On average you spend about 26 years of your life sleeping, so why not do it in a nice environment?
If you're still using the same ratty old duvet cover that got you through university, it's definitely time for a change.
But the sheer options of blankets, cushions, throws, coverlets (what are those?) can be overwhelming - so we're here to help.
From sheets to duvets, we explore trends in bed linen and question to make up the bed of your dreams - and how many pillows you really need?
Cover up
The first step in creating your dream bed is to choose which type of cover you'd like to snuggle under. A duvet is an easy one-stop solution but any combination of blankets, quilts and throws can be used to create comfort and a luxurious, textured look.
Play around with layers: throw in lightly crumpled linen or plush quilted velvet, revisit some nostalgic bedspreads in chenille or candlewick, or stick to a smooth, crisp cotton duvet cover for that luxury hotel vibe.
Aesthetics aside, natural fibres such as down, wool duvet inners, cotton or bamboo bed covers are the most comfortable to sleep in as they help regulate body temperature. Kate Cullwick from Foxtrot Home says French flax linen is prized for its ability to keep you comfortable.
"When you're too hot in summer it acts to cool your body and wicks moisture away from the skin. In winter, it will warm you," she says.
"We've had 'hot sleepers' switching to linen for life and customers who used to rely on electric blankets, abandon them."
Increasingly questions are also being asked about the sustainability of textile production and the ethics of harvesting animal products such as down feathers and silk.
If that's important to you, look for a brand which is committed to reducing water usage or harmful chemicals during production, or which opts for feathers that are the by-product of the meat industry over the cruel practice of live-plucking.
Between the sheets
The quality of the sheets you sleep in can impact the quality of your sleep but past that, the fabric you choose is a matter of personal preference. Some people swear by the cool crispness of cotton, others prefer the slipperiness of silk, while others go for a softer sleeping surface such as bamboo or cotton jersey.
Kerry Jackson, creative director of M.M Linen says while pure cotton will "always be a leader", there is more of a focus now on other natural fibres like linen and linen blends.
"Breathability in natural fibres is key for hotter months."
Cullwick says that due to its elasticity, flax linen sheets won't lose their shape, and they will get softer over time. "Linen is also anti-microbial and hypo-allergenic which makes it perfect for babies and people with skin conditions."
Pillow talk
Pillow configurations are also personal, but Jackson reckons it's "mandatory" to have at least three on the bed.
"We are all about pattern and colour and they add a personality to your room," she says. "They are easily changeable depending on the season."
Large Euro pillows are good for framing the bed and providing support when you're sitting up, especially if you don't have a headboard. Jackson says wider lodge pillows are becoming more popular as people opt for bigger beds such as super king or California king sizes.
Another emerging pillow trend comes straight from the beauty experts - pure silk pillowcases that are said to be better for the condition of your skin and hair.
While they won't stop you getting wrinkles, fans reckon they put a stop to pillow marks in the morning and prevent hair breakages. Jackson also says good quality pillow inners will give a luxury hotel look and feel. "We spend nearly half our lives in bed and you are worth the investment."
Colouring in
The same earthy colours dominating home interiors are also big news on beds. Shades of terracotta, mustard and khaki can be found on the shelves everywhere from Citta to Adairs to Farmers and Kmart, as can soft, muted tones such as dusty pink, denim blue and sage green.
Jackson says clay, coffee bean and puce are all popular with her customers this season, as well as greens like olive and purples such as lilac. Cullwick's most popular combinations are earthy tones mixed with a complementary stripe.
"We've also noticed a real shift towards 'anything goes', reflecting individual personalities which is so pleasing," she says. "Blues are mixed with greens (which never used to be seen) or pinks with browns."
With so much colour choice around, it can be helpful to take your cues from the rest of your home furnishings and even your wardrobe.
"We believe in buying for the long term and not being solely driven by trends," Cullwick adds. "We like to think people won't be swapping out different colours every season or year but investing in sustainable options instead."
