Christmas decorating has inched into every area of our homes if the popularity of Christmas bedding is anything to go by. And if you love these festive sets, then Next is easily one of the best places to shop - their whimsical designs are wonderful for getting you into the Christmas spirit.

If I’m honest, I’ve never really bought too much into festive bedding as a Christmas trend. After all, you’ll realistically only use your festive set over one month of the year. However, this year’s best Christmas bedding sets have won me over.

From tufted mice to the Nativity donkey, Next’s farmyard array of animal-themed festive bedding is full of whimsy and Christmas magic. Here are my top picks.

I first became aware of Next’s animal-inspired bedding with the drop of their robin fleece bedding last year. Beautifully festive, showcasing a snowy garden scene, I was won over by this cutesy design. This year we’ve seen a continuation of this style, not only via a sateen robin duvet set, but with other critters, too, such as mice and even penguins.

My top pick is without a doubt the White Woodland Christmas Mouse Tufted Bed Set (from £45), which is even cuter than the robins. It features adorable tufted mice, wearing little scarves, carrying sprigs of holly across the duvet and pillow covers. Topped with a green border and striped underside, the set looks as high-quality as it does whimsical.

‘Bought this ready for Christmas - it’s really beautiful, and the pillowcases are fabulous with the edging and the mouse. Glad I bought it early,’ said one reviewer.

‘Gorgeous Christmas bedding, white, good quality fabric with cute little mice decoration, Love it and can highly recommend,’ said another.

So without further ado, here are my top picks from Next’s whimsical Christmas bedding of 2026.

As much as I enjoy sophisticated and stylish Christmas bedding, I also think it is the perfect opportunity to have some fun. If you want whimiscal, you can't go wrong with these designs.

There’s something about well-thought-out bedroom storage that instantly calms the mind, and if you’re in need of inspiration, presenter Kate Lawler’s is worth a look.

Kate, who first shot to fame after becoming the first female winner of Big Brother back in 2002, frequently shares glimpses of her life on her Instagram account, and it was here I spotted how her bedroom storage ideas help create a cosy, relaxing bedroom that’s perfect for winter.

So, in order to achieve the same style in my own room, I asked interior design experts how good bedroom storage can make our bedrooms more comfortable, calming spaces. This is what they said.

Who doesn’t love a pretty storage example? And celebrity Instagram accounts happen to be one of the best places to find it. Clodagh McKenna’s mirror and built-in storage even manage to make her bedroom look bigger!

‘I love this kind of wall-to-wall storage, because it’s instantly part of the furniture - quite literally! It fits perfectly into a room, doesn’t stick out at an awkward angle, and looks chic. It’s the perfect way to utilise all the space you have for a wardrobe and make it look part of the room. The Scandi-inspired design comes through with its functionality and minimalism, but it’s not cold and sterile like some minimalist wardrobes, thanks to the warm, green-toned beige. It ticks my boxes for wall-to-wall storage,’ says Laura Rich, interior designer at Furniturebox.

‘There’s nothing more calming than a bedroom where everything has a place to go, and wall-to-wall storage like this hides away all the clutter, so you’re not lying in bed staring at a pile of clothes on a chair. The flat, seamless doors keep the look clean and uninterrupted, which prevents overwhelming visual clutter, and the slim brass handles add a touch of warmth.’

Kate’s use of beige, while not the most popular colour trend, also contributes to making the bedroom look cosy.

‘It's warm and neutral without being cold or clinical, and the brown undertones give it a bit of depth. It also lets everything else in the room do the talking - the soft carpet, the upholstered bed, her accessories - so the room still has plenty of personality. It shows you don't need a complicated colour scheme to make a space feel layered and welcoming,’ says Rob Cash, Showroom Owner at Kutchenhaus.

‘People are moving away from the cool greys and bright whites we saw so much of and going for warmer, earthier neutrals instead. Shades like stone, sand and light brown feel modern, but they're also comforting, and they won't date in a few years.’

How to achieve a calm, cosy bedroom

If you want to try decorating with neutrals or trying built-in storage, Kate’s bedroom is a good source of inspiration because it’s evidence that tidy equals relaxing and is relatively easy to achieve.

All you need to do is opt for integrated storage and warm colour tones. However, if you don’t have the capacity to rip out your current storage, here are a few other ways you can make your bedroom cosy, tidy and relaxing.

‘Layering is everything - especially as we move even more towards tactile materials inspired by nature. Mix up your textures with linen bedding, a wool or bouclé throw, velvet cushions, and a soft rug underfoot, especially if you have hard floors,’ says Laura.

‘Lighting is a big one too; ditch the ‘big light’ in the evenings and go for bedside lamps, wall lights, or even a dimmer switch for a warm, gentle glow. Live plants are a lovely way to bring life and calm into the room, as Kate’s shown.

‘Keep surfaces as clear as possible, though, because a tidy room genuinely makes for a tidier mind, but a large plant like a monster is a great statement without introducing visual clutter. Consider personal touches in a bedroom, like a favourite print, a candle, or a stack of books by the bed, so it feels like yours and not a hotel room!’

Shop the look

If you want a cosy and relaxing bedroom, remember a clutter-free space paired with warm, neutral colours does wonders.

Wondering when to switch your summer or autumn duvet for a warmer winter option? Me too, which is why I spoke to sleep experts at M&S to find out a definitive answer.

After all, in Britain, where temperatures fluctuate dramatically throughout the year, even the very best duvet is unlikely to see you through all twelve months of the year without needing to be swapped out for something warmer (or cooler) with the change in season.

As it turns out, M&S's sleep experts have calculated the *exact* date you should make the swap to a winter duvet if you don't want to disrupt your sleep. And that date is coming up soon...

As Melissa Goldman, senior buyer at M&S, explains, 'as a general rule of thumb, we recommend changing your duvet in line with outside temperatures to ensure optimal sleep quality.' That means that as outside temperatures drop, your duvet tog should go up in order to keep you at a comfortable temperature during the night.

However, beyond this general advice, the experts at M&S have gone one step further and analysed weather data from 2025 to reveal the exact date people in the UK should consider changing their duvet in 2026.

So when is the big day? 'For winter, the 7th November is the date to change your duvet,' reveals Melissa. 'Temperatures dropped below 15°C on this date in 2025 and remained there or below until year-end, making this the perfect time to switch to a warmer winter duvet.'

Good to know. But what exactly does 'warmer' mean, and what happens if weather patterns this year don't follow last year's patterns? Well, luckily M&S has put together a handy cheatsheet to help you gauge when to swap your duvet, as well as what to swap it for.

The above chart shows the ideal duvet tog rating for the outside temperature. But you might be wondering what duvet tog actually means. 'A tog (thermal overall rating) measures the thermal insulation of bedding,' explains Melissa. 'The higher the number, the better the duvet will retain heat and keep you warm.'

'The lightest duvets (anything below a 4.5 tog rating) are best suited to the summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 18°C,' explains Melissa. 'Duvets ranging between a 7.5 and 10.5 tog rating are best for transitional seasons like spring and autumn, and 10.5 tog duvets are ideal for winter.'

That said, 'while a 10.5 tog duvet is sufficient for most modern homes with central heating, for those who feel the cold especially at night, a 13.5 tog duvet is a good option for the coldest winter months,' advises Melissa.

And of course, as Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at MattressOnline, points out, 'the perfect temperature will be slightly different for everyone.'

After all, 'just as you will see some people walking around in shorts and T-shirts while others are in jeans and a hoodie and still cold, the same happens while you sleep,' says Hannah. 'You may have some people who are naturally cold when they sleep and some who are naturally warmer.'

However, like Melissa, Hannah agrees that 'a rough rule of thumb would be 7.5 tog duvets and below for warmer months, and 10.5 tog duvets and above for cooler months, with the larger the tog, the warmer you will feel.'

And as well as getting the right tog duvet for the season, Hannah is also keen to stress just how important listening to your body is when it comes to choosing your winter bedding.

'Our core body temperature needs to drop by a couple of degrees to get access to the good quality sleep we need,' explains Hannah. 'If our environmental temperature is too hot, our core body temperature will struggle to drop, leaving you struggling to fall asleep, waking frequently throughout the night, and feeling rubbish the following day.'

On the flip side, 'if our environmental temperature is too cold, your body is concentrating on trying to warm you up,' says Hannah, and that's a surefire way to ruin a good night's sleep, too.

'We all need to find the right balance and our optimum temperature so we can have a perfect night’s sleep,' says Hannah, and that means paying attention to expert advice, but also factoring in our own preferences and circumstances.

As Hannah points out, that means things such as 'your personal body temperature, how you respond to changes in temperature, how many people are in the bed, whether you have fans or air conditioning, and whether you sleep with a partner, children or pets.'

Get the balance right, and a deep and restful night's sleep is much more likely to follow.

M&S has just dropped its winter collection of super-soft faux fur bedding, and if last year is any indication, I think this cosy, luxurious bedding set will sell out in record time.

A reversible bedding set with soft fleece on one side and luxurious faux fur on the other, as far as I'm concerned, this duvet set is the *ultimate* cosy bedtime treat.

What's more, the M&S Supersoft Faux Fur Bedding Set is now just £28 for a single. Personally, I think that's a lot of good reasons to snap up this bedtime treat before it flies off the shelves.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the last five years testing bedding from all the major (and minor) high street names, and when it comes to where to buy bedding, M&S is always one of my top recommendations.

However, this year M&S has upped its game even further. The M&S autumn bedding collection is one of the best I've seen, and the M&S Christmas bedding is some of the best festive bedding you can buy this year, as far as I'm concerned.

But the brand's Supersoft Faux Fur bedding is in another league. When it launched last year, it was the first time I'd ever seen a faux fur *duvet cover*, and as the cold weather hit, I wasn't surprised to see it fly off the shelves.

And it seems I wasn't alone in being impressed by it. If my memory serves me correctly, by the end of November last year, stock of this luxurious bedding set was already sold out online.

This year, it's back, and, thanks to M&S's current 20% off 'Cosy Home' deals, a single is reduced from £35 to £28, and a double from £45 to £36.

'Lovely snuggly bedding, warm and comfy!' raves one five-star reviewer on the M&S website. 'Very cosy and so, so soft.' 'Beautifully soft and cosy duvet set,' confirms another happy owner. 'It’s a very nice colour too, exactly what I hoped for.'

'Absolutely amazing quality,' sums up another five-star review, 'feels so cosy with the winter weather coming around. Really recommend.'

What's more, this year it isn't just the faux fur duvet set on offer. M&S already has plenty of other cosy fleece and super soft faux fur bedding hitting the shelves, and I have no doubt there's more to come.

I've rounded up some of the best winter buys below, but if this luxe snuggly bedding catches your eye, I recommend moving fast whilst it's still in stock.

In this Emma Performance 26 Mattress review, I put one of the brand's newly launched Performance mattresses through its paces to see how it compares to the best mattresses Ideal Home has tested.

In a nutshell

For the past month, my husband and I have been sleeping on a king-size Emma Performance 26 Mattress, testing it for comfort, motion transfer, temperature regulation, and edge support.

As a sleep product tester, I've tested all of Emma's more affordable 'Original' mattresses over the past few years, but this is my first try of the newly launched 'Performance' range.

The first thing to note is that the Performance collection is a lot more expensive than the Original collection. For comparison, the Emma Original Pro costs £799 for a double, whilst in contrast, the Emma Performance 26 I tested costs £1209 for a double. And the price goes up the thicker the mattress gets; our Performance 26 is 26cm deep, but there's also a 28cm and 30cm option in the range.

So what do you get for this increase in price? To be honest, I was hoping it would solve one of the biggest bugbears I've encountered with Emma mattresses; namely poor edge support and overheating. However, I found the lack of edge support on the Performance 26 still let the side down (pun intended); the edge of the mattress collapsed significantly when I sat on it. Sadly, I also woke up too hot on more than one occasion.

Considering Emma is marketing the Performance 26 as offering 'unprecedented comfort', I also found it a lot firmer than I was expecting. Most of the time I sleep on my side, and I wouldn't say I experienced the 'weightless, cradling comfort' promised, or that the mattress 'eased strain on sensitive pressure points' like my shoulder and hip. Instead, I'd say this is a mattress best suited to back sleepers who need a firmer, less yielding mattress than side sleepers.

That said, the motion isolation was good – I jumped on this mattress whilst my husband was sat on the other side of the bed, and he didn't budge. Plus, Emma offers a generous 200-night sleep trial that allows you to test this mattress out for yourself at home before you commit. Just bear in mind you will need to lug it from your doorstep to your bedroom yourself.

Emma Performance 26 Mattress review

Specifications

• Type: hybrid (springs + foam)
• Construction materials: 67% polyester, 32% polyethylene, 1% elastane cover, AirGrid Tech (foam), MemoryAdapt (memory foam), SupportBase (foam) and pocket springs
• Sizes: UK single, UK small double, UK double, UK king, UK super king, EU double, EU queen
• Tensions available: soft-medium
• Height: 26cm
• Side handles: yes
• Flip or rotate: rotate
• Manufacturer sleep trial: 200 nights

1. Comfort

After reading about the 'luxurious comfort', 'instant pressure relief', and 'immediate cushioning' that Emma promises the Performance 26 will deliver, I have to admit, I was excited to try the brand's new launch.

However, in practice, it's taken me all four of my four weeks of testing to decide whether I find this mattress comfortable or not, and whilst I've ultimately decided it *is* comfortable for some sleepers, there are caveats, and I certainly didn't find the promises above fulfilled.

Whilst sleeping on this mattress, there have been a lot of occasions when I've woken in the morning with a stiff body and the feeling of being unrested. As a side sleeper, I need a mattress that offers cushioning around my shoulders and hips and support for my waist to align my spine, and I just didn't get that with the Performance 26.

My husband, who is also a side sleeper, feels the same way. I asked him for his opinion on the comfort of this mattress, and he said, 'it's nice when you first lie on it at night, but after a whole night on it, it didn't relieve any stiffness in my muscles or joints.'

In fact, he also mentioned waking with a dead arm on several occasions, which tends to be a surefire sign that a mattress is too firm.

However, to give the Performance 26 the benefit of the doubt, I also slept on my back, and then on my front, for a short while. In both positions, I felt that my spine was aligned with my shoulders and hips were supported.

Therefore, I'd say this mattress may be better suited to a front or back sleeper who needs firmer support, but not a side sleeper. In the side sleeping position, I feel that more cushioning is required.

2. Motion isolation

However, one thing the Emma Performance 26 did do well was mask the movement of my co-sleeper.

I sat and rolled on the Performance 26 Mattress whilst my husband sat on the other side of the bed to test its motion isolation, and he didn't budge. Similarly, through the night, I didn't notice my husband shape-shift as we both tried to get some kip.

The overall stability of the mattress also means that at no point did either of us roll into the middle of the mattress; we both stayed on our respective sides of the bed.

3. Responsiveness

Sometimes good motion isolation can mean poor mattress responsiveness, but not so in this case.

Unusually, I haven't been able to find any information regarding exactly how many pocket springs there are in the Emma Performance 26 mattress, but given that I could turn over and change position easily at night, I assume that means that there must be a decent number in our king-size mattress.

I pressed my weight down onto my hand to see this more clearly than sitting or lying on the mattress, and the responsiveness was evidently obvious. The mattress surface quickly regains shape after pressure is relieved from the surface.

4. Temperature regulation

Now, it wasn't every night that I woke up hot on the Performance 26, but I did overheat often enough to mention it. So much so that I found myself sticking my leg out from underneath our wool-filled duvet (or kicking it off depending on how hot and bothered I was feeling).

I certainly slept warmer on this synthetic mattress than I have on the natural-fill mattresses I've tested at any rate. I recommend both the Simba Natural Hybrid Source mattress and the Hypnos Pillow Top Select mattress as alternatives if you too are a hot sleeper.

That said, my co-sleeping husband, who is also hot-blooded, didn't have any heat-related complaints (although, tbf, he's also a deep sleeper who can sleep through anything).

5. Edge support

As I've mentioned, I've been disappointed by the edge support on pretty much all of the Emma mattresses I've previously tested, so I was eager to see if the new Performance range finally addressed this bugbear.

Emma says that 'a strong foam frame around the edges guarantees stability', but, as I found, the effectiveness of this 'frame' can vary depending on where weight is applied.

To test the edge support on the Emma Performance 26, I sat upright on the edge of the mattress and lay on my side on the edge of the bed. When lying down, I didn't feel like I was going to roll out of bed when I got near the edge, but when sitting, the lack of edge support was still considerable; the side walls of the mattress collapsed, and I was more or less sitting on our divan bed base.

This could be an issue for anyone with mobility issues because it may prove to be too much of a struggle to get out of bed. The Sealy Newton Posturepedic Mattress, on the other hand, got our seal of approval for any sleeper in need of a firm edge.

6. Sleep trial

Emma offers a 200-night sleep trial on the Performance 26 mattress. That means that you can order the mattress, test it out at home, and request to return it if you decide it isn't for you.

Terms and conditions apply, but this trial period is highly competitive with other brands such as Simba. In fact, the only longer sleep trials I've come across are at Nectar and DreamCloud, where you can make the most of a very generous 365 nights to test out your new mattress.

7. Ease of care

The Emma Performance 26 Mattress has a removable cover for washing at 40°C. This is helpful for keeping your bed feeling and smelling fresh. It can not be tumble dried or ironed, so best to wash it when the cover can be line-dried in the sunshine.

Alternatively, a mattress protector would be more than suffice in protecting the top cover from stains – especially if you have a king or super king size mattress and don't fancy wrestling with the cover removal.

Longer term, you may want to rotate your Emma mattress to prevent uneven wear, and maintain comfort and support. The Performance 26 Mattress has two handles either side of it to help maneuver it 180°.

8. Delivery

The Emma Performance 26 mattress is a mattress in a box, which means that it is rolled, folded, and wrapped into a cardboard carrier. This makes it easier to manoeuvre on delivery day, but it's definitely worth noting that, unlike most mattress brands, Emma does NOT deliver to your room of choice.

Instead, the delivery drivers will only unload your Emma mattress from the back of the lorry and carry it into the house. That means they won't carry it upstairs, and there's no option to pay extra for white glove delivery (where the mattress is unpackaged and installed onto your bedframe for you, and the packaging removed).

In my case, the day before delivery, I received an email saying that the mattress would be delivered the following day, and then at 18:30 pm I received a text to say that it would be delivered by 'DX on 18/09/26, ETA 07:16 to 09:16.'

This time wasn't ideal because I knew that I would be stressing about getting the children fed, dressed, and out the door for school, so I followed a link detailed in the text to contact the team about changing the delivery team. Alas, customer service's opening times were 9 am - 5 pm.

On the delivery day, the mattress arrived at 07:50 am. Fortunately, my husband was just leaving for work when the courier company turned up, so the mattress was delivered to our garage for speed and ease. The box looked far too small to contain a king mattress, but the weight begged to differ; it was heavy. Then, a few days later(!), I received an email from Emma to say that my order had been delivered.

Compared to other mattress brands I've tested, such as Simba, which has always impressed me with its fantastic communication, I wouldn't say that the Emma delivery service was exactly a slick operation; with late communication and an inflexibility to change a delivery slot as a result.

When it came time for my hubby and me to attempt to get the mattress inside, we found that the mattress box has two handles on either side to help lift the mattress.

We broke a handle in the process of carrying it up the stairs and into the bedroom, and the cardboard started to give way under the weight of it, but we just about made it into the bedroom OK.

Inside the delivery box was a box that included a box cutter and a couple of fabric samples that the mattress was made from. The mattress was also wrapped in a zipped material bag, which I thought was unnecessary, but nice all the same, that I'll certainly be using it again (just not for the mattress!).

Depending on the size of the mattress, it's likely that you'll need the help of another adult on delivery day; the mattress is heavy and awkward to unpack.

The cutter is useful for slicing through the plastic, but beware: the mattress deflates and unfolds quickly. It also unravells upside down, so you'll need that extra pair of hands to help flip it over.

I didn't notice any new mattress smell after unboxing, but in the user manual it suggests allowing 72 hours for the scent to fade. This manual also suggests letting your mattress rest for about 24 hours so it can fully regain its shape, although I allowed 10 hours before I dressed the mattress ready for sleeping, and got into bed, and it was fine.

9. Third-party reviews

The Performance 26 Mattress is a new launch from Emma, so I couldn't find any third-party reviews available yet. However, the Emma brand as a whole does have over 50,000 reviews on Trustpilot.

Those reviews average 3.3 out of 5 stars, which is fairly low compared to other mattress brands. For comparison, Simba has over 60,000 reviews and averages 4.3 stars on Trustpilot.

As the AI review summary of Emma on Trustpilot sums up: 'most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Some reviewers were not happy with the customer service, noting unhelpful responses and frustrating delays regarding refunds or exchanges. Consumers additionally pointed out issues with delivery schedules, alongside receiving faulty items that arrived damaged or misshapen. Several individuals also mentioned unexpected multiple shipments or difficulties with tracking their packages.'

Overall, my experience during the testing of the Emma Performance 26 Mattress was in line with that summation.

10. Environmental impact

Emma's website doesn't include much detail on environmental considerations. The brand's main initiative to reduce its mattresses' environmental impact seems to be a 'commitment to reduce waste by giving our products as a second life'.

That means that the brand offers a refurbished mattress section on its website, where products that have been returned during its sleep trial are professionally refurbished and resold to consumers at a discounted price. However, I couldn't find any info on whether any mattresses *not* suitable for refurbishment are recycled or whether they're sent to landfill.

I also couldn't see that Emma uses any recycled materials in the production of its mattresses, which is something that I would love to see – especially since other brands have been able to do this so well.

11. Value for money

Emma is perhaps best known for the affordability of its mattresses. The brand's lowest-priced mattress – the Emma Original Lite Mattress – costs just £309 for a double.

We've tested all of the Original range and have found that you do tend to get what you pay for. Emma's biggest competitor, Simba, offers more expensive mattresses, but during our testing process, we've always found them to be of better quality.

The new Performance is a more expensive affair than the Original lines. The Performance 26 Mattress is the 'entry-level' mattress in the Performance range: a double costs £1,209.

During testing, I found the Performance 26 was definitely firmer than the Original – most of which we've found quite soft and a little lacking in support. However, as a side sleeper, I actually found it *too* firm. If you're a back sleeper, this new Performance collection could be the best of the Emma range for you, though.

How I tested

My sleep stats:

Sleep position: back or side
Tension preference: medium/firm
Sleep problems: shoulder and/or neck pain and occasional pins & needles
Height & weight: 5"8 and 12 stone, 7lbs

In putting the Emma Performance 26 Mattress through Ideal Home's mattress testing process, I assessed eleven factors that we deem vital to any mattress purchase.

I tested the mattress for comfort, motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support. This means that my husband and I (and our toddler) slept on the mattress for a minimum of four weeks before I wrote my review.

I also took into consideration ease of care, any sleep trials available, the delivery process, its value for money, and, where possible, researched the mattress's environmental impact and any third-party customer reviews – to see if they aligned or were at odds with my own experience – before writing my own review and giving this mattress a star rating.

As the weather outside turns grey, cold, and – let’s face it – a little bit miserable, I’m on a mission to make my bedroom into the cosiest place it can be.

As such, I’ve asked multiple interior designers for their top tips on cosymaxxing a sleep space, and whilst they’ve recommended plenty of small tweaks that *don’t* involve a paintbrush, for the biggest impact, we all know that bedroom colour ideas are key.

After all, colour can instantly transform a room, and according to the experts, there are certain shades (not to mention particular paint brands) that are a must-have for a cosy bedroom.

These are the Farrow & Ball paint colours that will instantly make your bedroom feel cosier, according to interior designers.

1. Farrow & Ball 'Setting Plaster'

When it comes to creating a cosy bedroom, Lara Clarke, interior designer and founder of Lara Clarke Interiors, advises opting for Farrow & Ball's Setting Plaster. And she's not alone; this was by far the most popular Farrow & Ball shade amongst all of the interior designers I consulted.

'Setting Plaster is such a warm grounding pink,' explains Lara. 'It doesn’t feel overly sweet and turns very cosy under warm lamps in the evening.'

The cosy shade is also a favourite of Katerina Tchevytchalova, founder of interior design studio K'Arte Design. 'Setting Plaster is a subtle, dusty pink that feels sophisticated rather than overtly feminine,' explains Katerina. 'It has a warmth that is especially lovely in bedrooms – it's flattering in both morning and evening light and pairs beautifully with aged brass, walnut, and warm off-whites.'

Melissa Hutley, interior designer and co-founder of design studio Hutley & Humm, agrees. 'A beautiful soft, muted pink with a gentle warmth, Setting Plaster is perfect for creating a bedroom that feels cocooning and inviting,' says Melissa.

'We recently used it across the walls and ceiling of a bedroom, then layered richer terracotta and red tones through the textiles,' shares the interior designer. 'There’s something very natural about that combination – the pink brings softness, while the warmer tones add depth and make the room feel cosy without becoming overly sweet.'

2. Farrow & Ball 'Cromarty'

Next up, it's one of Farrow & Ball's cosiest greens: the soft green-grey Cromarty.

Soft green is always a timeless choice for a bedroom, and although there are some great sage green alternatives for your sleep space, Melissa chose this muted green as one of her top choices to cosy up a bedroom.

'Cromarty is a wonderfully gentle, muted green that creates an immediate sense of calm,' explains Melissa. 'We like to use it as part of a layered scheme rather than treating the wall colour in isolation – it works beautifully with natural textures, soft linens and pattern.'

This Farrow & Ball shade is also a great year-round bedroom colour option; you can freshen it up with white or blue accessories for summer, but then make your bedroom feel cosier with deep olive green or terracotta accents for the colder winter months.

3. Farrow & Ball 'Stirabout'

And whilst our experts' first two cosy Farrow & Ball shades might involve colour, rest assured you don't *have* to add colour in order to make a bedroom feel cosier. There are plenty of neutral Farrow & Ball shades that can also warm up a sleep space nicely.

After all, as Lara explains, 'cosy doesn’t have to mean dark; instead it’s all about choosing shades with warm undertones.' And for Lara, that often means opting for Farrow & Ball's Stirabout.

'Stirabout is a deeper, earthy neutral that has a warm undertone that creates a relaxing, cocooning atmosphere,' the interior designer explains.

Katerina is also a fan of Stirabout's deep creamy tones. 'A soft oatmeal neutral with a gentle warmth, this colour creates a comforting, quietly enveloping backdrop without feeling yellow or overly beige,' says the interior designer.

'It’s a great choice for a bedroom because it feels lighter and more restful than a deeper neutral, while still bringing warmth to the space,' explains Katerina. 'I would pair this shade with layered linen bedding, natural oak, textured wool, and soft cream accents for an elegant, timeless, and cosy scheme.'

I don't know about you, but thanks to our expert's advice, I definitely now have plenty of inspiration for cosying up my bedroom this winter.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the last five years browsing every bedding collection that's hit the high street, be it duvet sets from M&S, John Lewis, Habitat, or Heal's.

And in 2026, I can tell you one thing for sure: it's been a good year for bedding. Whether you're looking for the best brushed cotton bedding to make winter bedtimes more snuggly or the best linen bedding for improved breathability, when it comes to where to buy bedding, there's never been more choice.

However, this is the first year that I've ever felt the same way about *Christmas* bedding. Yes, in the past few years the number of brands launching festive bedding collections has increased, but, for the most part, winter bedding has still been heavy on the novelty factor.

This year, that's changed. Christmas bedding just got a grown-up glow-up, and in 2026, Christmas bedding is *stylish*.

These are winter bedding sets that have just convinced this Christmas bedding Scrooge to swap my boring bedsheets for something more festive.

Whether you go full on festive with a stylish winter snowscene, or keep your nod to the season subtle with a classic red or green gingham or stripe, this year I think Christmas bedding truly is offering something for everyone.

Love sinking into a comfy hotel bed? It’s a hard feeling to recreate, but Next claims it’s made possible with the Next White Sleep In Comfort Dual Layer Mattress Topper.

As a sleep-product reviewer with over five years of experience testing the best mattress toppers on the market, I wanted to see if this mattress topper really delivered that hotel-bed experience.

In a nutshell

All in all, I did quite like sleeping on this topper. It has a polyester filling, and as such, I found it felt a lot like sleeping on top of a duvet. This made my bed feel snug and extra comfortable to sink into at night.

Unlike a lot of memory foam toppers I've tested, it also didn't cause me to overheat, although I did find it warmer than my go-to topper, the Woolroom Deluxe Mattress Topper. (Woolroom's is the topper I constantly return to and have on my bed day in and day out when I'm not testing alternatives).

However, some extra padding is about all this topper added to my bed. This topper isn't the one for you if you're looking for more support (the Simba Hybrid Topper remains my top choice in this case), and I definitely didn't feel it would transform a very uncomfortable mattress.

At £100 for a double, I also think it's quite an investment for an extra layer of softness. Plus, there's no sleep trial available to test it out before you commit to keeping it. I found the Silentnight Airmax Mattress Topper comparable in comfort, and that's a lot cheaper to snap up.

Admittedly, the Next Dual Layer does have a two-layered design, but during testing I couldn't really see what these separate layers added to the topper in practical terms. However, if you're seeing a benefit I'm missing, I did find this is a well-made and good-quality topper, and it could be the one for you.

Next White Sleep In Comfort Dual Layer Mattress Topper review

Specifications

• RRP: £75 / £100 / £110 / £130
• Sizes: single / double / king / super-king
• Depth: n/a
• Construction: polyester
• Care instructions: machine wash at 40ºC, tumble dry on low
• Manufacturer sleep trial: no

Attaching the topper to the bed

The Next White Sleep in Comfort Dual Layer mattress topper comes in a zip-up carry case with transparent window. This is going to be handy if you’re ever storing away your topper – if you use it on a sofa bed, or for camping perhaps.

Within the bag, the topper was vacuum packed. But unlike when a memory-foam topper unfurls, there was no need to let the topper settle for a while and no chemical off-gassing smell.

The topper has two layers that are already zipped together, and I found it lightweight enough for me to arrange it in position on the bed on my own. Then it’s just a case of fitting the elasticated straps at all four corners around the mattress. The Brook + Wilde mattress I tested it on is very thick, and the topper straps still comfortably fitted around it. Next says it will fit mattresses up to 35cm thick.

There isn’t a non-slip underside on this topper, but I don’t think it’s heavy or solid enough to warrant one. During testing, I found the topper stayed in place on the mattress thanks to the elasticated straps alone.

Comfort

Comfort is really what the Next White Sleep In Comfort Dual Layer mattress topper is all about. And it’s important to manage expectations here. Let’s talk about what this topper *isn’t* for a bit.

This mattress topper is not there to bolster the support of your mattress. It’s not responsive (meaning it doesn't have any bounce to it that can assist you in turning over on your mattress), and it doesn’t offer improved motion isolation (so if your sleep partner fidgets, this topper won't help mask their movements). If you’re looking for additional support for your mattress, I would suggest you look in the direction of the Simba Hybrid Topper or Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper instead.

However, what the Next Dual Layer mattress topper is good for is making your bed feel pillowy and sumptuous. I found that lying on this topper was very similar to lying on top of a duvet; it feels comfy and snug, but that’s where it stops. You will need a decent mattress underneath it to do the heavy lifting in the support stakes. And it definitely won’t transform a very uncomfortable mattress into something five-star.

Seeing as I found it felt more like sleeping on top of a duvet, I was also a little confused about what the dual layer is really adding. Next says, 'the dual-layer design combines a supportive base layer with a soft, quilted top layer, delivering enhanced cushioning and a plush, hotel-quality feel.'

However, the topper was so thin I couldn't really imagine unzipping the layers and using them singly. You *could*, I guess, but I think the effect on the bed would be so minimal there would be little point. The only real benefit that I can think of is perhaps it’s easier to wash since the layers separate – but we’ll come to that a bit later in this article.

Temperature regulation

As a hot sleeper, I had concerns about how good the Next Dual Layer mattress topper would be at keeping me at a comfortable temperature while I slept. Temperature can massively affect the quality of your sleep. This tends to present – especially for me – as overheating.

I was concerned about the Next Dual Layer mattress topper on this metric because it’s made from 100 per cent polyester. Synthetic fibres are affordable and easy to wash, but they’re not great at temperature regulation.

So I was pleasantly surprised to find I didn’t notice myself overheating while sleeping on this topper. It warmed up quickly from my body heat, and definitely felt warmer than my regular Woolroom Deluxe Wool mattress topper that I love. However, I didn’t noticeably struggle with how hot I got on this topper.

Care instructions

One of the selling points of this topper is that it’s easy to care for. The care instructions say to wash it at 40ºC and you can tumble dry it on low.

However, for my kingsize topper it said to use a larger-capacity washing machine drum (9kg) to accommodate the heft. And this is when the topper is unzipped. This means washing both layers of the topper separately, which is obviously extra work but does at least mean washing is possible, which isn't the case with all toppers.

As such, you’re unlikely to get all this washing and drying done in one day – or at least I didn’t manage it. This might be possible with smaller sizes where you can fit both layers in the machine at once.

It's also worth noting that although polyester is often the preferable bedding material for allergy sufferers who want to be able to blitz dust mites – the most-common house-borne allergen – bedding does have to be washed at 60ºC to really eradicate them. A 40ºC wash isn’t going to quite do it.

Sleep trial

Unlike many other mattress toppers I've tested, there isn't a sleep trial available for the Next Sleep In Comfort Dual Layer Mattress Topper.

This means that there's no opportunity to test it out on your own bed and see if it improves the feel of your mattress before you commit to keeping it, and at £100 for a double, that is quite an investment to make without any guarantees.

Value for money

As of writing, the Next White Sleep In Comfort Dual Layer mattress topper starts at £75 for a single, £100 for a double, £110 for a king size, and £130 for a super king.

To my mind, that's quite a lot of money for what's essentially a layer of polyester wadding, and I do wonder if a lot of that cost could have been reduced had this topper not been made in two layers, which require an (expensive to fit) zip.

There is a regular 'single' layer version of this topper – the Next White Sleep In Comfort Mattress Topper – available on the Next website, which costs £65 for a double, and to be honest, I think I'd opt for that one instead.

That said, even £65 is still quite a lot of money. The best budget mattress topper we've tested is the Silentnight Airmax mattress topper, which is often on sale for around £45 for a double. I found both this Next topper and Silentnight's cheaper Airmax alternative felt very similar and offer the same 'duvet' type of softening to a mattress.

How I tested

Usual sleep position: side
Tension preference: medium-firm
Sleep problems: hip pain

I tested the king-size version of the Next White Sleep In Comfort Dual Layer Mattress Topper on top of a hybrid memory foam and spring mattress. This entailed unpacking it, attaching it to my mattress, and then sleeping on the job for about two weeks to see how it fared.

What I was most interested in was the comfort of the topper, as this is what this particular topper is designed for. But I was also intrigued by whether the dual-layer design added much to the experience. And of course, temperature regulation and how easy it is to care for came into play. Lastly, value for money is always on my mind.

I don't know about you, but as the weather begins to cool and the nights draw in, my mind is turning to cosying up my home.

Cold temperatures and dark and gloomy winter days mean more time inside, and that means interiors need to work harder to cheer us up and create a sense of snug warmth we can retreat to.

Nowhere is this more important than in our bedroom design ideas. As such, I've asked the experts how to give a bedroom a winter glow-up. These are the five non-negotiables interior designers recommend to cosy up your sleep space.

And thankfully, as interior designer Katerina Tchevytchalova, founder of interior design studio K'Arte Design, points out, this doesn't mean a complete bedroom overhaul or a big budget.

Instead, these are simple and affordable tweaks that have a big impact and can instantly make your bedroom feel warmer, cosier, and more cocooning.

1. Layer, layer, layer

'You don't need to redecorate to make a bedroom feel cosy for autumn,' says interior designer Katerina, 'it's really about layering and warming up what's already there.'

'Start with textiles,' Katerina says. 'Swap in a heavier throw and a few extra cushions in warmer, richer tones like terracotta, olive or deep clay.'

'Since it's the natural focal point of the room, start with the bed itself,' agrees interior designer Lara Clarke, founder of Lara Clarke Interiors. 'Swapping in a heavier-weight duvet, a knitted throw and a mix of cushion textures instantly makes the space feel more inviting, and it's the easiest seasonal update to change back come spring.'

2. Consider what's underfoot

When it comes to layering textiles, don't forget to think about what's underfoot as well as on top of the bed.

'If you have hard flooring, a wool rug underfoot makes an enormous difference to how the room feels the moment you get out of bed,' says Katerina.

'Underfoot, a soft, textured rug does a huge amount of work,' agrees Lara. 'A rug warms the room both visually and physically first thing in the morning and adds a layer of depth that a plain floor simply can't. If you have the budget for one seasonal buy, this is where I'd put it.'

3. Swap out your bedding

When it comes to the textiles you use in your bedroom this winter, our interior experts also recommend thinking texture, texture, texture.

'In winter, I always recommend a linen or brushed cotton bedding change,' says Katerina. The best brushed cotton bedding is a particularly cosy choice as its fluffy fibres mean none of the chill you can get from smooth cotton bed sheets during the colder months.

Alternatively, the best linen bedding has a slubbier texture than cotton that achieves a similar effect, just with a little less snuggle-factor.

4. Create a cosy glow

'Lighting is the other easy win,' says Katerina. 'Overhead lighting can feel quite clinical, so bring in a couple of table lamps or a floor lamp instead, and if your bulbs allow it, opt for a warmer colour temperature. It instantly makes the space feel softer and more restful in the evenings.'

'Swap out any harsh overhead light for a mix of table lamps and wall lights on a warmer bulb temperature,' agrees Lara. 'It changes the whole mood of a room in minutes and makes it feel more like a retreat than a functional space to sleep in.'

5. Don't forget the windows

'If your bedroom allows it, a heavier curtain fabric or an additional layer like a sheer behind a main curtain helps stop windows from feeling like a cold void once it gets dark earlier,' says Lara. 'This makes the whole room feel more cocooning.'

In fact, many design experts recommend 'window-stacking' during the colder months, which means layering up your window dressings as Lara suggests.

You might use a thermal blind next to the glass, a sheer fabric like Lara suggests to soften the window during the day, and then a thicker curtain to keep things warm and cosy during the night.

And as a bonus tip when it comes to creating a cosier bedroom, 'don't underestimate scent,' says Katerina. 'A candle or diffuser in a warm, woody fragrance signals the season has changed just as much as anything visual does.'

Ultimately, as Katerina sums up, 'these are all small, affordable tweaks, but layered together they completely transform how a room feels to be in.'

And as the temperatures outside my bedroom window continue to plummet, I think these simple tricks to cosy-maxxing a sleep space are exactly what's needed.

Now, we all know that Christmas bedding can be a little divisive. However, if you're on the fence about festive duvet sets, I think that the newly launched and *very* tasteful M&S Christmas bedding collection could be the range to convince you that this is the year to bring Yuletide to the bedroom.

When it comes to where to buy bedding, as Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, M&S is always one of my top recommendations for stylish and practical bedding. However, even I wasn't expecting to be quite as impressed by the brand's Christmas bedding range as I am.

The collection has just launched online and in-store and features a couple of standout pieces, including my personal favourite, the M&S Woodland Pure Cotton Jacquard Bedding Set.

It's classic, Christmassy, and compared to the often slightly tacky festive duvet sets most shops are filled with this time of year, I think very tastefully designed. Plus, its mix of traditional themes and contemporary design makes it a timeless option that you can get out of your Christmas storage box year after year.

But what I've found even more impressive are the more 'neutral' designs on offer, especially the *very* affordable M&S Brushed Cotton Checked Reversible Bedding Set, which starts from £20 for a single duvet set.

To my mind, this is the perfect Christmas bedding; its colourful red and green gingham design ticks all the festive boxes, but it isn't *so* themed that you can't still have it on your bed from November through to March if you wish.

It's also made from brushed cotton, and we all know that brushed cotton bedding is *the* cosiest option to have on your bed during the cold seasons.

And it seems I'm not alone in appreciating its budget-friendly festive vibes. Although it's still only October, according to the M&S website, more than 50 of these gingham bedding sets have been sold online in the last few days.

Plus, there are plenty more low-key and understated Christmas options, such as the pretty M&S Pure Cotton Yarn Dyed Checked Bedding Set with its festive bows and classic red check.

I was impressed by M&S's autumn bedding collection, naming it one of the best the high street has to offer if you're looking to refresh your bedroom design ideas this season. And now, I think the brand has done it again with its Christmas bedding range.

I certainly think this is the most stylish Christmas bedding collection I've come across, and whilst other retailers have some tasteful options – I'm thinking the John Lewis Christmas bedding collection for understated vibes or Next's Christmas bedding collection for cosy fleece options – overall, M&S has nailed it best for me this year.

I've rounded up a few more of my favourite Marks & Spencer festive options below.

If you have a toddler, then you know the struggle of being asked to build a fort. It's an experience that will turn your luxurious, carefully chosen sofa cushions into walls and that super soft sofa throws into a ceiling, all to get jumped on and trampled on the floor. That's before we get to discovering the embarrassing amount of crumbs and toys that have made their way underneath your sofa since you last looked. The whole situation might end up in tears, from both of us that is.

Well, I've found a way to avoid the entire fort-making situation, but still guarantee the fun. I'm talking about H&M's new Table Tent. Yes, it takes up your dining table, but what it doesn't say in the small print is that it'll keep them entertained for literal hours, and the christmas version is so darn cute. PSA: the Halloween design has sold out, so don't expect this design to last that long either!

It has a dedicated door and even a window, fitted with roll-down curtains so they can ignore you for longer and pretend you're not trying to make eye contact because dinner is ready. Arguably, the best thing about it has to be that it folds away into a bag after playtime. Unlike other playhouses I've owned, it's both cheaper at under £30 and this one won't take up a third of my living room, and cause chaos every time I need to put it down. In fact, I might leave it out all December long...

Not only is this a genius alternative to an actual play tent that requires a lot of floor space, but it's a clever tactic to keep them in the kitchen so that you can keep an eye on their antics whilst cooking dinner. My 3-year-old would go crazy for this, so I've already added it to my basket. My dog, on the other hand, might find himself stuck in here being served tea and wooden biscuits for quite some time.

Made from 100% polyester, this sheet fits most standard rectangular dining tables. Its Christmas design features candy canes, Christmas trees, presents and stars to bring whimsy to your kitchen or dining room ideas.

This table tent would make a great gift idea for a toddler in your life who loves imaginative play. At £30, it really is a bargain, and it'll prove itself handy through November and December. What about afterwards? H&M does sell a regular version of this table tent, for the same price of £29.99, which is decorated to look like a French-style cafe, in pastel blue and pink to ensure it's perfectly gender neutral. However it is currently out of stock, so you'll need to sign up for notifications for it coming back in.

So, why not change things up for November and December and put your now-boring tablecloth away in a drawer? Make space for this and thank us later — for the entertainment value and the extra living room floor space that you'll need by the time your tree is tossed out of the loft.

Would you consider this table tent over a regular play tent for your little one?

Alternatives

I don't know about you, but where I live, the overnight temperatures have plummeted recently, and that's got me thinking about ways to make my bedroom warmer and cosier this winter.

In cold weather, my windows are always one of the biggest areas of heat loss in my bedroom. However, after speaking with several window-dressing experts, I've found a clever solution.

As it turns out, 'curtain-stacking' is the bedroom curtain idea experts say we should all adopt this autumn – it's a simple trick that can make a cold sleep space feel warmer and is the ideal way to cosy-maxx your bedroom ahead of the winter season.

What is curtain-stacking?

So, what exactly is curtain-stacking? And how can it help to make a cold bedroom warmer?

'During winter, windows can be a significant source of heat loss,' explains Chloe Dacosta, design manager at Blinds2Go. 'To combat this, curtain stacking involves layering multiple blinds or curtains at the window to regulate the temperature (as well as the light) in your bedroom.'

Why does this warm things up? Because 'layered window treatments create additional barriers between the glass and the room, with pockets of air between the layers helping to slow the movement of heat,' says Chloe.

That means curtain-stacking works a little like double-glazing: it creates air layers between each 'stacked' fabric to trap heat and insulate your sleep space from the cold outside.

Plus, as Helen O’Connor, product and trend manager at 247 Blinds, shares, curtain-stacking isn't just a practical solution; it can also help your bedroom to feel visually cosier and can be a great bedroom design idea in its own right.

'Stacking multiple window dressings together is a great way to balance the aesthetics of your home, adding more depth and texture, whilst also acting as a barrier against heat loss,' explains Helen.

'Curtain-stacking is a creative way to protect your home environment while also designing a stylish interior,' Chloe agrees.

How to create a curtain stack

I'm certainly convinced that adopting curtain-stacking will help me to combat the cold winter nights ahead, but how exactly do we go about creating a window stack from scratch?

'To create a stylish curtain stack, look to layer different styles of window treatments and fabrics,' explains Chloe. And, when it comes to layering treatments, Chloe says that three is the magic number.

'For a combination that never fails, layer a roller blind behind a voile curtain and an outer curtain in a thicker fabric,' says the window dressing expert. 'Layering blinds and curtains adds visual interest, creating depth and texture at the window, while also creating a strong thermal barrier to regulate temperature.'

In addition, 'the sheer curtain can provide daytime privacy while allowing softly filtered light into the room,' explains Chloe, 'while the heavier outer curtain can be closed in the evening for extra heat retention.'

When it comes to where to buy bedroom curtains, there are plenty of options out there, but for maximum cosy-making, Chloe suggests choosing thermal blinds or curtains. 'These are designed to insulate the home and maintain temperature, making a room feel warmer and more comfortable during winter,' the design expert explains.

'For the base of your curtain stack, I’d reach for some high-performance thermal blinds,' agrees Helen. 'Thermal blinds are ideal for temperature control through the colder months, insulating your home, and preventing cool draughts from entering through your windows.'

'Adding a second layer, such as shutters or curtains, creates another wall of temperature regulation during cooler spells, whilst supporting the seasonal styling and cosiness of the room,' adds Helen. 'For this, I’d use a heavy, textured curtain.'

'Using different types of layers within your curtain stack means your space is ready for the moments you want to embrace the early morning sunlight, or those when you’d rather keep it snug,' explains Helen, 'perfect for changing seasons.'

'Adding a second layer, such as shutters or curtains, creates another wall of temperature regulation during cooler spells, whilst supporting the seasonal styling and cosiness of the room,' adds Helen. 'For this, I’d use a heavy, textured curtain.'

'Using different types of layers within your curtain stack means your space is ready for the moments you want to embrace the early morning sunlight, or those when you’d rather keep it snug,' explains Helen, 'perfect for changing seasons.'

And don't forget that your curtain stack can be stylish as well as practical. 'I'd opt for a warming colour palette,' says Helen. 'Think coppery oranges or a deep burgundy; that will add an element of warmth to the natural light that enters the bedroom throughout the day.

'Don’t be afraid to combine different patterns and textures to create contrast,' adds Chloe. 'Or, if you’re looking for a more minimalist aesthetic, try layering different shades of the same colour – if you're not sure where to start, neutral tones are a timeless choice.'

All in all, curtain-stacking is a design solution with both practical and aesthetic benefits, and to my mind, that makes it a bit of a no-brainer for keeping my bedroom looking stylish *and* feeling snug and cosy this winter.

As nighttime temperatures begin to drop, it's *finally* time for cosy season. And cooler bedtimes can only mean one thing: now is the time to add brushed cotton bedding to your sleep setup.

Why? Because brushed cotton is the ultimate bedding fabric to get cosy under. Soft, snuggly, and fluffy, it's the perfect bedding material for autumn hibernation.

However, if you're pondering where to buy bedding, you may find that not every retailer has this winter essential in stock. As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've been recommending brushed cotton bedding for a cosy winter bedroom for a long time, but it's taken a while for this fabric to hit the high street in the way it has this season.

Yep, in 2026, brushed cotton is having a moment. M&S, John Lewis, Dunelm, and plenty more stores have all got behind this cosy fabric this season, and I, for one, couldn't be happier that there are now more patterns and colours to shop.

I've tracked down all of the top buys, and this is the best brushed cotton bedding on the high street this year.

If you're a sensitive sleeper, you'll know there's nothing more distracting than light creeping into a bedroom, making it harder to get a restful night's sleep. That's where the right window dressing can make a difference. But when it comes to blackout curtains versus blackout blinds, which option is best for keeping your bedroom dark?

The answer isn't as black and white as you might think. While both can help block out unwanted light, the way they're fitted, lined and used can have a big impact on how effective they are.

To help you decide, I've spoken to industry experts to weigh up the pros and cons of blackout curtains versus blackout blinds, from how much light they block to which is more practical, and which looks better. Whether you're looking for some new bedroom curtain ideas, or a sleek, streamlined blind, there's no shortage of options.

1. Which blocks out more light?

You might be surprised to know that, despite their name, neither blackout curtains or blackout blinds are guaranteed to create a completely dark room.

'Complete blackout is exceedingly difficult to achieve unless you have a fully sealed system,' explains curtain-maker Pat Giddens. 'Even the smallest gap around a blind or curtain can allow light to enter – and blackout lining can make that light bleed more noticeable.'

With blackout blinds, light can creep around the sides, as well as through gaps at the top and bottom of the blind. Pat recommends making a roller blind wider and taller than the window opening to minimise this, while cassette systems with side channels and a headrail enclose the blind more completely.

Blinds2Go offers a range of cassette-style blinds with integrated sidetracks, designed to reduce light creeping in around the edges.

Pat points out that a window that feels dark in winter can tell a different story in summer. 'Stronger sunlight, earlier mornings and later evenings put much more pressure on your window dressing in summer,' she says.

2. Which looks better?

The choice between blackout curtains versus blackout blinds may come down to the finish you're looking for. 'Curtains bring softness, warmth and a cocooning feel to a room, while blinds tend to offer a cleaner, more streamlined look and more precise control over light,' says Victoria Robinson, product manager at Hillarys.

Roman blinds can be a good middle ground, combining the decorative appeal of fabric with a more compact fit.

High street retailers such as Dunelm and John Lewis offer Roman blinds in a variety of styles and designs.

You don't necessarily have to choose between blackout curtains or blackout blinds, either. Victoria says layering a blackout roller blind with curtains is a popular approach. 'It combines excellent light control with the softness and warmth that fabric brings to a space,' she says.

It's also worth thinking about how your window dressing will look when it's open and closed, which will make a difference to the overall finish.

3. Which is more practical and easier to clean?

'Curtains tend to be either open or closed, whereas blinds will give you more flexibility,' explains Victoria. Blinds can be adjusted to manage brightness, privacy and glare, whereas curtains generally tend to be open or closed.

It's also worth thinking about how easy blackout blinds and curtains are to clean. Roller blinds are the most low-maintenance option, says Victoria, as they're tend to be easier to dust or wipe down. Whereas curtains and Roman blinds are made of fabric, so they usually need more care.

'A quick dust or vacuum every few weeks is much easier than waiting until a deeper clean is needed,' she says. And before you do give them a clean, check the care instructions on the label.

Both blackout blinds and blackout curtains can also be motorised, which can be useful if you have mobility issues or want to programme your window dressings to open and close at set times.

4. Which is easier to fit?

Whether you're measuring curtains or measuring blinds, you'll need to get the dimensions right. Before you buy, Victoria recommends thinking about the space around your window, including any radiators, furniture or other obstacles that may affect your choice.

'People are often surprised that measuring is only half the job,' says Victoria. 'So, the best solution isn't always the product you initially think you want and set out to buy.'

With curtains, you'll need to measure the width of the pole or track and the required drop, rather than simply measuring the window itself. And before you fit a blackout blind, you'll need to decide whether you want them fitting inside the window or across the outside of it.

And if you're unsure, it's worth seeking professional advice to avoid making a costly mistake!

Verdict: So which should you choose?

Ultimately, the choice between blackout curtains and blinds comes down to your budget, your room and how much light you need to block. Blackout curtains offer more scope to minimise light gaps and create a softer, cosier finish, while blackout blinds may work better in smaller spaces and those who prefer a more streamlined look.

If blocking as much light as possible is your priority, you can combine the two. 'For the closest thing to a true blackout environment, my preferred solution would be a blackout blind underneath blackout-lined and interlined curtains, combined with a pelmet or another method of closing off the top and sides,' says Pat.

This approach is probably not necessary for everyone, but can make a big difference for infants, light sleepers or shift workers. It's worth bearing in mind that without a completely sealed system, some light may creep in.

Shop blackout blinds

Shop blackout curtains

Now you're clued up on blackout curtains versus blackout blinds, which one gets your vote?

I don't know about you, but nothing screams cosy season to me like curling up in a warm, inviting bed at the end of a long day. And it's the simple things that make a difference - the weight of a snuggly duvet, a pillow you can sink your head into, and soft sheets that feel lovely the second you slide in.

But the secret to creating a super cosy bed comes down to how it looks and how it feels. From choosing the best duvet for the season to finding the best pillow to suit you, the right bedding fabrics and textures can transform how warm, comfortable and cosy your bed is.

So, how do you get that comfy, cocoon feel without making your bed feel impractical? I asked bedding and interiors experts for their simple tricks for creating a bed that looks as good as it feels.

1. Size up your duvet

Sizing up your duvet is one of the best tricks there is, says Kriti Mawij, head of procurement at Belledorm. 'A super king duvet on a king bed drapes over the sides, looks fuller, and stops draughts getting in when you or your partner turn over.'

When styling a cosy bed, the duvet is the first place interior designer Stephanie Griffiths starts. 'I start with a duvet one size bigger than the bed, so it drapes over the sides and looks full and inviting,' she says.

Whatever size duvet you choose, match the duvet tog to the season. 'Higher togs, from around 10.5 to 13.5, suit winter for most people, while a lighter duvet is fine if your bedroom stays warm,' adds Kriti.

2. Use cushions to create texture

It seems to be a long-standing debate when it comes to whether bed cushions are a must or a waste of time (I'm team cushions and my husband is in the no-cushions camp). But if you're looking to create a cosy bed, cushions are an easy way to create softness and depth.

While you might picture a cosy bed adorned with lots of pillows, Kriti says you don't necessarily need more. 'Four is plenty for a double: two to sleep on and two for sitting up to read,' she says. 'Beyond that, they mostly end up on the floor. Better to invest in two really good pillows than six average ones.'

'I add a pair of square cushions and finish with a long bolster across the front,' says Steph. 'The bolster pulls the whole look together and makes the bed feel finished without having a mountain of cushions to move every night.'

Josh Branigan, furniture and home interiors expert at bedkingdom suggests varying the sizes and textures of the cushions rather than just adding more. 'A larger cushion at the back with a smaller one in front can create depth,' he says. 'It's also much more practical when it comes to actually getting into bed at night.'

3. Switch to brushed cotton

You don't just want your bed to look cosy, it has to feel cosy, too. Kriti recommends opting for brushed cotton, especially in winter. 'The brushing process lifts the surface fibres, which creates a soft, slightly fuzzy feel and holds warmth close to the body,' she says. 'Cotton also breathes, so you stay cosy without getting clammy.'

Josh agrees. 'Cotton bedding makes a good base, while materials such as brushed cotton can feel particularly cosy during the colder months.'

4. Layer a throw at the foot of the bed

A good throw is one of the easiest ways to make a bed look more luxurious, and feel cosy and inviting.

'Fold a chunky wool or mohair throw across the foot of the bed,' advises Steph. 'It adds warmth where you need it and gives that snug, autumnal feel straight away.'

And when it comes to dressing a bed, you don't need to worry about achieving a perfectly made bed, either. Josh says a slightly relaxed finish can often feel cosier than a perfectly made bed.

'Don't worry about everything being completely symmetrical,' he advises. 'Folding back the duvet slightly and loosely draping a throw across the bed can make the room feel much more comfortable and lived-in.'

5. Make the space around your bed feel cosy

And finally, a beautifully layered bed can still feel a little less inviting if the space around it is bare.

'One trick people often overlook is styling the area around the bed as well as the bed itself,' says Josh. 'A rug beside or underneath the bed, curtains and warm bedside lighting can all help soften the space and make the whole bedroom feel cosier.'

Thinking about headboard ideas is another way to make your bed feel more welcoming. Steph recommends a soft bouclé or fabric upholstered headboard. 'It makes the whole bed feel like somewhere you want to curl up,' she adds.

Shop cosy bed essentials

Now you've got your cosy bed set-up sorted, you can make the rest of the room feel just as inviting with a few cosy bedroom ideas.

In this Simba Natural Hybrid Source Mattress review, I put the brand's entry-level natural hybrid mattress through its paces to see how it compares to the best mattresses Ideal Home has tested.

In a nutshell

Unlike the mattresses Simba is best known for – namely the Simba Hybrid Mattress and Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress, which have both scored highly with Ideal Home's review team – the Simba Natural Hybrid Source Mattress doesn't employ the brand's signature 'Simbatex' memory foam.

Instead, this mattress focuses on wool comfort layers and spring support; hence its 'natural' product name.

In practice, I found this meant exceptional breathability and temperature regulation – if you're a hot sleeper, you'll love the cooler sleep this wool padding offers. My husband and I also found those wool top layers were great at absorbing movement; we couldn't feel when one of us rolled over in bed.

However, after giving the Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress almost full marks for side sleeping support when I tested it recently, I did find the Natural Hybrid Source very firm in comparison.

Simba says the Natural Hybrid is medium-firm, but my husband and I definitely rate it firm; in fact, my husband dubbed it 'too firm', especially for side sleeping where it lacked enough cushioning for our hips and shoulders.

That said, if you're a hot sleeper who enjoys a firm sleep surface, this could be a great choice for you. It's a well-made mattress made from great quality materials, and I think it will suit back sleepers (who tend to need less cushioning than most side sleepers) well. It also comes with Simba's generous 200-night sleep trial.

Simba Natural Hybrid Source Mattress review

Specifications

• Type: hybrid (springs + natural materials)
• Construction materials: British wool and Hampshire wool, "Aerocoil" micro springs, "Coremax" steel sprung base, viscose cover
• Sizes: single, double, king, super king
• Tensions available: medium-firm
• Height: 28cm
• Side handles: yes
• Flip or rotate: rotate
• Manufacturer sleep trial: 200 nights

1. Comfort

The Simba Natural Hybrid Source Mattress is a hybrid wool and spring mattress made up of eight layers. These eight layers amount to an overall mattress depth of 28cm which, for me, was a comfortable height to sit on and get into and out of bed.

Simba says the Source is designed to feel medium-firm, but as I've mentioned, I found its tufted wool top to feel much more on the firm side. Unlike the memory foam Simba Luxe I recently tested, I didn't feel 'hugged and cradled'. Instead, I felt I was sleeping on top of the firm sleep surface, rather than sinking in at all.

This meant my husband and I found it too firm for comfortable side sleeping, as it lacked cushioning around our hips and shoulders. I found it to be more comfortable on my back but, again, I didn't feel hugged. My husband, who is 6ft 4in, dubbed it 'too firm' all round.

I also asked my mum to assess the comfort of the Source Mattress. A little bit of info: mum is 5 ft 3 in, likes a firm tension, is a back-sleeper, and will only sleep on a mattress made from natural materials. The verdict? She, of course, loved the Source, saying it provided 'wonderful' support for her back.

It just goes to show, we're all different. So whilst I found the Source too firm to be totally comfortable, for back and front-sleepers, however, sleeping on this mattress could be a dream – it's certainly got all the qualities of support and breathable materials.

2. Motion isolation

I found that the Simba Natural Hybrid Source Mattress has exceptional motion isolation, no doubt thanks to the 'Aerocoil microsprings' working together inside it to absorb movement.

I didn't feel the mattress move when my husband climbed in and out of bed. Similarly, I didn't get disturbed when he switched up sleeping positions through the night. From my husband's point of view, he concurs that he couldn't feel me shape-shift through the night.

Collectively, we can also confirm that we didn't roll into the middle of the bed either; we both stayed on our respective sides of the mattress.

3. Responsiveness

One of the things I've always loved about Simba's memory foam hybrid mattresses is the amount of bounce in the Simbatex foam the brand uses. In comparison, the wool and spring layers of the Source mattress feel quite "flat".

This mattress doesn't instantly spring back into shape when I press down on it, instead, any weight is more gently nestled and absorbed by the surface of the mattress before regaining its shape.

Personally, I would have liked a little more give and bounce-back, as this is one of the factors that made it feel too firm for my liking. However, my two kids still found it a great mattress to bounce on (albeit not as high as they've managed on Simba's memory foam mattresses!).

4. Temperature regulation

With no memory foam and only natural material used in the making, I can comfortably say that the Simba Natural Hybrid Source mattress has exceptional temperature regulation.

Throughout the 10 nights of testing this mattress, neither my husband or I woke up overheated. Equally, as we were sleeping on our back or side neither did we feel hot and uncomfortable.

The construction of the Source mattress ultimately plays a huge role in the temperature regulation. Multiple layers of British wool promote cooling breathability, and cushioning Hampshire wool assists with air circulation. And Simba Natural Hybrids have microspring Aerocoil layers at the top of the mattress too which are designed to keep you feeling comfortable, supported and cool.

5. Edge support

Simba says that the reinforced frame on the Natural Hybrid Source Mattress helps to limit roll-off and, therefore, encourages good edge support as you launch out of bed every morning.

To test, I sat on the edge of the bed. I found that the sides collapsed only a little as I perched. It was then easy enough to get up from the side of the bed, which has a mattress depth of 28cm so my feet could be firmly on the floor also, which I'm sure helps.

And whilst lying on the mattress, I found that I could enjoy the entire surface of my side of the bed without any danger of it dipping at the sides. Even after a night with my youngest child pushing me to the edge, I could still sleep in comfort without falling out of bed.

6. Sleep trial

Simba offers a 200-night sleep trial when your mattress is delivered to give you plenty of time to get used to your new mattress, and decide if it's for keeps. If within 200 nights you decide that your Simba mattress isn't for you then you can request to return your mattress.

This trial period is highly competitive with other brands such as Emma and Origin offering the same duration. In comparison, Nectar and DreamCloud have the longest sleep trial in the business, with a generous 365 nights to try out their mattresses.

7. Ease of care

The Simba Natural Hybrid Source Mattress is an easy(ish) one to care for, as you don't need to flip it.

Instead, to maintain optimal performance and longevity, the brand recommends that the mattress be regularly rotated. There are two strong handles on either side of the mattress to help with this, but you will need another strong person to help turn it 180 degrees because it is heavy.

And unlike other Simba mattresses, the cover is not removable so I'd highly recommend a mattress protector to help keep the Source is tip-top condition. For example, I bought the John Lewis Natural Cotton Quilted Mattress Protector for £50 (super-king), so I could still benefit from the breathability of this Natural Hybrid mattress.

8. Delivery

Because Simba's Natural mattress range is handmade in the UK, the Source took a little longer to be delivered than the brand's super-speedy memory foam collection. However, it still arrived within a few days of the order being placed.

The day before the mattress delivery, I received a phone call from the courier company asking a few basic questions, such as: which floor should the mattress be delivered to? Is there a lift? Do I have a mattress bag for the old mattress?

Then, on the day of delivery, I received a phone call in the morning to say that they will be arriving at 1 pm that day (traffic delayed things somewhat so it was more like 1.30pm in the end).

I'm used to Simba's memory foam mattresses being delivered rolled and in a box, so I was actually quite surprised to see the Source was delivered flat. As such it was a little trickier to get up our stairs, and I was beyond relieved that the courier company was the ones lugging this super-king mattress up to our bedroom.

It did not look easy. Cardboard was wrapped around each of the four corners of the mattress, secured by large plastic sheeting that was wrapped around the mattress (I could see at least three layers). This made it difficult for the mattress to be manoeuvred up the stairs, so the delivery drivers removed the packaging so it could be manhandled more easily.

On the plus side, the mattress was ready for immediate use. It didn't require any inflating, and there was no mattress off-gassing (although if you were to press your face into the plush pillowtop you'd get a hint of "farm" thanks to the wool fleece used in its construction).

I also opted for the removal of our Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress at the same time. I would have loved to keep it, but it was a king mattress, and we've just upgraded to a super-king bed, so, sadly, it had to go. The courier company took care of it by zipping it up into a mattress bag and carrying it out of the house, which couldn't have been simpler.

9. Third-party reviews

The Simba Natural Hybrid Source Mattress is available direct from Simba or third-party websites including Mattress Next Day, Mattress Online and Bensons for Beds. All the sites that this mattress can be bought from collate user reviews, and it's worth noting that Bensons for Beds pulls through reviews left direct with Simba.

That said, Bensons for Beds has an overall rating of 4.7-out-of-5 stars for this mattress, with 85% awarding it the full 5 stars. Recent reviews shared that it is "So comfortable – getting a great night's sleep, and waking up with no aches or stiffness at all. Love it!" and "My husband wanted an all natural material mattress that also delivers comfort & we've got exactly that we couldn't recommend it enough!". Also: "It's definitely firm. I'm so light, so hardly make a dent. I was able to feel where the tufts are, but this has evened out, even after a few days." (this was a five-star review).

The majority of reviews that were fewer than three stars were mainly reflecting on the delivery service or that they hadn't yet tried the mattress out. However, one review to note shares that they found it to be a "very hard mattress".

Mattress Online just has the one, five-star review which says: "I was a bit daunted at first as it's quite a deep and solid mattress, but my goodness we've been getting the best continuous nights' sleep we've had in a long while. My back issues have disappeared, too. There was very little odour and what there was was natural. The feel of it is that you feel as though you're very well and firmly supported but there's a softness to the top layer. Very pleased." I agree: it does look deep. However the plush-top makes it look like a thicker mattress and it'll still, just about, fit into standard-sized fitted sheets.

And with Mattress Online the one and only review is a 4-out-of-5-star rating which shares that "its' a very firm mattress great for my wife but not for me but overall good quality." It seems as though the medium/firm tension is subjective, since is can depend on preference, sleeping position and body type.

10. Environmental impact

As a brand, Simba is certainly making more efforts than most mattress brands to be environmentally conscious. Through using CertiPUR foam and recycled materials where possible, and recycling or refurbishing old Simba mattresses, they're taking action to turn their manufacturing processes into a circular economy, where no Simba mattress enters landfill.

The brand will also recycle your old mattress, regardless of the brand or size, with no Simba purchase necessary, which is awesome. For £50, their specialist mattress removal and recycling service will collect the mattress for you. Working with their UK-based partners, they'll carefully strip down mattresses into their component parts at a rate of about 12,000 mattresses per week.  All components will then be sorted and sanitized before a check and redistribution to their next life.

The Simba Natural Hybrid Mattress also uses Hampshire and British wool, keeping emissions down and supporting UK farmers.

By continuing to do its bit to protect the planet, Simba is also doing all it can to be Net Zero by 2030. It's also proud to be a B Corp, which means that it's been verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

11. Value for money

Simba has a mattress to suit all budgets. From £699 for a double Hybrid Essential Mattress to £2,399 for the Hybrid Ultra Mattress, there's a mattress to suit everyone.

The Simba Natural Hybrid Source Mattress is bang in the middle of the Simba price range, costing £1,299 for a double. This is more affordable than the Simba Hybrid Luxe (my favourite Simba mattress thus far, and a dream for side-sleeping comfort), which costs £1,699 for a double, and blends memory foam, springs, wool and bamboo for its construction.

The Source is the entry-level non-synthetic mattress in the Natural Hybrid mattress range by Simba. A step up would be the Escape, which is a 30cm-deep mattress with 10 layers of wool and up to 4,800 springs, that'll cost £1,799 for a double. Then there's the Apex, a 32cm-deep mattress with a total of 12 layers of Hampshire wool, silk, cashgora and up to 6,700 springs, that'll cost £2, 199 for a double.

So is the Source good value for a natural-fill mattress? I'd say it's about average. Our testing team found the Hypnos Pillow Top Select mattress to be one of the most comfortable natural mattresses they've tested. That costs £1469.65 for a double as of now, but it has a cushioned pillow top that's much more comfortable for side sleeping

However, if you're a back sleeper who prefers a firm, all-natural sleep surface, I think the Source could prove good value for money, and that sleep trial does lessen the risk of testing it out for yourself.

How I tested

My sleep stats:

Sleep position: back or side
Tension preference: medium/firm
Sleep problems: shoulder and/or neck pain and occasional pins & needles
Height & weight: 5"8 and 12 stone, 7lbs

In putting the Simba Natural Hybrid Source Mattress through Ideal Home's mattress testing process, I assessed eleven factors that we deem vital to any mattress purchase.

I tested the mattress for comfort, motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support. This means that my husband and I (and our toddler) slept on the mattress for a minimum of two weeks before I wrote my review.

I also took into consideration ease of care, any sleep trials available, the delivery process, its value for money, and, where possible, researched the mattress's environmental impact and any third-party customer reviews – to see if they aligned or were at odds with my own experience – before writing my own review and giving this mattress a star rating.

Wondering where to buy bedroom curtains? I’m here to help. As Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, I’ve spent the last five years researching where to buy all of the key ingredients needed to create a relaxing, stylish, and practical bedroom, so I know that bedroom curtain ideas are one of the finishing touches that can make or break your bedroom design.

Whether you’re looking for blackout curtains to keep the daylight at bay in the early hours of the morning, thermal curtains to keep your bedroom temperature under control, or simply some stylish ready-made or made-to-measure window dressings to introduce colour, texture and pattern into your bedroom, this is my shortlist of where to shop.

John Lewis

Ready-made: yes
Made-to-measure: yes
Fabric swatches available: 5

John Lewis sells both ready-made and made-to-measure curtains, making it easy to find a bespoke look for your bedroom.

In made-to-measure options, there are over 10,000 fabrics available, with a choice of up to six headings and a variety of linings. You can order up to five swatches online, or collect them in-store.

Once you’ve selected your fabric, you can book a free estimating appointment, where the brand's experts will measure and provide a full quote for your chosen product. Your curtains are then made, and a time to fit them is arranged.

Alternatively, there are hundreds of ready-made options too, in a variety of eyelet, pencil pleat, blackout, voile, and patterned and plain designs.

Shop now: John Lewis bedroom curtains

Dunelm

Ready-made: yes
Made-to-measure: yes
Fabric swatches available: 5

Dunelm also offers ready-made and made-to-measure curtains, with five fabric samples available to help you make your colour, pattern, and texture choice.

At Dunelm, you can have an online or in-store consultation for free, but unlike John Lewis, Dunelm's measuring service isn't free; it will cost £40 for an at-home measuring service, although this is redeemable against your fitting if you choose to proceed with your order.

Dunelm's prices for both ready-made and made-to-measure curtains are also some of the most affordable on the high street.

Shop now: Dunelm bedroom curtains

Next

Ready-made: yes
Made-to-measure: yes
Fabric swatches available: yes

Next offers both ready-made and made-to-measure bedroom curtains, with made-to-measure options handled by a third-party service called Fitting4U. You can submit an enquiry to find out exact costs for measuring and fitting.

If you opt for ready-made curtains, there are thousands of options available, including designs from Laura Ashley, Cath Kidston, William Morris, Graham & Brown, and many more.

Shop now: Next bedroom curtains

M&S

Ready-made: yes
Made-to-measure: no
Fabric swatches available: no

M&S offers only ready-made curtains, but there are over 200 options to choose from, with a wide range of widths and drops.

You can choose from eyelet or pencil pleat curtains, alongside a wide variety of weights, from lightweight voiles to soften a window or add daytime privacy to light-reducing thermal and blackout bedroom drapes.

That mixture of curtain weights means there are some great options for 'curtain-stacking' – that's the interior designer-approved art of layering window dressings to regulate light, temperature, and also soften the look of your sleep space.

Shop now: M&S bedroom curtains

Habitat

Ready-made: yes
Made-to-measure: no
Fabric swatches available: no

Although there's no made-to-measure service, Habitat is another good option for affordable ready-made bedroom curtains.

The brand also offers curtains made in collaboration with Morris & Co and Scion that deliver some great patterned fabrics with matching bed linen and accessories available.

Shop now: Habitat bedroom curtains

Other options

• 247 Curtains: made-to-measure and ready-made options
• Curtains2go: ready-made curtains
• Hillary's: made-to-measure curtains
• H&M: ready-made curtains
• IKEA: affordable ready-made curtains
• West Elm: ready-made curtains

How to choose bedroom curtains

• Ready-made or made-to-measure: Depending on where you shop, bedroom curtains are usually available in ready-made or made-to-measure options. Ready-made curtains will come in set widths and lengths, and tend to be cheaper. They're also available to buy and hang immediately. In contrast, made-to-measure curtains will have a lead time and so take longer to arrive, and they'll generally be the more expensive option of the two. The bonus is that you can get any size you want made up, and there tend to be *far* more fabric and finish choices available with made-to-measure curtains, so you can create bedroom curtains that are the exact fit for your bedroom design ideas.

• Size: Do you want your curtains to finish just below the windowsill or to reach the floor? How much width do you want in your curtain fabric? Most curtain retailers will have measurement guides in store or online, but window dressing experts often also advise using the ‘high and wide’ rule when it comes to choosing where to fit your curtain – especially when thinking about small bedroom ideas – so factor in the ‘more is more’ rule, rather than scrimping on fabric.
• Think about performance: ‘Start by thinking about what you need your curtains to do, as well as how you want them to look,’ says Helen O’Connor, product and trend manager at 247 Blinds. ‘Bedrooms have quite specific requirements in that you may want plenty of natural light during the day but privacy and a much darker environment at night.’ That might mean you layer a thin voile curtain (for daytime privacy) with a thicker lined curtain for night.

• Consider blackout or thermal options: ‘If darkness is important, look for curtains with a good-quality blackout lining and think carefully about the fit, as light can creep in around the edges of the window,’ advises Helen. ‘Full-length curtains with generous coverage can help to minimise this.’ ‘If early morning light tends to wake you before your alarm does, blackout curtains are a great choice,’ agrees Allison Tyson, head of brand strategy at SelectBlinds. ‘It’s worth considering energy-saving options too,’ says Allison, such as thermal blackout curtains, ‘which can help regulate the temperature at your windows.’
• Colour, pattern, and texture: ‘Then comes the fun part, says Allison, ‘choosing the color, texture and pattern that feels at home in your space.’ When it comes to choosing the way your curtains look, ‘consider how the curtains will fit in within your wider bedroom scheme,’ says Helen. ‘Curtains introduce a large area of fabric, so colour, pattern and texture can have a real impact on how the room feels. If you like to update your bedding, paint colours and accessories fairly regularly, then opting for a versatile curtain in a colour or texture you know you’ll continue to love is a good long-term choice.’

When I first caught a glimpse of the new M&S winter bedding collection at the brand's AW26 press preview, I knew it was going to be a winner.

Not only has the high street favourite nailed all the biggest bedding trends of the season – think rich burgundy and moss green colourways, alongside of-the-moment checkerboard and jacquard woven textures – but it's also done so with the brand's trademark practicality and brilliant value for money.

The uber-stylish M&S Blurred Floral Bedding Set and on-trend M&S Checkerboard Gauze Jacquard Bedding Set are the two buys currently tempting me to part with my hard-earned cash, but I'm also impressed by all of the super practical M&S zipped bedding sets on offer this autumn.

When it comes to where to buy bedding this cosy season, M&S is the place to shop as far as I'm concerned.

However, don't wait until the mercury drops to bagsy your bedding. As usual, M&S's best-value bedding sets are selling out fast. These are the looks I recommend snapping up before sizes disappear.

Whether you opt for a modern floral or contemporary checkerboard design, I think M&S's autumn bedding collection is the perfect way to give your bedroom a cosy and affordable autumn upgrade.

Even better? There are plenty of layering ideas too, whether that's the brand's sell-out M&S Supersoft Faux Fur Throws (that disappear off the shelves in record time most years) or M&S's new geometric bedspreads and blankets. Cosy season has never looked so stylish.

Forget two pillows, or even four. According to a bedding expert renowned for their well-styled bedscaping, the key to creating a more expensive-looking bedroom is to opt for *six* pillows on your bed.

However, whilst six is the magic number when it comes to creating a comfortable and beautifully styled bed, there’s one more design trick you need up your sleeve to make this simple bedding update look as luxe as possible.

This is how to elevate your bedroom design ideas, and make your bed the pièce de résistance in your room.

The 'six-pillow rule'

‘People often think styling a bed has to be complicated,’ says bedding expert and Secret Linen Store co-founder Molly Freshwater, ‘but sometimes it's the simplest changes that make the biggest difference. For me, that's upgrading from four to six pillows.’

Why six pillows? ‘Whether you're creating a hotel-inspired bedroom or simply making your bed feel more inviting, adding two extra pillows instantly transforms both the look and feel of the space,’ says Molly.

However, this doesn’t mean simply piling more pillows onto your bed. Instead, according to Molly, the key to creating luxe-look bedscaping comes down to considering not just the number, but also the shape of your pillows.

‘For me, the perfect combination is four standard pillows and two square pillows,’ explains Molly. ‘The standards give you everything you need for sleeping, while the squares add height, softness and somewhere wonderfully comfortable to lean when you're reading or enjoying a lazy Sunday morning.’

And, of course, those extra pillows also mean more opportunity to add texture, colour, and pattern to the bedroom – a sure-fire way to make a sleep space feel more elevated and expensive.

‘Six pillows opens up so many styling possibilities,’ agrees Molly. ‘I love mixing colours, stripes and textures in pairs, using two pillows that match the duvet cover fabric, two in the sheet fabric and two as a little moment of personality.’

And as well as mixing and matching colours and patterns, Molly suggests doing the same with texture. ‘Think soft washed linen, relaxed cotton and one beautifully draped throw at the foot of the bed,’ says the bedding expert, ‘that’s often all you need.'

Wondering how to style those extra pillows? Well, according to Molly, there isn't one "correct" way to arrange them.

‘It depends entirely on my mood that morning,’ Molly says. ‘Some days I'll stand the standard pillows up with the squares sitting proudly in front. Other days I'll put the squares at the back and let the standards tumble gently in front. Both create a completely different feel.’

Mostly, ‘don't worry about getting everything “right”,’ says Molly, ‘play with colours, try different layouts and choose combinations that make you smile. I've always believed a bed should feel like it belongs to real people rather than looking like a showroom display. The best bedrooms have personality.’

‘The more important thing is making sure every pillow is properly plumped,’ says Molly. ‘A well-made bed instantly makes the whole bedroom feel calmer and more considered.’

And in case you (or your other half) is concerned about the practical details of adding more cushions to the bed, Molly’s quick to point out that stylish doesn't have to mean impractical.

So, where do all those cushions go at night? ‘I never let cushions end up in a sad little heap,’ says Molly. ‘They deserve a bedtime routine too! A chair, bench, basket or shelf all work beautifully, but honestly, even a clean floor is absolutely fine. Giving them a proper home means making the bed in the morning becomes a pleasure rather than a chore.’

I put the affordable Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress to the test to see how it compares to the best mattresses and best budget mattresses on the market.

In a nutshell

At £199 for a single and £449 for a double, the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress is an affordable mattress. However, after testing, I do think you get what you pay for here.

It's dubbed a medium-firm mattress, but I definitely found it on the firmer side, feeling it lacked cushioning compared to the equally budget-friendly mattress that's usually on my and my husband's bed: the Simba Mattress Simbatex Cool, which is £399 for a double.

I didn't feel this Nectar mattress gave me enough cushioning around my hip when I was sleeping on my side. Sleeping on my back, I found that it was comfortable around my hips and lower back, but lacked support around my shoulders/chest. This caused me to toss and turn a lot more than usual.

Plus, although its cover claims to be cooling, I didn't notice that I slept any cooler.

However, the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress does excel at motion isolation. I hardly moved when my (heavier than me) husband lay down and got back up off the mattress. And the 365-night sleep trial is one of the longest I've come across; that should be plenty of time ot test out and see if this mattress is for you.

Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress

Specifications

• Type: Foam
• Construction materials: Cover, dynamic support layer, pressure-reliving memory foam, 7-zone supportive base, positioning base material
• Sizes: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
• Tensions available: Medium-firm
• Height: 25cm
• Side handles: Yes
• Flip or rotate: Rotate
• Manufacturers sleep trial: 365 nights

1. Comfort

I used to be a somewhat difficult sleeper. Without my beloved pillow and ultra-comfortable mattress-and-topper combo, I could never manage an 8-hour snooze without waking up with a sore neck. My husband? He has a hidden talent for being able to catch a few winks wherever he possibly can. Classic.

Upon first sleeping on the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress, we barely noticed a difference between this mattress and our usual mattress, the Simba Mattress Simbatex Cool, which, by the way, is ultra-comfortable and, interestingly enough, has a lower price tag of just £399 for a double.

However, after about a week, the differences started to flag: we'd wake up with the occasional neck ache; I'd wake in the night needing to change sleep positions ASAP. As someone who tests mattresses, I know that this can be normal and you've got to power through as your body adapts.

But now it has been over a month, and I can confidently say that as a back and side sleeper, I did notice a difference in comfort. Sleeping on the Nectar Classic, my pressure points don't feel as cushioned as they felt when cradled with my previous setup. It lives up to its medium-firm name, particularly when it comes to cushioning (or lack thereof!), and some might feel that it's actually on the firmer side of the scale. I agree.

It's definitely not one of those mattresses that your entire body will sink into. In fact, I almost felt like my body was on top of the mattress at all times.

When sleeping on my side, I found there wasn't enough padding around my hip, and my hips felt unaligned. When I slept on my back, my upper back would sink into the mattress (probably not as much of an issue if you're not female!).

My husband, also a side/back sleeper, felt some minor neck discomfort initially. Now, it's just his shoulders that are troubling him, as this is arguably the heaviest part of his body. However, since tossing one of his pillows, he claims that it's a lot more comfortable. So it's worth rejigging your setup if you're feeling the same way.

We are slowly getting used to this mattress's firmer feel as the nights go by, but by no means was this as easy a transition as we thought it would be. It's not that it's an uncomfortable mattress; it's just not the level of cushioning that we're used to, which means that our pressure points are feeling a little unloved at the moment.

2. Motion isolation

When it comes to a mattress, motion isolation is a hugely important factor for my husband and I, as our toddler is like clockwork when it comes to climbing into our bed at 2 am on the dot.

My husband also tends to wake before both of us, and I did find that I hardly felt him move. In fact, I didn't move at all when he rolled off the bed, which is impressive considering he is at least 20kg heavier than me.

The same goes for him — if I'm tossing and turning, or I wake in the night for a wee, he's never woken up by his body moving.

3. Responsiveness

With its medium-firm comfort rating comes an ideal responsiveness. I pushed this mattress as hard as I could with my hand, and while it did manage to push through a layer or two, when I removed my hand, it bounced back with immediate effect. Impressive.

Don't get me wrong: it's not exactly one of those mattresses that will make you feel like you're sinking into it. But, on the other hand, you also won't struggle to roll off it. Responsiveness has its perks, and depending on the way that you sleep or any sleep issues you suffer from, you'll either love a responsive mattress or hate it.

To be honest: for me, this mattress could've done with being a tad less responsive, so that you're not lying on top of it and do slightly feel like you're being cushioned, beyond just the heavier points of your body.

But, this responsiveness also means that this mattress is very easy to move around on. Even with three people in the bed!

4. Temperature regulation

Both our last mattress and this one claim to be cooling. I didn't particularly rave about the cooling effects of our last mattress at all - it wasn't any warmer, but definitely wasn't noticeably colder than average. The same goes for the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress.

I wouldn't buy this mattress specifically for its cooling claims, but even throughout several heatwaves, I didn't feel like the mattress was unbearably hot.

5. Edge support

I did have higher hopes for this mattress's edge support. Mostly because it's a big-name mattress brand that you think would nail something as simple as this. I was wrong.

There have been too many occasions where I have almost fully rolled off this mattress because of its lack of edge support. Also, admittedly, my toddler (like most) prefers it when I have as minimal moving space as possible whilst I sleep.

Even just sitting on the edge of the mattress, you can see just how much it sinks.

6. Sleep trial

As with all Nectar mattresses, this one comes wrapped in a generous 365-night trail. This means that should you really not get on with your mattress, you can return it. They say that it takes roughly 30 nights to get used to a new mattress, so do bear this in mind before making any quick decisions.

Still, this takes the worry out of buying a mattress you're yet to sit on. Instead of sitting on it in a showroom, you can sleep on it with your favourite pillow and cozy duvet to give it a true test.

7. Ease of care

I was a little disappointed that the Nectar's cooling cover isn't removable. I do think that this should be pretty much standard now with most mattresses, as cleaning your mattress is such an important job. Especially in the summer when you're sweating all night long unless you're lucky enough to own an AC unit.

I do own a much-loved Emma mattress protector that I always make sure to put on my bed before changing my sheets. And some people may already own a good mattress protector, but I think it's also handy if a mattress comes with a removable cover, should there be any accidents - or generally just for ease of cleaning.

Other than this, this mattress is designed to be rotated instead of flipped, and conveniently enough, it has handles to do this job with ease.

8. Delivery

Delivery was fast and fuss-free. I received a text regarding shipping the day before it was due. They gave me a 3-hour window and then called 30 minutes before delivery.

It was dropped into my hallway by the delivery men, as they kindly asked where I wanted it. Overall, the mattress delivery process was fairly simple.

Once dragged upstairs by my husband (I tried, but there was just no way I was going to be able to shift that box solo!), we lumped it onto our bed frame. It was folded in half and rolled into the box, which made it a lot easier to navigate around our furniture.

In the box came a tool to cut the mattress open. This was done with ease, and there were two layers — one to keep the mattress folded and rolled and the other, which has suctioned the air from the mattress to keep it compact. The second you cut this, it expands almost to full size. Impressive.

I did, despite it looking ready to sleep on, leave it all day without making the bed.

Other than that, there was a strong chemical smell once we unrolled this mattress. It wasn't unbearably strong, but it was noticeable. Around 48 hours later, it was gone.

9. Value for money

The Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress is the brand's most budget-friendly model, and prices start at £199 for a single and £449 for a double, which is very affordable.

However, it has competition at that price point, and there are a couple of recent launches to the mattress market that I do think offer better value for money based on my testing experience.

First, there's the Simba Mattress Simbatex Cool, which I currently sleep on and find ultra-comfortable. It has more cushioning than the Nectar Classic Memory Foam, and a lower price tag of just £399 for a double.

Then there's the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress, which we currently rate as the best budget mattress we've tested thanks to its impressive all-round performance. A double used to be £525, but DreamCloud has just reduced the RRP to £499 for a double, which makes it extremely competitive.

Nectar's remains the longest sleep trial on offer, at 365 nights, but, personally, I would opt for one of these other two budget buys if I were shopping for myself.

How I tested

My sleep stats:

Sleep position: Back/side
Tension preference: Medium-firm
Sleep problems: None

In putting the Nectar Original Mattress through Ideal Home's mattress testing process, I considered the nine factors that we deem vital to any mattress purchase.

I tested the mattress for comfort, motion isolation, responsiveness, temperature regulation, and edge support. This means that my husband and I, (plus quite frequently my almost 3-year-old and dog!) slept on the mattress for over a month before I wrote my review.

I also took into consideration ease of care, any sleep trials available, the delivery process, and its value for money before writing my own review and giving this mattress a star rating.

Upholstered headboards are a timeless interior design choice, yet there’s no denying 2026 has truly been their moment to shine. And the latest offering to catch our attention is the Habitat x Morris & Co Hyacinth Double Headboard, which, at £200, is one of the most affordable headboards I’ve seen that will give your bed a timeless, designer look.

Having now worked at Ideal Home for more than two years, September is eagerly marked in my calendar as the arrival time of the Habitat x Morris & Co autumn collection. And the one thing this collaboration does consistently well is nail (and sometimes help set) the biggest bedroom trends.

Fans of the iconic Arts & Crafts designer don’t want to miss out on this statement headboard. Its stunning design will add some romantic charm to your bedroom - and I bet it will never go out of style, either.

Personally, I see September as the perfect opportunity to reset my life, and one way I like to do this is to update my sleep space. I’ve already recently raved about the Habitat x Morris & Co bedspread which is the perfect transitional layer to add to your bed as the temperature starts to drop.

But having spotted this statement headboard, I’m about to push those shopping plans to a whole bedroom revamp; honestly, I’ve not seen anything this stylish for that price. The headboard is elegantly curved with rich pink cord piping for a stylish finish. The upholstered headboard trend goes hand in hand with curvy designs, and the trend is focused on creating an environment that is both comforting and elevated.

The pattern itself is taken from Morris & Co’s Hyacinth wallpaper, which was designed by John Henry Dearle between 1900 and 1912. Its block-printed pattern shows a sprawling floral display with twisting foliage and rich colours of green, blue, pink and orange.

The 2026 Habitat version has been reimagined slightly bolder. Set against a navy backdrop, it features bolder reds, greens and blues whilst retaining the romantic charm of the original.

If this Hyacinth headboard is too bold for you, consider the Habitat x William Morris Apple Double Headboard - Cream (£200). This intricate floral and fruit print is stunningly sophisticated, in a soft green and cream colourway.

This headboard is inspired by the Apple wallpaper, which was designed by William Morris in 1877. The pattern combines apples and acanthus leaves against a backdrop of foliage. While the original has a small splatter of orange hues, the Habitat version lacks it. However, I do prefer this take if you’re looking to create a more relaxing sleep space.

The headboards are available in a double or king size. The double measures at W153, H127 cm, while the king is W168, H127 cm. The boards come with a 1-year manufacturer's guarantee.

If you love the Habitat x Morris & Co headboard but are not due for an upgrade, no fear, as here are a few of their new bedding sets that will look gorgeous in your bedroom this autumn.

If you are due for a new headboard idea, or this one has simply caught your eye, I don't think you'll regret the purchase. It will make a beautiful statement in any room.