How to Pick Summer Bedding
Stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
With summer on the horizon, it's the perfect time for a bedding refresh. As much as we love lighter colors for summer, we also gravitate toward lighter materials as well. Whether you want help looking for new sheets or blankets or you want to know our top summer bedding picks, we've simplified the buying process for you.
Best Summer Bedding
Best Quilts, Coverlets & Duvet Covers for Summer
Best Sheets & Pillowcases for Summer
Our Top Picks for Summer Bedding
Best Quilts, Coverlets & Duvet Covers for Summer
As you change your bedding, we suggest removing your heaviest winter layer and replacing it with two light layers for summer. First, start by removing your heavy winter comforter. Then replace it with two separate blankets: a light quilt and a throw blanket. Pull either the quilt or blanket up to the top of the bed, and fold the other one at the foot of the bed in case you get chilly during the night.
Quilts: The difference between a quilt and a coverlet is that a coverlet is one piece of fabric while a quilt has a middle layer of warmth. For summer quilts, we recommend choosing a lightweight material like linen or cotton percale. Because quilts have that additional inner layer, choose a cotton fill rather than polyester to keep it light.
Coverlets: A coverlet makes a strong addition to your summer bedding because the temperature is just right for warm nights. A coverlet feels similar to a comforter, but it won't be nearly as heavy. You'll be able to sleep comfortably under a bit of weight without feeling too hot. Choose a lightweight material that's similar to our suggested quilt fabrics like linen or cotton percale. Opt for a machine-washable fabric for easy washing and, if you are able, hang the blanket outside to air-dry to maximize the scent of summer.
Duvet Covers: To choose the best duvet cover, it's best to opt for a lightweight material that is similar to your sheets and pillowcases. Pick out a duvet cover that is made from linen or cotton percale with a thread count between 200 and 400. A duvet cover with a thread count over 400 will not be as breathable; a duvet cover with a thread count under 200 will not be as soft.
Pro Tip:
Keep a heavier throw blanket in a nearby chest or bedroom bench. This will ensure family members and guests can layer up if the temperature drops in the middle of the night.
We believe that either cotton or cotton percale sheets are the way to go with regards to summer bedding, as both options will keep your family cool and comfy. While percale is particularly excellent for warm months, linen is just as good for summer as it is for year-round use. It's important to choose sheets and pillowcases that are both cool and comfortable, since you'll be sleeping on these during the hottest months of the year.
Cotton: Cotton sheets are great for summer because they are very breathable. Cotton is a natural fabric that absorbs the heat from your body and then ventilates, letting you stay cool and dry. Manufactured materials like polyester will actually absorb and retain your body heat without ventilating it, making it harder to cool down in the night. Cotton gets softer over time and is easy to throw in the laundry and wash.
Cotton Percale: Percale refers to the way a sheet is woven, specifically with a unique grid pattern. This grid pattern makes the sheets incredibly breathable, cool, and crisp. Cotton percale sheets are not brushed, so they have a nice matte finish that will stay cooler and feel more comfortable than sheets that have a bit of shine to them, like sateen. Cotton percale is woven so tightly that these sheets are resistant to pilling and will hold up well with years of washing.
Pro Tip:
Keep color in mind when selecting new summer bedding. Dark colors will absorb more heat, while light colors like white, cream, or light blue will naturally repel heat. This is true no matter what fabric bedding you select.
Our Top Picks for Summer Bedding
1. Doney Reversible Quilt Set
The Doney Reversible Quilt is 100% cotton, lightweight, and perfect for summer. It comes with matching shams, and the entire set is machine washable. The navy and white stripes will complement any farmhouse-inspired bedroom. The best part is that this quilt is reversible, meaning you can get twice the wear out of it.
This reversible coverlet is made from 100% cotton and features very lightweight quilting. It's a great option for summer bedding because of the beautiful and playful Asiatic blooms. It can be machine-washed but we recommend drying it on a clothesline.
This 100% linen duvet cover is all-natural and very breathable, making it one of our summer favorites. The neutral color options – slate gray and indigo blue – make this duvet cover a great option for any room in your home. It comes in two sizes and both have two matching pillow shams to accompany the duvet cover. It can be machine-washed and dried.
We can't say enough positive things about these 100% cotton percale sheets. The Bridger Sheet Set comes in six colors and six sizes; each set includes two pillowcases, a flat sheet, and a fitted sheet. This sheet set is cool, breathable, and just right for summer. It can be machine-washed and dried and will hold up well for years to come.
Ready to prepare for summer with new bedding?
