7 Ways to Make Your Bedroom Feel Fresh in Summer

With the Met Office predicting an increased chance of heatwaves this summer, a seasonal refresh can help your bedroom feel cool and calming when the temperature rises. A few simple updates will make your room lighter, brighter, and more comfortable. 

Whether you're trying to manage the nighttime mugginess or just want a fresh summery look, here are seven easy ways to update your bedroom for the season.

1. Breathable bedding

Update your bed with bedding in breathable fabrics that help regulate body temperature, wick moisture, and feel soft to sleep on. Cotton and bamboo are great options to keep you cool, or go with linen, which has a naturally crumpled look for effortless style. If you haven't already, swap your winter duvet for a lightweight summer option and invest in a flat sheet that can be used by itself on really hot nights.

2. Switch up your soft furnishings

Pack away soft furnishings that are too wintery and warm, such as faux fur rugs, corduroy cushion covers, thick curtains, and heavy blankets. Replace them with alternatives in airy, natural materials like light woollen throws and linen or cotton cushion covers. These textures are more summery, and you can have fun with patterns, such as florals or try green gingham for a summer cottage vibe. 

Go for wooden shutters or sheer panel curtains to soften daylight without blocking it out completely. These give you privacy and help keep your bedroom from overheating in the summer while letting light filter through for a relaxed, sunny atmosphere. If your room isn’t dark enough at night, you can use sheer curtains in combination with blackout blinds or pick curtains lined with a blackout fabric.

3. Refresh your colour palette

Summer is the ideal time to swap out darker tones for a lighter, more energising palette. Redecorate your walls for a total refresh, or small changes, such as updating the colour of your linens and home accessories, can still have a big impact. Go for on-trend serene hues like muted greens, soft blues and powdery lilacs, or shades like sand, terracotta, and warm neutrals to give your bedroom that calm summer evening glow.

4. Buy a fan or cooling solution

Sometimes, an open window isn’t enough to keep your room cool. A wide range of fans are available that are stylish enough to blend in with your decor while keeping your bedroom at a comfortable temperature. Look for a model with quiet mode so you can use it to circulate air around the room and create a gentle breeze while you sleep.

If you suffer from allergies like hay fever, a fan with a HEPA filter will help to purify the air by reducing pollen, dust, and mould spores.

Photo by Delaney Van on Unsplash

5. Embrace seasonal scents

Scent plays a big part in how a room feels. Trade spicy and musky fragrances for fresher notes, like zesty citrus, basil, fig, or light florals in summer. A softly scented candle, diffuser, or room spray can bring a subtle fragrance to your bedroom without being too overpowering. Try Space NK’s Balearic Sundown candle to transport you to the Mediterranean or Diptyque’s jasmine candle for a beautiful summer evening aroma.

6. Declutter

If you missed a spring clean, now’s the time to do it. A bedroom without clutter instantly feels easier to unwind in. Clear away any items accumulated on surfaces you don't love or regularly use, and give everything a thorough clean and dust to help reduce seasonal allergies and keep everything feeling fresh.

7. Add greenery

Adding a few plants to your bedroom will turn it into a tranquil retreat and tap into the timeless biophilic design trend. Peace lilies, pothos, and snake plants are low-maintenance options that can also help to remove toxins from the air. If you’re not confident about looking after plants, a vase of fresh flowers or a dried bouquet offers the same effect without the upkeep.

These seasonal tweaks can make your bedroom cool and refreshing throughout summer. Focus on light fabrics, sufficient air circulation, greenery, and soothing scents to create a space that helps you feel relaxed and comfortable, even on the hottest nights.