Selecting the right duvet is essential for a comfortable and restful night’s sleep. A duvet plays a significant role in regulating temperature, providing insulation, and adding a touch of style to your bedroom. There’s lots to consider, so let’s snuggle up and look at what you need to know to choose the right duvet for your bed. With this duvet-buying advice, you’ll be shopping like a pro.

Understand your bed and sleep needs

Before diving into the world of duvet options, it’s essential to understand your bed size and your personal sleep needs clearly. Knowing the size (single, twin, king, etc) and dimensions of your mattress will help you choose the appropriate duvet size, ensuring optimal coverage and comfort – if your duvet is too small, it will look out of place. And if it’s too big, things can get messy! Additionally, consider factors like your preferred sleeping temperature, your climate, any allergies or sensitivities, and whether you sleep alone or share the bed. Look at seasonal duvet recommendations, too, as the weather can change many things for you…

What duvet fill options are available

Duvets come in a variety of fill options, each with its own unique characteristics. Common fill types include down feathers, synthetic fills like microfibre or polyester, and natural fills like wool, silk or bamboo. Consider your personal preferences for warmth, weight, and any specific requirements when selecting the fill type that suits you best. There are pros and cons to all of them…

Down and feather duvet fills

These duvet fills are sure to keep you warm and toasty, so they’re perfect for the Winter – but you might find they’re too hot for you during the Summer months. Feather and down duvets are also not vegan-friendly due to their use of animal-derived materials, which might not align with your personal preferences.

Recycled fills

You’ll also find some recycled duvet fills on the market; here at Panda, our luxurious Cloud Bamboo Duvet is filled with a 50:50 blend of bamboo (of course) and our innovative Nano-Microfibre – made from recycled plastic bottles rescued from the ocean. This is one of the best duvet fill types out there!

What is a tog rating

The tog rating of a duvet refers to its ability to retain heat – it is a measure of insulation. The higher the tog rating, the warmer the duvet and the more cosy you’ll feel as you drift off at night. In warmer climates or for individuals who tend to sleep hot, a lower tog rating (around 4 to 7) is suitable, while in colder climates, those who prefer extra warmth may opt for a higher tog rating (around 10 to 13). Consider your local climate and personal thermal needs to select an appropriate tog rating for your duvet. Anything between 7 and 10 will prepare you for an excellent year-round sleep. Different duvet weight options are available, with higher-tog duvets being generally heavier – consider whether you want something weighty.

Duvet material and cover

The material and cover of a duvet contribute to its overall comfort and quality. Cotton and cotton blends are popular options for their breathability and durability, as well as how easily accessible they are. They allow for good air circulation and temperature regulation.

Hypoallergenic covers (like those made from bamboo!) are available for those with allergies or sensitivities. Bamboo offers many other benefits: it’s naturally antibacterial, moisture-wicking, and thermoregulating. Not only that, but it feels super soft too. It’s eco-friendly, allowing for natural luxury in your home.

Different cover materials require different maintenance techniques, so always check the manufacturers’ instructions to help your duvet live its best life.

How to maintain and care for your duvet

As mentioned, duvets can differ in how they’re best cared for; many can be machine washed, and it’s best to do so on a low setting with a mild washing powder – and definitely no bleach! Spot clean regularly to avoid putting it in the machine too often, and always dry on the line outside where possible. This will keep it super fresh. No bedding duvet guide would be complete without telling you to ensure you have a duvet cover, too; this will help protect your duvet from any spills or dirt, keeping it looking and working great for years to come.

Duvet size and fit

The first thing to consider when choosing your duvet is the size; if you have a king-size bed, you’ll likely want a king-size duvet. Some people opt for two singles when sharing a king-size bed, as it works better for them. Consider the bed duvet size chart when looking for your perfect duvet! Matching the size of your duvet to the size of your bed is much better for both comfort and aesthetics; not only will it help keep you cosy, but it’ll look much neater, too. The size is just as important as your bedding material choices.

Here is our duvet size chart:

Matching your bedding

When you choose your duvet and get a duvet cover to go with it, be sure to match it to the rest of your bedding; purchasing a complete bedding set is the best way to go about it, ensuring everything looks coherent and lovely together. Add throw cushions, blankets, and other soft furnishings around the room to keep everything blended and looking tip top. There are some lovely duvet cover styles out there; patterned or plain, it’s up to you.

Budget considerations

As with all purchases you make around your house, there needs to be a balance between quality and budget. What you buy needs to be in your price range, but if you buy low-quality products, they’ll need replacing much faster. This leads to you spending more money over time! As stated, synthetic duvet fills are often the cheapest options – but they’re not the best for your skin or the environment. Look for deals or sales on naturally-filled duvets, and consider payment plans too.

Choosing the right duvet for you

The best duvet for your bed must fit your bed, keep you comfortable at night and don’t break the bank. It’s also worth considering personal preferences – are you a hot or cold sleeper, and do you like to have something heavier covering you as you sleep? No matter what duvet you choose, it needs to be just right for you… Hopefully, these duvet selection tips will help you make the perfect choice.

From the 2-night work trip to a 2-week vacation, one thing we all look forward to is climbing into our hotel bed. What is the secret sauce that makes them soooo dreamy? We have researched for you (it’s a hard life). With the help of expert Louise, founder of Studio Gabrielle, who curates exquisite beds, we’ve put together five steps for creating a hotel-style bed in the unrivalled comfort of home.

1. The bedding

Smooth, crisp and fresh as a Summer daisy, the bedding is the first thing that lures you in. Louise points out how hotels pay exquisite attention to detail, creating that inviting, relaxing atmosphere, though we often don’t do this at home. Well, why not? Choosing beautiful bedding is the first place to start. The key is to choose high-quality, breathable fabrics like bamboo, linen or cotton. If you like slipping under silky, soft sheets (and really, who doesn’t), our 100% bamboo bedding makes a great choice. Highly breathable, bamboo regulates temperature for cool summer nights (who needs aircon) while insulating you for that cosy ‘don’t want to get out of bed’ feeling in winter. We offer a range of colours to suit every dreamer. Stuck on a choice? Louise advises wearing white, which never goes out of style and gives a clean, pure look year-round.

Experience a 5-star hotel retreat in your bedroom with Studio Gabrielle’s La Grâce Bed. Its captivating curves beckon you on an emotional journey to deep slumber while tranquillity fills your space. Available in UK and European sizes, fully upholstered in exclusive house fabrics, with statement ball feet and an ingenious inset base system, this bed blends style and comfort effortlessly.

The timeless sophistication embodied in this bed brings the opulent aura of luxury hotels to your home. Carefully curated details inspired by the moon’s dance and ocean rhythms create an ambiance of grandeur. Studio Gabrielle’s dedication to quality craftsmanship and impeccable design ensures your space becomes a haven of relaxation and elegance.

This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about transforming your space into a luxurious retreat while embracing sustainability. The La Grâce Bed bridges refined taste and eco-conscious living, making it the perfect centrepiece for your personal 5-star experience.

Hotel pillows are the ultimate treat; plump, fresh and plentiful; they often come in different shapes and sizes to create the perfect comfort level. Though at home, two is enough to do the trick when you know what to pick. If you like firm support, a memory foam pillow is ideal. The advanced technology adapts to your sleeping position, optimising neck and spine alignment. Choose a breathable fabric like bamboo for that fresh side of the pillow feeling. If you enjoy a bit more squidge, the Hybrid Bamboo Pillow provides the best of both. The mix of charcoal-infused memory foam, O₂ Micro-pods and soft, breathable bamboo cloud cover gives just the right balance of cool, cushiony comfort for a seriously good slumber.

“When it comes to the most amazing night’s sleep, the mattress is king,” says Louise. Hotels normally get it just right, providing a surface that is a dreamy combo of softness, support and breathability that makes you want to take the bed home. While that might not be an option, you can have your own. A Hybrid Mattress gives you that five-star feeling, blending two of the most popular mattress fills. Advanced third-generation foam supports your sleeping position, while pocket spring technology relieves essential pressure points, providing bespoke comfort and isolating movement if you share a bed. Though with a bed this comfy, you might not want to!

So there you have it, the five essentials for a five-star sleep at home. You might not quite want to cancel your next holiday, though at least you know you will have a gorgeously comfortable bed to look forward to when you get back.

Sweet Dreams

Your head hits the pillow, and you close your eyes and poof, you’re asleep. If only it was that simple, right? While for some lucky few, sleep comes easily, our recent study revealed it takes over 41% of 18-34-year-olds more than 30 minutes to drift off. Perhaps they’re doing something differently? Here are the five best and worse things to do before bed and how they can help you sleep better.

What are the best things you can do before bed?

Let’s start with how to do things right. Here is a list of three things good sleepers tend to do before bed that can help you fall asleep faster and wake up more refreshed:

1. Enjoy a hot bath

If you need a good reason to indulge in a warm tub of bubbles, research suggests they could help you snooze better. Hot water helps to increase your body’s temperature and drop again before you go to bed. According to a study, this can make you fall asleep faster by up to ten minutes. Add some Epson salts and lavender to your bath for extra sleepy benefits, and make sure you’ve got some soft, fluffy bamboo bath towels ready to dry off before you hit the hay.

Now you know the things to do before you hop into bed, check out this list of things to avoid. And why these sabotaging sleep habits can make it harder to get the recommended 7-9 hours that keep you feeling your best.

Why are certain habits before bed detrimental to sleep quality?

Falling into bad sleeping habits can reduce the quality and length of your shut-eye, taking its toll on your well-being. For example, going to bed early or drinking late at night can deprive you of the rest you need to stay healthy. Over time, these bad habits can lead to sleep disorders such as insomnia. It is important to be aware of how your habits are affecting your sleep quality in order to make the changes you need to improve your rest. Here are a few of the worse culprits;

1. Scrolling Instagram

Many of us are guilty of constantly scrolling our phones all day. With emails, social media, and all those TikTok videos, taking time away from our screens can be the ultimate challenge. Though avoiding blue light at least two hours before bed can not only make it easier to fall asleep, it can also improve the quality of your shut-eye. Try leaving electronics outside the bedroom and swapping those Instagram stories for a good book or some pillow talk with your partner. You will thank yourself when you wake up in the morning.

Setting a healthier sleeping routine does not have to be overwhelming. Here are a few snooze-friendly tips to get you started;

• Decide on a bedtime you can stick to- Aim to get to bed at the same time every night. This starts with setting a realistic time of what works for you giving you enough time to relax between finishing work and hitting the hay.

   

• Avoid bad sleeping habits- If any of the bad habits above sound familiar, make an effort to reduce them by swapping them for healthier alternatives.

   

• Get enough movement- Regular exercise can help you sleep better. Studies show that getting enough daily movement can reduce the time it takes you to fall asleep. A great reason to get those 10,000 steps in.

Creating your perfect bedtime can take trial and error. When it comes to rest we are all very different, from how firm we like our mattress, how many hours we need to our favourite sleeping position. Whether it’s allowing yourself more time to unwind, enjoying a bath or treating yourself to breathable bedding. Small adaptions to your sleeping habits will lead to a better night’s kip and far brighter mornings.

Sweet Dreams

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Exercise is a great way to improve your health, though getting plenty of quality, consistent sleep is key to making the most of those workouts. Knowing when and what types of training to do throughout the day can help you stay fit plus improve your sleep. So before you grab your trainers, here’s what you need to know about the best times to break a sweat.

How does exercise affect your sleep?

If you’ve noticed you sleep better after a good run or HIIT session, it’s no surprise. Exercise can improve sleep quality in the following ways:

1. Reduces Cortisol – Stress feels like an inevitable part of modern life, especially when you have a busy job and jam-packed diary of social commitments to keep up with. Exercise is one of the most natural ways to reduce stress and lower cortisol which is known to disrupt sleep.

2. Helps establish a routine – Our bodies love a routine. By incorporating a regular, consistent workout routine into your lifestyle you can do wonders for your sleep. You are training your circadian rhythm when it’s time to push and relax, which can make it easier and quicker to fall asleep.

3. Can help improve sleep disorders – Certain sleep disorders can often improve with regular exercise. Working out and exerting energy during the day, naturally fatigues the body and mind which can reduce the symptoms often associated with sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea.

What are the impacts of exercising before bedtime on sleep?

While exercising can be great for sleep, working out too close to bedtime could make it take longer to drift off. Vigorous training that gets your heart pumping releases those feel-good endorphins that can keep you awake. This can make it hard to relax and switch off without proper time to unwind and prepare for bed.

High-level or even moderate workouts can also raise your body temperature. This signals to your body that it’s time to be awake which can affect sleep duration and quality if you do not allow enough time to cool down and let yourself recover before hitting the hay. That said, if you do prefer a later workout and find it better suits your lifestyle there are certain exercises that can be beneficial to do before bedtime.

What are the best exercises to do before bedtime?

Low-impact exercise that does not raise your heart rate or adrenaline is recommended before bed. According to our expert ‘yoga, light stretching and breath work can help you unwind and relax before bed’. Yoga still strengthens and tones your muscles whilst lowering cortisol without raising your core temperature too much. Glute bridges, child’s pose and shoulder stand are all great moves to do before bedtime. Either at home or in a class, scheduling regular gentle exercise into your bedtime routine will help you reap all the benefits whilst still enjoying a refreshing, long snooze.

Extra sleep tips to keep you fit and healthy

Along with regular work-outs here are some final dreamy tips to keep you sleeping soundly and ready to train;

3) Take time to unwind

Having one or two hours before bed where you enjoy a warm shower, stay screen-free and unwind will make it much easier to fall asleep. If you can set a bedtime ritual that allows your mind to switch off, the temperature to lower and lower the lights. Lower lighting will trigger the production of melatonin, your body’s natural ‘sleepy’ hormone that will help set you up for perfect shut-eye.

The final verdict:
Should you work-out out before bed?

If you are going to exercise before bed, try and stick to lower-impact workouts that do not raise adrenaline. If your going to go for a more vigorous burn, allow time to unwind and make sure you take a shower to lower your body temperature before ducking under the duvet. Having an orthopedically approved mattress and pillow will ensure you get the proper support your body needs to recover.

And remember, sometimes it’s ok to take a day off and stay in bed. Rest is just as important as hitting the gym and will make every mile all the more enjoyable.

Sweet Dreams