GET THE BASICS RIGHT
"A good night's sleep depends on several factors coming together," says Sue Morris, Design Director at Linen House. Fortunately, the bedding choices available now is vast, meaning you can get exactly the right combination for your needs.

A supportive mattress is the starting point. Next, consider a mattress topper for extra softness and comfort. "Like pillows and quilts, these products come in a variety of fills now including synthetic (great for allergy suffers and for good loft), feather (the traditional choice), as well as cotton and wool," says Morris.

For the best sleep, you should be comfortably warm but not overheated. "In trans-seasonal months, you might use a lighter quilt but layer a coverlet or throw on top," says Morris.

SHEETS
All our experts agreed that 300 thread count sheets in cotton percale or sateen are the starting point for long-lasting and good-quality sheeting.

Sateen sheets are soft and smooth to touch thanks to a washing process that plumps up the cotton fibres, resulting in a sheet with a slight sheen. The percale weave technique results in a crisper, cooler-feeling sheet. Sheets should be washed at least every two weeks, says Nicole Rowlands, Managing Director at Jole Home.

A BED FOR ALL SEASONS
Whether you like to sleep under a light- or heavyweight cover, a coverlet can work all year round. You can pull it up over a sheet when needed in summer, or use these with an additional quilt or woollen blanket during winter, says Rowlands. "Blankets made from natural fibres such as wool or cashmere offer warmth without the weight of a quilt," she says.

Rowlands also recommends using sateen sheets for winter and percale for summer - percale is cooler. Cotton flannelette is a cosy winter option.

For a quick bedroom makeover, Paula Wallace, Design Director at Wallace Cotton, recommends new cushions and a quilt cover in seasonal colours - crisp white for summer and warm, nurturing hues for winter.

LAYERS OF COMFORT
And the finishing touches? "European pillows are a must for reading in bed and help to give height and structure to the bed," says Morris.

Wallace advocates a matching bedskirt and European pillows "to help balance the look" then adding layers of pillows and cushions on top for nestling into. Fresh air, appropriate lighting - for reading and ambience - and window coverings to regulate light are important too. Meanwhile, feng shui principles suggest you avoid placing the bed directly opposite the bedroom door, as this can make you feel exposed while sleeping.

Such notions and practicalities aside, your bed should always look beautiful and inviting, says Morris. "You spend a third of your life here, so make sure it expresses your personality."