Choosing The Perfect Bedding: A Practical Guide

Finding the perfect bed and creating a comfortable set-up has always been essential to your wellbeing. 

However, in today’s challenging times, it’s more important than ever before. Our lives are changing rapidly, and that means that we need to focus on getting the rest we need. 

There are also other reasons why we need to make sure that our bedding is perfect. For example, you might be feeling more tired due to the pandemic, or you could find that your working life has changed, and you now spend more time working from your bed.

Whatever your reason, if you’re searching for the perfect bedding, then there’s a lot of factors that you need to consider.

It’s not just the duvet cover that you should think about; from the mattress to the pillows you choose, every aspect of your bedding influences your comfort and ability to sleep.

If you’re choosing fresh bedding products to improve your sleep in 2021, then read on, and we’ll share some top tips to help you find the ideal solutions. 

Invest In A Quality Mattress

One of the most important parts of your bed is your mattress. If your mattress is old, or it isn’t supporting you correctly, then you should consider replacing it with a new model. There are many different types of mattress out there, each with unique features so that you can always find the right product to suit your sleeping style and other nighttime needs. All of this choice can feel incredibly overwhelming, so consider finding a mattress brand that you like and then choosing from their selection of products. 

Mattress brands usually have a unique selling point, so you can narrow down your search by choosing a mattress maker that aligns with your values. For example, if you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly mattress brand that cares about the planet and quality, then you could explore Nectar’s range of products. As this Nectar mattress review shows, the brand takes the environment as seriously as it takes your comfort, and it is one of few brands that offers you 365 days to trial the mattress and a lifetime warranty. The products are made in the UK, so they travel fewer miles to reach customers. They’re also sent in climate-neutral packaging to cut down on the cost to the planet so that you can sleep easily on one of these comfortable and eco-friendly mattresses.

Test Out Your Bedding

Every sleeper is different, so you need to make sure that you find the perfect bedding that looks amazing and feels great. It can be tough to tell if your bedding will be comfortable and suit your sleeping needs without testing it out, particularly if you’re buying it online.

Therefore, you should consider buying your bedding products, particularly expensive and important ones like your mattress and your pillows, from a seller that gives you a great returns policy and a trial period. Check the terms and conditions of each site before you commit to buying their bedding so that you can return it if the products you choose don’t suit your requirements. With a little trial and error, you should be able to find snug bedding that will keep you comfy for many nights to come. 

Consider Buying Multiple Products For Different Climates

When you’re buying bedding, it can be easy to think that you only need one of each; one duvet, one set of pillows and pillowcases, etc. However, you might want to consider selecting several products to keep you snug all year round.

After all, in the winter, you’ll need a completely different set of bedding to what you used in the warmth of the summer. While you could just add blankets, these can fall off your bed if you toss and turn in your sleep. Instead, consider selecting multiple duvets of different togs, so that you can change your duvet depending on the temperature. This approach will ensure that you feel comfortable no matter what the weather outside is like. 

Combine Style With Comfort

While comfort is key to choosing the right bedding, you should also consider style. Try to select bedding that is both comfortable and fits in with the aesthetic style of your bedroom. 

Style is where duvet covers, pillowcases and blankets all shine. There are many different styles to choose from, and you can buy several different designs to suit every mood and trend that takes your fancy. You could choose a timeless style that will never go out of fashion, or you could go for some trendy bedding by a renowned designer. Whatever you choose, make sure that it is thick enough for your needs and that it is the right size, to ensure that you don’t have to return it. 

With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to find the perfect bedding solutions. Use this guide to find comfortable, stylish bedding that enables you to get a great night’s sleep. 

Collaborative post with our partner.

 

Chic Bedroom Design Ideas You Have to Try

Your bedroom is meant to be that relaxing oasis in your home. It is your escape from all the excitement and noise in your house, it is meant to be soothing and inviting, and yet be inspiring from a design and décor standpoint. If your bedroom is currently lacking in all of the above categories, then it’s time to start thinking about a makeover project. Not only is a stylish and chic bedroom great to look at it, but it can also help to create that sense of calm that encourages healthy sleep habits.

So, before you start feeling overwhelmed with the massive amount of design options out there, here are the top chic ideas to try.

Invest in New Bedroom Furniture

If it’s been years since you invested in new bedroom furniture, it’s time to use a critical eye and take a good look at what you have. Dated furniture is only going to take away from the overall look and feel of the room, no matter what décor you try to match up with it. Even if you don’t have the budget to replace all the furniture, start with one piece and add to it over time.

So, which piece should be replaced first? There’s a good chance that your bed frame is the largest piece of furniture in your room, therefore, it’s a natural starting point. Replacing your bed frame will give the most impact in the room. 

Make sure to choose a frame that allows you to place a mattress foundation and the mattress. You need a good foundation for your mattress in order to properly distribute your weight and prevent sagging of the mattress itself.

Don’t Be Afraid to Mix and Match

This particular tip goes hand-in-hand with the furniture, as an eclectic look in a bedroom is both chic and stylish. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different textures, prints, materials, and even styles. The end result can be something truly beautiful and custom looking.

If you’re having a hard time figuring out what works and doesn’t work together, start with a color palette, and then choose elements that stick to that palette. That will automatically create the sense of flow that you’re trying to achieve.

Embrace Wallpaper

If the word “wallpaper” instantly transports you to the 1980s it’s time to think again. Today’s wallpaper designs and even construction is not at all that of the old styles. Wallpaper is now easier to hang and remove, and you’ll find a massive selection of designs. Even if you just hang wallpaper on one wall of the bedroom, it will instantly elevate the sophistication and elegance in the room. It can also act as a design focal-point.

Give Attention to Your Bedroom Lighting

Your bedroom also acts as the perfect room to tackle a lighting project. From hanging lights, pendant lights, wall sconces, bedside lamps, and chandeliers the options are endless. Lighting is able to add to the room’s ambiance and style, so be sure that you already have a cohesive design vision in place. This will make it much easier to pick out the “perfect” lighting.

Bring in the Decor Pieces

The final touch to any bedroom design is the decor. This is where you can get really creative and let your own personality and design style show. Items such as artwork, plants, vases, and other decorative pieces can truly finish off the design.

A Beautiful and Welcoming Bedroom Design

Using each of these tips will help you to create a bedroom that isn’t just chic and beautiful but is also incredibly welcoming. By the time you’re done your bedroom will look like something straight out of an interior design magazine.

 

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Home Idea Hacks

Schlafzimmer : Modern bedroom by Die HausManufaktur GmbH
The beginning of the year is usually met with the best of intentions, even if we don’t always stick to them. But there are a few home ideas that can have a lasting impact. The latest obsession with decluttering is a good one, getting rid of unwanted stuff makes things clearer and lets us know what is really needed. Replacing older items with good quality pieces, that will last, is also a great investment.

In the bedroom it is best to not have too much stimulation. Here are some great bedroom ideas

 

Keep it neutral.

Keeping the bedroom in a neutral colour makes the bedroom a calm environment. You can add touches of colour and personality with furniture, bedding and cushions. A colourful lamp or bedding will add a pop. Some artwork is great but nothing too angry.

Scandinavian style bedroom by saudade muebles

Keep your work out.

The bedroom should be a place where you sleep or relax. This may not always be possible. Especially in cities where many people live in house shares and rent a room in a house. I know when I lived in a house share I got irritated by all of the ‘the bedroom is only for sleeping’ advice in magazines. And what about weekends in bed? The bedroom should be a place of relaxing, sure, but also for fun and chilling out in general. Try to think of it as a place for recuperation. I often make the mistake of taking work to bed but it always leaves me stressed out. In my opinion the bedroom should be your safe haven from the world.

 

If the bedroom is all you have.

If you live in a house share then it is even more important that your bedroom is a place that makes you happy. You won’t really be able to separate work from relaxing time but you can still make sure your bedroom is a calm place. There will be a lack of space so invest in storage. Under bed storage is great and you can also invest in shelves and colourful boxes to put your stuff in.

 

Invest in good quality furniture.

Buying the best you can afford is a worthwhile investment. We still have some furniture that my husband was bought when he was a boy. The furniture still looks amazing today. Maybe we will even pass it down to our son.

 

Do you have any home hacks to share?

 

In collaboration with homify

Catching some ZZZZ’s – Choosing The Right Mattress For You

Recent studies have shown that having a new mattress improved sleep quality by 62.0%, sleep comfort by 70.8% and reduced back pain by 55.3% and back stiffness by 50.7% over a four-week period. That’s a huge change in someone’s quality of life and it’s all down to their mattress. We spend an awful lot of time asleep, yet take for granted all the effects that it has on us.  It’s not simply a case of getting enough sleep, but the quality of sleep that counts and that is impacted by your surroundings and, specifically, your mattress.

The average life of your mattress is around 9 years. In 9 years you will spend approximately 24,000 hours in bed, so it is reasonable to suggest that your mattress is an investment not to be taken lightly. Choosing the right mattress is essential to a happy relationship with your bed, so follow our guide to help you make the right decision.

Contrary to popular belief, a hard mattress is not necessarily the best for your back. Provided that the mattress has a good quality structure, the softness is down to personal preference. Choose a mattress retailer who specialises in mattresses to ensure that the structure of the mattress has not been compromised for comfortable padding that will only last a few years.

Don’t be afraid to slip off your shoes and lay on several mattresses at the store to try them out. If you’re in the right store the salespeople will encourage you to do so. All the mattresses will feel comfortable at first, especially if it has been a rather arduous shopping trip, so you will need to spend a good 15 minutes laying on the mattress, in which time if it is too firm or soft, your back will probably start to let you know or you may feel uncomfortable when you stand again.

Think about the needs of your partner too. If you are co-sleeping, you will need to ensure that what’s perfect for you in a mattress is suitable for your partner.

Do your research. It’s so easy to be bombarded with jargon and science and the wide array or types of mattress technology now available. Before you start shopping, find out about the different types of mattresses and the pros and cons to each so you are already armed with knowledge.

Once you’ve made your choice, ensure that your mattress comes with a warranty or 30 day in-home trial. A higher end mattress should come with this guarantee, which will give you peace of mind that if you’ve made a colossal mistake, you won’t have to live with discomfort.

Now you’ve got your new mattress, looking after it properly will ensure that it stays in good condition. Air your mattress every morning by just throwing the bedclothes off for 20 minutes to allow the body moisture collected overnight to evaporate. Vacuum your mattress every time you change your bedclothes, this will help to keep dust mites to a minimum and help to keep your mattress clean.

Sweet Dreams!

Women Won’t Move In With Messy Men

Frost has a series of posts on how to get your relationship on track or how to find the love of your life just in time for Valentine’s Day. We found the following information very interesting. If you want someone to move in, for the night or forever, then read this.

·      1 in 3 women have turned down a night of passion because of clutter in the bedroom

·       41% won’t move in with their partner because of their clutter crimes

·       2.4 million UK couples already living together argue over clutter up to 154 times a year

·       20% of women would rather their man de-cluttered the house than buy them a bunch of roses this Valentine’s Day


 With the nation’s hoarding habits on the increase, it’s no wonder clutter is causing conflict amongst co-habiting couples. But, with 1 in 3 women admitting they’ve turned down a night of passion because the bedroom’s been left in a state – and 41% saying they won’t even move in with their partner if they’re guilty of clutter crimes, IKEA is urging the nation to clean up their act if they want to be in a healthy relationship.


 

As newer UK homes are being built smaller, some having the smallest floor space in Europe (on average 83sqm1or less), it’s becoming increasingly tough for couples to make room for their love lives. However, with 20% of women admitting they want a clutter-free house over a bunch of roses this Valentine’s Day, men will need to clean up their act and pull more than just a romantic gesture out of the bag to please their partners this month.


 

With the bedroom now a key secondary living space, over a third (33%2) of people say it’s where they like to relax. But with almost half (42%2) of Brits admitting it’s where they hoard most of their junk, it’s now become a clutter hotspot for couples; and that’s what’s turning the bedroom cold.


 

2.4 million UK couples admit they already argue up to twice a week about their clutter gripes in the bedroom – that’s a staggering 154 times a year – and with almost 20% of men thinking it’s still a woman’s work to de-clutter the household, their opinion seems to be fuelling a different kind of fire in the home.


 

But what are people’s biggest gripes? When asked about the opposite sex, men and women picked out these top clutter crimes:

 

Men on Women:

·       Too many beauty products and toiletries (19%)

·       Too many clothes and shoes! (17%)

·       Paperwork in the bedroom (10%)

Women on Men:

·      Piles of dirty clothes left on the floor (36%)

·      They’re hoarders – they just have too much stuff! (25%)

·      Their treasured hobby takes up too much space (17%)

Stelios Kiosses, popular TV psychotherapist and expert on the emotional effects of clutter, comments on IKEA’s findings:  “The results highlight one of the most common problems in relationships due to clutter – a lack of communication.  For most women, clutter symbolises that her partner doesn’t care about how she feels. Women tend to express this by increasing the amount they complain about clutter, but men misinterpret this and tend to take it as a remark meant to make them feel incompetent.


 

Clutter then becomes a barrier between the couple, creating feelings of resentment. Few couples realise the importance of dealing with it until it is way out of control – piles of stuff in every room may affect the couples ability to think clearly, relax, and enjoy their living space so it’s important to have storage space for every item to prevent more pile-ups.”

 


So how do couples try and manage their clutter under one small roof? 33% of women say they’ll do the tidying themselves to try to save arguing (compared to 21% of men), while another 16% say they have to resort to nagging to get their other half to tidy up.

 


29% even admit to ‘accidentally on purpose’ throwing their partner’s belongings out, while a cunning 9% of women will use an ‘early night’ as a bargaining tool when it comes to de-cluttering the house.



New Year, New You – Part 3: Transform Your Home

In the first installment of my ‘New Year, New You’ series, I wrote about how the start of a new year was the perfect time to change all those things that perhaps bugged you a little in the previous year – such as your job, your wage and your home.

But, on later reflection upon the latter subject, I realized that for many, moving home probably wasn’t the most financially viable option when it comes to starting 2013 afresh. After all, given the current economic climate and the situation of the housing market, this prospect is totally unrealistic for many.

So, if my suggestion of changing your home did you get thinking, but you just can’t afford to uproot completely, then here are a few ways you can transform your home, so you can start 2013 in a beautiful fresh new home:

The Living Room

The living room should be a place all the family can go to, to relax, unwind and put their feet up after a hard day at work or school. But, for some reason, you just can’t stand spending time in yours. You can’t quite figure out if it’s because of that laminate flooring you put down, or if it’s because of the old sofa that’s long passed it’s time, or whether it’s just everything combined.

Well, if this is you and you’re looking for ways to change your living room without spending a fortune, then believe it or not, there are a few simple ways you can transform it beyond recognition, whilst still keep those all important pennies in the piggy-bank.

If your living room is a little on the small side and you long for a bigger living room, then purchase a mirror – yes, that’s right; It really is as simple as that. Buy a frame-less mirror and pop it above your fireplace and it’ll instantly open up the room and create the illusion of a much bigger space.

If you’re sick of your old sofa, then the New Year is the perfect time to purchase a new one – big furniture giants often have their biggest sales at the end of the year, just after Christmas. So, if you’ve had your eye on a gorgeous corner piece all year, then now’s the perfect time to buy it!

The Bedrooms

We all like our bedrooms to look nice – after all, they’re the first rooms we see when we wake up and the last ones we see before we go to bed. But, you’ve had that plain magnolia on the walls for years now and quite frankly, you’re getting a bit tired of it. You’d love to decorate it with that gorgeous wallpaper you’ve seen, but you’re terrified about what the final price would be.

Well, you can decorate it with that lovely wallpaper and you can afford to do it – with a feature wall. Feature walls have become increasingly popular in recent times, simply because of their affordability and their ability to make a room look effortlessly sophisticated.  Classic feature walls normally consist of ones backing the bed or at the foot of a room.

Bathroom

From having a bath or shower, to brushing our teeth or putting on make-up, we spend an astonishing amount of time in our bathrooms on a day-to-day basis. So, it’s important that they get a little sprucing up from time to time, too.

But, splashing out on a brand new bathroom suite can get pricey – after all, the old one has to be completely ripped out, and you can end up spending a fortune on a new one to be fitted in its place.

But, there’s a much cheaper way to changing the whole dimension of your bathroom completely; a bathroom TV. Now, I know you probably only ever really see bathroom TVs on programs that spy on the homes of the rich and famous, but believe it or not, they really are affordable.

Simply mount one on the wall facing your bath or shower, and you can enjoy your favourite programs whilst you’re winding down in the bath, or catch up on the morning news when you jump in for your shower. And, what’s more, when they’re switched off, they standby-by screen changes itself into a fully functional mirror, so you can prune yourself in it once you’ve finished bathing!