Did you know the average person sleeps for 26 years during their lifetime, which translates into a whopping 227,760 hours? A little more worryingly (and every insomniac can relate), they also spend an additional seven years tossing and turning in beds that aren't fit for purpose!

Seeing as snoozing boasts a wealth of physical and emotional benefits, including stress reduction and disease immunity, it's best to invest in making your bed more comfortable. Thankfully, you can achieve maximum cosiness by introducing a few simple and cost-effective soft furnishings.

If you're ready to transform your night time space, read on as we explore ten expert ways to make bunking down a breeze.

How to make your bed more comfortable

1.Add a mattress topper to make your bed softer

The easiest way to make your bed more comfortable without buying a brand-new mattress is by adding a super soft mattress topper. These plush layers of padding combat sleep-disturbing sweats and chills while supporting achy backs. Best of all, there's a treasure chest of premium materials to choose from, including foam, down and eco hollow fibre.

If you have a single bed, try a small single mattress topper. It's 2ft 6" x 6ft 6" (76 x 200cm) to squeeze into compact spaces and 7cm deep for a rejuvenating night's sleep. Plus, it features a 233TC pure cotton casing for enhanced protection. We also have plenty of options for double beds, including the 4ft x 6ft 6" (122cm x 200cm) small double mattress topper.

Need something bigger? Opt for a 5ft 3" x 6ft 7" (160 x 200cm) IKEA double mattress topper. This king-sized giant promises to transport you to the land of nod with a heavenly duck feather filling fit for the fanciest boudoirs.

2.Use a bed valance to prevent cold draughts.

Not only does a bed valance look ultra-chic, but it prevents cold draughts from rising and cooling your mattress. There are several bespoke skirts to peruse, including fitted valance sheets, split corner valances and adjustable valances.

Most importantly, they come in various fabrics and colours to complement vintage to modern interiors. If you're feeling especially fancy, why not drape your bed in exquisite 400TC Egyptian cotton that’s silky smooth to touch? Or you might prefer an easy to clean, durable cotton and polymer blend in children's bedrooms.

Whatever you pick, there's ample opportunity to get creative with embellishments. All bed valances are available in a frilled, single pleat or box pleated style to satisfy your unique tastes.

3.Snuggle up in high-quality bed linen

What could be better than snuggling up in high-quality bed linen that caresses your skin as you doze? Designer duvet covers, sumptuous bed sheets and plump pillows will halve the time it takes you to drift off while making your bed look even more inviting.

We love quilted bedspreads that drape over your mattress because they're wonderfully versatile, keeping you toasty during the winter months and neatly folding away when summer rolls around. For a dash of Moroccan glamour, how about a small double quilted velvet bedspread in exotic gold, spice or walnut? The heavy material has a soothing effect, coddling you in warmth after a long day's work.

4.Change your duvet tog seasonally

Tog stands for thermal overall grade, and it's a unit of measurement used to determine the insulation of soft furnishings. Basically, the higher the tog rating, the warmer the product!

Seeing as the UK's climate is ever-changing, it makes sense to have bedding for every season. The scale ranges from one tog to 15 togs, with anything above 13 being the best option for autumn and winter. If you don't have the budget or space for multiple bedding sets, a 10.5 tog duvet is a good compromise for all-year-round use.

Remember, it isn't just the tog count that impacts insulation. Feather duvets trap heat better than synthetic materials, whereas silk is breathable for unbeatable cooling. 

5.Rotate or flip your mattress

Unsurprisingly, spending so much time resting our weary heads leads to mattresses sagging. A straightforward solution is to flip your mattress to distribute weight evenly and increase its lifespan.

Some designs only have supportive layers on one side, with foam or metal springs on the other, so check the label before attempting any manoeuvres. If flipping isn't possible, simply rotate your mattress to smooth out lumps and bumps from concentrated pressure.

6.Replace or remove worn-out box springs

Box springs live in the cloth-covered wooden frame that supports your mattress, and they're susceptible to damage over time. When they're nearing the end of their life, you might notice an annoying creaking sound that gets louder as you move.

It's easy to replace tired box springs yourself, and they usually last for ten years. If you have a metal or slatted platform bed frame, you can even remove them entirely for improved comfort.

7.Install a brand-new headboard

Sleeping isn't the only activity that takes place in bed – reading or watching Netflix is far more enjoyable when you install a sturdy headboard to support your neck. Relaxation aside, headboards also shield both you and your walls from knocks.

Avid DIYers can craft personalised headboards from old bits of plywood or unused pallets. Once sanded and secured, you'll have a Scandi-inspired bolster oozing rustic charm. Alternatively, you can by a ready-made one for convenience.

8.Find the right pillow for your sleeping style

Pillows can make or break sleep, which is why it's key to find a design that perfectly cradles your head. Quality pillows should have a 100% cotton casing and high thread count (anything over 200 is considered good) that controls moisture while regulating your body temperature.

Then, you need to think about how you sleep. Side sleepers and back sleepers benefit from firm pillows that maintain proper neck and head alignment. Large firm pillows can also reduce snoring because they elevate the top half of your body.

Front sleepers should search for a soft pillow that doesn't restrict breathing. Ethically sourced goose down is a brilliant stuffing choice, thanks to its lightweight and malleable qualities.

9.Stay warm on frosty nights with a heated blanket

Finding the perfect temperature for a good night's sleep is tricky but not impossible. Rather than wear layers of restrictive clothing or get tangled up in extra bedding, buy a heated blanket that immediately warms your space.

As well as encouraging drowsiness, heat is an effective form of pain relief for aching muscles if you’re a gym-goer or you have an active job. While resting, you'll feel the tension in your body melt away, and you'll rise ready to tackle the day minus cramps and stiffness.

10.Hang curtains to block ambient light

Living on a busy road with constant traffic doesn't have to be a nightmare. Instead, hang room-darkening curtains with blackout linings that block ambient light and add an extra layer of insulation. Heavier fabric also has exceptional noise-cancelling abilities for a more tranquil sleeping environment.

It's always best to get your curtains expertly fitted – that way, they won't drag along the floor or look untidy. Here at Victoria Linen, we offer a made to measure service in the UK, as well as adjustable poles and rails for every window size.

Can’t wait to make your bed super comfortable?

If you're ready to make your bedroom a haven of undisturbed calm and comfort, browse our extensive collection of soft furnishings today. We have high-quality mattress toppers, bed valances, pillows and more to promote a better night's sleep.

If you have any questions, call 01706 220020 or email info@victorialinen.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.