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On the JJ Barnes Blog, while it’s a lot of fun to get Christmas into every corner of your home, some of the sheets available can mess with your sleep, so I’m sharing how to choose the best festive bedding this Christmas.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we all love to deck the halls (and our beds!) with festive cheer. Searches for ‘Christmas Bedding’ have skyrocketed by 214% to 291K searches this month, and while it’s fun to indulge in Christmas-themed bedding, it’s important to choose wisely a some festive fabrics might also be sabotaging your sleep.
To help us all choose the best festive bedding, with the help of Rhiannon Masters, Head of Brand at Piglet in Bed, I’ll share top tips for what to look for and what to avoid this Christmas!
Many festive bedding sets are made from synthetic fibres like polyester, which is notorious for feeling rough against the skin and trap heat, eventually making you sweat. While they may look charming, their texture can irritate sensitive skin, and the lack of breathability might also lead to a restless night.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Christmas without compromising your sleep, invest in better quality bedding that still honours Christmas traditions by combining colours and patterns that symbolise the winter season. Colours like Berry or a classic check pattern can bring in a nostalgic and warm feeling in the winter months.
-Rhiannon Masters
How To Choose The Best Festive Bedding
Choose The Right Materials
Poor quality fabric sheets can significantly disrupt sleep quality. Low-quality materials often lack breathability, trapping heat and moisture and leading to discomfort and restlessness. Additionally, rough or irritating fabrics can cause skin irritation and disrupt sleep cycles. Investing in high-quality, breathable sheets made from natural fibers like cotton or linen can promote a more comfortable and restful sleep.
Cotton
Cotton is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s breathable, soft, and hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for those who tend to overheat at night. Cotton sheets allow your skin to breathe, regulating your body temperature and preventing night sweats. Additionally, cotton is gentle on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation or allergies.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a sustainable and eco-friendly fabric that offers numerous benefits for sleep. Naturally hypoallergenic, it’s gentle on the skin and reduces the risk of allergies or skin irritations. Bamboo is also highly absorbent, effectively wicking away moisture from the body and keeping you cool and dry throughout the night. Its temperature-regulating properties ensure comfort in both warm and cold weather.
Flannel
Flannel is the epitome of cozy comfort, making it the perfect choice for chilly winter nights. Its soft, brushed surface feels warm and inviting against the skin. The dense weave of flannel traps heat, keeping you warm and snuggled up all night long.
Velvet
Velvet is a luxurious and decadent fabric that can add a touch of opulence to your bedroom. Its soft, plush texture and rich, deep colors create a sense of elegance and sophistication. However, it’s important to note that velvet can be quite warm, making it more suitable for colder climates. If you live in a warmer climate, consider using velvet as an accent, such as a velvet throw pillow or a velvet headboard.
As a solution, it’s better overall to look for festive bedding that uses natural, quality materials like linen or 100% cotton as these will feel softer, help to regulate your temperature, and are super breathable, in turn, leading to a more restful sleep.
-Rhiannon Masters
Avoid Poorly Processed Dyes
II’s important to prioritize quality over aesthetics. Poorly dyed fabrics can fade, bleed, and irritate your skin. To ensure a comfortable and stylish sleep, consider these tips when selecting festive bedding:
The Importance of Quality Dyes:
- Colorfastness: Opt for fabrics that have been treated with high-quality dyes to prevent color fading and bleeding.
- Skin-Friendly Dyes: Choose bedding that uses eco-friendly and hypoallergenic dyes to minimize the risk of skin irritation.
- Durability: Well-dyed fabrics are more durable and can withstand multiple washes without losing their color or softness.
How to Choose Quality Festive Bedding:
- Read Labels: Check the care instructions and fabric composition. High-quality fabrics, such as cotton, linen, or bamboo, are often more durable and colorfast.
- Feel the Fabric: The fabric should feel soft, smooth, and free from any rough patches or irregularities.
- Check for Colorfastness: Before purchasing, consider doing a colorfastness test. Wet a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric and press it against a white cloth. If the color transfers, it may not be colorfast.
- Wash Before Use: Washing new bedding before using it can help remove any excess dye and ensure a clean and fresh sleep.
Christmas bedding is known for its quirky and colourful prints–bold reds, greens, and light blues. Yet, these prints can come with an unexpected trade-off. The dyes and inks used in these designs may not always be of the best quality, especially in cheaper products. Poorly processed dyes may bleed, fade or even give off subtle, unpleasant chemical odours that linger, which can disrupt your senses when sleeping and lead to affecting overall sleep quality.
-Rhiannon Masters
Choose Timelessness Over Novelty
While novelty Christmas bedding can be fun, investing in timeless pieces that can be used year after year is a more sustainable and stylish choice. Look for patterns and colors that evoke the spirit of the season without being overly specific to a particular year’s trends.
Winter Wonderland
Blues, whites, and silvers evoke the tranquility of a winter wonderland. Look for patterns featuring delicate snowflakes, sparkling icicles, or intricate Nordic motifs. These timeless designs create a serene and calming atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Classic Christmas
Traditional red and green patterns like plaid, tartan, or Fair Isle are timeless classics that evoke the spirit of Christmas. These bold and festive patterns add a touch of warmth and cheer to any bedroom. Whether you prefer a bold, all-over pattern or a more subtle accent, these classic designs are sure to bring holiday joy.
Elegant Neutrals
A minimalist approach to festive bedding can create a sophisticated and timeless look. Muted tones like cream, grey, and gold evoke a sense of understated elegance. Opt for simple patterns, such as geometric designs or subtle textures, to add visual interest without overwhelming the space. This minimalist style is perfect for those who prefer a clean and serene bedroom.
Nature-Inspired
Incorporate natural elements like pine trees, snowflakes, or stars into your bedding for a classic and calming aesthetic. These designs evoke the beauty of the natural world and create a serene atmosphere. Look for patterns that feature intricate details and subtle color palettes to add a touch of sophistication.
If you’re someone who likes to give a nod to the festive season but are far more into timeless decor than novelty designs that you’ll likely tire of by next Christmas, opt for patterns that’ll see you through from season to season. Patterns such as ginghams are infused with nostalgia and transform your room into a cosy country cottage – perfect for evoking all the holiday feels!
-Rhiannon Masters
By carefully considering these tips, you can choose festive bedding that is both stylish and comfortable. Remember, a good night’s sleep is essential for a joyful holiday season. So, whether you prefer a classic Christmas theme or a more minimalist approach, I hope you find the perfect bedding to create a cozy and inviting bedroom. Merry Christmas and sweet dreams!
About Piglet in Bed:
Dreamt up by Jessica Hanley from a West Sussex garden shed in 2017, Piglet in Bed is loved the world over for its beautiful and low-maintenance bedding, sleepwear and homewares that are made for living.
Using sustainably sourced natural materials, Piglet in Bed creates products that only get better with love and time. The British brand’s signature linen bedding contains long and natural fibres that regulate body temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and cosy and warm in the winter.
Offering a carefully curated collection of homewares including cotton bathmats and towels and smaller pieces of decor for the home, the lifestyle brand helps you seek comfort in the simple moments.
pigletinbed.com / us.pigletinbed.com / @pigletinbed
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