Best Winter Bedding Buying Guide

As the nights get colder, there’s nothing more comforting than cosying up in bed. For most of us, when the weather is freezing, we trade nights out for nights in, which ultimately means more time at home. Make your bed your cosy, warm sanctuary when you need a little respite from the cold conditions outside.

When you start to feel chilly while falling asleep, it’s time to switch to warmer bedding. Whether it’s a warmer quilt, more layers or switching to flannelette sheets, you can keep warm in bed on the coldest of winter nights.

We’ve put together the cosiest and warmest winter bedding ideas to ensure you stay warm and comfortable all season long. 

How to Prepare Your Bed for Winter

Beat the chill by preparing your bed for the winter months with warmer sheets and quilts, as well as extra layering. From wool mattress toppers to heated electric throws, there are plenty of ways to create the perfect bed for winter.

Step 1: Reposition Your Bed

Okay, it’s not technically bedding, but this is a tip to feel warmer while in bed. If your bed is right near the window, maximise heat retention by repositioning it. Moving your bed to a more insulated spot in your bedroom can help keep the cold outside air away.

Step 2: Go for a Wool Mattress Topper

The base is one of the most essential steps to creating a cosier and warmer bed. It’s easier to overlook mattress toppers and underlays, but they are crucial to create a warmer bed. For optimal warmth, go for a mattress topper made from Australian wool. Unlike synthetic materials, like polyester, wool is anti-bacterial and insulates warmth while remaining breathable.

Step 3: Get an Electric Blanket

During the colder months, an electric blanket is a total game-changer. Unlike using a heater in your bedroom, an electric blanket keeps you warm where it counts.

Electric blankets allow you to adjust the temperature to your preference. If you do tend to overheat at night, you can turn it on before bed and enjoy the pleasure of hopping into a warm, cosy bed before you lull off to sleep.

Step 4: Choose Warmer Sheets

When it comes to choosing the best bed sheets for winter, opt for sheets made from natural materials like cotton, bamboo or linen, or flannelette sheets.

Flannelette Sheets

Flannelette sheets offer plenty of warmth during winter. The raised fibres create air pockets to trap body heat, making flannelette sheets great insulators.

When buying flannelette sheets, look for those made from natural fibres like cotton or wool.

Cotton flannelette sheets are the most common, and are soft, durable and breathable. Make sure to look at the weight (GSM) of the sheets too, as this will help you determine how warm and long-lasting they will be. The higher the GSM count, the warmer the sheets. For optimal warmth and cosiness, go for a GSM of 170 or higher.

Step 5: Opt for a Winter Wool Quilt

If you’re looking for the best winter bed cover, go for a high-quality wool or down quilt.

Down quilts are incredibly warm for winter. They are insulating, so they trap and retain body heat effectively.

Wool is a natural fibre, which means wool quilts are naturally moisture-wicking and insulating. Wool quilts are renowned for their ability to regulate body temperature, keeping you warm without overheating.

When buying a quilt for winter, look for the weight, also known as GSM. The higher the GSM, the heavier and warmer the quilt is. Go for a GSM of at least 500.

When it comes to quilt covers, don’t be afraid to choose a heavier quilt cover, made from materials like corduroy or velvet. On the other hand, if you want more balance, opt for a quilt cover made from breathable and temperature-regulating materials, like cotton, linen, bamboo or silk.

Step 6: Layer With Warm Winter Blankets for Beds  

In winter, layers are your best friend. Layers on your bed will not only look cosy, but they help to trap warmth effectively, leaving it all for you! On top of your doona or quilt, layer your bed with blankets and throws made from natural fibres like cotton, wool or down.

Heated Throw

Heated throws, like electric blankets, are electrically warmed blankets, designed with adjustable temperature control. Heated electric throws are perfect for not only your bed but for snuggling up on the couch during winter.

Wool Throw

Wool blankets and throws are a classic choice for layering. Wool is warm, breathable and moisture-wicking. Not only do wool throws and blankets bring more texture and colour to your bed, but the extra layer will help keep you super cosy.

Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets offer plenty of benefits, and warmth is just an added one! Because weighted blankets are so heavy, they keep you super cosy and help retain your body heat.