Make your bedroom more comfortable for summer by changing the bedding. Just as you pack away your winter clothes and swap them for summer dresses, tops, and bottoms, you should also pack away winter bedding in favor of lighter pieces. Keep reading to learn more about summer bedding and decorating your bedroom for the warm-weather season.
Besides mattresses and mattress pads, of course, sheets are the first bedding essential to concern yourself with when preparing your bed for summer. Flannel sheets are perfect for fall and winter, but in the summer months, you need something lighter. Here are our favorite sheet fabrics and weaves for hot weather:
Supima Cotton: No matter what type of bedding you’re shopping for, Supima cotton is always a good choice. Supima cotton sheets are breathable, sturdy, and soft, and they get softer every time you wash them. Supima cotton is colorfast and has double the durability of regular cotton due to its long-staple fiber. It’s grown in the USA and comprises only a small fraction of domestic cotton production. Supima cotton bedding comes in multiple colors and prints, so you can find pieces that coordinate with the rest of your bedroom.
Cotton Percale: Whether you choose Supima cotton or another type of cotton, the weave is important. While flannel is woven for warmth and coziness, percale is light and smooth. It has a semi-matte finish and holds its shape through repeated use and laundering, and it comes in sizes to fit almost every mattress.
Cotton Sateen: There are cotton sateen sheets that you can coordinate with duvet covers and shams. This cotton weave is similar to percale, except it has a lighter, silkier look and feel. The lustrous sheen and texture are similar to silk, except cotton sateen is more durable and machine washable.
Cotton Muslin: Another summer-worthy cotton weave is muslin. It has a light, crinkly look and feel for maximum airflow, so it’s great for sheets and quilts. Cotton muslin women’s nightgowns and PJs are an excellent accompaniment to any cotton sheet set when it comes to staying cool and comfortable on hot summer nights.
Linen: Whether you opt for Belgian flax linen sheets or another type of linen, you’ll likely appreciate the sturdiness and breathability of this sustainable material. Linen sheets are temperature-regulating; therefore, you can use them for all seasons. In the spring and summer, pair linen sheets with a lightweight linen blanket or cotton quilt for just-enough warmth.
As mentioned, linen and cotton are optimal summer fabrics. This isn’t just the case for sheets but also for bedspreads and coverlets. Whether you prefer a simple bedspread or patchwork quilt, stay comfortable with a low-density fill and light, breathable fabric and weave. Your top bedding can stay where it is even after summer’s over; simply layer on a comforter for added warmth during fall and winter. For example, you could top a cotton percale bedspread with a down comforter and flannel duvet cover.
Although comforters can be heavier than coverlets, bedspreads, and quilts, some are light enough for summer. Instead of choosing goose-down, opt for a down-alternative material with cooling properties. Down is excellent for winter, but it’s likely too warm for summer. There are organic cotton comforters with airy polyester fill, which you can cover with a duvet for protection and style. As with cotton sheets, some cotton comforters are machine washable. However, some aren’t — so definitely check the care instructions.
You might think of duvet covers as merely decorative, but they’re also quite practical. They protect your comforter against spills so you can launder it less frequently. For summer, choose a cotton duvet cover with a breezy percale or sateen weave, depending on the look you’re going for. As with sheets, linen duvet covers are also a good option for summer. Most duvet covers have ties to keep them in place, and some zip closed to keep your comforter or insert securely inside.
To keep the room looking summery, choose a duvet cover in a light color, such as white, dove gray, or blush pink. A tropical print is another option for creating a summery vibe. No matter which color or print you choose for your duvet cover, there are plenty of ways to create a coordinated look with wall art, a rug, and a grouping of decorative throw pillows on the bed.
In addition to changing the bedding, you can change the décor to create a breezy ambiance. Wicker photo frames and wall decorations impart a resort-inspired flair, especially when coordinated with a jute or seagrass natural fiber rug. Stay organized with seagrass baskets, and adorn your windows with floaty sheer curtains to welcome the summer sun. With a few simple changes, you can get your bedroom ready for summer and enjoy a comfortable, stylish season.