Need a bit of extra help keeping your bedroom cool this summer? Bring the temperature down with these clever tips…

We’ve all gone through hot heatwave nights – windows wide-open, sweating profusely, tossing and turning, and ultimately stripping your bed of duvets and pillows until the only things left are the hope you’ll soon fall asleep and a super-thin fitted sheet. Not again, thank you very much! So, to help you keep cool this summer, I’ve asked the experts to share their top tips on maintaining a crisp atmosphere in the bedroom…

1. Bedroom window dressing

We know keeping your bedroom cool during summer or a heatwave is not the easiest of tasks, and it is especially challenging in older properties or sun-drenched rooms, says Sally Denyer, digital marketing manager at Shutterly Fabulous. Enter, window dressing…

From roller blinds to chunky curtains, the right type of window furnishings can help effectively block the heat from direct sunlight and provide much-needed shade on scorching days. “Opting for blackout or thermal-lined curtains can make a significant difference, as these linings help block out sunlight and prevent heat from building up in your room,” explains Yvonne Keal, product expert at Hillarys.

Shutters are another great window dressing option as they don’t trap the heat. “Instead, they help to maintain a cooler, more consistent temperature throughout the day, making a noticeable difference when it comes round to bedtime. It’s an energy-efficient way to create a more comfortable environment without relying on fans or air conditioning,” explains Sally.

Luckily, these days, there is an array of types, styles, and designs to choose from, so you can find a solution to suit your bedroom.

2. Air quality

As much as we all love the shade, it’s important not to overlook the air quality in your bedroom either. “It might sound counterintuitive, but during the day, keep your bedroom windows closed and blinds and curtains drawn. Only on an evening when it is cooler should you open your windows ahead of bedtime,” says Holly Castle, brand manager at Slumberdown.

And, if your bedroom is flooded with sunshine during the day, Rebecca Mayes, industry expert at luxury bed manufacturer Harrison Spinks, recommends opening the windows and blinds on the shaded side of the house to let air flow in.

Don’t forget about little cooling gadgets like tower fans and air purifiers. “If you can afford to, investing in a fan can help to improve airflow and keep you slightly cooler on a night,” says Holly. Noel Fok, CEO and co-founder of EcoAir, agrees and adds, “On days when the outside breeze is non-existent, a good quality, low energy, quiet, electric fan is the most efficient way to keep air moving indoors to provide relief from the heat. Placing a bowl of icy water in front of a fan can help cool the air as it circulates.”

3. The mattress

Now, let’s look at the focal point of any bedroom – the bed. From the mattress and linen to the pillows and duvet you choose, it all plays a part in how well you rest on hot summer nights. “Cooling mattresses made with breathable components should help you sleep better and longer,” says Rebecca. “Egyptian cotton has natural cooling properties due to its super fine strands and is an absorbent, high breathability fibre, keeping you cool and dry during the summer months with its superior temperature control.”

Wool is another great option; it’s not only hypo-allergenic and antibacterial, but it also has moisture-wicking properties, adds Rebecca. “Wool is a superb mattress material, providing sublime softness, whilst acting as another great material for heat regulation, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer by absorbing and wicking away moisture to keep the surface of your mattress dry,” explains Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director of French Bedroom.

Alternatively, you can also opt for latex. “Latex is a dense natural alternative to foam thanks to its cooling qualities, due to the open-cell structure and heat dissipation abilities,” adds Georgia.

4. Duvets and pillows

If, even during summer, you can’t sleep without a duvet, make sure to choose a low tog solution. “Having a lower tog or a temperature regulating duvet is a fantastic way of ensuring that your bedroom is well-suited to your summer sleep needs as temperatures begin to climb,” says Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, sleep specialist and sleep counsellor at Tempur.

Berit Christiansen, category manager for duvets and pillows at Jysk, suggests opting for an 8 tog duvet or less to ensure you remain cool. “When selecting a duvet, it’s good to consider your personal temperature levels and also your sleeping set-up. If you are sharing a bed with someone else, it may be best to opt for a slightly lower duvet tog than originally planned, as the other person’s natural body heat will add to the warmth in the bed and room throughout the night.”

“The temperature in your bedroom also plays an important role when choosing a new duvet. An optimal temperature in the bedroom for many people will be around 18–22 degrees,” advises Berit. But if you truly struggle to keep cool at night, it might be time to retire the duvet and opt for a simple sheet instead.

When choosing your pillows, the same advice (as for mattresses and duvets) applies. So, prioritise solutions made from natural materials with breathable fillings such as down or wool, and take your time to select the right firmness, too. 

5. Bedding

For your summertime bedding, the experts say breathability is key. Opt for sets made from natural materials like organic cotton, sleek silk, and airy linen, which will help regulate your body temperature.

But it’s not just the materials that can help keep you and your bedroom cool; the colour of your bedding set is also important. Light and bright shades, for example, are perfect as they reflect heat instead of absorbing it. For more tips on choosing the right bedding for summer, click here.

With that said, I hope your pillow will always be cold when you go to lay your head down at night this summer…

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