The best lightweight bedding for better sleep this summer
As John Travolta sang in Grease, ‘Oh, those summer nights’! They can be hot and steamy, and not in a good way. There are many ways to try and beat the heat in the bedroom, but the most sensible is to think carefully about your bedding and select materials that are designed to keep you cooler. Think linen and pure cotton. or, if you want a twist on the classics, how about seersucker (a classic summer material for a reason) or organic hemp? Take your pick from our stylish edit… and sweet dreams.
‘Pure’ bedding, Magniberg
This Swedish brand uses 100% Supima cotton (a superior type grown in the USA) with a 500-thread-count to create this light and silky bedding collection. The stitching is kept to a minimum for a streamlined look, but it’s the mix and match colours (‘Blossom Pink’ and ‘Fresh Green’ pictured) that make this collection extra cool. From £136 for a duvet cover, magniberg.com
‘Organic Hemp’ bedlinen set, Naturalmat
Not only is hemp an incredibly sustainable material, but its extra-long fibres make for a supremely breathable textile with the ability to keep you cool on hot nights. For those who appreciate the artfully crumpled look of linen, this has a similar style. Plus, the fabric is GOTS certified, meaning the farmers earn a fair wage and have good working conditions. £314 for a double, naturalmat.co.uk
‘Muslin’ duvet set. H&M Home
H&M Home has long been a destination for those searching for affordable linen bedding, but now there’s another option that’s equaly as attractive. This new ‘Muslin’ collection is super-soft but also extremely cool, with a thread count of 250. We like this muted ‘Light Mole’ colourway, but also look out for the cobalt blue! £69.99, hm.com
‘Été’ bedding, Hay
What could be more summer appropriate than a cheery deckchair stripe? This version by designer Amanda Borberg is especially breezy. The duvet cover and pillowcases are produced using Oeko-Tex certified cotton, which means it’s guaranteed that no pesticides or other harmful substances have been used by its farmers. From £125, finnishdesignshop.com
‘Iris Down’ quilt cover, Hästens
You may know the classic blue and white Hästens check (it’s a Swedish classic for a reason), but this hand-drawn design by Lars Nilsson is less well-known. Its pattern is inspired by English gardens blooming with iris flowers and its Egyptian cotton has a thread count of 400. £565, hastens.com
‘Jess’ bedsheet, Society Limonta
Summer sometimes call for removing the duvet all together – that’s when this simple sheet by chic Italian brand Society Limonta becomes the ideal choice. Its textured appearance is inspired by pinstripe shirts and its look is as fresh as could be. Made from 100% cotton, it’s a light touch at bedtime. £245, uk.societylimonta.com
‘Frill’ bedlinen, Feather & Black
If your tastes run a little more classic, this 100% cotton set is a more pared-back plain option, with the frivolity kept to the very edges, which are carefully and precisely pleated. Choose from this ‘Ochre Gold’ option or a more neutral light beige. £168, featherandblack.com
‘Hem-Stitch’ linen bedding, Volga Linen
For those who love continuity in their home, this collection by the British heritage brand is also available as a tablecloth and napkins. Linen is naturally lightweight, cooling and durable, while this design with its delicate stitching will look timeless. Think modern heirloom. From £150, abask.com
‘Seersucker’ bedding, Heal’s
Seersucker is a seriously summery fabric. Essentially a cotton, but with a puckered texture that allows it to breathe against the body, it’s an ideal choice for hot nights. Plus, this sage green colour will look cooling on hot days and cosy when we head into autumn. From £49, heals.com
‘Percale’ duvet cover, Tekla
Percale is a traditional textile for use in bedding, but that’s for very good reason. It is crisp (imagine the feel of a quality shirt), durable and its long fibres make it more breathable against the skin. We love this ‘Hopper Stripes’ version – there’s a matching bed shirt for a complete look. From £125, teklafabrics.com
‘Cream Pastel Field Rose’ bedding, Piglet in Bed
Made from a blend of linen and cotton, this bedding collection makes the most of the best qualities of each fabric for a result that is soft, lightweight and durable. The floral motif is taken from a vintage pattern sourced from the Susanna Samson Design archives, and is the perfect ditsy nod to the season. From £139, pigletinbed.com
