The Harrods Guide to Bedding

The furniture specialists at Harrods recommend trying out a range of mattresses for 10 to 15 minutes before making a decision. If you’re struggling to determine whether a mattress is too soft or firm, you can have someone check your position. Just remember that a happy spine is one that’s aligned, so if your spine curves in to the mattress, it’s too soft; and if it curves away from the mattress, it’s probably too firm.  

Stuck on Fillings? If you're looking for bedding that’s extra squishy and plump, look to Frette, whose down-filled duvets and pillows provide the ultimate in comfort and luxury. 

Tog tip: think of a tog rating like a thermometer – the higher the tog, the warmer the duvet. Looking for an all-rounder? A 10.5-tog duvet is widely considered to be the most suitable for all seasons.

Imagine you have two bedding sets in front of you. One is a 400 thread-count cotton-percale set and the other is a 400 thread-count cotton-sateen set. How do you know which one to choose?  

Thread count: the quantity of vertical and horizontal threads in each square inch of your bedding. 
Percale: a type of weave that’s suitable for all year round thanks to its cool and airy feel. 
Sateen: a silky smooth and warm weave that’s perfect for the colder months. 

The higher the thread count, the more likely it is that the sheet has been woven using fine, premium-quality threads. Lower thread counts usually result in lighter, breathable bedding. It’s a misconception that a low thread count means rough sheets – they can actually feel just as soft and are the perfect choice for long, hot summer days! 

Nobody enjoys tossing and turning during a scorching hot summer or curling up into a shivering ball when winter arrives. See below for the Harrods buyers’ seasonal bedding recommendations. 

In the world of natural bedding, cotton reigns supreme. Not only does it feel super soft against your skin, it’s also hypoallergenic, long-lasting and very easy to maintain. Egyptian cotton is widely recognised as the most superior choice for bedding. Because it's harvested by hand (historically from the banks of the Nile), the fibres are longer, stronger and finer than other types of cotton. 

Look to brands such as Pratesi, whose sumptuous Marrakesh collection is crafted from Egyptian cotton that has a truly boutique feel. Or indulge the maximalist within and treat yourself to an intricately patterned design from Yves Delorme.  

It doesn’t get more luxurious than silk. It’s lightweight, insatiably smooth and drapes beautifully in glossy ripples over your bed. Silk stops your hair from becoming tangled and frizzy while you sleep, feels soothing against sensitive skin and because it doesn’t absorb moisture, is a great choice for those with dry skin. Pure silk duvets are ideal for those who want bedding that’s breathable and temperature regulating. Look to brands such as Gingerlily and Carpe Diem Beds.  

Now that you’ve found your perfect bedding, dreamland awaits. But how to get there? 

Harriet Emily, spiritual practitioner at The Wellness Clinic, explains that gentle meditation and sound baths are a great way to settle your mind before sleep. “By simply listening and giving yourself time to let your mind follow the sounds that wash over you in a sound bath meditation, you provide yourself with the perfect opportunity to pause, detach for your day and switch off from the world outside – preparing you to drift into a restorative, deep night’s sleep.” 

Dr Lindsay Browning, author of Navigating Sleeplessness: How to Sleep Deeper and Better for Longer and sleep expert at Trouble Sleeping, offers similar advice. “If your mind is too busy when you try to fall asleep at night, this is a sign that you should spend some time brain dumping earlier in the day,” she tells us. “Simply get a piece of paper and spend 15 minutes writing down anything that’s on your mind. That way, when you go to bed, your brain won’t be filled with unprocessed thoughts.” 

You could also have a relaxing caffeine-free tea an hour before bed and use a sleep mask to block out excess light. Check out this sleep guide for more tips.