How to Stay Cool in Your Bedroom After the UK’s Hottest Spring on Record
We asked our head of design Megan Baker for her tips for keeping cool—from clever tech and natural materials to smart bedroom design and planning.
With the UK experiencing its warmest spring since records began, many of us are already struggling to keep our bedrooms cool, months before summer has even officially started. A good night’s sleep is essential, but rising temperatures can make that tricky. Fortunately, there are both modern solutions and tried-and-true methods to help keep your bedroom comfortable and sleep-friendly.
Embrace Cooling Technology
Megan says “Modern solutions can do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to reducing heat in the bedroom, so it pays to research the latest devices and tech. Portable air conditioning units are increasingly popular and more energy-efficient than ever. If you’re dealing with stifling heat, this is a fast fix with the benefit that it can be used in other rooms during the day. Especially helpful for people working from home where they previously worked in an air-conditioned environment. Smart fans are a far cry from their noisy, one-speed ancestors. Look for models with built-in temperature sensors, multiple speed settings, and oscillation features to circulate air effectively. Cooling mattress pads & pillows using gel-infused or breathable foam toppers can reduce heat retention. Some even offer active cooling systems. No need to go with the “Nasa technology” brands. There are plenty of great value alternatives.
Go Back to Basics: Tried & Tested Cooling Tricks
Not everything has to be high-tech. Some of the old classic methods still work wonders. Cross ventilation where you open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a through breeze is a so simple yet effective. It’s simple physics, and it works. Chilled water bottles can help, swapping the winter hot water bottle for a chilled one placed under your knees or behind your neck. Although I must admit this one really doesn’t do it for me! Damp sheets or face cloths lightly misting your sheets or placing a damp cloth in front of a fan can bring noticeable relief but remembering to always be careful to stay safe with fans.
Choose Cooling Bedding & Materials
What you sleep in and on makes a huge difference and not only will the right materials improve your sleep it provides an opportunity to invest in some gorgeous new bedding. I recommend people look to choose natural fibres over synthetics – like cotton, linen, or bamboo sheets. They’re breathable, wick moisture, and feel cooler against the skin. Using lightweight duvets sounds obvious, but often people don’t have the space to store seasonal duvets (that’s where fitted wardrobes come in). Switch to a low-tog summer duvet or skip it altogether for a simple cotton sheet. Choosing the right mattress is really important, I find that memory foam mattresses can retain heat, so if you tend to overheat, consider a mattress with cooling tech or built-in airflow.
Block Out the Heat—Before It Gets In
Managing light and heat during the day is key to maintaining a cooler room in the evening. Blackout blinds or curtains can significantly reduce solar gain so try to look for thermal linings that also help keep heat out. Fitted Shutters are a more stylish method and although plantation shutters maybe a little more expensive than some curtains, they are brilliant for blocking light and heat while still allowing airflow. Reflective Window Films have been recommended to me in the past as an inexpensive option to reflect heat before it enters the room. They are said to be particularly effective for south-facing windows – however I have never tried them.
The Role of Smart Bedroom Design
Your bedroom’s layout and furniture choices can impact how hot it feels—and how well it functions in warmer weather. Megan recommends avoiding overfilling a bedroom, a cluttered space can feel stuffy and cramped. She recommends choosing clever storage to keep surfaces clear and the room breathable. Keeping decor light and airy by choosing pale, matte finishes that reflect light rather than absorb it can help. White or soft pastel walls help rooms feel fresher. Megan mentions our new Blush and Fjord bedrooms are perfect in this instance. Well-planned lighting avoids using excessive halogen or incandescent lights; they emit heat which at first thought may sound insignificant, however all those sources of light are also causes of heat. Low-energy LEDs are cooler and more efficient.
Why Fitted Wardrobes Can Help
Fitted wardrobes aren’t just about style and storage—they’re also a great asset when planning a cooler bedroom environment. Our design team are trained to maximise floor space and using fitted wardrobes will free up space, allowing for better airflow around the room.
Getting organised will reduce Clutter, this always helps – clutter holds dust and heat. A streamlined storage solution means less mess and a fresher feel. Thermal Control isn’t something people may first think of when discussing fitted wardrobes, but when fitted along exterior walls they can even act as a layer of insulation, helping to regulate room temperature. When designed thoughtfully, fitted wardrobes can be part of a broader strategy for comfort, helping you make the most of every inch—especially during the late spring and summer months.
Megan’s final thoughts
With climate patterns changing, the team and I are constantly rethinking how we design our clients’ bedrooms. Staying cool at night doesn’t need to rely on expensive tech alone—it’s a combination of design, materials, habits, and planning. Whether you’re renovating your bedroom or simply looking for ways to sleep better during this unusual heat, remember cool, calm, and clutter-free is the way to go and it there is no need to break the bank in done it.