Bedding buying guide

There's nothing like having a good night's sleep and the bedding you choose can really make a difference.

Bed linen

We stock a wide range of bed linen, designed to fit the following sizes:

Fitted Sheets

Duvet Covers

We have a selection of coordinating duvet covers, pillowcases, flat and fitted sheets and valances made from many different materials. We also stock a huge range of harmonising accessories such as bedspreads and cushions to help you create the look.

Mattress and pillow protectors

These not only make your bed extra comfy, they'll also extend the life of your mattresses and pillows by giving it an added layer of protection from wear and tear. We stock a range of practical polycotton protectors, along with antibacterial versions; these have been treated with a chemical barrier that protects from dust mites.

Mattress toppers

They look like thinner versions of normal mattresses, and essentially that's what they are. Mattress toppers add an extra layer on top of your current mattress, giving you even more comfort and support.

Duvets

The warmth of a duvet is measured in togs. The main thing you need to know about tog ratings is that the higher the number, the warmer the duvet is going to be.

Duvets with different tog ratings are recommended for use at different times of year. During the warm summer months, a 4.5 tog duvet is usually adequate, while a 10.5 to 13.5 tog duvet should protect you from the chill in autumn and winter. If you prefer to keep things simple, an all season duvet combines 2 duvets together in a single cover. When the weather improves you simply detach one and put it into storage.

• Natural filling

  Duvets filled with natural feathers are better at allowing your skin to breathe. Consisting of duck or goose down, the feathers contain thousands of filaments that intertwine with each other, forming air pockets which provide natural insulation. In other words, they keep the cold out and the heat in.

• Synthetic filling

  These duvets are just as warm as natural down duvets, but have the added benefit of being machine washable. Instead of feathers, these duvets contain polyester or polyester microfibre. This is a specially light and fine polyester fibre that's been air-blown into the duvet casing for a good tog rating and softness and has been designed to emulate the characteristics and feel of down. Microfibre duvets are generally a little more expensive than other synthetic duvets, but they feel particularly soft and cosy.

Finally, synthetic fillings are a good choice for people who are allergic to feathers. Selected duvets have also been treated with antimicrobial and antibacterial chemicals, which can minimise the effect of any allergic reactions to dust mites.

Pillows

As with duvets, pillows can also be filled with either natural or synthetic materials. Whichever you choose, it's important to get the right firmness and support for your head and neck.

You should plump up the pillows regularly to firm them up a little. If you buy a synthetic pillow, you can put it in the washing machine along with the duvet.

Another option is the memory pillow. Designed to mould to the shape of your head and neck, these pillows will help to relieve pressure on the neck and give you a high amount of comfort and support.