SWEET DREAMS
It turns out getting a good night’s sleep during a pandemic is trickier than we bargained for. set yourself up for a serene slumber with some of these clever bedroom styling tricks and tips.
KEEP TO A CALMING COLOUR SCHEME
The easiest way is to start with a base of white bed linen.
It can be washed easily on a high setting to keep sheets sparkling clean, and if you choose a range of textured white linen sets, you can mix between sets without it looking mis-matched.
Mostly a set would be washed together of course, but there are always times when a pillowcase goes missing on the way to the washing machine, or one item needs an emergency wash because the cat has been naughty.
Introduce the colour over the top. Warm terracotta pink, blush and ochre layered with cream are gorgeous and uplifting together – like a spanish villa.
Go for block colours rather than floral patterns to keep things simple.
A throw and some cushions is enough, or you could go for plain block colour on the lower set of pillow cases as well.
Choose cushions that bring the colour scheme together.
If you prefer a bolder colour scheme, go with one shade of a jewel colour like emerald or sapphire, against clean white.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR LIGHT SOURCES Rattan is ideal for lighting because it diffuses the light and softens it without hard shadows.
But make sure you have sufficient light sources for everything you need to do, including good reading lights at both sides of the bed so you’re not straining your eyes when you read.
DECLUTTER
Keep bedside tables clear and uncluttered, and ideally free of clocks with lit digits and mobile phones and chargers.
save the space for something more decorative like a plant or a vintage radio.
If you must have your phone by the bed, consider a separate, lower table out of your eyeline.
GET A GOOD MATTRESS
GET the best mattress you can afford. Button & Sprung has natural fillings which are amazingly comfy as well as temperature regulating. plus their mattresses are now 100% recyclable, which is rare: 70% end up in landfill.
the most popular Drysdale double, with 4,105 springs, is £695.
CHOOSE A HI-TECH BED
The Koble Snor Smart Bed, double £799, Cuckooland.com has built-in wireless charging, USB points, and Bluetooth speakers, so you can play mindful meditation as you drift off.
Plus, motion-activated under-bed lighting means there’s no need to put the light on if you pop to the bathroom at night.
TOP SHEET TIP a Top sheet helps keep things clean, because if you don’t use one, you need to wash your duvet cover every week.
Plus, a top sheet, particularly a linen one, could help you sleep better.
Jo James from Bedfolk says: “Linen has natural bacterial resistance and moisture wicking benefits so sleeping under a linen flat sheet will allow your body to maintain a peaceful sleeping temperature – even if that is different to your partner.”
their linen flat sheets start at £60 at Bedfolk.com.
Yes, linen is expensive, but natural cotton is a good choice too.
“With cotton, most people look for high thread counts,” says Jo.
“But the weave is more important – high-quality cotton comes in a percale or sateen.
“Percale is cool and crisp: the ideal choice for hot nights.”
White tufted cotton duvet set, from £20; Rose tassel cushion, £7; matching throw, £20, all George at Asda (direct.asda.com) * Prices correct at time of going to print. Offers while stocks last