An Expert’s Guide To Summer Bedding

Too hot to sleep? Not for long. Turn on the fan, open the window and fling those sweaty sheets away – your bed is about to become a whole lot comfier. Here, we tap the experts of design for their top tips on nailing summer bedding, from styling recommendations and material priorities to how to keep cool in a heatwave.

Summer Bedding: The Ultimate Guide

What springs to mind when we talk about the perfect summer bed? Maybe you think of crisp white linens, a prettily printed duvet, or a fluffy pillow that stays cold on both sides. For the experts of interior design, it’s all about the balance between comfort and simple styling. 

‘The perfect summer bed should feel light, breathable and inviting,’ says Claire Hester, Director of Design, Merchandising & Sourcing at British linens label Christy’s. ‘Summer is all about simplifying, so I like to use the season to replace heavier bedding with breathable fabrics like organic cotton, cotton seersucker or linen to help regulate temperature. And pairing these with soft whites and natural colours creates a bedroom that feels fresh, airy and cool.’

It’s a sharp departure from our bedroom’s winter look. ‘While winter is all about cocooning, summer styling focuses on openness and freshness,’ says Richard Boyle, CEO of luxury bedding brand Yves Delorme. ‘Summer encourages a lighter approach, both visually and practically. Layers become finer, colour palettes soften and natural fibres take centre stage. 

‘Crisp natural fibres in fresh whites or soft botanical tones create an airy foundation, while a beautifully textured bedcover folded at the foot of the bed adds interest without unnecessary warmth,’ they add. ‘The aim is to create a space that feels calm, uncluttered and naturally luxurious.’

‘There’s a simplicity to summer styling,’ adds homeware designer Rebecca Udall. ‘I still like to add layers for texture and colour that bring some depth, but there’s the sense that everything must earn its place. Light, airy layers and lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton voile are ideal – and top sheets especially come into their own at this time of year.’

Rebecca Udall

So really, there’s an art to making your bed feel inviting when it’s hot outside – but it’s one we can easily learn. Below, our design experts tell us how to find the perfect bedding for summer 2026.

How To Keep Cool

Our top priority this season? Swerving the heatwave for a good night’s sleep. And when it comes to creating the optimum environment for sleep, there are a few things you can do with your bedscape to keep things cool.

The first – and quickest – thing you can do is make some simple swaps: a lighter duvet, cotton bedding and pared back bedscape can all help tone down the heat in the bedroom. ‘A few simple changes can make a real difference,’ emphasises Rebecca. ‘My favourite thing to do is swap to a lighter tog duvet for the season.’

Another way to elevate your space? Go natural. (No, not like that.) ‘Choosing the right fabric makes the biggest difference,’ Richard tells us. ‘Lightweight, breathable natural fibres help create a noticeably cooler sleep environment, and cotton batiste is a wonderful choice for summer thanks to its beautifully light handle and elegant drape. Or a cotton percale for a crisp cool feel.’

‘Natural fibres like organic cotton allow the skin to breathe and help keep you cool overnight,’ adds Claire. ‘Keep styling minimal with lighter tones and a lightweight throw to create a calm, refreshing space.’

Yves Delorme

Bedding Trends For Summer 2026

But what’s looking hot in the bedroom this season? While heat protection is the top trend, our design experts have also noticed a handful of bedding trends cropping up for summer 2026 – led by a demand for pieces that feel more personal.

‘There’s been a welcome shift in recent years from the copy-and-paste interiors we’ve become used to seeing on social media, towards homes that feel much more personal,’ confirms Rebecca. ‘People are increasingly layering their homes with pieces they genuinely love, and have gathered over many years, for rooms that feel individual to them.’

One way people seem to be tackling this, says Claire, is through playful reversible designs that give fresh bedding options day-to-day. ‘We’re seeing a move towards reversible bedding,’ she says. ‘It means you can create two looks within one bedding set, a great cost effective way to keep things feeling fresh.’

There also seems to be a greater shift towards the idea of bringing the outside in (without opening a window), adds Richard. ‘We’re seeing a continued appreciation for interiors inspired by nature. Botanical prints, painterly florals and soft organic colour palettes remain incredibly popular, reflecting a desire to bring a sense of calm and the outdoors into the bedroom. Today’s luxury interiors favour botanical designs that feel timeless, artistic and quietly elegant.’

And, speaking of luxury, there’s the growing demand for beautifully crafted interiors. ‘Alongside this, there is a growing appreciation for exceptional craftsmanship and investment pieces,’ notes Yves Delorme. ‘People are increasingly choosing beautifully made bed linen crafted from premium natural fibres that will remain beautiful for years, rather than following short-lived trends.’

Christy

Expert Tips: How To Style The Bed This Summer

Keep It Simple

Don’t overthink your summer bedding setup; if in doubt, stick with a more minimal look. ‘Avoid over-layering the bed with heavy throws, multiple blankets or an abundance of decorative cushions,’ says Richard. ‘Not only can this trap heat, but it also detracts from the effortless elegance that defines a beautifully styled summer bedroom.’

Instead, summer calls for more lowkey styling. (After all, the emphasis this season is on keeping cool.) ‘Embrace simplicity,’ encourages Rebecca. ‘A beautifully dressed bed doesn’t need excessive layering; quality materials and thoughtful styling will always have greater impact.’

‘A neatly folded coverlet, fewer decorative cushions and lighter layers create a bedroom that feels sophisticated while allowing air to circulate more freely,’ adds Richard.

Don’t Dismiss The Details

But don’t be afraid to add pops of personality. ‘Seek out quality pieces with considered details that suit your taste,’ suggests Rebecca. ‘That might be adding print, a hand-embroidered pillowcase or scalloped bedding, subtle details help to create a space that feels authentic and as though it’s evolved over time.’

She also adds that, ‘while it’s tempting to strip everything back as the nights get warmer, it’s still nice to incorporate a natural cotton quilted bedspread and cushions to bring texture without making the bed feel heavy. (They are also handy for cooler mornings.) A top-sheet is the perfect solution for when it’s warm, it styles seamlessly with the layered bed and gives a thinner option for when it’s too hot for duvets.’

Swerve Synthetics

But above all, our design experts emphasise that synthetic materials are a big no-no. ‘Avoid synthetic bedding where possible, as it can trap heat,’ emphasises Claire. ‘Natural fibres like organic cotton are more breathable and help create a cooler, more comfortable sleep environment.’

‘Natural fibres offer superior breathability, temperature regulation and comfort, making them the ideal choice throughout the warmer months,’ agrees the team at Richard.