20 Mistakes We Are All Making With Our Beds

1. Not having the right size bed for your room

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Let's be honest, we'd all have a super duper king-sized bed if we could, but sometimes you just have to admit that your bedroom isn't big enough if you have a tiny place. If you're forcing a double bed into a room that can only really fit a single, you're just going to create stress and have no room for anything else!

2. Not having the right size bed for you!

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If you do have the option of having any sized bed you'd like in your room, you need to get the best size for how you sleep. Some people are big spread-eaglers, which means the bigger the better. If you do like having a lot of room to comfortably sleep, opt for a bigger bed size so you never feel cramped.

3. Having the wrong mattress firmness

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It's important to understand that not all mattress firmness options were created equal, and you really should try a mattress out in person by lying on it in a store instead of ordering online. The right firmness will help you to get a better night sleep, so you don't want to be sleeping on a super soft mattress if you need very firm!

4. Not making use of a topper

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A mattress topper can be a great option if you do need a different firmness, or extra support, but you don't want to replace your whole mattress (or maybe can't afford to). A slimline topper can be a cost-effective way of giving yourself some extra comfort and support.

5. Not using a mattress protector

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A mattress protector will help to keep your mattress in good (and hygienic) condition for longer, and protectors themselves are easy to regularly wash in the machine. This is particularly important for people who tend to have night sweats, or share a bed, and get too hot a lot of the time.

6. Or pillow protectors, at that

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Most people forget about their pillows when it comes to bed protectors, because the mattress is the main focus - but think how much you use your pillows, night after night. They're privy to bacteria and hair oils, to say the least. Pillow protectors will help to keep them in tip top shape for longer.

7. Using the wrong comforter thickness

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Comforters come in all shapes, sizes and thicknesses, and it's surprising how much of a difference it makes having the right one. If your duvet is too light, you might feel more restless or too chilly at night. Too thick, and it might be too overwhelmingly hot for you. Make sure to get a comforter suited for your preferences, and the seasons!

8. Not using a weighted blanket

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Some people wouldn't even dream of sleeping without a weighted blanket (excuse the pun) because that weight gives them a feeling of comfort, security and extra warmth. If you're someone who needs to feel that weight on them - especially if you have anxiety or trouble sleeping - a weighted blanket is a must!

9. Not having the right pillows for the position you sleep in

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Pillows come in different thickness options, just like comforters, but did you know you need a particular pillow depending on what position you sleep in? For instance, side sleepers may benefit from more firm pillows because they need that extra support to keep their spine and neck aligned.

10. Not having the right mattress firmness for the position you sleep in

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Your mattress firmness is about more than just your preferences, too. Just like pillows, you might need a firmer mattress based on your sleeping position. People who sleep on their side can benefit from a softer mattress because their hip bones are going to be digging in. Memory foam is often the best option, to mould to your body shape.

11. You're missing out on the benefits of a body pillow!

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There are a ton of benefits for using a body pillow that you might be missing out on - just like a weighted blanket, a body pillow can feel like extra warmth and security if you can wrap yourself around it. Not only that, it's perfect for lifting your leg for side sleepers so you can get full body support!

12. Or at the very least, a pillow for support between your knees

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If you don't want to pay for a body pillow, or it just doesn't appeal to you, you should at the very least be using a standard pillow to put between your knees if you do sleep on your side. This will help to lift your leg and hip so that your spine can stay more aligned during sleep.

13. Not taking advantage of silk pillowcases

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Silk pillowcases have been known to the best kind for your skin, in providing a smooth surface and preventing wrinkles. They're also softer and better at keeping clean compared to things like cotton or even fleece-like pillowcases, as these can trap dust and dirt much more easily.

14. Having everything too hot or too cold

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Being way too hot or too cold in your bed can severely impact your sleep - and in some cases, might mean you don't get any at all! If your bed is far too empty and devoid of throws and pillows, or likewise if there's far too much going on, you need to work out a balance so everything is just the right temperature for you.

15. Having too many throw pillows

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We know that decorative pillows are adorable, but they might actually be more of a clutter than anything helpful. If you have a small bed, and a small room, throw pillows might just be getting in the way. And if you're constantly throwing them on the floor then back on the bed, they could just be transferring over dust to where you lay your head!

16. Not dusting your headboard often enough

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When you're dusting and cleaning your room, one thing you might often forget is the bed frame itself. If you have a huge headboard, this in particular could be attracting a lot of dust - and that's going to be hanging right over where you sleep every night. Be sure to wipe across wooden or metal headboards, or vacuum your fabric headboard, often.

17. Never vacuuming your mattress

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Speaking of vacuuming - you might think your mattress isn't a dust or dirt trap if you always have a bed sheet over it, but it's not the case! Your mattress itself needs vacuuming often, too. This is also key in keeping any bed bugs and dust mites away from your mattress!

18. Not washing your sheets often enough

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Some people go a painful amount of time before even considering changing their bedsheets... others might do their best but simply not know how often they're supposed to do it! A good rule of thumb is once a week. You should do this more often if you sweat a lot, though!

19. Having your bed positioned near a door

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Having your bed right next to a door, or facing a door, isn't a good vibe. It's just not relaxing, and especially if you sleep with your door wide open. There's just something about a doorway that isn't in keeping with a good night's sleep, especially if your feet are positioned to be right at the opening into the dark abyss!

20. Having your bed pushed against a wall

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We understand that sometimes this is unavoidable if you need the extra space or if your room doesn't allow for a central position. But if you do have a choice, your bed should always be in the center of the room, with no walls on either side of it, and the headboard against a wall. Not only is this better vibes, but it's cleaner and better for keeping pests away!

21. Failing to understand feng shui!

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Following the rules of feng shui for your bedroom is essential for creating peace of mind and harmony. As mentioned, having the bed facing a door, or having it pushed against one wall, both go against the rules of feng shui! Ultimately, you should try to have your bed in a central position, with a bedside table at each side, and think of symmetry as much as you can!

22. Sharing a bed with a partner (hear us out...)

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There's a stigma attached to the idea of sleeping in separate beds or rooms to your partner, but in some cases it can be one of the best decisions you make. If you or your partner are really disturbing the other (such as different working hours, severe snoring or tossing and turning) having a separate bed can be the solution to a good night's sleep.

23. Cutting costs on the right mattress

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We know that mattresses can get so expensive, and it's not something you can exactly avoid buying altogether. But don't underestimate how much of a difference paying more for a mattress can make - it will be one of the best investments you ever make for the perfect night's sleep every night!

24. Not getting bedsheets that fill you with joy

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Your bed aesthetics and sheets should be something you can have fun with, fit with your room theme and match your personality. Never compromise on getting fun or more expensive sheets that you love in place of something plain or boring. You want to be excited and happy about being in bed!

25. Not replacing your pillows often enough

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Pillows need replacing, too, just like your mattress, but they're going to need replacing more often - and more often than you think! Pillows should ideally be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on their condition. This makes sure they're supportive enough, free of allergens and kept clean.

26. Not making use of anti-allergy products

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If you're someone who suffers from a lot of allergies, particularly pesky dust allergies, then anti-allergy pillows and comforters - or even mattresses - can be a worthwhile investment. Especially if allergies are disrupting your sleep, switching could be one of the best decisions you make!

27. Minimalism versus maximilism

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Your bed - and bedroom - can either fill you with joy, or make you feel distanced from it. If you're someone who's a minimalist, then a busy bed is going to make you more stressed - and likewise, an empty and plain bed might make a maximalist feel irritated. Make sure that you buy the right bed frame, sheets and pillows to suit your tastes!

28. Opting for cheap bedding materials

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It's very much worthwhile spending more on higher quality bedsheets, because they'll last longer, and be more comfortable for you. Materials like Egyptian cotton can be a great option for bedsheets, as opposed to very cheap materials that might even lose their color in the wash.

29. Not washing your sheets on high enough temperatures

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Even if you do wash your sheets once a week (hurrah!) you might still be doing it wrong if you're not washing on high enough temperatures. We know it's important to be environmentally-friendly when it comes to washing, and most of us are tempted by cooler washes, but really with your bedsheets you need at least a 60 degree wash to kill germs.

30. Not flipping or rotating your mattress

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If you've never flipped or rotated your mattress before, you might have noticed there's a you-shaped dip in the middle of it where you sleep every night! Rotating and flipping your mattress regularly helps it to keep its shape, keep its firmness and is more hygienic. You should try to do this at least every three months!