scrolling for more info on these lovely towels including all of the colours they come in and the sizes you can buy. There's also a matching bath mat available if you want it all. What do I suggest? Buy a couple of sets for your guest room, and a few bath sheets and hand towels for your family bathroom or downstairs toilet. You'll be shocked at just how much a new set of towels can transform a room.

Head to our bathroom ideas page for more inspiration when it comes to redecorating this room.

• Click to browse all towels and bath mats sold at DUSK

You can also get a matching bath mat to these towels if you want to go all out. Not only is it soft and stylish, but it's also fast-drying, too, as well as super absorbent so as not to soak your floors.

If you find yourself having trouble falling or staying asleep because of night sweats or generally feeling overheated, you're not alone. Casper's newest line of sleep products, known as The Casper Cooling Collection, are specifically designed to officially make your bed the coolest, comfiest spot in your home. 

We believe Casper already made one of the best mattresses, scoring high in keeping you cool and comfortable with its Original bed-in-a-box Casper mattress.  As Casper is always wanting to innovate how we think about our bedding, Casper's in-house research found that temperature is one of the key factors that keep people from getting a good night’s sleep, whether due to how your body regulates heat, ambient temperature, or even your bedding!  Their survey revealed that 67% of people woke several times a month due to temperature issues, and 60% found their cooling solutions for sleep ineffective to moderately effective. Yikes! So, the Casper Product Development team got to work to understand the effect of temperature during sleep, with an emphasis on skin and body temperature, as well as microclimate temperature under the covers. The result? A cool lineup of breathable bedding and enhancing mattresses with new Snow technology.

"With the development of the suite of products that make up the Casper Cooling Collection, we aimed to directly reduce the excessive heat build-up overnight within the microclimate environment sandwiched between the covers and the mattress," the Casper Product Development team told Real Homes. "This means making the duvet, sheets, and mattress more breathable, less insulating, to ultimately allow people to achieve a cooler, less fluctuated microclimate temperature, and more comfortable sleep, night after night."

"Our new collection, helmed by our innovative mattresses with proprietary Snow Technology, provides unparalleled offerings for a large segment of consumers," said Philip Krim, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Casper. "We’re thrilled to present our latest product expansion, backed by rigorous research, testing, and strategic design, to bring better sleep to all.”

Keep scrolling to discover the new range and innovative sleep products Casper developed so you can say goodbye to uncomfortably warm beds. 

1. The Snow Mattresses

The center of Casper's new collection: The Snow mattresses, revolve around the addition of Snow cooling technology to its Nova and Wave Mattresses. 

And with a name like Snow, it's got to be icy. The Snow cooling technology was designed to pull heat away from underneath the body for sustained temperature regulation. Utilizing a 4-part cooling system, the mattresses are supposed to feel 24% cooler to the touch feeling upon climbing into bed and offer an overall 6 degree cooler sleep compared to the Wave Hybrid. These numbers were tested in Casper's Labs over 150 times to ensure their cooling properties and that they lasted for at least 12 hours. 

Combined with layers of Casper's existing breathable Airscape perforated foam layers, the technology is made even cooler with the addition of the QuickCool Cover with a Phase Changing material and cooling gel that stay cool to the touch, and HeatDelete Bands, which are thin thermal bands made of flexible graphite inserted into the foam layers to reduce the thermal insulation property of the mattress and draw as much as 34% of heat away from your body. 

• Not quite ready to splurge on a mattress? Consider one of the best pads and toppers specifically designed to keep you cool. 

2. Hyperlite Sheets

As big fans of Tencel sheets, we have big expectations when it comes to the sustainable and breathable material So, when we were introduced to Hyperlite sheets consider us impressed.  Harnessing the breathable properties of soft Tencel, the sheets are woven with a unique grid to create vent-like structures for enhanced airflow and breathability throughout the night, and it also creates a beautiful, subtle pattern too. 

3. Lightweight Duvets

Forget feeling suffocated by your bedding. Casper's humidity-fighting duvet incorporates a thin layer of merino wool that naturally absorbs moisture to reduce humidity under the covers, and will ultimately leave you feeling cooler at night.  

"The higher the humidity in the environment, the less sweat can evaporate, which makes us feel hot," explained Casper's Product Design Team. "Higher humidity is especially likely to happen in the microclimate under the cover because moisture is trapped.

And if you seek something a little less extreme, Casper also revamped its duvets to include a lightweight offering of its down-alternative with a Tencel shell and polyester filling and responsibly sourced down designs. 

4. Breathable Mattress Protector

Don't negate the cooling effects of your new Snow mattress with a mattress protector that seems to hold on body heat. Casper's new breathable cooling mattress protector is the perfect complement to keeping your Nova or Wave Snow mattresses as cool and comfy as possible, or as an update to your existing mattress protector situation. 

• Discover more of the best mattress protectors to prolong the life of your mattress

So you want to know where to spend and where to save in a bedroom? When it comes to redecorating a bedroom, or any room for that matter, you obviously aren't going to want to splurge on every item you put in the space (that would be the dream but isn't the reality for most of us). You want to spend your money on the stuff that matters, the things you are going to have for years and save on the stuff you know you will probably want to switch up as your tastes and trends change.

But what are the items that are worth investing in and what should you be buying on the cheap? Well, we asked the expert – interior designer Scarlett Blakey of Ophelia Blake Interior Design on how to plan your budget when decorating a bedroom...

• Once you have your shopping list down, check out all our bedroom ideas for decorating inspo.

1. Spend on a bed

'A good quality, statement bed takes pride of place in the bedroom. You should invest in a good quality bed as it is the biggest feature of the room, and you want it to be functional, comfortable, and last you a long time.' says Scarlett founder of Ophelia Blake Interior Design.

You do spend almost half your life in your bed, so it makes sense to invest in something that looks beautiful, is going to last you potentially decades and is comfortable to sleep in too. Try and pick out a design that's going to age well, nothing too 'on trend', or if you do pick something more statement, just make sure it's a style you are going to love for the foreseeable future. 

2. Spend on a good quality mattress

And because what would be the point in splurging on an expensive bed only then to cover it in a not-so-great mattress. Investing in a mattress is not only going to provide you with a super comfy setup, but it will also help you sleep better and can prevent any aches and pains you might have in the mornings.

'A good quality mattress is also worth investing in, as this will make you want to come home and jump straight into bed.' says Scarlett. 'There is nothing worse than a poor-quality mattress, so spend some time researching the best mattress for you, whether that be hypoallergenic, soft and comfortable, or firm.'

Check out our guide to the best mattress to help you make a decision. And do remember that loads of the top brands do trial periods so you can always test out your mattress for a few months and if you don't totally love it you can get your money back, so you are investing without the commitment. 

3. Spend on sheets

'Another item not to skimp on when buying for your bedroom is bedding.' recommends Scarlett. 'Opt for Egyptian Cotton with a high thread count or a linen fabric to ensure that your bedding is of good quality and dresses your statement bed.' 

We'd say pick a crisp white or near to white set so that you use it as a background to add colors and textures with your throw pillows. And go with something that is made from 100% natural fibers – cotton (Egyptian, as Scarlett said, if you are feeling extra fancy), silk or linen. And look out for those high-thread counts too, between 180 and 300 is what you are after.  

And if bedding isn't the top of your list when it comes to budget, you can still give your sheets a luxury touch by layering them up with blankets and throw pillows. That texture will give you that more expensive, hotel-vibe without having to invest in all your budget in the highest quality sheets.

Check out our guide to the best bedding brands for ideas on where to source a dreamy boudoir, and find our tried and tested favourites in our guide to the best duvets and bedding sets.

4. Spend on cozy carpet

'We would always recommend opting for a good quality carpet, as it really can make the difference when it comes to comfort. There is no better feeling than your feet sinking into your carpet as you get out of bed in the morning.'

We know that carpet has fallen out of favor a bit, but if there was ever a place to bring it back it's in the bedroom. A carpet will add instant softness and comfort making your bedroom feel extra cozy. Again, pick a neutral color, like a grey or cream that will lighten up the space, plus go with any style you throw at it.

Can't part with your wooden floors? Investing in a large area rug to go under the majority of your furniture will have a similar effect – and rugs in our opinion are always something to invest in.

5. Spend on artwork you love

There are loads of affordable options out there when it comes to buying affordable prints, so don't feel like you have to splurge on artwork for your bedroom. However, the thing about budget-friendly prints is that they can start to look a little bit samey. Investing in vintage artwork, pieces from artists or statement photographs you really love is bound to give your space way more personality and reflect your style. 

A single piece of artwork could be the focal point of your space too, something to base the whole of the rest of the room around. So if you love it, buy it and take it with you wherever you move to. 

6. Save on bedroom storage

Mainly because it's practical and boring and no one really sees it! Unless you plan to go bespoke with a built-in closet, you can definitely save money when it comes to clothes storage. 

If you already have a walk-in closet, just pick up a few cheaper bits to make it work harder like storage boxes, baskets, and extra clothes rails. If you are going freestanding, don't spend too much on drawers and wardrobes because there are so many lovely, affordable options out there – of course, try Ikea, which is always our go-to for storage, but Wayfair and Target are great too. 

If you need any advice or clever bedroom storage ideas, we have a whole feature for you to have a look through. 

7. Save on second hand bedroom furniture

If you really want to save money on your bedroom furniture, plus add some lovely personality to your space, sourcing second-hand pieces is the way to go.

'Furniture can be very expensive, especially if you are looking for a specific design. Consider buying your statement pieces from charity shops or clearance sales to get original pieces, as they are often in their original state.' advises Scarlett. 

And remember not to get carried away finding the perfect piece, 'you can easily customize furniture to reflect your personal taste, by changing the handles, adding a fresh lick of paint, or upholstering with a fresh fabric.'

8. Save on soft furnishings

And by soft furnishings we mean throw pillows, blankets, drapes – all of these things you can pick up cheaply or even make yourself. Plus, these are the kind of accessories you'll probably switch out a fair bit as seasons, tastes and trends change. 

'If you are on the creative side, consider creating your own soft furnishings such as cushion covers or blankets. They can be relatively simple to create and add a personal touch to your room.' recommends Scarlett. 

• See also: 10 boho bedroom ideas to inspire an eclectic makeover

9. Save on decor accessories 

And that goes for more decorative accessories too, you don't want to go splurge your money on the smaller things that are likely to change over time. Plus, you don't want your bedroom to feel too cluttered with  'stuff' either so shop sparingly for accessories, maybe investing in just one or two pieces that will add to the style of the space. 

Our favorite places for affordable, stylish bedroom decor are H&M Home and Zara Home – loads of bargains to be had but everything always looks more expensive than what you paid for it. 

10. Save with a DIY headboard

'Making your own headboard is extremely cost-effective, and considerably easier than you might think. The right statement headboard will have a dramatic impact on your bedroom, and something simple can still make all the difference.' says Scarlett,

A DIY headboard might sound complicated, but there are so many options out there for total DIY novices. You could even just paint a section behind your bed to give the impression of a headboard for a really cheap update – we have plenty of DIY headboard ideas like that over in our gallery so go and check that out if you are feeling inspired. 

How much should you spend on a bedroom?

How much you spend on a bedroom can totally vary depending on how much redecorating you need to do, how much furniture you need to buy and what style you have in mind. What we will say, whatever your budget, is to have a plan. 

Start with a clear budget in mind and then break down that budget into what will spent where. Include everything you need to buy, from paint to a new bed and stick to that budget you started with. Think about what is important to you are where you are willing to splurge and look at where you can save money too – use our above advice as a guide. 

Should you spend money on bedroom furniture?

There are certain bedroom furniture items you are best to invest in and make a priority with your budget. Your bed for example, that will be the focus of your room and something you will use every single day so it's worth investing in that. But smaller items like bedside tables needn't take up a massive portion of the budget, you can find loads of lovely affordable nightstands that are great quality for the price, so going with something super high-end seems like a waste of your money. 

Doing some shopping at La Redoute home? We're way ahead of you – this retailer has been a favourite of ours for some time now, which means that we have bought, tried and tested quite a few items from there. And, we have been more than pleased with their quality, to say the least. 

We've bought everything from a runner rug to new lighting, a garden furniture set and even some bedding from La Redoute (so far!). So, we thought we would list everything we love below – as well as a few things that are on our wishlist. This way, you can buy rest assured that you are spending your money on items that will last.

If you are shopping at La Redoute, just note that there's up to 40 per cent off EVERYTHING on site right now, including these top buys below.  

Visit our La Redoute discount code page for more incredible offers.

Head to our best garden furniture guide for SS21 garden inspiration.

La Redoute home best buys – 8 top picks to buy in the spring sale

• Click to shop La Redoute's home section for yourself - don't forget there's up to 40 per cent off everything

1. La Redoute Dudena 3-Piece Garden Set in Acacia Wood – £133

This garden furniture set has been in our garden for over a year now and it has survived winter, al fresco dinners and very hot days. It's foldable to save floor space, it comes in a range of colours and it's a bargain. We think it's great for smaller spaces, as there's a four-seater set available for larger gardens or families.

2. La Redoute Afaw Berber-Style Runner Rug – £42

We LOVE this runner rug and it has sat at the bottom of our bed for quite some time now. It's super soft on your feet and is great for smaller spaces. It could also go perfectly in a hallway. It also comes in other sizes – you might have seen it in a larger size on Instagram. We love the Berber design, and it comes in black, too.

3. La Redoute Mirni Printed Washed Cotton Duvet Cover with Tassels – £26.25

This bedspread is a long favourite of ours and it's great for minimalist or boho bedrooms. It has red tassels on each corner, and you can of course buy matching pillowcases to go with it. Not just good looking, but it's surprisingly soft, too. As well as long lasting – we've been using it on and off our bed for around two years now. It also comes in a range of colours.

4. La Redoute Dolkie Rattan Cane Lamp or Pendant Shade – £63.75

Made from rattan cane, this lovely light comes in two colours – one is just natural, the other natural with a black trim. We chose the latter and we love it in our bedroom. It's the perfect size so as not to take over a room, and it lets an impressive amount of light out, while 

5. La Redoute Waska Rattan Bed – £569.05

As you can probably tell, we love a bit of rattan – especially when it comes to furniture. We've been eyeing up this bed for quite some time now, and it might soon make its way into our basket. It has a high rattan headboard that corners around the bed, while it boasts reinforced feet that are solid pine. Stylish, functional and on sale...

6. La Redoute Amezza Acacia Deck Chair – £47.50

If you have minimal garden space but you want somewhere you can lounge with a book and a glass of Pimms, then a deck chair could be a smart buy. This one from La Redoute folds, it comes in a range of colours and it's made of Acacia wood. It also has five per cent off, and you can buy matching sun loungers if you have the room.

7. La Redoute Reelak Hammock Chair – £94.05

We love this hammock chair whether you are thinking of placing it indoors or out, and it looks super comfortable. It's made from polycotton though you will have to buy the hanging hooks yourself. We think it would look lovely accessorized with a cushion and a knitted blanket. 

8. La Redoute Cotama Cotton Pillowcase – £6.65

If you don't need an entirely new bedding set, then why not just buy some fancy new pillowcases to spruce up your bedroom? These ones will go perfectly with some plain bedding, while they are also tufted to add some texture to your room. They are pastel so as not to distract eyes from your furniture or decor, and they are machine washable at 60º.

Wondering how to wash a duvet? We've got you with this in-depth guide.

Putting the sheet, duvet cover and pillowcases in the washing machine is the easy part of getting bed linens clean. But there’s the duvet inside the cover to think about as well, and you might be wondering just how to wash a duvet. After all, this element of your bedding is bulky and comes with a variety of fillings that seem challenging to clean.

Getting to grips with the job is a must, though. When we sleep we lose half a pint of fluid each night and, in the course of a year, we shed a pound of dead skin cells, according to the Sleep Charity – and there’s only the cover to protect the duvet beneath from this onslaught.

That‘s not all, of course. There’s plenty more on the list of things that mean you definitely will want to clean a duvet in addition to its cover. Think tea or coffee spills, bodily fluids, and the fact that many of us let pets on to the bed, adding their own contribution to the (unhygienic) party. Now you know that lovely info, maybe you'd rather just consult our best duvet guide so you don't have nightmares.

Martha Stewart agrees, 'Your duvet, that fluffy bed covering that keeps you warm on chilly nights, can have a long and happy life if you take care of it properly. That's why laundering a duvet and its soft, comfy insert is a job that needs to be handled correctly. After all, your duvet is far more than just something to snuggle under for warmth—it's also a decorative accessory that contributes to your bed's status as the room's focal point.'

The bottom line? It’s vital to know how to wash your duvet, so you can keep all of your bedding hygienic and fresh. And for the inside track, all you need to do is scroll down.

• Once you're done with the duvet, it's time to learn how to do laundry. 

How to wash a duvet or down comforter in a washing machine

Your first instinct when thinking about how to wash a duvet is to pop it in the washing machine. It’s a good one, too, but there are a few things to bear in mind before you stuff the duvet into the drum and push the button.

First of all, check the duvet’s care label. Does it say it can be washed? If not, you’ll need to follow the instructions – likely to recommend taking it to a professional dry cleaner – to avoid unfortunate results. Duvets with synthetic fillings are often washable in a home washing machine, while those containing feather or down more frequently require dry cleaning. 

Is it possible to wash your down comforter in the washer? Well, you absolutely can but we recommend using a front loading washing machine, like the ones you'd find at a laundromat.

If the label does say that your duvet is machine washable, the next question is whether the washing machine’s drum is large enough to fit it. It’s important that the duvet can move around freely during the washing cycle. A washing machine with a 7kg drum capacity should be able to accommodate a double duvet but be aware that the tog rating also counts. If yours is a warm, high tog duvet, it may not be able to go into your home machine. The best course of action? Check your washing machine’s instructions.

All go for cleaning the duvet in the washing machine? Here's how to wash your duvet in the washer.

• Follow the instructions on the care label including when it comes to the temperature of the washing cycle.
• Use as high a temperature as the label recommends: at 60ºC dust mites are killed and this is particularly crucial for asthma and allergy sufferers.
• For a synthetic filling, use your usual detergent or as stipulated by the care label. Got a feather or down duvet/comforter? Go for a non-bio detergent.
• When the washing cycle has finished, make sure you shake the duvet out so the filling is distributed evenly.
• After that you’ll need to leave the duvet to dry thoroughly and completely before you put it back into a cover and on to the bed.
• You might be able to put it into the tumble dryer as an alternative, but always follow the instructions on the care label.

• Looking for a new washing machine? Step this way for our buyer's guide to the best washing machines. 

How to wash a duvet or down comforter without a washing machine

If your duvet is too large for your home washing machine but is machine-washable, you can take it to a laundromat with larger capacity machines. Some dry cleaners also offer a duvet-washing service along with dry cleaning for those duvets that can’t go into the machine.

What about other alternatives? Wondering how to wash a duvet in the bath? It’s not our recommended method, but it is possible. There’s a big BUT here, though. If your duvet’s care label says dry clean only, don’t try this method. 

Without further ado, here's how to wash your duvet or down comforter without using a washer.

• You’ll need to fill the tub to around half way with warm water, then add detergent and agitate the water to mix it in.
• Remember to check the care label for the type of detergent that’s recommended for your duvet.
• Put the duvet into the water, then work the soapy water into it, making sure you’ve tackled every area.
• Some people recommend using (clean) feet to do this to avoid awkward bending over the bath. 
• When you’re done, release the soapy water from the bath, and then rinse the duvet in clean water. 
• You’ll need to repeat this until there’s no detergent remaining. 
• After that, gently squeeze the water out, shake to distribute the filling evenly, and hang the duvet until it’s completely dry. 

• Find out how to wash pillows while you're washing your duvet.

How often should you wash a duvet or down comforter?

Your duvet doesn’t need washing as regularly as your bed linen because it is protected by the cover. However, you should do it at least on an annual basis, and every six months is probably better especially for a duvet owner who has asthma or allergies.

Martha Stewart suggests, 'Besides a cover, a duvet comes with the all-important insert, which can be filled with feathers, wool, fibers that are sustainably grown, or synthetic fibers. Though some inserts can be machine-washed, it'll last longer if you get it professionally laundered once or twice a year.'

• Why not splash out on some new sheets, with our guide to the best duvet covers and bedsheets.

How to wash a duvet naturally

We’d always recommend using a laundry detergent for cleaning your duvet and not creating your own recipe at home. But you can definitely use a natural detergent to get your bedding hygienic. 

Natural laundry detergents include plant-based ingredients, but the best still deliver the cleaning results you expect. As well as being eco-friendly, you could find they avoid the skin irritation other products may cause.  

It's not surprising that a bad bed = bad sleep. I'm sure you can remember (or not) the time you slept on your friend's couch after a night out, looking for literally anything to work as a blanket. Or after a post-hook-up sleepover being very aware that you're in a bed that's seen much better days. We've all been there.

These uncomfortable sleeping situations might be few and far between, but what if it's a daily prob caused by your own bed? Then it might be time to reconsider what you're sleeping on. It could be just your mattress or a need for some fresh sheets, so we spoke with several sleep experts to help you figure out what's behind your bad night's sleep and how to fix it.

While we can't magically cure your insomnia, there are a few things to look out for if your sleep setup just isn't it. It's easy to blame your roommates or partner for a crappy night's sleep, but let's get to the (actual) bottom of it.

3 common sleep problems and how your bed can solve them

1. Can't get comfy? Start with your mattress

Not many of us get to choose the mattress we sleep on. You might be snoozing on a mattress your landlord deemed "good enough" or one your mom thought was best back in the day. Either way, it may not be best for you. Sleeping on a memory foam mattress that's too soft or a pocket-sprung one that's too firm — or even one that is simply too old — can have you waking up with aches and pain. 

"Older mattresses are particularly likely to cause sleep disruptions," says Dr. Michael Grandner, a Casper Sleep advisor and director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona. "It may be comfortable at the beginning of the night but not in the morning when it has changed shape as you have been in it for several hours."

If you have control over what you get, it's worth investing in a mattress that matches your sleep style. If not, a great mattress topper can be an ideal short-term solution. Adding a foam topper to a sleep surface you find too hard, for example, will up the comfort level.

2. Hot sleeper? Try something temperature regulating

If you find yourself overheating at night and kicking a leg out of the bed to cool down, it may be as simple as swapping out your bed sheets. "For those who run hot at night or for warmer months, sleeping under the wrong style of bedding can lead to more tossing and turning and overall poorer quality of sleep," explains Katie Elks, director of product design and development at Brooklinen. 

Certain materials can be temperature regulating, helping you stay warm in winter and cooler in the summer. The most breathable bedding? A set of luxury linen sheets will do wonders for helping you sleep better. 

In addition to changing your bedding with the season, Elks also suggests reconsidering your comforter. You can swap heavier comforters for quilts or lightweight comforters (and vice versa). If you have no storage space to store an additional comforter, there are some amazing duvets that are split tog or made for all seasons to keep you at the correct temperature year-round. 

3. Neck pain? Your pillow is to blame

The wrong pillow can cause neck and back pain and contribute to snoring —all of which can cause sleep problems (even if you're not the one who snores). It may surprise you, but a pillow is not a one-size-fits-all product. Sure, it may seem like a pillow is a pillow, but your sleep position, how tall you are, and whether you need additional support can make a difference.

For example, pulling from his own experience, Macy's vice president and director of home Roberson Keffer suggests that side sleepers pick up a firmer pillow to get their spinal alignment in order. "I would seriously wake up with the worst lower back pain in the mornings and at first I just thought it's age," he says. "But I decided to purchase a firmer pillow, and honestly, it changed my life. The next morning, I was a changed man."

Pillows have a shorter lifespan than a mattress and need to be replaced a little more often. Luckily, this shouldn't hurt your budget too much. That being said, don't simply pick cheap pillows because of the price. There are five steps to help you choose the perfect pillow and price is only one factor.

As the seasons change, sleeping well can become more challenging. In the autumn months, we begin to turn on heating and use a lot of electric light, to say nothing of staring at our screens well past sunset. All of these things can make us restless at night, and it's very important to create a bedroom atmosphere that is comfortable and relaxing, and sleep-promoting.  Fortunately, there are several easy steps we can all take to sleeping well in autumn and winter, which we've developed together with John Lewis & Partners. Read on to find out how to maximise restful sleep during the colder months. 

1. Invest in the best mattress for your needs

The mattress is the foundation of your sleep whatever the season, but you will always feel any flaws in your mattress more as the seasons change, especially if your mattress isn't offering you good temperature regulation. As we turn the heating on, mattresses with lots of synthetic layers can feel hot and uncomfortable, which will make you toss and turn in bed. 

If this is your issue, or if you're an allergy sufferer, you might want to consider getting a natural mattress – that is, a mattress only made with natural materials such as wool, without the use of glue or chemical treatments. Take a look at the John Lewis Eco Mattress, for example.

2. Get breathable bedding

As the seasons change, you need to swap your bedding. Firstly, you will need a a warmer duvet. If you're too cold at night, you won't get a good night's sleep. This doesn't automatically mean getting a feather or down duvet, though, because these can make you too hot, which will also disrupt your sleep. Consider a wool-filled duvet, instead: wool is temperature-regulating and will keep you warm without overheating. Some microfibre duvets also have this quality: look for 'breathable' in the description. 

3. Choose the best sheets you can afford

Good sheets are not just an indulgence, but are crucial to a good night's sleep. Avoid synthetic sheets: always go for good-quality cotton (preferably organic) or, budget permitting, silk. These natural materials wick moisture away from your body, keeping you comfortable. Don't worry too much about thread counts, either: instead, look for bedlinen made from long staple cotton, which is higher quality. 

4. Create a tranquil atmosphere with your bedroom design

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary from the pressures of daily life, and soft furnishings like cushions and throws will help you feel safe and relaxed when you enter the room in the evenings. This doesn't necessarily mean that everything has to be grey and white: try a darker colour scheme if you prefer. The idea is to create a space that's inviting and makes you think about restful sleep – if the colour that you associate with it is midnight blue, then try accessorising with this colour.

5. Choose soft lighting that won't stop you drifting off

Last but not least, lighting can make a huge difference to how easy it will be to drift off at night. Avoid overly bright, harsh lighting, particularly bright ceiling lights or spotlights. Instead, invest in bedside lights with soft shades and choose light bulbs that are marked 'warm white' or even 'amber'. You want to minimise exposure to blue light in the hour before bedtime – but don't worry, soft lighting can still be bright enough for reading, it'll just be more yellow than blue. 

Get lighting, bedding, and everything else you need for you bedroom at John Lewis & Partners. 

Nights are drawing in and temperatures are dropping, and for many of us these seasonal changes mean thinking about one thing: hibernating. The longer and darker evenings are the perfect backdrop for a cosy night in at home: who wouldn’t rather sit in a comfy, warm room watching Strictly when it’s rainy and cold outside? 

And, of course, hibernating is about sleeping well through those dark and chilly nights. How to achieve the perfect wintry slumber? We say that the key ingredients of the perfect hibernating hub are: cosy lighting, beautiful bedding, and a little smart sleep tech sprinkled in. With the help of John Lewis & Partners, we guide you through each of these important elements to making your home a hibernating haven. 

1. Rethink your bedding

With the change of seasons, comes the need to give your bedding an overhaul. We say: there’s no such thing as all-seasons bedding, really. For the winter, you need your fluffy 10.5-tog down duvet, and heavier weight sheets, such as the beautiful 800-thread-count cotton sheets from John Lewis. And for an even heftier, snugglier feel to your winter bed, top it off with the tactile Boutique Hotel Velvet Stitch Throw. 

2. Hibernating doesn’t have to mean dark colours

White bedrooms can feel a little cold and clinical in the winter, but that doesn’t mean that a winter bedroom has to be dark to be cosy. You might find that jewel and earthy tones such as reds, browns, and oranges will help achieve a grounding, calming effect without being too dark. Orange is a surprisingly calming and soothing colour, and the washed linen bedlinen in burnt orange is an easy way to inject this colour into your bedroom without committing to a complete change.

Another way to create a relaxed and calm feel in the bedroom is to swap your regular cotton bedding for textured linen. The 100 per cent linen bedding from John Lewis & Partners has a delightful, soft feel, and comes in the new season's attractive deep colours. 

3. Add texture and warmth with cushions and throws

The trick to a bedroom that whispers, ‘forget your troubles and hibernate’ is layering. A textured quilt, fluffy cushions, a nice bedspread... you may not want to get out of bed on weekends at all. Colour-wise, consider adding depth to a neutral bedroom with rich teals and comforting pinks. Green and blue are grounding and relaxing, and will create a focal point in the room. 

4. Invest in more substantial window treatments

Curtains and blinds have more work to do in winter, keeping out the cold and wind as well as protecting your privacy. Choose heavy fabrics or blackout curtains and blinds. While you don't need their sun blocking properties on winter mornings, they actually double up as an excellent shield against cold weather. 

5. Add atmospheric lighting

Choosing the correct lighting is crucial to making your rooms cosy. Side lighting is always better than overhead lighting in a room that’s meant for relaxation and hibernating. Opt for soft pleated lampshades or frosted glass for a diffused and soothing effect. The 3 tier lamp by Design Project (shown below), for instance, has a top tier is smoky grey glass, which makes it perfect for bedrooms. 

6. Invest in a great bed frame and mattress

If you’ve been thinking about swapping your old bed frame for a new one, or replacing your old mattress, now is the time to do it. You’re guaranteed to spend more time in your bed in winter, so you’ll appreciate the investment even more. Of course, a neutral bed frame will never go out of fashion, but we’re all for bold, colourful choices this season. The Croft Collection Upholstered Bed Frame in Erin Citrine instantly adds welcoming warmth (and reminds us of sunny Tuscany), while the Natural Collection Swaledale mattress made with 100 per cent natural wool is a dream to sleep on. 

7. Ensure perfect sleep with smart bedroom accessories

You've got the bed, mattress, and soft textiles sorted – but how will you wake up in the morning when the clocks go back, and it's pitch black until eight in the morning? Hibernating is great, but most of us still have to go to work, so you might want to invest in a wake up light such as the Lumie Bodyclock. Unlike a regular alarm clock, it'll prepare your body for waking by imitating the sunrise. 

And what about the quality of the air in your bedroom? When the weather gets really too cold to have the window open at night, bedrooms can easily get stuffy, especially with the central heating on. An air purifier is your best solution to this problem. Our favourite is Vax 300 Air Purifier – it is very quiet in sleep mode, which means you can leave it on throughout the night. 

Autumn is definitely here: slight chill when you get out of bed, the need for a jumper, the weather... But before we shut the doors and batten down the hatches, there are still some essential Autumn garden jobs we need to do so that the garden can take care of itself over winter and emerge (like us) looking its best for spring.  

So, with the temperature slowly dropping and winds slowly rising, we've gathered the most important garden jobs you should be doing right now, even if you do nothing else. You're welcome. 

And if you want to discover three essential ways to transform your garden from a bare empty space to a usable and beautiful additional room where you'll want to be, even if it's not 28ºC, don't miss the latest episode of the Real Homes Show (below), where we reveal all...

1. Harvest fruit – and even fallen leaves – now

• Pick your fruit and veg now, and dig up any remaining potatoes before they get eaten by slugs.
• If you’ve got an apple or pear tree, pick the fruit in October for the most delicious results.
• Don’t forget about fallen leaves! Gather them up and use them as compost next year. They’re a great natural resource that shouldn’t be wasted.

2. Protect as the temperature dips

• Move less hardy plants under a cover, or even better, into a greenhouse.
• If you’re lucky enough to have a water feature, cover it with netting to prevent fallen leaves causing a water log.
• Cover tender plants, such as salad leaves with a netting.
• As for your pots, remove drip trays and replace them with special pot feet (or just bricks). This prevents them from sitting in water over winter and can prevent your pots from cracking when it freezes. You could even wrap bubble wrap around your pots to protect them from the elements.
• If you have any trees over 1m, they will need staking for support, especially if they are exposed to winds.
• Cover wooden furniture or put them in your shed.
• If you’ve got a vegetable patch, dig over your soil and leave the soil in large clumps. The weather will break it down into a nice crumbly texture, which is just what you need. 

3. Plant ahead for spring

• While the soil is still fairly warm, plant conifer or evergreen trees.
• Plant spring bulbs such as daffodils.
• Plant spring bedding, such as polyanthus and wallflowers.
• Later in the season, plant deciduous trees, shrubs and climbers, and then finally roses.
• Keep hold of your tulip bulbs until November, as that’s when they’ll grow best.

More on gardens

• Autumn garden: 13 best plants to add seasonal colour
• Real garden: a small hilltop garden in brought to life 
• Gardens to visit: 10 best British gardens 

Were you basking in last Saturday's heat, or are you in the camp that prefers the cooler weather we've had this week? Either way, everyone wants to know if the heatwave is coming back, and if so, when to expect it. After all, if we are getting another, longer hot spell, we'll need to think of ways to prepare our gardens for a heatwave, as well as thinking of ways to cool down our homes. 

So, is another heatwave likely into the school holiday? The current MetOffice forecast is tantalising, and much more confident about more warm weather coming to the south of the UK in July and into August, not so much in the north: 'There is a lot of uncertainty in the forecast through the second half of July, with a continued signal for lower than average pressure to be more likely across the north and higher pressure to the south. This may lead to spells of rain for all, but this heaviest and most persistent in the NW where above average rainfall is possible. Slightly higher confidence in the likelihood of slightly above average temperatures overall.'  

This isn't great news for those in the north who were hoping for the hotter weather to return or for those in the south who struggle to sleep when our rooms get too warm during the day – especially if the temperature at night is a bit too cool to keep the windows open. 

What to do if these temperature fluctuations are making you uncomfortable, especially at night? The key to staying comfortable is wearing clothing made from natural, temperature-regulating materials (think organic cotton or wool), and this applies to your mattress and bedding, too. If your mattress is trapping heat, consider getting a cooling mattress pad, and then a natural duvet (wool-filled, for instance) – that way you'll keep warm without overheating. 

Buying a new duvet can be a bit of a minefield if you’re not familiar with the many fillings available, but since the release of a bamboo duvet that’s temperature regulating, highly breathable and hypoallergenic for all-year use, it’s really a no-brainer. It's also sustainable and vegan as an added bonus. Enter: Panda’s Cloud Bamboo duvet. 

The bamboo duvet is a creation from eco-friendly and sustainable brand Panda, who are redefining home essentials for the good of the planet. Not only do they sell quality products that last, but they ensure fewer materials end up in landfills. Oh, and did we mention that they're the leading brand in the UK which specialise in products made from bamboo? Pillow, mattress, bedding set – you name it, they sell it made from bamboo.

Filled with 50 per cent bamboo fibre and 50 per cent nano microfibre to offer a cosy night’s sleep whatever the season, there are several reasons to buy The Cloud Duvet. To name a few, you’ll save space storing only one duvet (more room for shoes), and it’s suitable for everyone you could possibly imagine including your elderly (and always cold) nan. It also has a five-year guarantee and delivery is free!

1. SUPER SOFT

Never heard of a bamboo duvet? Intrigued? Due to its nature, you'd imagine a bamboo duvet to be rough, when in actual fact, it's not just extremely soft but also lightweight and silky. Let’s paint a picture… close your eyes and imagine yourself lying in a cloud – that’s what it feels like. The Cloud Bamboo Duvet is light, fluffy and keeps your body temperature regulated. No wonder they call it the cloud.

2. SUITABLE FOR ALL-YEAR-ROUND USE

Filled with a mix of bamboo fibre and nano microfibre, the Cloud Duvet features temperature regulating properties inside to ensure you stay cool on warmer nights and warm on colder ones. Its highly breathable 300 thread count bamboo cover certainly helps to keep the air flowing, too.

Talking from experience, although the duvet may appear to be thin and lightweight at first,  it’s really quite incredible how it insulates heat when necessary. On the first few nights of using, your body will be getting used to the duvet, but after that you’ll never wake up from being too hot or too cold again – trust us.

3. NATURALLY ANTIBACTERIAL & HYPOALLERGENIC

Ideal for those who suffer with allergies, sensitive skin or eczema, the Cloud Duvet is made from bamboo which is naturally antibacterial and can protect skin against irritation and allergies. 

It’s also Oeko-Tex Standard 100 approved, making it totally safe for babies and sleepers with sensitive skin.

4. SUSTAINABLE

Due to its bamboo filling, the Cloud Duvet is cruelty-free and vegan and no animals are harmed in the making. But, vegan or not, you must care about the environment, right? Well, if you didn't know already, bamboo is one of the world’s fastest growing and dense resources. Along with that, it also self-propagates, so doesn't need replanting once harvested, and it doesn't require any pesticides or fertilisers to grow. 

Another huge bonus is that bamboo absorbs more carbon dioxide and releases more oxygen into our atmosphere than other plants and even trees, in turn reducing greenhouse gases. It also uses a third of water compared to plants such as cotton.

Our favourite part is that when the duvet arrives, it contains no single-use plastic packaging. The packaging used is decomposable and made from 100 per cent recycled materials such as kraft paper. The ink used is also water based so not harmful to the environment and PVC and phthalate free.

5. REMARKABLE ATTENTION TO DETAIL

They say a good quality duvet should last five years, that’s around 1,825 nights of sleeping. Panda pride themselves on the fact they make their products to last, and they pay the closest attention to the finest of details.

As well as being filled with nano microfibres to make the duvet fluffy and bamboo to ensure it's soft and lightweight, the duvet is made in a Bavarian style (see image above) to keep the filling evenly distributed to ensure there's no cold spots.

We're more than aware that there’s nothing more annoying than waking up during the night because your duvet has somehow dropped down to the end of your duvet cover. Thanks to the fact the Cloud Duvet has four durable fasteners on each corner to hold your duvet and cover in place during the night, no matter how much you toss and turn, you’ll be cosy and covered.

The duvet is also super easy to care for, as it’s machine and hand washable, so every few months you can chuck it in your machine if you don’t fancy lugging it to the dry cleaners. Although it can’t be tumble dried, the fact it’s so lightweight and fluffy means it’ll air dry in no time. And, if something does happen to go wrong, it comes with a five-year guarantee.

While those of us who don’t get enough good quality sleep may be reluctant to believe it, ongoing research continues to assert the benefits of a good night sleep on our well being through the restoration of energy and consequent uplifting effects on the mind and body.

With this, in turn, leading to more productive days, sleep advisors at John Lewis & Partners are on a mission to ensure that everyone is getting the best night sleep possible. To make this easy to apply to a busy lifestyle, they’ve come up with 6 simple steps that, if followed, will ensure you’re maximising sleep potential. Who doesn’t like the sound of that?

1. Invest time in speaking to a sleep advisor

While dividing the nation into front, side and back sleepers is the most common method used to differentiate between sleeping needs; sleep advisors at John Lewis & Partners know there’s much more to maximising sleep than just this, having received specialist training to establish their technical knowledge when it comes to identifying the right bedding for the right customer. 

From shift workers, teenagers and parents to those who get too hot and those who get too cold (to mention just a few sleeping grievances), sleep advisors recognise that a range of factors contribute to an individual's ability to sleep well.

If you’re serious about getting the best night sleep possible, take time to speak to an in-store sleep advisor (you’ll find them in beds department of all branches) who can help uncover your individual sleeping style and recommend bespoke solutions for improving sleep quality.

2. Find out which mattress is right for you

If you don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing a mattress, harness the expertise of the John Lewis & Partners sleep advisor by utilising their handy Mattress Buying Guide. 

Recognising that sleep is personal, it’s a great starting point when it comes to choosing a mattress; promising to guide you effectively through your requirements and towards the best option for maximising sleep. Whether your requirement is for a soft or firm mattress, pocket spring or memory foam, single or emperor size, John Lewis & Partners go the extra mile in terms of helping identify a style that suits. 

For those looking to limit their impact on the earth, the John Lewis & Partners Natural Collection Mattresses are an advisable option. Hand stuffed with sustainable, natural and eco friendly mattress fillings, they’re biodegradable and chemical-free. 

In addition to this, they are, notably, designed with the sleeper in mind, offering three levels of support – Comfort, Firm and Luxury – depending on the needs of the user. As if this wasn’t enough, all John Lewis & Partners branded mattresses come with a 7 year guarantee from the date of purchase. What's not to love?

3. Choose high quality products that will stand the test of time

Once you’re sure of your sleep style and have identified the type of mattress you require, it’s important to commit to maximising sleep quality by investing in high quality products designed with sleep technology at their core. 

Too hot in bed

If you find yourself regularly overheating in bed, this may mean the combination of a Natural Collection Mattress with a Breathable Microfibre Duvet and Pillow and Temperature Balancing 400 TC Bedding. 

Too cold in bed

For those at the opposite end of the scale, the recommended combination may include a foam mattress, such as the Pocket Essentials Memory 1000 and a Siberian Goose Down Duvet which, on account of it’s high, 730 fill power (that’s a measure of how fluffy it is) effectively traps air. In addition to this, it would be advisable to pick up a Memory Foam Support Pillow and Cosy Window Check Brushed Cotton Duvet Set.

All products available from John Lewis & Partners, either online or in-store.

4. When maximising sleep, think beyond the mattress

While a good quality mattress is a sleep essential, it’s equally important to think about the effect the rest of your bedding is having on your ability to get a good night's rest. 

For example, parents of children, particularly those co-sleeping, should note the importance of wool bedding and its chemical free, hypoallergenic properties – we love the Devon Duvets Little Lana Natural Wool Duvet and Pillow Set.

Meanwhile, luxurious and sleep assisting silk sets, like the Mulberry Silk Duvet and Pillow sets, which are 100% natural, hand finished and filled with high quality mulberry silk for a blissfully cosy and light night sleep, are the best pick for those who love a bit of luxury.

5. Ensure you’re keeping cosy in the run up to winter

With winter creeping ever closer, it’s the right time of year to make sure that your sleep set-up is keeping you cosy. If you’re someone who feels the cold (we can definitely relate), this is especially important. Investing in a bedspread or throw for extra warmth, is a great starting point – we love the timeless simplicity of the John Lewis & Partners Herringbone Stitch Bedspread. 

For extra comfort (and to give your bedroom that cosy feel we all crave during winter) we’d also recommend taking a look through the John Lewis & Partners Cosy Night Essentials. We can’t get enough of this John Lewis & Partners Hottie (particularly the Scandi-feel of the antique white finish) and these gorgeous John Lewis & Partners Gemma Floral Print Pyjamas - they’re cotton, which allows for temperature regulation while allowing your skin to breathe. 

6. Set the mood for sleeping

In addition to sleep optimised, high quality bedding, it’s important to think about whether the environment you’re sleeping in promotes rest and relaxation.

We’d recommend opting for a neutral colour scheme in the bedroom, as this will help to calm the mind. Minimising light should also remain at the core of interiors designed around restful sleep, so it's worth investing in a black out blind – the BlocOut Made to Measure Blackout Roller Blind does just this. 

With this set-up in place, we'd recommend choosing a stylish bedside lamp as this will reduce harsh light and encourage the body to unwind gradually – we love this Marble Bulbholder.

Embracing smart home tech? The Philips Hue Beyond LED Table Lamp connects to your Wi-Fi network, allowing you choose from multi-coloured mood lighting and warm white task lighting option; setting the mood for sleeping from your phone. 

For help sleeping, the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray is a saviour for many, with a few spritzes working a treat and, if you’re really interested in monitoring your sleep, the Nokia Sleep Smart Sensor is a handy investment that allows you to closely track your sleeping pattern and discover just how effective your new bedding set up has been.

Summer's nearly over – time to start thinking about warm coats, shorter days, and... that inevitable seasonal cold. 

But apparently, you don't have to resign yourself to being ill when the weather gets colder, and the trick isn't necessarily to get a flu jab. Your home is likely to be full of germs after the summer, and they're all waiting for your immune system to weaken in winter – so, prepping your home for winter now should avoid infections later in the year. 

These tricks should your house clean and you free of illness.

Giving your house a deep clean can kill fleas

It may be tedious and time-consuming, but a deep clean really pays off come winter. This especially applies to homes with carpets, notorious breeding grounds for bacteria and parasites. Got pets? Still more reason to get that carpet deep cleaned, for their sake as well as yours, since any fleas that may lie dormant in your carpet will awaken come central heating season. If you really don't want to do it yourself, book a professional carpet cleaner.  

The fridge also needs your attention – throw away all out-of-date food (that jar of mayo that's nine months old, anyone?), clean and disinfect all shelves and drawers.

Cleaning the radiators should improve your allergies

Central heating can make you ill, and that's a fact. The dry air itself is not  great for our respiratory systems and complexions, but the accumulation of of dust in your radiators can aggravate asthma and allergies. So wipe them thoroughly with a damp cloth before turning on. 

Cleaning all bedding will kill dust mites

The 'all' is key here; it's not just your sheets that need regular cleaning – all bedding, including pillows, duvet, and mattress topper, need a regular clean, especially if you prefer natural materials such as feather and down. If you need convincing, wash just one of your pillows first, then compare it with the one you haven't washed. Feel the difference in weight? That's the dust mites and dead skin cells.  

Helen Johnson from the Fine Bedding Company says, 'Many of us are guilty of putting off those cleaning jobs that require a bit more time and effort. From cleaning out the fridge to cleaning filled duvets and pillows, autumn is the perfect time to look beyond the surface – and an autumn clean is now considered more important for and more effective than a spring clean on the nation’s health.'

Decluttering is good for your mental health (and charities)

Everyone instinctively knows that a serene and tidy room is better for our mental and physical health than a messy one, so go on and chuck the stuff you no longer want. Or, better still, give it to a charity. 

Now that the heatwave is finally over, getting that elusive good night's sleep seems possible once again. But ambient temperature is not all there is to sleeping well. The Fine Bedding Company has collated important research on how to achieve a good night's sleep to make restless nights a thing of the past. Perfect bedtime reading, if you ask us.

Should you change your duvet?

If you are too hot or too cold during the night – a common complaint – your bedding could be the culprit. That down duvet may be lovely and fluffy, but it could be keeping your body too hot, so opt for natural, moisture-regulating materials such as wool, or high-tech synthetics. 

Neuroscientist Dr Penny Lewis who runs the sleep lab at Manchester University advises that 'a good duvet can help us to maintain a comfortable body temperature while we sleep even if the room is a bit too warm or too cold.  If it is highly breathable, for example with natural or technically innovative synthetic fillings, it can also prevent moisture from accumulating.' The tog count, or weight, of your duvet is also important: investing in different duvets for different seasons is a worthwhile investment, particularly if you tend to overheat during the night. 

Choose the best pillows for your sleeping position

If you wake with a stiff neck or shoulders, your pillow could be the culprit. As a rule of thumb, if you are a back or stomach sleeper, go for a softer pillow; if you tend to sleep on your side, you're likely to need a bit more support. The material of your pillow may be less important than the quality of its construction, so it's not all about buying the most expensive one you can afford. Always test your pillow before purchasing if possible. 

Take hygiene seriously 

Washing your bedsheets regularly may seem obvious, but how often do you wash your duvet and pillows? Bedding that isn't cleaned regularly can be responsible for allergies and can worsen conditions such as asthma and eczema. So pop your bedding in the wash every two to three months.

The Fine Bedding Company's spokesperson, Helen Johnson, concludes, 'We like to compare the importance of good quality filled beddings to the importance of good underwear. Even the most sophisticated dress won’t look great if your underwear isn’t doing its job right – and it’s the same with bedding. If the bits beneath the sheets aren’t performing then, no matter how pretty it looks, the cover or mattress won’t make a difference.'

Keep your garden in shape this autumn with Matt James’ selection of garden projects to tackle in October.

• Remove drip trays and raise terracotta patio pots with bricks or special pot feet (from garden centres) so they don’t sit in water over winter and crack when it freezes.
• Plant bare-root trees, shrubs and roses.
• Clear up fallen leaves into black bin bags or create a separate pile next to the compost heap to make leaf mould ready for next October’s soil conditioning.
• Cut back and compost the stems of spent summer perennials.
• Continue to create new lawns from turf until the end of the month.
• Check tree ties and climber supports are secure before winter winds hit.
• Tidy your ponds and remove the pumps for winter if you don’t need them to keep fish.
• Lift and split poor flowering or congested perennials into large fist-sized clumps. Replant to the same depth as before, at least a trowel’s length apart.
• Check greenhouse or conservatory heaters are working properly.
• Replace frosted summer bedding with winter and spring displays.
• Continue planting spring bulbs, but leave tulips until next month.
• Stop feeding all plants outside until March.
• Clear any spent vegetable crops and compost them.

 Photograph: Leigh Clapp