"Sleeping in a cold room with a bunch of cozy pillows and blankets is one of life’s greatest 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 six simple swaps that will make your bed extra cozy as we head into the coldest months of the year.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
5. Incorporate warm colors.
If you’re the type of gal who has crisp bright white bedding year round, dare we suggest adding in some warm colors or, at the very least, some warmer whites? Creamy ivory, rich brown, deep green, and dark gray will add a cozy look to your bedding that bright white just can’t beat this time of year. Swap your sheets and duvet for warmer tones or incorporate an accent color with throw blankets and pillows to round out the cozy vibes.
6. Upgrade your pillows.
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.
