Sleeping in a cold room with a bunch of cozy pillows and blankets is one of life’s greatest simple pleasures. IMO, 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. For a bed that looks as warm and inviting as it feels, here are eight cozy bedding swaps to make as we head into the coldest months of the year.
1. Switch to flannel 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 tiny insulating air pockets throughout the material, which help hold in body heat and keep you warm throughout the night. Plus, flannel sheets are brushed during the manufacturing process to create a super-soft, fuzzy feel. Say goodbye to those crisp cotton sheets for now—flannel bedding makes climbing into bed so much cozier.
2. Mix and match cozy patterns
Incorporating patterns—like plaid, gingham, stripes, or block prints—will add visual interest to your bedding and contribute to the cozy atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to mix and match a few different patterns, too! Just try to vary the scale of the patterns to avoid an overly busy look. For example, you could pair skinny ticking stripes with windowpane plaid or an oversized floral block-print pattern with gingham. If you’re not ready to commit to a patterned duvet cover or sheet set, try out the look with some throw pillows or a blanket draped over the end of your bed.
3. Add a quilt or blanket
If you run on the cold side, consider adding a blanket to your bed during winter for an additional layer of coziness. You can layer a blanket underneath or on top of your duvet for maximum warmth, or keep one folded at the foot of the bed so it’s there if you get cold during the night. Bonus: Layering in a blanket or two is a great way to add a pop of color and an extra cozy touch to your bedding. Waffle-knit cotton, insulating wool, and fuzzy fleece are some of the best 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 or need all the warmth you can get.
4. Try a weighted blanket
If you love the feeling of sleeping under a pile of blankets but don’t necessarily need all that warmth, a weighted blanket could be the perfect solution. Weighted blankets apply gentle, even pressure on your body, which can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. It’s basically like a warm hug for your nervous system, so it’s the ideal cozy bedding upgrade if you want to prioritize better sleep this season. As a general rule, your weighted blanket should be about 10% of your body weight for a comfortable, not overly heavy feel.
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? Colors like creamy ivory, rich brown, deep green, and burgundy 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. 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 a down alternative material) traps body heat to keep you warm but still allows for air circulation, preventing you from getting too hot and sweaty during the night. 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.
7. Layer in accent pillows
For maximum coziness on cold winter nights, an abundance of pillows is a game-changer. While sleeping with a pile of pillows might feel like too much during the warmer months, 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. For an extra cozy styling moment, finish off your bed with 2-3 rows of accent pillows, arranged with the largest ones in the back.
8. Try a heated blanket or mattress pad
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.
Alyssa Modos, Contributing Writer
Alyssa Modos is a freelance writer specializing in home, lifestyle, beauty, and entertainment content. She studied English at Indiana University and has since produced articles for publications including SheKnows, Architectural Digest, and Well+Good, to name a few.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
