Households across the UK are being urged to strip back their beds on Thursday as temperatures are forecast to reach 35°C in parts of England, with experts warning that common bedroom accessories can trap heat and disrupt sleep during the latest heatwave.
Remove Pillows and Decorative Cushions
Suzanne Hayes, interiors expert at Headboards & Interiors, said many people unknowingly create a sleeping environment that holds onto heat by leaving winter bedding and decorative accessories in place throughout the summer. She recommends removing decorative cushions and extra pillows first, as they often end up cluttering the bedroom once it's time to sleep.
"I love a well-styled bed, but if you've got six or seven cushions piled up, they all have to go somewhere when it's time to sleep," she said. "They usually end up on a chair or the floor, creating more clutter in a room that's already feeling stuffy. Keeping the bed simple during a heatwave just makes the whole space feel calmer and lighter."
Put Away Throws and Heavy Blankets
Hayes also advises putting away thick knitted throws and blankets, which are ideal during winter but can make a bedroom feel warmer during hot weather. "A throw folded neatly across the end of the bed looks lovely, but in the middle of a heatwave it isn't doing you any favours," she said. "It's another heavy layer sitting in the room, and it can make the whole bed feel warmer before you've even climbed into it."
Swap to a Lighter Duvet
Another key recommendation is swapping heavy winter duvets for lighter summer alternatives. "This is probably the biggest change people can make," Hayes said. "So many of us forget to switch to a lower tog duvet, then wonder why we're waking up overheating. If you have a lightweight summer duvet or even just a cotton top sheet, it's worth making the change as soon as the temperatures start climbing."
Store Heavy Fabrics Until Autumn
She also recommends storing away faux fur cushions, velvet bedding and other heavy fabrics until cooler weather returns. "Faux fur, thick velvets and heavier fabrics instantly make a room feel warm and inviting, which is exactly what you want in winter," she said. "In summer, lighter cottons and linens naturally make the bedroom feel fresher."
Declutter Around the Bed
Hayes advises removing books, folded blankets and other unnecessary accessories from around the bed, saying a less cluttered room can feel calmer and more comfortable during hot weather. Alongside simplifying the bed, she recommends keeping curtains or blinds closed during the day to block direct sunlight, opening windows once outdoor temperatures begin to fall in the evening, choosing breathable cotton or linen bedding, and leaving space around the bed to help air circulate more freely.
The advice comes as the Met Office forecasts temperatures could reach 35°C in parts of England on Thursday, with warm overnight temperatures expected to make sleeping difficult for many people.
