Cooler days means one thing for certain: cold nights! If you wake up with a shiver during the night or in the early morning, it likely means it’s time to change out your bedding for the season. Start with warm sheets, switch to a thicker comforter or duvet, and add an extra throw blanket to keep you feeling warm and toasty throughout the cold winter nights. While you may not have the luxury of hibernating in bed through the whole season, you’ll create a bedroom retreat so cozy that you may just sneak in a nap or two!

Plus, by switching out your bedding for the late fall and winter months, you can refresh the look of your bedroom for the season—all without a major investment or time commitment.

Focus on Warmth

When putting together your winter bedding combination, you should start with the sheets. Many cotton or microfiber sheets are designed to be comfortable year-round, or you can switch out your sheets to a classic flannel choice for the added warmth. You could even take a page out of top hotels books, and try the triple sheet method. Start with your fitted base sheet, then put a thin (but warm!) blanket between two top sheets. By adding an extra layer, you’ll up the insulating factor of your bedding and create an extra cozy sleep environment.

The next, and most important, piece of your winter bedding set is the comforter or duvet. Choose a thick comforter or duvet insert for the winter months (look for either a high tog rating or a high down fill power) to keep you cozy. By investing in warmer blankets, you can even save money, since you won’t have to crank the thermostat up quite as high.

Finally, you can add an extra layer of comfort and style with a thick winter throw blanket. A velvety throw blanket or even a faux fur throw can be placed at the end of you bed to complete the look of your stylish new bedding, and it is easy to spread over you at night if you wake up with a chill.

Winter Bedding Colors

Switching out the bedding does more than just keep you comfortable in the cooler months. It’s also an easy way to update the décor in your bedroom to keep with seasonal trends. When choosing winter bedding, you can narrow down the choices by focusing in on your winter color scheme. In general, rich, warm colors are perfect for a fall and winter bedroom update. Not only do they play well with holiday décor, but they also bring a richness that is perfect for the season.

Need color combination ideas? Try one of these:

• Select a bedding set that is designed with a three-color scheme of red, brown and ivory to create an elegant, yet grounded look.
• Choose deep red and gold bedding to complement your traditional bed frame and sophisticated bedroom decor.
• Try purple, especially rich purples (think plum and eggplant), paired with a neutral such as taupe, to bring an unexpected pop of color and royally charming feel that is perfect for cooler months.
• Don’t overlook cool colors, such as blue and green, during the winter months. Choose deep shades of these colors, such as a chive green or navy blue, for a fresh take on these cool hues.

Cozy Patterns

Color isn’t the only way to set the style tone for warm, winter bedding. There are a wide range of patterns available, allowing you to choose the perfect look that will enhance your bedroom décor and provide a fresh feel for the season. One popular pattern this season is plaid, which complements today’s farmhouse and rustic looks. After all, what says warm and cozy more than a plaid print? If you want a cozy update but aren’t ready to go all in on this trend, look to plaid for your beddings accents. You can layer your bed with a knitted coverlet in a neutral shade and decorative plaid pillows for a completed bedding look. A plaid bed skirt can also add a surprisingly chic touch to your master or guest bedroom. Don’t be afraid to mix and match plaid patterns to create a cozy and personalized vibe that will set your bedroom style for the upcoming cooler months of winter.

Texture to the Max

A subtler, but no less important, component of winter bedding is texture. By varying soft and comfortable textures, you can create a cozy dynamic and add visual interest to your bedroom. Fall and winter are perfect months to add texture—either through your main comforter or through the throw blanket you add to the end of your bed for extra warmth. Focus on soft and luxurious fabrics such as faux suede fabric comforters or velvety blankets.

Faux fur is an especially hot trend this season. There are a wide range of styles available, and all of these options are super soft and, of course, warm for the winter months. You can even add faux fur accent pillows to the top of your bed for a comfortable spot to rest your head, and a matching faux fur throw draped on the end of your bed to complete the look. Or mix and match faux furs for an eclectic and casual look, and even more texture.

Once you’ve selected bedding that is warm and chosen a look that features a winter-friendly color palette and pattern, you’ll be set for sleep. The only problem is, your bed will be so cozy that you may not want to leave it! Don’t forget kid’s bedrooms and guest bedrooms to make sure everyone in your house is warm and comfortable the whole night long.