Hot days can be great for sunbathing, alfresco dining and barbecues, but they can make sleeping a real struggle. Luckily there’s a few simple ways you can make your bedroom cool and comfortable – all it takes is a bit of planning!
Keeping your room cool
Before you even get into bed you should do all you can to make your room as cool as possible. If your bedroom catches a lot of the sun in the late afternoon and early evening, consider keeping the blinds or curtains drawn to make sure the temperature does not climb too high.
One of the reasons a room feels oppressively hot is a lack of airflow. Opening a window and keeping a door slightly ajar is a good way to create a through draft, making sure cool air is always blowing through your room. Investing in a fan is also worth considering. Even though noise can be a problem, they are a good way to keep cool at night.
Even when it feels like they are just blowing hot air, simply angle the fan out of an open window to pump the warm air into the cooler night.
Which mattress should you choose?
By and large, we recommend that you pick a mattress because of comfort and support rather than temperature, but if you are looking to make your sleeping area as cool then choosing your mattress carefully can really help.
Keeping cool is mostly a matter of airflow, so you should look to buy a mattress that is made of breathable material with a firmness that allows you stay above the height of the mattress. Pocket Sprung and Latex mattresses are particularly good in this regard.
What about bed linen?
Keep your bed linen cotton or, even better, linen! Woollen, silk and synthetic sheets, blankets and throws are great for keeping the heat, but when it comes to a hot sticky summer night, you may as well be covering yourself in tin foil.
Cotton is a highly breathable material and is good for keeping a controlled temperature, with organic blends being particularly good for heat regulation. On very hot nights, you should also think about ditching the heavy duvet and sleeping under cotton sheets.
As a great insulator, duvets work by keeping the heat in, which is basically the last thing you need on a sticky night.
A few extra tips
For those unbearably hot nights, utilising the ‘Egyptian method’ could prove helpful. Simply take a large towel and wet with cool or cold water. Wring it out or run it through the spin cycle on a washing machine until the sheet is damp.
When it comes to bedtime, put a dry towel or sheet on your bed underneath your body and use the wet sheet as your blanket. The damp blanket will keep you cool, while the dry towel will ensure that your sheets and mattress don’t get too drenched!
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Tips & advice
Don't let your mattress pose a threat to your health. If you suffer from an allergy, ensure a safe night's sleep with our hypoallergenic mattress guide.
Why buy a hypoallergenic or anti-allergy mattress?
A hypoallergenic or anti-allergy mattress is a specially made mattress that offers protection from the organisms that would otherwise provoke an allergic reaction from somebody whilst sleeping.
This is because, unlike a regular mattress, a hypoallergenic mattress boasts non-toxic, allergy-resistant properties that will ensure those suffering from allergies can rest easy while they sleep.
Do anti-allergy mattresses protect from dust mites?
An anti-allergy mattress will offer far more protection from dust mites than a traditional mattress. Anti-allergy mattresses are tightly sealed to ensure there is not a build-up of mould and mildew within the mattress. As a result, dust mites and other microscopic animals are far less likely to be drawn to it.
If you are somebody suffering from a dust mite allergy, we would also recommend purchasing a hypoallergenic dust mite mattress cover, pillow covers and bedding for added dust mite protection.
What kind of hypoallergenic mattresses are there?
There are many hypoallergenic mattresses available to choose between. These range from organic pocket to memory foam and latex mattresses. Each of these chemical free mattresses have different individual qualities, so it’s important to take care in picking the right anti-allergy mattress for you.
Forget memory foam, a natural latex mattress is the last word in responsive comfort and support. See how they compare with our short guide to all things latex mattresses.
What is a latex mattress?
Harvested from the sap of rubber trees, natural latex is a remarkable material that is flexible, breathable and hypoallergenic. In order to extract the latex, rubber trees are hand scored with small wooden bowls strategically placed to collect the liquid sap as it runs down the trunk. This is a long-winded process with each tree producing on average just 27ml sap per day.
Once the liquid latex has been collected it is whipped using an industrial mixer and injected into a vacuum-sealed aluminium pin-core mould. This is then flash cooled to -30 degrees Celsius before being reheated to +115 degrees Celsius to ensure the latex is solidified.
Why should I buy a latex mattress?
Compared to a regular mattress, a natural latex mattress offers superior softness and support when sleeping. This is particularly the case for those who suffer joint or back pain.
By adjusting to the contours of your body, the natural latex mattress reduces the stress on those otherwise neglected pressure point areas. Latex mattresses are also ideal for those suffering from allergies. The latex mattresses hypoallergenic properties mean it is resistant to dust mites, mildew and mould.
Another benefit of a latex mattress is its longevity and durability, especially compared with a regular mattress. It’s fair to say that when you purchase a latex mattress, you’re making an investment in your sleep that’ll last for a long time.
Which latex mattress should I choose?
Pocket sprung mattresses with latex ensure you get all the comfort of pocket sprung mattress as well as all the responsiveness and comfort of a latex mattress. For those looking for the ultimate night sleep, a natural talalay latex mattress, such as our Reflex Layered mattress, is the way to go.
Talalay latex offers much-needed support for the body whilst at the same time allowing freedom of movement. This is particularly handy if you toss and turn a lot when sleeping or sleep on your side.
Does a latex mattress get hot?
The natural ventilation properties of latex mean that unlike other types of contemporary mattress, a natural latex mattress will maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year not to mention the night. We recommend that you pair your mattress with a mattress cover made from natural fibres that allows breathability.
What’s the difference between latex and other mattresses?
Unlike regular mattresses, a latex mattress is constructed using foam made from the natural sap of the rubber tree. As a result, latex mattresses offer an environmentally friendly alternative and a comfy one at that.
Latex versus Memory Foam
The hypoallergenic nature of latex mattresses makes them ideal for people who suffer from allergies and are often more sustainably made. In contrast, memory foam should be considered by anyone looking for a much more tailored mattress or for those with an allergy to latex.
Latex versus Pocket Sprung
Compared to a pocket sprung mattress, a latex mattress offers superior support for sleepers. This is particularly the case for those who suffer joint or back pain. Latex is also naturally hypoallergenic. We combine naturally harvested latex with both foam and pocket spring mattresses.
Latex versus Organic
Organic wool mattresses are excellent at keeping you cool in hot rooms, whilst organic wool offers a softer and more luxurious sleeping experience. However, when it comes to mitigating allergies and health conditions, a latex mattress is the best way forward. Made from natural latex, the lack of fibres means that less allergies are able to collect.
In the first in a series of designer how-to guides, internationally renowned interior stylist Emilio Pimentel-Reid teaches us the art of table setting beginning with his ideal contemporary dining display for summer.
Summer is finally here and with it comes a whole new approach to dining and entertaining for friends. Whether it be a barbecue or an alfresco evening, a more laid-back approach is the order of the day both in terms of dress and design.
To make the most of those long sunny evenings, we asked interior stylist Emilio Pimentel-Reid to provide some expert advice on how to recreate his beautiful Midnight Sun dining setting.
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Midnight Sun
“For my first table setting, I have selected pieces that give a rustic yet refined vibe. The mesmerising forms of the Northern Lights are blended with a palette of warm orange and yellow tones to create a relaxed, summer feel...
The sleek, modern lines of Georg Jensen’s glass and white china dinnerware ranges are complemented by the abstract forms found within the brightly coloured Splash bowls from Da Terra plus Pols Pottens range of Bubbles Tumblers.”
Sun kissed dishes: Splash Dinnerware from £15, Cobra Dinner Plate £19, Bubbles Tumbler in Orange £6, Edge Red Wine Glass £40 (set of two), Santol Cutlery from £12, Linen Napkin in Slate £10 and Connaught Vase in red £55.
“In amongst these statement pieces, a subtle mix of metallic finishes adds an opulence to this informal setting as shown by the Ilse Small Brass Bowl and rose gold embellished Edge wine glasses. This setting is designed for chilled out dinner parties on glorious summer evenings with the injection of vibrant oranges offset by cool navy blues.”
Metallic touches: Edge Red Wine Glass £40 (set of two), Cobra Glass Carafe £54, Ilse Small Brass Bowl £105 all by Georg Jensen.
Introducing Emilio
One of the UK’s foremost interiors stylists, Emilio Pimentel-Reid is an authority when it comes to styles, trends and design direction. Having started his career working for fashion brands such as Calvin Klein and Oscar de la Renta, Emilio made the move into journalism as an Editor at the ground-breaking American interiors magazine Nest before becoming an award-winning Shopping and Decorating Editor at ELLE Decoration UK.
He now consults with top British and International interior brands as well as regularly contributes to interiors publications both online and in print.
Feeling inspired for summer? Then why not discover our full range of Dining designs and save up to 40% by shopping the Heal's Sale today.
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Whether it's intricate ethnic patterns or minimal blocks of colour, monochrome dinnerware provides the perfect palette for vibrant seasonal dishes.
Like a stylish wardrobe, every kitchen and dining room needs staple pieces to frame both your gastronomic creations and everyday dishes. So to help you add some ying to your yang, we've brought together a few of our favourite new and classic pieces of black and white themed dinnerware.
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Loft White Dinnerware from £7 shown with Mahogany Satin Cutlery £145 (24 Piece Set), O Wine Tumblers £25, Linen Tableware from £10, Ink Ceramic Bottles in Diamond £30 and Stripe £20, and Arbori Dining Table £1,495.
You can't go wrong with the crisp, clean look of fine white china dishes and plates especially when they're designed and made by legendary ceramicists Thomas Rosenthal. The subtle concentric pattern of the Loft Dinnerware range, shown above, contributes wonderfully towards stylish modern home decor.
Moroccan Dinnerware from £9 shown with Mahogany Satin Cutlery £145 (24 Piece Set), Monochromatic Bowl £10, Linen Tableware from £10, and Traditional Moroccan Glass from £3.
Ethnic inspired patterns give an eclectic feel to the dining room as shown by this beautiful collection of dinnerware which has been traditionally fired and hand painted in Morocco. Pair bold patterns such as those above with simple accessories and solid woods to really bring out the exotic feel.
Siirtolapuutarha Dinnerware by Marimekko including Side Plate £20 and Teapot £67.
When it comes to "food porn", brunch is by far the most popular meal of the day for insta-influencers. So if you're planning to show off your culinary creations try Marimekko's iconic collections of dinnerware - mixing modern Nordic form with their trademark illustrative patterns, these dishes are just the thing for lazy Sunday dining.
Coal Black Enamelware by Falcon including Deep Plates £40 (set of four).
The utility-chic of enamelware has made a major resurgence over the last few years in no small part thanks to trendy start-up restaurateurs who love its simple style and durability. While Falcon's classic blue with white rim design is still a staple of the kitchen cabinet, these new black and white dishes give a sharp, modern contrast to the range.
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Feeling blue? Our beautifully curated colour board is just the thing to perk up your space.
The colour of the sky and the sea, blue is expansive and open. It’s the go-to colour for coastal homes and works brilliantly with white for an easy, fool-proof decorating scheme that looks effortlessly chic.
In the winter months though, blue and white can feel a tad cold so deeper indigo and midnight blues work well, especially when layered, blue tone on blue tone with greys mixed in. Dark navy is a great alternative to black when you’re looking for an anchor colour as it’s not so hard but has similar depth and intensity.
Browse the Blues
The Mistral Armchair £1,195 and 4 Seater Sofa £1,995 both in Velvet Midnight shown with Merino & Cashmere Throw in grey £130, Mohair Cushion in black & white £45, Modem Rug £310, Trio Round Coffee Table £1,746, and Marble Tea Light Holder £25.
Heal's 1810 Ink range: Bowl £8, Side Plate £8, Dinner Plate £12, Mug £8, Large Round Tray £40, Jug £25, Salad Bowl £25, Ceramic Bottles Stripe £20, Diamond £30 and Spot £40.
Cocoon King Bed £1,795 shown with Egyptian Cotton Bed Linen from £14, Merino & Cashmere Throw in grey £130, Contrast Stitch Melange Throw in grey £60 and Elysia Lounge Chair £3,594.
Blue doesn't have to be overpowering. Accents of colour such as a feature wall or decorative pieces can help bring a space to life especially when set against smooth solid woods and monochrome schemes.
Brunel Console Table £95, Vanity Mirror £40, Stool £95 and Hanging Rail £275 shown with Primary Cog Clock in black £65. Shop Now Back to top
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