Let’s be honest: at this time of year, leaving your bed in the morning is the hardest task of the day. It’s dark, it’s cold, and the floor feels like ice. But instead of fighting that feeling, I say we lean into it.
Winter is the official season of hibernation. It is the one time of year when staying in bed until noon on a Sunday isn’t "lazy"—it’s "seasonal self-care." But if you are going to commit to the hibernation lifestyle, your current bedding setup might need an upgrade. A thin summer duvet and a pair of flat pillows simply won't cut it.
To achieve true, boutique-hotel levels of comfort, you need to master the art of the "Bed Sandwich." It is a layering technique that turns a standard bed into a warm, fluffy cloud. Here is how to build it.
Layer 1: The Invisible Foundation
Comfort starts from the bottom up. If your mattress is a bit tired or you can feel the springs, you don't necessarily need to buy a new one right before Christmas. A thick, quilted mattress topper is a game-changer. It adds that initial layer of "squish" that makes the bed feel indulgent. Plus, it adds another layer of insulation between you and the bed frame.
Don't forget the pillows. If you are folding your pillow in half to get support, it’s game over. Treat yourself to new pillows this winter. We love a firm support pillow at the back for reading with a softer one in front for sleeping.
Layer 2: The 'Tog' Talk
We need to talk about your duvet. If you are still persevering with a 4.5 or even a 10.5 tog duvet, you are missing out on the "weighted" feeling of winter. For true hibernation mode, you want a 13.5 tog or even a 15 tog duvet.
A heavier duvet doesn't just keep you warm; the weight itself is comforting. It mimics the feeling of a hug, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and help you sleep deeper. It’s about feeling securely tucked in, safe from the winter drafts.
Layer 3: Texture is King
Now for the visual part. In summer, we want crisp, smooth lines. In winter, we want mess, texture, and depth. This is where you swap your standard cottons for brushed cottons (as we mentioned in our last post) or heavily textured seersucker.
But the real trick is the "Bed Sandwich" filling: the throw. Do not just fold a throw neatly at the end of the bed like a soldier. You want to drape a large, chunky knit or faux fur throw over the bottom two-thirds of the bed. This traps the heat where your feet are (the coldest part of your body) and adds that crucial visual layer that says "come and snuggle here."
Layer 4: The Cushion Mountain
Finally, you need the summit of the mountain. Cushions are not just for decoration; they are for propping yourself up with a tea and a book. The rule of three works well here: two large square cushions at the back (matching your bedding) and one rectangular or textured cushion at the front.
Mix your fabrics. If your duvet cover is smooth, make your cushions velvet, wool, or faux fur. The mix of tactile sensations is what makes the bed feel rich and expensive.
The goal is to create a bed that looks a bit "undone." A perfectly made bed looks stiff. A bed with a rumpled throw, a mountain of pillows, and layers of texture looks inviting. It says, "Hop in, pull the covers up, and forget about the world for a bit." And isn't that exactly what we all need right now?
