When the temperature dips and the cold winter winds begin to make your bedroom feel less than inviting, it’s time to take some proactive measures to warm things up. Nobody wants to waste money on energy bills, so rather than turn up the thermostat, here are a few ways to stay warm and cozy all winter long.
With a few easy steps you can prevent that awful experience. No more feeling like you’re taking an ice plunge when you peel back the covers and slip into bed. Instead, enjoy the relaxing warmth of a sumptuously soft and soothingly warm bed!
1. Start with Flannel or Jersey Sheets
Cotton percale provides the perfect crispness for warm weather months, but it doesn’t hold the heat well. At the first signs of chilly temps, I like to swap out my sheets sets and put the cotton ones away for the season (along with my spring and summer clothes). For fall and winter, you’ll want to choose thicker fabrics like flannel or jersey knit. These types of sheets are insulating, soft, and instantly feel warmer to the touch (no bedtime sheet shock!).
Flannel sheets are typically made of cotton thread and are woven and brushed to create that warm and inviting fuzzy feel. Jersey on the other hand has more stretch and more breathability, it’s a good transition fabric and is more comfortable for those who become hot when sleeping.
- Be careful when shopping, some sheet sets use words like “warm” and “cozy” when they are just standard year-round sheets. Feel the sheets with your hands and shop reliable sources such as L.L. Bean and The Vermont Country Store.
- Pre-washing your flannel sheets a couple of times before winter will help get them fluffier and cozier.
- If sleeping surrounded by flannel feels too warm for you, consider adding a flannel flat sheet on top of a traditional cotton top sheet. This will provide warmth but keep it away from your body. Also consider satin pillowcases to keep your head from becoming too hot and protecting your hair from breakage.
2. Layer Like a Pioneer
Although those big high loft comforters can feel luxurious at a nice hotel, for everyday use, they can feel a bit…much. That’s not to mention the work of slipping on and off a duvet repeatedly for laundering. Instead of going big, opt for multiple thin layers, which you can easily adjust as the temperature changes. Pairing a quilt with a comforter and an additional thick throw on extra cold nights is a time-honored bedding tradition. That’s because layering traps heat in between the various layers. This lets you adjust depending on your personal “ice cube or furnace?” status each night (because this changes frequently, especially as we get older!).
Since down comforters always involve some level of animal cruelty, I was curious what eco-friendly, natural alternatives to poly-down existed. Luckily there are quite a few so we can all say goodbye to down forever! Ettitude has a 100% plant-based comforter with a CleanBamboo® fabric shell, available in two thickness options for spring/summer and fall/winter. For fans of recycled materials, Buffy’s Cloud Comforter gets rave reviews.
Due to concerns over animal welfare in the wool industry, you might want to consider cruelty-free options like cotton fleece or recycled blends. At the moment, polyester blends appear to be the best alternatives to wool blankets when it comes to insulation. However, there are lighter alternatives, such as an organic cotton blanket or Lyocell. Another option is to source second-hand wool from thrift stores and yard sales!
3. Use a Heated Mattress Pad
Unlike an electric blanket, a heated mattress pad warms from underneath and stays consistent throughout the night. Many have dual-zone controls too. Some people swear by warming the bed for 30 minutes before hopping in, then turning it off. The Spruce tested dozens and named the Sunbeam Restful Quilted Water Resistant Heated Mattress Pad as the best overall.
If you’re not ready to commit to a full bed heating pad, portable heating pads can do the trick, especially if it’s just you or you’re the only one who wants extra warmth. Just make sure your heating pad has an auto-shutoff so you don’t risk a fire by keeping it on too long!
4. Old-School Hot Water Bottle
Want a somewhat non-electric option for warming up the bed? The classic hot water bottle is a charming and effective method. Fill one before bed and slide it between the sheets. Tuck it at your feet or hold it like a teddy bear. Some even come in their own winter sweaters. Of course today, we’re not limited to the old fashioned rubber bottles. Modern versions include microwaveable heat packs filled with rice, flaxseed, or cherry pits (bonus: they smell toasty too).
How They Warmed Up a Bed Back in the Day
In ye olden times (aka pre-central heating), people still found ways to make bedtime less chilly. Some families warmed bricks or cast iron and wrapped them in towels to place between bedding. Others used “bed warmers” which were metal pans with hot coals that were designed to slip between sheets. This method was extremely risky however and certainly not recommended for beds today! Families also shared one bed to retain warmth.
Added Ways to Keep Your Bed Warm and Cozy
Draft-Stopping, But Make It Cute
Sometimes it’s not the bedding that’s the problem, but the level of cold invading your space. Luckily, there’s several simple steps you can take to help keep the chilly winds at bay.
- DIY Draft Snakes: Sew your own using a plaid or velvet fabric and fill it with rice, lentils, or sand. Add dried lavender or cedar chips for bonus scent and charm.
- Layered Curtains: Use double curtain rods to hang sheers and heavy velvet or lined drapes. Close the heavy ones at night to trap warmth and block window chills.
- Vintage Quilt as Door Tapestry: Hang a cozy quilt over the back of a door or on the wall near drafty spots — practical and aesthetic.
When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing like curling up in a warm, soft bed. Enhance the experience with a few warming scents, like spiced chai, amber/sandalwood, or cardamom/clove. A crackling wooden candle wick can echo the sounds of a fireplace while wood smoke or fireplace blends can add to the warmth. Pair with some sleepy time foods or a piping cuppa ginger tea to warm you up from the inside out, relax your mind and help you to unwind. All that’s left is choosing the right cozy wintertime tale to escape into while the snow falls outside.