An expert guide to summer bedding

Written by

09 October 2024

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4 min read

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Summer is nearly here, and with that comes an impending interior rehaul for the sunny season.

As we strip away the heavy duvets and opt for our summer inners, we’re also in search of the perfect bedding to help keep us comfortable through the hot and humid evenings. 

We speak to luxury bedding experts, bemboka, and have put together a simple guide to curating the perfect summer bedscape, diving into the finer details from the best materials to look for, maintaining their fresh and clean feeling, and some seasonal trends that may help guide your decision.

1. Choose your material

With many light, breathable materials on the market, it's hard to know which one to choose when it comes to curating your summer-proof bedding. Brand Manager of bemboka, Ashlee Jones, guides your choice by advising keeping an eye out for “breathability, colour & style, weight and moisture-wicking properties."

While linen often takes the lead in summer due to its natural breathability and its loose weave that continues to soften over time, bamboo and cotton are two other great options that are perfect for keeping your bed insulated and light. Bamboo and cotton are absorbent and have great moisture-wicking properties, but linen still dries much faster.

Price and care are additional considerations that will help determine your material choice. Linen often sits at a higher price point due to its more intensive manufacturing process, but its hypoallergenic properties make it a worthwhile investment if your budget allows. Bamboo and cotton are equally just as comfortable as linen and are your more affordable options.

The variety of textures, cooling properties and care requirements make all three materials great options for the upcoming summer season, promising a cool and comfortable sleep each and every night.

2. Learn to care for your summer pieces

After spending time researching the finer details of bedding and identifying which material suits you best, care and maintenance are key to maintaining their fresh and clean feeling and ensuring they last a long time. No matter the material—whether linen, bamboo, or cotton—summer heat and humidity call for extra attention to cleanliness and the preservation of your perfectly curated bedscape.

“I recommend frequent washing due to the heat and sweat that summer brings using organic/chemical-free gentle detergents. Air dry in the shade when possible (not always in the sun as this can be bleaching and cause damage), rotate bedding to lessen wear and tear over time and store your bedding in a clean and dry area,” says Ashlee.

Taking these steps will ensure your bedding remains fresh, soft and like new, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of your summer bedscape for seasons to come.

3. Style your bedscape

And now for the fun part—styling your dream bedscape is a way to embrace your creativity and bring your vision to fruition. Finding inspiration is a great place to start, becoming familiar with current trends and figuring out what aesthetic you want to achieve. 

“Sustainability is huge this year," notes Ashlee, "so sourcing bedding materials and supporting companies that are good for the environment, subtle textures, and pops of earthy colours like greens and oranges are all popular."

Layering is another key trend to consider that always brings life to the bedroom if it's done right. "In Summer it looks great, but you have to be practical when temperatures are high," suggests Ashlee. "Layering allows you to adjust during varying temperatures. Always start with a super soft and moisture-wicking sheet to keep you cool while you sleep, add a top sheet and layer with a breathable textured cotton blanket, fold a lightweight quilt or coverlet at the end for an additional pattern and layer if required on cooler nights. A bright throw is great to finish for styling.”

Beyond layering, pulling together harmoniously coordinated colours will add an element to your bedroom that envelops the essence of cosy and comfort—two crucial words to think of when it comes to your bed. 

“Soft and light neutrals or earthy tones are generally the best colours to go for when creating a summer look. Hints of pastels or coloured accents in accessories help create that atmosphere. Darker bedding is usually interpreted as a winter look, so stick to simple, geometric designs or subtle stripes that will add visual interest without feeling too busy, helping maintain a serene, spacious look.”

Linen

Bamboo