Did you know that only 11% of people say that winter is their favorite season?

Whether you love wintertime or hate it, staying warm is essential to tolerating (and even enjoying) those cold winter days. There are plenty of practical steps you can take to keep yourself and your home nice and warm — even if it's freezing outside.

In this post, we'll offer tips on how to stay warm this winter season. We'll also provide some guidance on the best kind of bedding to keep your bed toasty all night long.

Tips for Staying Warm This Winter

There's more you can do to keep warm besides crank up the heat. Here are some practical suggestions for your everyday winter routine.

1. Dress in Layers

It takes a lot less effort to warm up your body than it does to warm up your entire house. Rather than turning up the thermostat, master the art of layering your clothes for maximum warmth.

Start with a polyester or silk undershirt next to your skin. This will stay drier than cotton and act as your first layer of defense against the cold. Next, add flannel pants and your favorite sweatshirt or a soft, chunky sweater to hold in the heat.

While the old notion that you lose 50% of body heat through your head has been debunked, it's hard to stay warm if your head is cold. Wear a soft cap or beanie to retain that heat — it can really make a difference! Take it one step further with a cozy wool scarf or fleece neck warmer.

Lastly, don't forget about your feet. Wool or "Smartwool" socks are best, as they'll wick moisture away and keep your feet dry. If you have hardwood or tile floors, you might also invest in a pair of house slippers. 

2. Monitor the Thermostat

Unless you don't mind a huge electricity bill, you'll need to find a balance with your thermostat during the winter.

Experts agree that the ideal temperature for sleeping is between 60-67 degrees. You may need to experiment to find the perfect temperature for you, but this a good rule of thumb to start with.

If you have central heating, consider installing a programmable smart thermostat. You can program it to cool down after everyone leaves for work or school (perhaps down to 60-62 degrees) and then heat up again before everyone comes home.

If you have the ability to heat individual rooms, focus on the living room during the day and the bedroom before you go to sleep. Bonus tip: If you have ceiling fans, reverse them to a clockwise direction to blow warm air down into the room. 

3. Eat Warming Foods

Save those cold salads and chilled wines for next summer. Instead, stock up your kitchen with everything you'll need to make warming soups, stews, and casseroles.

Some of the best warming foods for winter include:

• Oatmeal or hot porridge
• Red meat
• Squash and pumpkin
• Sweet potatoes
• Lentils and beans
• Ginger tea (or anything with ginger)
• Spicy foods and curries
• Black pepper
• Cinnamon
• Garlic

Bonus tip: Many people believe that alcohol warms you up, and for a few minutes it may. But as you digest, it actually draws blood away from your organs and impedes your ability to shiver. This means you could end up feeling colder than you did before.

Layer Up: The Ultimate Bedding for Staying Warm

Perhaps more than anywhere else in your home, you want to have a nice cozy bed during the wintertime.

How can you achieve the perfect balance of warmth under the covers? The secret lies in both the types of bedding you choose and the way you layer them.

Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need from bottom to top.

1. Heated Mattress Pad

Is there anything worse than sliding into an icy cold bed when you already feel chilled? Take your going-to-bed-experience to the next level by using an electric mattress pad with adjustable heat settings.

You can switch it on half an hour before bedtime and you'll find a wonderfully warm bed waiting for you. Most come with a timer to automatically switch off after an hour or two.

2. Triple Sheeting

Whether you prefer flannel, cotton, or bamboo, the right set of sheets is a must for wintertime warmth.

Layer a warm but thin blanket or quilt between two regular sheets to add an extra layer of warmth and insulation. You won't have to wash your blanket as often either, which means less laundry for you!

3. Heavy Comforter or Duvet

Nothing beats a heavy wool or cotton comforter for a terrific sleeping experience.

If you prefer duvets, that's okay too. Just make sure you check the "tog rating" and pick one that's suitable for winter — usually between 10.5 and 15.

4. Cozy Throw Blanket

Are you ready for the icing on the cake? Complete your cozy bed ensemble with a soft, plush throw blanket.

Look for faux fur or a chunky handknit wool blanket in a color or pattern that suits your bedroom decor. Spread it out across the blanket or drape it over the bottom of the bed to keep your feet warm through the night.

Staying Warm This Winter: Class Dismissed

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can't create a warm, cozy atmosphere inside your home.

Dress in layers, keep the thermostat at a comfortable temperature, and have plenty of warming foods and drinks. To stay warm while you sleep, you need the right type of bedding to keep the heat in.

If it's been a while since you've treated yourself to a new comforter or sheet set, this winter season is the perfect time to make the upgrade.

Click here to view our complete collection of luxury bedding. We have options for wintertime and every other season to ensure you sleep great year-round!