18 cooling bedding buys for warm autumn nights – from crisp cotton to lightweight linen
This breathable bed linen looks like Autumn, but feels like the summer
As summer starts to slip away, it’s time to start thinking about your bedding. The weather is still warm enough to sleep under a simple sheet, but you’ll soon want to introduce extra layers and richer colours that make your bed feel cosier without overheating. And with plenty of transitional bedding inspiration already appearing, there’s no shortage of ideas to borrow.
Among our favourite bed sheets and bedding buys is Next’s pumpkin set, which has been a hit on social media, while M&S, Piglet In Bed and Dunelm are all bringing breathable styles to the fore for the new season. We’ve rounded up some of the best bedding buys for making the switch to autumn in your bedroom, from warm neutrals and pretty patterns to tactile textures and simple soft furnishings.
The trick is knowing how to keep your bedroom cool while still giving your bed that autumnal feel. Lightweight linen and breathable cotton are ideal for this in-between period, allowing you to layer up as temperatures drop without committing to a heavy duvet just yet. Here’s how we’re transitioning between seasons in style.
M&S
M&S is a go-to for easy, understated bedding, and their timeless patterns and warm tones bring a subtle autumnal feel without adding too much warmth. Layer their linens with their best-selling Ribbed Knitted Throw for a relaxed, textural finish.
Dunelm
Dunelm is another great destination for lightweight layers, and royal-warrant approved bedding, with its blend of quality cotton and linen. A simple cotton throw is also a clever alternative to a duvet on warmer nights, giving you an extra layer to snuggle under without the weight and warmth of a traditional throw.
Piglet In Bed
Piglet in Bed’s breathable linen bedding is a brilliant choice for those prone to night sweats, helping to keep your bed cool while still giving your bedroom that relaxed, autumn-ready feel. We’ve picked muted oatmeals and timeless neutrals that work beautifully year-round, whether you’re layering them with other natural tones or using them as a backdrop for bolder statement colours.
Kelly Hoppen x M&S
The Kelly Hoppen x M&S collection is perfect for creating a sophisticated transitional bedroom, with soft neutrals and pared-back textures that feel effortlessly timeless. We’ve followed Kelly’s own bed styling advice by pairing the panelled bedding with M&S’s best-selling throw and a classic cushion for a layered, designer-inspired finish.
Next
Next makes it easy to create a bedroom that feels considered without being too coordinated, thanks to its mix-and-match approach to bedding. Layering its crinkle cotton throw with a touch of velvet through a fringed cushion adds just enough texture and warmth for autumn, without making the bed feel too heavy.
Mix and match
For the final look, we’ve mixed breathable bamboo bedding, a brilliant choice for keeping night sweats at bay, with a quilt from John Lewis that we absolutely love. Velvet cushions from Rowen & Wren add a touch of autumnal luxury, while their embroidered bedding remains one of our all-time favourites for adding character and colour to a bedroom.
There are plenty of subtle upgrades you can introduce to make your bedroom cosy without tipping it too far into autumn. Our editors have been inspired by The White Company’s new autumn home collection, which brings the outdoors in with timeless designs, natural textures and softly warming tones. It’s the perfect reminder that transitioning your bedroom for the new season doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul – a few thoughtful changes can make all the difference.
