Luxury Hotel Inspired Sleep – It’s Way Easier than you Think
If I could, I would move into a luxurious hotel. Maid service, chocolates on my pillows, super plush towels and robes and extremely comfortable beds – um, yes please. I mean, who wouldn’t want all that? Dreamy, I know, but unrealistic. Here at home, I am lucky enough to have my husband pull the sheets on the bed at night after they spent the day on the floor or wildly messed up from my two year olds’ little jumping body. Thus my longing for hotel living and my goal to bring the hotel bedding home to me. We may not all be able to live like queens with 500 thread count sheets and turn down service, but we can all sleep like royalty with these few simple bedding hacks.
Don’t Skimp on your Mattress
I know you hear this all the time, but I really can’t stress it more. A better mattress leads to a better night’s sleep which leads to a healthier, happier you. The hotel chain, Westin at one point directly collaborated with the mattress mega giant Simmons to design the best mattress known in the hotel industry because they knew that the mattress can make or break a person’s stay. So why cheat yourself out of this same luxury at your own home? Pick the mattress that works best for you and don’t talk yourself into one that is “slightly less comfortable” because it’s “slightly cheaper.” A mattress is a big expense I know; but, it is also something you sleep on 365 days a year for an average of 8 years. I would say it’s worth it.
If you’re not quite ready to upgrade – consider adding a feather bed. A less expensive and rather quick option to help you achieve a hotel like bed, a feather bed is a mattress cover filled with either down or high quality feathers. Placed directly on top of your mattress and before covered with sheets, a feather bed is an option that gives you an almost cloud like feel and provides you with an extra layer of support for your body’s pressure points.
Sheets 101
If it’s not recommended to skimp on your mattress, it should go without saying that skimping on your sheets is also a “no, no.” To get that extra lavish hotel feel, the best sheets you can buy are those that are 300 thread count Egyptian cotton. The higher the thread count the better and choose egyption cotton because it is one of the most breathable fabrics and will help keep you cool at night.
In addition to sheet type, some hotels go above and beyond the standard fitted and flat sheet and add in a third – a fitted, then middle sheet and then a flat sheet on top before the comforter. Why not? More Egyptian cotton covering you at night – sounds dreamy to me.
Down Blankets and Duvets
In hotel suites, the duvet and down blankets are like the cherries on top. Forego the big box comforter/bedding sets and purchase one really good down or down alternative comforter for the same price. You will immediately notice a difference. Protect it with a cotton duvet cover (so you only have to wash the cover regularly) and add in even more elegance to your bed with an additional down blanket to use as a throw.
Pillows Plus
All those pillows on a hotel bed are there for a reason. Trust the research that has been done by the big hotel brands and equip yourself with a number of pillows so you may use them however you need to in order to get that perfect night’s sleep. Follow suit to the hotels and choose two feathers or feather/down pillows and two down alternative pillows for a good start.
Trumped by White
Color (or lack of) is everything. Most hotels offer simple all white bedding. Seems crazy since thousands of people are shuffled in and out each night and if like me – wouldn’t you think that would lead to a great deal of stains? Logically, it doesn’t make sense to me. But, white is the way to go and here’s why: it’s easy to clean (bleach, anyone?) and white is a calming color. White is known to open up a space, create a sense of airiness and purity and is praised for its serene properties. Wouldn’t you want your bed to be the most serene place in your house? Stick to white linens for the actual bed to achieve this and add other colors to your room by means of accent pieces and décor.
To start your own bedding transformation, we recommend looking at Eastern Accents and Pine Cone Hill as they have many duvet, coverlet and sheet options. We are sure you will find something that strikes your fancy.
Photo courtesy of Pine Cone Hill