Making the Bed: The 7 Bedding Accessories Everyone Should Have

There’s nothing nicer than crawling into a clean, cosy bed when you’re tired, especially when the bedding and accessories have been carefully chosen with comfort in mind.

If you’re looking to create a bed that looks good and promotes deep, restful sleep, here’s our guide to 7 bedding accessories everyone should have, from a moisture wicking wool underlay to decorative pillows.

A comfortable mattress

No matter how stylish your bed looks, if you don’t have a firm foundation, i.e. a comfortable mattress, you’re never going to get a good night’s sleep. Choose your mattress carefully based on your personal needs, and the level of support it provides.

While getting enough support is vital, not all of us feel comfortable on an ultra-firm mattress while others may find it impossible to sleep on a mattress that’s too soft.

A mattress topper

A mattress topper not only adds an extra layer of comfort, but it will help to keep your mattress fresh for longer. For the ultimate in comfort, try a natural wool mattress topper which will keep you warm during cold nights, cool on warm nights and wick away moisture as you sleep.

Using a traditional Australian wool underlay will help you to create a bed that’s so comfortable you may never want to leave it.

Cotton Sheets

Nothing beats the feeling of smooth, cool cotton sheets. For the ultimate in comfort buy the highest thread count you can afford as this gives the smoothest feel. Choose sheets in pure white or neutral colours to complement your bedding or go all out with a dark colour sheet for a more seductive look.

Top with a doona or quilt

Traditional Australian wool doonas are the perfect way to keep you comfortable throughout the night. These quilts are available in a variety of weights to accommodate the seasons, so you may want to buy a lightweight quilt for summer and heavier weight for winter.

Keep your bedding looking and feeling fresh with interchangeable duvet covers that match or complement your bedroom décor.

Don’t forget the pillows

Pillows are not just there to be decorative; they’re there to provide support for your head and neck. Whether you choose a natural feather pillow or an ergonomically designed foam pillow, ensure that it provides enough support without raising your head to an unnatural angle.

You may also want to add decorative pillows that you layer on the bed by day and remove when it’s time to sleep.

Layer with a throw or comforter

A comforter or throw not only adds a decorative touch but provides an extra layer should you feel cold during the night. Drape it artfully at the base of the bed or fold it neatly and lay it about a third of the way down.

Add the finishing touches

Decorative cushions add a finishing touch to a well-made bed. Choose cushions that match or complement your bedding for the ultimate in luxurious bedding accessories.

The Best and Worst Sleeping Positions

One thing we all need is sleep. However, considering we spend so much of our time in bed, many people struggle to get a good night’s slumber.

Whether you sleep best under a cosy queen size quilt or you prefer the comfort of a sheet and blanket, the position you sleep in can make all the difference between a good night’s sleep and a night spent tossing and turning. But are some sleeping positions better than others?

Let’s take a look at the best and worst sleeping positions to find out.

Back sleepers

Sleeping on your back is the perfect position for a healthy back and neck, as the spine is supported by your mattress and not forced into any unusual positions. It’s also the best position to avoid wrinkles that can be caused by pressing your face into a pillow.

However, back sleepers are more likely to suffer from snoring and sleep apnea, as when we sleep in this position the effect of gravity causes the base of the tongue to fall back and obstruct your airways.

It’s also worth noting that while you may be keeping your spine and neck straight while sleeping on your back covered by your comfy king size quilt, some sleep research has shown that back sleepers have more poor-quality sleep compared to people who sleep in other positions.

Side Sleepers

Hands up if your preferred sleeping position is curled up on your side under a traditional Australian washable wool quilt. If so, you’re not alone, as most people say that they sleep on their sides, either curled in a foetal position or lying on their side with their legs straight out.

It’s the best position for pregnant mums, as it relieves the pressure on the lower back and improves circulation to the heart. It’s also the best position to help prevent heartburn and acid reflux.

However, sleeping on your side is not without its problems, such as numb arms caused by restricted blood flow. Furthermore, as the shoulder has to support much of the weight of the body, it can often cause pain in the muscles in this area and around the neck.

Stomach Sleepers

Sleeping on your stomach may help to reduce snoring and sleep apnea but it can cause all kinds of problems. Not only does is flatten the natural curve of the spine but sleeping with your head turned to the side can also cause problems with your neck.

So, if your preferred position is on your stomach you may want to train yourself to sleep in a different position.

Vary your sleep position

Most of us find it difficult to sleep unless we’re in our preferred position. However, if you’re finding restful sleep elusive or you’re waking up with aches and pains you may want to try a different position.

And, don’t forget to make sure that your bed is as comfy as possible, by investing in a new wool doona online, the quilt Australia is famous for.

Care Instructions for Your Wool Bedding

Sleeping under a traditional Australian wool quilt is one of the most comfortable ways to spend a night.  In warm weather it will keep you cool, and in winter it will make sure you are kept warm and cosy.

Burrr: Australia is Set To Have Its Coldest Winter On Record

Did you know Australia is expecting its coldest winter yet? That’s right, it’s time to get ready to bundle up and stay warm. Warm clothing, hot beverages and a king size doona might be exactly what you need to keep you cosy during the coldest winter on record.

Although Australians are not accustomed to this kind of weather, there are ways to embrace the chilly temperatures and ensure that life goes on.

Worldwide Impact

Australia’s impending freezing winter comes as no surprise to the rest of the world. America and Europe have already experienced especially harsh winters, which has included large amounts of snow and freezing temperatures. In fact, some parts of the eastern United States have seen temperatures as low as -70C.

Can you just image how cold that would be? King size quilts, snow boots, scarves, hats and hot chocolate would be essential to get through those artic conditions. We’re lucky it doesn’t get that cold in this part of the world!

Where will it be coldest in Australia?

Weather reporters are stating that the winter will affect the vast majority of the country but the harshest cold will hit the southern states and Queensland. There will likely be snow in places that haven’t seen snow in years, which means these parts will have to prepare themselves accordingly.

Unfortunately (or fortunately for us!), Australia is not accustomed to weather like this. Colder parts of the world are better suited to cope with weather this intense, which means that cities are equipped with the tools and machinery to deal with large snowfall and icy conditions.

Given the weather forecast this year, the Australian government will have to work hard to ensure cities are prepared for what’s to come. Weather reporters are asking Australian citizens to prepare themselves by investing in snow removal equipment, an extra warm king or queen size doona, and suitable clothes too.

The winter is set to kick in by June 1st and last until the end of August so you have been warned!

Stay Warm & Stay Happy this winter

So, what can you do to make things easier on yourself during the winter chill? Well, be happy! It might be a good idea to adopt the popular Danish concept of hygge this winter. While Australians might not be accustomed to cold and harsh winters, hygge provides for a feeling of contentment while the cold weather kicks in. Enjoying the company of loved ones near a fireplace while enjoying a warm cup of tea (or something a little stronger) whilst tucked under a queen sized quilt can be a great way to cope with the winter.

That’s something us Australians can try to embrace while we face one of the coldest winters we’ve ever experienced. Doesn’t sound that bad, right?

5 Ways to Optimise Your Bedroom for Better Sleep

If you struggle to get to sleep, stay asleep or wake refreshed, you’ll no doubt understand the importance of getting enough quality rest.

While there are many factors that affect sleep quality, such as what you eat and drink before you hit the pillow, your bedroom itself can also have a major impact on how well you sleep.

So, if you’re not getting the restful slumber that you need, here are six simple ways to optimise your bedroom for better sleep.

1. Keep your bedroom cool

If you’ve ever struggled to sleep due to feeling too hot or too sweaty, you’ll be interested to know that scientists have confirmed that warmer temperatures do affect quality of sleep.

According to most sleep experts, the optimal temperature range for quality rest is between 60 to 72^o Fahrenheit.

While this may mean sleeping with the air con on especially during hotter months, installing a ceiling or freestanding fan may be the answer if you want to opt for a greener solution.

2. Block out the light

One simple way to tell your brain that it’s time to sleep is by blocking out the light in your bedroom. When light is detected, the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus based in the hypothalamus delays the release of melatonin (the hormone responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle), keeps your body temperature raised and produces cortisol, which signals to your body that it should be awake.

Always turn off electric lights as soon as you get into bed, and install blackout window shades to keep your bedroom as dark as possible.

3. Invest in the right bedding

Wool quilts have excellent ‘moisture-wicking’ properties, which means that they absorb excess moisture and prevent you from overheating while you’re in bed.

So why not invest in the kind of traditional wool quilt Australia has become famous for?

It will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter, and by purchasing your doona in a wool quilt sale you’ll get a quality piece of bedding at a reasonable price.

Doonas come in different weights for summer and winter use, and are fire retardant and hypo-allergenic too. So, if you want to sleep comfortably at night, check out the next wool quilt sale in your local store or buy your wool quilt in Australia by shopping online.

4. Block out irritating sounds

Have you ever found it impossible to sleep due to loud televisions, noisy neighbours or a snorer in the family?

If the irritating noise is outside of your control, you may find it better to sleep wearing earplugs, or you may want to try using an app that offers white noise or calming nature sounds to help to blur annoying background noises.

5. Banish the TV and other electronics

While you may love watching TV in bed or scrolling through your phone before you sleep, researchers believe that the blue light emitted by TVs and other electronic equipment can prevent your internal clock from regulating your sleep.

The solution? Be sure to remove the TV from your bedroom, and limit the amount of time you spend on your laptop, tablet or phone before you hit the pillow.

Transform your bedroom for better sleep

Keeping the room cool, dark, relaxing, quiet and distraction free is the best way to optimise your bedroom for better sleep; but don’t just take steps to transform your bedroom, make sure that you optimise your children’s and guest bedrooms too.

That way, everyone will be sure to have a better night’s sleep and wake feeling refreshed.

5 Ways to Make a Small Bedroom Look Bigger

Small bedrooms can often feel cramped and busy rather than calm and relaxing, especially if there’s not enough storage, a lack of natural light and too many dark colours.

However, even if you can’t increase the size of the room, it’s relatively easy to restore some calm and equilibrium to your bedroom with just a few simple changes.

Trending for 2018: 5 Interior Bedroom Design Ideas

Are you thinking of redecorating your bedroom in 2018? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Whether you need to get a new Australian wool doona, get a new mattress, find a new colour scheme, or change up the layout of your whole bedroom, we’re about to give you some major design inspiration.

Why it Pays to Buy Australian Made Products

Since the last global recession, people all over the world have been trying harder to support their locally-based products and businesses. Here in Australia, we are no different than the rest of the world and, as a nation, we love nothing more than to support our own where possible.

5 Ways to Bring a Rustic Feel to Your Home

One of the most popular trends that we have seen this season is the need to add a rustic element to modern, contemporary homes.

Are you sick of snoring and duvet snatching? Here’s How to Stop Your Bed from Becoming a War Zone

Sharing a bed with someone that’s causing you to lose sleep can be minus fun. From stealing the covers and snoring to constant moving and sleep talking, you run the risk of many sleepless nights if your partner is prone to doing any of the above.