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How to create a cosy bed and sleep better

After spending more than half of your day at work, you'd want to come home to a bed that feels cosy and comfortable. After all, a better sleep quality guarantees a better tomorrow. From finding the right temperature to choosing the best materials, every choice contributes to a restful, cool night’s sleep. Here’s how you can create your ideal bed setup, layer by layer, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Close-up of bed with a lot of pillows in different patterns and colours. Bedside table on the right.
Close-up of bed with a lot of pillows in different patterns and colours. Bedside table on the right.

Small changes, big impact

If you're finding it hard to get quality sleep, even small adjustments can lead to big improvements. Many people simply tolerate uncomfortable sleep, but we believe it doesn't have to be that way! Sometimes, something as simple as a new pillow can completely change your sleep experience. Here’s how to build a cosy bed from top to bottom:

  • Sheets – choose fabrics that stay cool and soft against your skin.
  • Duvets – ideal options for different temperatures.
  • Pillows – find the perfect fit for your sleep position.
  • Mattress – the foundation of comfortable sleep.
  • Mattress Pads – adjust temperature and prolong mattress life.
  • Atmosphere – think about what’s happening around you.

Bedroom with VITARNA four-poster bed frame with colourful bedding, part of bright orange SKÅLBODA armchair in foreground.

1. Choose fabrics that keep you cool and comfortable

What’s closest to your skin plays a major role in your comfort. In Malaysia’s humid weather, natural, breathable fabrics are your best choice for bed sheet material. IKEA offers a range of bedding options in materials designed for maximum comfort:

Cotton: Soft, breathable, and moisture-absorbing, perfect for warm nights.
Sateen: Adds a smooth, luxurious touch while staying breathable.
Linen: Known for durability and cooling properties, it’s ideal for humid weather.

Our collection has been crafted with quality in mind, so you just have to pick the best bed sheet material and colour that feels right for you!

White sheets hung out to dry, blowing in the wind with a green forest in the back.

2. Manage temperature for you and your partner

Warm nights can make it challenging to find a comfortable temperature, especially if you and your partner have different preferences. With IKEA’s range of cooling and warming quilts and pillows, you can create a bed with two distinct “climate zones.” Lightweight duvets and pillows with cooling properties are particularly effective in hot weather while moisture-wicking fabric helps you stay dry. 

Cool Sleep Tip: Feeling hot at night? Try IKEA’s cooling pillows and lighter duvets. These options help manage body temperature and prevent night sweats, helping you stay comfortable in bed.

See all duvets
A pile of folded crisp white bedding, such as pillows and duvets without pillow cases or duvet covers.
Close-up of person in pajamas sleeping under a bright pink sheet that is pulled up over the face. Picture taken from above.
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3. Choose the perfect pillow for your sleep position

At IKEA, we believe in personalising comfort. Whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, IKEA has a pillow to support you. In a tropical climate, choosing a pillow that allows airflow and offers moisture-wicking features is key to creating a cosy and comfy bed. The right pillow will support your head and neck while helping regulate temperature, letting you wake up refreshed.

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Close-up of person stretching out in bed, with NORDSTÅLÖRT ergonomic pillow in foreground.
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4. Building the “sleep sandwich" for cool, comfortable sleep

Layering your bedding isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also a smart way to control temperature and sleep better. Think of your bed as a "sleep sandwich," where each layer plays an important role. With a layered bed, you can easily adjust your warmth by adding or removing a layer.

Start with breathable base layers, like cotton sheets, then add lightweight duvets and throws that you can pull over or push aside depending on the temperature. A new mattress pad, for instance, can add a cooling layer on top of your mattress, while also extending its life. For Malaysia’s climate, consider a mattress pad with cooling properties to help reduce heat retention while you sleep.

See all mattress toppers
VITARNA four-poster bed with the different layers of mattresses visible, and a pile of duvets and pillows on top of it all.
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5. Beyond the bed: Enhancing your sleep environment

It’s not just the bed that affects your sleep – the overall atmosphere is just as important! Creating a cosy sleep environment with proper lighting, temperature control, and a clutter-free space can do wonders for your sleep quality.  

For starters, consider our SYMFONISK Speaker Lamp for a combo of soft lighting and soothing sounds. Air purifiers are great for improving air quality, especially in humid climates where mould can be a recurring issue. For windows, get proper blinds and curtains to block out morning light and help insulate your room for better temperature control. For a final comforting touch, simply add a soft rug by the bedside. 

Close-up of VÄGSKYLT rug lying next to a bed, with a person in pajamas standing on it, putting on slippers.
Close-up of wall-mounted bedside table with black and white SYMFONISK speaker lamp with wi-fi on top of it.

With these elements, you can create a cosy, comfortable bed & space perfect for sleep, even in Malaysia’s tropical heat. Each piece contributes to a soothing environment where dreams come naturally.