How to transition your bedding for the season

Changing your bedding for the season isn't a requirement, but it does have benefits if you're inclined to make the swap. 

The first and most obvious reason to change bedding when the weather starts to cool down is for warmth. And when it comes to aesthetics, the arrival of cold weather is also an excuse to redecorate. Swapping your bedding for the season will help you be more comfortable as you sleep and create a fresh look for the changing weather.

The best bedding for fall

If you're a warm sleeper, stick with the more breathable fabrics like bamboo and cotton for your sheets, even through the winter. From there, add layers of different fabric materials to bring a warm, textural look. These are the most common fabric types for bedding — from sheets to duvets.

• Bamboo: Bamboo is a good alternative to cotton, providing both breathability and durability. They are also a favorite of the eco-conscious. Beware of varieties that require chemical processes for manufacturing.
• Cotton: Looking for affordability and easy care? Try layers of cotton bedding. Choose from a variety of weaves: twill, percale, sateen and jersey. Cotton softens as it ages and has year-round appeal and popularity. This makes it an ideal choice for that first bedding layer.
• Flannel: Flannel sheets provide added warmth in cool climates, but you might overheat if you tend to sleep warm. Choose the weight according to the room's temperature and your body temperature as you sleep.
• Velvet: Velvet makes a pretty, elegant choice, particularly for quilts. This opulent fabric also comes with lots of warmth.

Choosing the right layers

Layering during cool weather is important. Plus, they can easily peel them off one by one as needed. Essential layers for a fall bed include:

• Sheets: Use both a top sheet and a fitted sheet in the fall. It's particularly important to pay attention to fabric composition when it comes to the layers closest to your body. Select an option that is both breathable and soft.
• Quilt or coverlet: This layer can provide more warmth than a blanket, but it's likely too thin to be the outermost layer during the chillier seasons. Place a quilt or coverlet just under a duvet, pulling the top of your flat sheet over the edge of the quilt for a crisp, finished look.
• Comforter or duvet: They pack warmth and provide the weight needed to sleep comfortably. Consider how warm or cold you sleep, your climate and the temperature of the room at night to determine the level of insulation. Keep in mind the weight of the cover you'll place over your duvet as well.
• Bed blanket: This is a lightweight option for adding additional warmth over a quilt, coverlet, duvet or comforter. Alternatively, layer it below the outer bedding, placing it on the sheets and tucking it in the same way. Bed blankets are much larger than throws, coordinate sizes with mattresses and come in a wide range of fabrics and weights.
• Throw: Use this for more warmth or a little added visual interest. Pay attention to texture as this can help add some for a more elevated bedding look.
• Pillows: Add one or two more than your spring/summer display, but be careful not to go overboard. For a king-size bed, two standard pillows, two sham pillows, and a few throw pillows or a bolster pillow will create a finished (but not overdone) look.