Picture this, it's a sweltering night in July, and you went to bed hours ago. Unfortunately, you're not asleep yet because you're too busy tossing and turning, desperate to find relief from the pool of sweat collecting at your lower back. So, how do you avoid experiencing this ever again? Start by selecting the best summer blanket for your bed. We've compiled a list of summer-worthy blankets to keep you cool yet snuggled.
The best blankets for summer all have one thing in common: lightweight, breathable fabric. This means they're made from any of the following:
- Cotton
- Linen
- Percale
- Lightweight Down
Each one of these fabrics comes with pros and cons to consider, but fear not! We'll help you choose the best summer blanket for your lifestyle. Please keep reading as we also discuss why we reach for that blanket during sweltering heat and share tips to keep your bed cool during summer.
![Well groomed woman hands holding the cotton branch with pile of neatly folded bed sheets, blankets and towels. Production of natural textile fiber, 4 Best Blankets For Summer [By Type of Material]](https://homedecorbliss.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/4-Best-Blankets-For-Summer-By-Type-of-Material.jpg)
Cotton
Cotton is a soft-to-the-touch, pleasant feeling fabric to wrap up in. The material is easy to care for, so if you have kids or pets, you rarely have to worry about messes making a long-term impression on cotton. Simply make sure to treat the stain and wash as soon as possible.
The one potential drawback to this fabric is that one-hundred percent cotton blankets have the potential to shrink if you wash them in too hot water. One trick to avoiding this fate is to shop for pre-shrunk cotton or cotton blends.
As a common fabric, cotton has the advantage of being extremely accessible. You can find blankets made from this material virtually everywhere. As a result, it's easy to find a piece that fits your personal style. For example, if you have traditional sensibilities, this blanket would fit your room perfectly. With delicate, striped texture and classic color, this product blends easily into most classically styled bedrooms.
If you're looking for a bit more whimsy, you might consider something like this. The bright, sunny color fits the summer season and makes this piece a cheerful addition to modern and rustic bedrooms alike.
You can even find cotton blankets to complement bohemian style decor, such as this one. The eye-catching pattern elevates the eclectic design.
Linen
Linen naturally regulates temperature and wicks moisture, which is why it makes such a good material choice for both summer blankets and summer clothing. It is a noteworthy, breathable fabric.
In addition to that, the fabric has insulating properties. This means it can keep you warm when you use it in the winter and cool when you use it in the summer. This presents an especially appealing advantage to people who sleep with a partner. You won't have to worry about leaving your significant other too cold because linen can regulate their temperature to fit their needs.
Furthermore, the fabric is super durable, which sounds like it'd be less comforting, right? Thankfully, linen gets softer with each wash, meaning you don't have to worry about stiff blankets.
Consider this piece as a nice, neutral blanket that would pair well with most sheet sets.
If you're looking for something with a bit more color, try this instead.
Percale
Like cotton, percale is known for its cool and crisp feel, making it an excellent choice for sleepers who're getting too warm at night. Just keep in mind that as a blend, percale is often made with synthetic fibers. If you prefer something all-natural, consider the other options we've discussed.
You can get something like this if you're simply looking for a cozy throw to add to your bed.
If you want a complete set, though, consider these sheets.
Lightweight Down
If you like the comforting feel of duvets but still need a way to cool down your bed, a lightweight down blanket is just the ticket. The light, feathery feel can be just as much relief from warm summer nights as it is an insulator that keeps you toasty in the winter.
Choose this simply styled blanket for its versatility.
Or go for something that leans into the season with a crisp, refreshing color.
Still worried down be too warm? You can find products made to keep the down in place and evenly distributed all night, so you don't have to worry about bunching or the overheating that often comes with it.
Do Weighted Blankets Keep You Cool?
Weighted blankets use glass beads or similar fillers to offer targeted comfort and the feeling of being hugged throughout the night to people with anxiety or insomnia. In fact, they're scientifically proven as useful! Of course, you don't have to suffer anxiety to reap the benefits. Weighted blankets offer the same hug-like pressure relief to everyday users. However, the question remains, whether all that extra weight traps heat under the blanket?
In short, yes, traditional weighted blankets tend to be too heavy for summer use. The good news is, there are plenty of weighted blankets designed with this flaw in mind. As with regular blankets, having a cooler experience comes down to one thing, fabric. Weighted blankets made with lightweight cotton offer the same benefits as standard throws made with the same materials.
If this sounds like an appealing sleep experience for you, check out this weighted blanket.
Why Do I Have to Sleep with a Blanket, Even When It's Hot?
You don't need to sleep beneath a blanket, just sleep however you feel comfortable. Of course, the caveat to this is that a lot of people do find it harder to get to sleep without any covers. Many factors contribute to this feeling, including being creatures of routine. We find it hard to relax without covers since we've used them our whole lives. Additionally, creating the warm tent of blankets tucked around our bodies helps us feel secure.
Furthermore, as warm-blooded animals, humans regulate their temperature internally. In sleep, our bodies relinquish some of that control, and blankets help pick up the slack, keeping us at a comfortable temperature through the night. The trick to getting relaxed enough to sleep, even when it feels too hot for a comforter, is to select a blanket made from the materials we've discussed.
Can I Sleep with a Throw Blanket?
As with the other products we've discussed, keeping cool in the summer comes down to the right fabric. So you can absolutely sleep with a throw blanket! You just have to find one made out of the right materials. Thermal blankets or something else too thick is likely to hinder your summer sleep rather than help.
Consider this light, airy bamboo throw for your summer sheet set instead of the standard chenille, flannel, or Sherpa.
How Can I Keep My Bed Cooler in Summer?
Aside from changing your comforter, there are other measures you can take to keep your bed cool, comfortable, and temperature-regulated throughout summer nights.
Change your Pillows
Like with blankets, the material of your pillows makes a difference. Cotton pillow covers and down-filled pillows are classics, and they work perfectly as temperature regulators. Bamboo offers a breathable alternative. Finally, you can find many memory foam and gel-filled pillows that specifically feature cooling technology, also found in many mattresses.
Take Advantage of the Thermostat
Studies show that the best temperature for sleep is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, setting the thermostat before you head to bed can make a huge impact on your ability to fall asleep quickly. Of course, if you don't have central cooling or can't afford to splurge on your air conditioning, setting up a fan near your bed can work just as well.
Refreshing Water
You can do one last thing to your sleep environment to keep you cooler and keep water within reach. If you wake up too hot over the course of the night, one sip of refreshing water can start to bring your temperature back down. Plus, staying hydrated when you're sweaty is essential to your well-being.
Before-Bed Routine
Try drawing the curtains in your bedroom in the early afternoon. Keeping out the sun keeps the room cooler. Additionally, you can try taking a hot bath before going to sleep. Not only do baths promote relaxation, leaving a hot bath right before bedtime brings your internal temperature down.
Pick Your Seasonal Blanket, And Get Cozy
Now that you're prepared to sleep through anything summer throws at you, consider getting an early start for autumn and winter. Read our considerations for "16 Different Types of Comforters" you should know will help you feel prepared for any season.
Looking for more general bedtime tips? Read up on "How Many Pillows is Too Many?" to have all your bases covered. Sleep well!