When summer arrives, there’s plenty of sunny days to look forward to. Yet nights can be a different story of sweaty, restless sleep. If you find yourself waking in the wee hours feeling hot and sticky, there’s a few steps you can take to get that good night’s rest. It all starts with the bedding that you’re sleeping on.

Here are some tips for buying bed linen for the warmer months:

Choose natural fibres
For breathable sheets that won’t leave you sweating at night, look for fabrics made from natural materials over synthetic fabrics that don’t allow for ventilation. Cotton sheets are a popular choice, as they are not only comfortable and durable, but affordable too. When possible, look for organic cotton sheets. Cotton percale bed linen offers a crisp, luxurious feel and is lightweight and cool to touch. Cared for properly, it will last for years. Sateen is more expensive than regular cotton, but offers a smoother and softer finish. Egyptian cotton is considered the most durable and luxurious, but the costs can be significantly higher.

Silk sheets can look very inviting on a bed in summer as not only do they feel great on the skin, but they regulate your temperature well too. They do come with a high price tag, which can be off-putting for some shoppers. Some people also find the way silk bedding drapes itself over the body to be claustrophobic. Linen also breathes well and is cool in summer, but it does wrinkle easily, requiring more care.

Aim for a 300-400 thread count
Many people believe that the higher the thread count of the sheet, the more luxurious the feel, but this is not always the case, especially in summer. Sheets with a very high thread count can block the air from passing through freely, resulting in the heat being trapped underneath. A good guide is to choose a thread count of around 300-400.

Choose light colours
Light coloured sheets reflect the light rather than absorb it. White is a popular choice as not only do the sheets offer a crisp, refreshing feel, but they are easy to launder with a bit of bleach. When washing your bed linen, it’s recommended you do it at least every six days. Clean sheets will always feel cooler than those dirty with sweat and dead skin. You should also let your bedding dry naturally in the sun, rather than tumble drying.

Source:http://www.homelife.com.au/shopping/buyers+guides/buyers+guide+to+bed+linen,17319

When you’re shopping for a new mattress, there are a range of varieties out there that all promise to give you better sleep. Memory foam mattresses are one type that generate a lot of enthusiasm for their ability to bring about a good night’s rest. Here’s a quick guide to all you need to know about them.

The history of memory foam

Memory foam (often referred to as “viscoelastic”) was first developed in the mid-1960s by NASA’s Ames Research Centre to improve the safety of aircraft cushions. Memory foam moulds to the body in response to heat and pressure. The idea was that, in the event of impact, the properties of the memory foam would protect a person by evenly distributing body weight.

Whether you live in the heart of a city, at the base of a mountain or on the edge of a rocky coastline, taking inspiration from what’s outside your window is sometimes the best way to decorate your bedroom.

According to House to Home, channelling the outdoors into your decor can often compliment a space or provide a necessary contrast.

Calm and quiet are the ideal traits for a bedroom. Architect Carlos Aparicio has a particular knack for designing a soothing space. He shared some of the tricks he uses to create a room perfect for rest:

Envelope the room in neutralising grey

If you have been feeling a bit down in the dumps of late, try looking at your home’s interior. Is it light or dark?

According to Freshome, humans respond much better to homes filled with natural light and light-inspired decor, which can lift your spirits from flat to happy. Here are five ways to bring more light to your home in an instant:

In 1938, the Finnish government began sending all expectant mothers a cardboard box that contained a ‘starter kit’ for newborn babies. The box, which doubled as a cot complete with mattress and bedding, was a way to encourage parents not to co-sleep with their new baby.

According to Yahoo Lifestyle, sharing a bed with your newborn child can be bad for their health. Studies show that a baby who shares a bed with its mother is five times more likely to suffer Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The master bedroom in your home can be easily improved with some simple details. They can add personality and style to a room with very little investment. Houzz suggested these features for extra flair.

Picture ledge

A picture ledge will allow you to neatly and efficiently display portraits and pictures from holidays that you have been on.

When you buy a new home you will realise how empty a house can really be. It’s tempting to go on a shopping spree to fill your home up with things you ‘need’, but taking a considered approach is a better way to stay on budget. Taking your time and looking for a bargain will save you a great deal of money in the long run, advised Lifehacker.

What do you really need?

It’s tempting to buy what you want instead of what you need, but starting with the essentials and getting them on the cheap is a far better move. You actually need very little to start out with in a home and you can buy these at a low cost with a view to upgrade when you can afford to. Start with items like basic bedding, kitchen utensils and appliances such as a fridge.

Frustrated with irksome red wine stains, ballpoint pen marks and shoe polish stains? House to Home shared some of the answers to your stain removal nightmares.

Ballpoint ink can be easily removed with methylated spirits on a clean cloth.