Sleeping in a cold room with a bunch of cozy pillows and blankets is one of life’s best simple pleasures. Winter is easily the best season for getting a great night’s sleep, especially if you live in a region that experiences colder weather this time of year. Since it’s already chilly outside, your bedroom is bound to be cooler in the evenings, too. That means it’s time to swap out your usual bedding for something more heavy-duty to make sure you’re warm and cozy and not shivering through the night. Here are five simple swaps that will make your bed extra cozy as we head into the coldest months of the year.
1. Switch to warmer sheets.
One of the easiest ways to stay warm and cozy during winter nights is to replace your usual cotton or linen bedding with a set of flannel sheets. The way flannel fibers are woven creates insulating air pockets throughout the material so it traps heat. This helps not only to keep you warm while you’re in bed but also keeps the room warmer by holding onto the heat generated by your body. Brushed-soft flannel is perfect for optimal warmth and softness.
Flannel Sheet Set
5 colors available
Flannel Core Sheet Set
5 colors available
Luxury Organic Flannel Sheet Set
2 colors available
2. Swap out your comforter.
The best type of comforter for winter is a down comforter, so if you don’t already have one, now would be a good time to make the swap. Down (or down alternative material) is breathable and provides the same warmth as a heavy-duty material like wool without being as heavy and scratchy. Plus, a down comforter is ideal to use as a duvet insert—it’ll add plenty of insulation while staying protected from dirt and sweat. Choose a flannel duvet cover rather than a linen version for the warmest material possible.
Down Alternative Comforter
Ultra-Warm Down Comforter
Premium Down Alternative Comforter
3. Add a quilt or blanket.
If you run on the cold side, consider adding a blanket to your bed during winter for an extra layer of coziness. Breathable cotton, lofty down, insulating wool, and fuzzy fleece are the warmest types of blankets for winter because they keep heat close to your body without causing you to overheat. A quilt can also be a great addition if you live in a particularly chilly climate. But if you tend to run hot, you may want to keep the extra blanket folded at the foot of the bed to warm just your feet, or forgo the extra layer altogether.
Oversized Solid Bed Throw
3 colors available
Horizon Wool Blend Throw Blanket
Modern Heirloom Quilt
2 colors available
4. Try a heated blanket.
If you dread climbing into sheets that still feel cool to the touch, you may want to add another element of warmth to your bedding. A heated blanket works well if you like to bring your warmth with you from the couch to the bed. However, if warming up your bed is your main goal, choose a heated mattress pad over the blanket version—a pad will provide more insulation and allow you to preheat the bed evenly. Turn it on while you go through your nightly routine so it’s already toasty warm by the time you climb into bed.
Faux Fur Electric Throw Blanket
7 colors available
Quilted Heated Mattress Pad
5. Upgrade your bedding essentials.
For maximum coziness on cold winter nights, an abundance of pillows is a game-changer. While a bunch of pillows in your bed during the warmer months might feel like too much, the added warmth and cuddliness from extra pillows will help you sleep more soundly on especially chilly nights. In addition to the ones you use for sleeping, line your headboard with at least two standard-size pillows to add comfort and support.
Euro Down Alternative Pillow
Down Pillow
