The leaves are turning, days are getting shorter, and the nights are drawing in. It’s official, cosy season is upon us, and if you’re currently overhauling your bedding ready to create a winter cocoon for hibernation, there’s one trend you’ll most definitely want on your radar.
What is it? The patchwork quilt. I’m seeing this nostalgic bedding trend *everywhere* on the high street this autumn, and this isn’t all about granny-chic; if you’re pondering where to buy bedding, there are plenty of contemporary patchwork quilts popping up at the likes of John Lewis, Oliver Bonas, and more.
John Lewis
Colourful Patchwork Quilted Bedspread
So why are patchwork quilts suddenly having a moment? I asked the trend experts, and as it turns out, not only are quilts suddenly bang on trend, they could even help us sleep better this winter.
‘This is the time of year when we all crave that feeling of comfort – the kind that wraps around you like a big hug,’ says Dayna Isom Johnson, trend expert at Etsy. ‘What better way to bring that vibe into your home than with a timeless quilt.’
‘These staples of the interior world evoke the feeling of a warm cup of tea at your grandma’s house, in the very best way,’ says Dayna.
Yep, this nostalgic bedding certainly offers a hit of serotonin for me – instantly making me feel safe, cosy, and content. And guess what, when we feel safe, we’re more likely to relax and feel sleepy – a definite win in the bedroom.
(Image credit: John Lewis)
Plus, ‘beyond the changing of the season, quilts are part of a wider movement toward slower, more intentional ways of living,’ shares Dayna. ‘The best part is quilts aren’t just décor, they’re also a joyful project. More and more, we’re seeing people lean into the simple joys of quiet crafts.’
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However, whereas your grandma no doubt pieced her patchwork quilt together by hand, there are currently plenty of ways to embrace this slow-living trend on the high street if you don’t have the sewing skills to embark on your own quilting project. I’ve rounded up six of my favourite designs below.
Shop patchwork quilts
Catherine Lansfield
Autumn Patchwork Geometric Bedspread
This is the most affordable patchwork quilt I’ve come across on the high street, and its rustic colours are perfect for autumn.
John Lewis
Equilibrium Quilted Bedspread
Personally, I love this contemporary take on the traditional patchwork quilt. This abstract geometric pattern offers a modern twist on a classic.
Oliver Bonas
Patchwork Star Multicolour Velvet Quilt
Whilst this velvet patchwork quilt offers an added layer of luxury and softness to the bed. No wonder it has over 500 5-star reviews at Oliver Bonas.
Next
Black & White Quilted Patchwork 2.5 Tog Duvet Cover
Don’t want the faff of a loose layer on your bed? This ingenious patchwork duvet cover solves that problem.
M&S
Velvet Patchwork Bedspread
A second velvet number, I love the way the fabric used in this patchwork quilt from M&S catches the light. Its larger patches offer another contemporary look.
Rowen & Wren
Lillie Cotton Patchwork Quilt
Hand-stitched, this cotton and linen patchwork quilt from Rowen & Wren is a real heirloom piece. And no one will ever know you didn’t make it yourself!
‘No matter how you bring one into your home, quilts will always be a go-to for cosiness, creativity, and a whole lot of heart,’ says Dayna.
And, of course, a quilt won’t just make your bedroom *look* cosy. Even the best duvet can need an added layer of warmth on a cold winter night, and investing in a decorative quilt is the perfect way to layer up your bed for the cold season.
‘Patchwork quilts have made a welcome return,’ agrees Lucy Uren, creative director at interiors brand Rowen & Wren. ‘In the bedroom, a quilt adds texture, colour, and a quiet warmth, making the space feel inviting and personal.’
(Image credit: Rowen & Wren)
Perhaps it’s a backlash against bedrooms that look too ‘store-bought’ and impersonal, but to my mind, this bedding trend certainly adds personality and individuality to a home.
‘For me, a quilt is an investment in both comfort and character, a piece that will enrich the room for years to come,’ says Lucy.
I have to admit, this season’s patchwork quilt trend has definitely won me over. How about you?
You probably don’t need me to tell you that it’s a good idea to wash your bedding regularly, but a recent announcement by a science expert might well make laundry day seem a little more urgent.
Yep, according to a biomedical science expert, studies have shown that after just a week on the bed, a pillowcase can have more bacteria on it than your average toilet seat. Urgh, indeed.
However, according to Dr Gareth Nye, Lecturer in Biomedical Science at the University of Salford, we might want to consider doing it a lot more frequently than that.
(Image credit: James French)
‘Most individuals are losing around 500-700ml of sweat every night, which ends up on bedclothes and bedding,’ explains Dr Nye. ‘This can be significantly higher, though, as most people will have variable sweating rates through the night, with men normally sweating less and women going through menopause sweating the most.’
‘Humans will also shed around 500 million skin cells a day, with the majority occurring in our sleep. We are also producing other body secretions, such as drool or saliva. All of these secretions are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, as well as some other nasty bugs.’
‘Some studies have shown that there were 17,000 more bacteria colonies on a pillowcase after a week compared to a toilet seat,’ says Dr Nye, ‘meaning where your head is lying each night could have more bacteria on it than the toilet!’.
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(Image credit: TIM YOUNG)
And it can get worse. A pillowcase is designed to protect your pillow, but if we don’t wash it frequently enough, then sweat, saliva, and even dust mites can penetrate your pillowcase and reach the pillow itself.
‘A typical pillow can have as many as 16 different species of fungus and millions of fungal spores, which can impact those with allergies or asthma,’ shares Dr Nye.
Not ideal, I’m sure you’ll agree. However, thankfully, experts say we don’t necessarily need to strip the entire bed every week to combat bedtime bacteria. There are workarounds.
As Phoebe Street, textile and sleepwear specialist at Pretty You London, explains, ‘most people wash their sheets every week or two, which is usually enough.’ But if you’re worried about the buildup of bacteria on your pillowcase and don’t have time to strip the whole bed, ‘just throw the sheet and pillowcases into the wash instead.’
‘They collect the most sweat, dirt, and bacteria because they’re in constant contact with your face and hair,’ advises Phoebe.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Tom Meadows)
I’d also recommend making sure you have enough sets of bedding for each bed in your home. It can be hard to wash bed linen frequently if you know you need to get it washed, dried, and back on the bed on the same day.
And when you do wash your bedding, ‘always avoid overloading your washing machine,’ says Phoebe. ‘Bedding needs enough space to be rinsed thoroughly, ensuring all trapped sweat and dirt are washed away properly.’
Drying matters too. Phoebe suggests drying bedding outside where possible. ‘The UV in sunlight can help to kill bacteria,’ she says.
I’d add one last top tip to help prevent your pillowcase and pillow from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. And that’s to consider investing in a pillow protector.
This is an extra layer of protection that goes between your pillowcase and your pillow to offer more defence against saliva, sweat, and dust mites. Adding one to your sleep setup means less googling of how to wash a pillow or how to get rid of yellow stains from your pillow. I’ve listed three of my top recommendations below.
Add a pillow protector
Marks & Spencer
Pillow Protectors
Starting from just £5, M&S has a wide range of pillow protectors that make an affordable way to protect your pillow.
John Lewis
Pillow Protectors
Opting for a cotton pillow protector rather than a synthetic option usually means paying a little more, but it can mean a cooler sleep. John Lewis has a good range.
Soak & Sleep
Pillow Protectors
If your pillow is bigger (or smaller) than standard, then Soak & Sleep has a wide size range of pillow protectors.
Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. She writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. When she’s not writing, she can be found out and about with her Jack-Chi, Cash,…read more
As the weather has turned colder this month, there’s one thing that’s been helping me to keep the chill at bay during the evenings.
That’s having an electric blanket secured to my bed and ready to turn on if and when overnight temperatures drop. Plus, a heated throw folded up on the sofa, ready to curl up under, so I don’t have to turn the central heating on yet.
However, before I began testing out the best electric blankets for Ideal Home, I hadn’t owned one since I was a kid, and it turns out, there’s one thing I hadn’t realised about electric blankets.
Namely, that you can wash an electric blanket. Which, to my mind at least, makes them a far better investment than I thought.
I’d always considered a heated blanket to be a bit of an expensive luxury. After all, if you’re anything like me, the sofa is for snacking, and snacking naturally means the odd crumb and occasional sticky fingers.
I didn’t much like the sound of a blanket that I couldn’t put through the washing machine to get properly clean every once in a while.
(Image credit: Dunelm)
Similarly, I know an electric blanket goes under your bottom sheet, so it’s protected from close contact with your body. But still, since becoming Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, I’ve learnt a *lot* about how easily sweat, grime, and dead skin cells can penetrate through the covers to stain bedding below.
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But, as it turns out, I didn’t need to worry, because every electric blanket and heated blanket I’ve tested over the past four years has been washable, and machine washable at that. There’s no need to bend over a bathtub to rinse out an electric blanket by hand.
But how is that possible? After all, we all know water and electricity definitely don’t mix safely.
(Image credit: Dreamland / B&Q)
‘Most of our throws and blankets are designed to be machine-washable,’ explains Maria Bullen of heated wellness brand, Dreamland. ‘Simply unplug and detach the control unit before placing your throw in the machine.’
Yep, it isn’t a blanket rule (no pun intended), but if your electric blanket has a detachable power cord – which every electric blanket I’ve tested has – there’s every chance it can be machine-washed.
Just make sure you *always* check the care label to make sure this is 100% the case before you bring your blanket anywhere near water, and definitely don’t get liquids anywhere near your blanket whilst it’s plugged into an electrical socket.
‘Never assume that an electric blanket is safe to machine wash if there isn’t a care label or manual included,’ confirms Rebecca Swain, mattress expert at Winstons Beds. ‘You’ll also want to check for any exposed or damaged wiring before washing,’ says Rebecca.
‘Before first use each season, check the fabric, wires, and controller for any wear or damage,’ agrees Maria.
(Image credit: Future)
But, as long as your electric blanket is in good nick (and if it isn’t, you shouldn’t be using it anyway) and its care label gives you the green light, you can then proceed to putting it in the washing machine and giving it a thorough clean.
‘Wash on a gentle cycle at 30-40°C, then either air dry or use a low tumble setting to keep the fabric soft and the heating elements protected,’ explains Maria. Our guide to how to clean an electric blanket has the full breakdown.
Just make sure to ‘keep drinks and liquids away when the electric blanket is in use,’ warns Maria, ‘they don’t mix with electric textiles’.
So you can eat your favourite snack whilst toasting on the sofa under your heated blanket or when hurkle-durkling in bed on a lazy morning, but avoid sipping a hot chocolate whilst using an electric blanket.
Personally, that’s a compromise I’m very happy to make. After all, the marshmallows are the best bit of an autumn hot chocolate anyway!
Machine-washable electric blankets
Dreamland
Snowed In Dual-Control Heated Mattress Protector
A comfortable sleep surface, dual controls that allow each side of the bed to be warmed independently, a wide range of temperature settings, and an auto-shutoff timer make this one of the best electric blankets I’ve tested, and it’s machine-washable at 30°C.
Silentnight
Comfort Control Electric Blanket
It’s a far more basic design, but I’ve found this affordable electric blanket still does a great job of warming up the bed. There’s no auto shut-off timer or dual controls, and I could feel the wires a little under my bedsheet, but it keeps away the chill without breaking the bank, and it can be machine-washed at 40°C.
Dreamland
Luxury Heated Throw
This heated throw regularly keeps me feeling super cosy whilst snuggled up on the sofa. Super soft and velvety, it comes with a detachable socket so you can use it as a normal throw in warmer weather, and that means it’s also machine-washable. You can pop it into the machine at 30°C.
I’ve rounded up three of my top recommendations for machine-washable electric underblankets and heated throws above.
As the weather continues to get colder, they’re definitely my go-to for staying cosy on cold winter nights. And, now that I know they’re machine-washable, that means they’ll be able to keep me warm for many winters to come, too.
The weather has definitely turned, and with a cold front rolling in and temperatures plummeting, it’s little wonder that there’s one bedding set in particular that’s flying off the shelves in M&S.
Yep, the brands’ soft and snuggly Pure Brushed Cotton Bedding Set is selling like hot cakes, and with prices starting from just £19.50 for a duvet and pillowcase set, it’s easy to see why.
This bedding set has over 600 5-star reviews on the Marks and Spencer website, and M&S customers are unanimous in their appreciation of how warm and cosy it is to sleep under.
M&S Collection
Pure Brushed Cotton Bedding Set
Why is this bedding set special? Because it’s made of brushed cotton. This is cotton that’s been (you guessed it…) brushed, to make the surface fibres fluffy. The effect of that fluffiness is that the fabric feels super soft and snuggly.
Most importantly, because the cotton fibres are no longer flat, they don’t have that cool chill to them on a cold night. Instead, you can climb into a bed that’s dressed in brushed cotton bedding and feel instantly warm and cosy.
The bonus is that if you’re a hot sleeper, like me, then because this fabric is still made of cotton, it doesn’t cause overheating in the same way that a synthetic fleece material can. So you get all the warm and cosy benefits, with no unwelcome hot and sticky nights.
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Judging by the bedding sets reviews, M&S customers are also highly impressed. ‘So cosy for this time of year and quality is exactly what I love from M&S… definitely recommend,’ shares one reviewer.
‘Bought as I was fed up with cold bedding. Great choice of colours and so warm and cosy,’ says another.
‘Excellent quality. So soft and cosy. Perfect for winter nights,’ shares a third. ‘This set is toasty! I usually have an electric blanket on in winter, but did not need it with this set.’
The bestselling Pure Brushed Cotton Bedding Set is made from 100% cotton and features a duvet cover and single pillowcase for a single bed, or two pillowcases for a double bed. Plus, it can be washed at 40°C and tumble dried on low.
My advice is don’t forget a fitted (or flat) sheet to go over your mattress as well. It’s usually our bottom sheet that feels the chilliest on a cold night, so swapping this for snuggly brushed cotton will make you feel far cosier.
If you don’t want to pack away your favourite duvet cover during the winter months, simply layer a brushed cotton flat sheet under your duvet. The fabric will be warm and snuggly against your skin, and the additional layer will increase the bedtime cosiness.
Owners are also impressed by how easy this bedding set is to care for, with many mentioning its lack of pilling and shedding (which can be a problem with some brushed cotton bedding) and how easy it is to wash.
‘Beautiful bedding and washes really well. I struggle to get out of bed due to how soft it is!,’ shares one happy owner. ‘Washes beautifully and lovely to snuggle down to sleep on a cold night!,’ says another.
If you’re looking for ways to beat the chill and make your bedroom into a cosy autumnal retreat, I think snapping up the M&S Pure Brushed Cotton Bedding Set whilst it’s still in stock is definitely the way to do it. Your future self will thank you on the freezing nights ahead.