When Should You Switch To A Heavier Duvet In Winter?

Winter is just around the corner, which means many of us are starting to think about swapping out our lighter, breathable summer duvets for heavier, warmer ones to keep us snug as the temperature continues to drop. But is there an ideal time of year for switching out your summer duvet for your winter one, and why should you invest in a heavier winter duvet if you haven’t already?

Why Do You Need To Change Your Duvet For Winter?

In order to get a restful night’s sleep, you need to have the right sleep space to help you drift off without feeling too hot or cold. In the summer months, utilising a lighter duvet is perfect for warmer weather thanks to their breathable, natural materials keeping you cool even on the hottest of nights. However, when it comes to winter, sleepers need bedding that can keep the heat in rather than letting it out, so swapping over to a heavier duvet will ensure you maintain the ideal sleep temperature throughout the night.

The Difference Between ‘Lighter’ & ‘Heavier’ Duvets

Every duvet is given a rating between 1 and 15 known as a ‘tog’ (Thermal Overall Grading), which indicates how well insulated your bedding is. Each full number is roughly equivalent to one light blanket, or two layers of clothing – the higher the number, the better the heat retention, and the warmer the duvet will be.

– Low Tog Rating: 1 – 4.5

– Medium Tog Rating: 7.5 – 10

– High Tog Rating: 10.5+

Many of us who have been sleeping with a lighter duvet in summer will likely have duvets with a tog rating of anywhere between 3 and 7.5. For winter though, we need something a little bulkier to trap heat during the night and keep our bodies toasty during sleep. For winter weather, a duvet with a tog above 10 is a good choice, but it largely comes down to personal preference.

The other aspect that affects duvet weight is the material. For winter weather, you’ll want to choose a filling that allows for excellent heat retention, which is why our duvets come with two comfy fillings: either a luxurious hypoallergenic microblend, or a sumptuous natural Hungarian goose down. All our duvets are wrapped in a buttery-soft cotton casing to leave you feeling cosy and well-rested no matter the temperature outside.

What Else Affects Duvet Temperature?

Of course, there are still other factors to consider when choosing the right duvet for winter. Believe it or not, the size of your bedroom can play a major role in what duvet weight you should opt for. Small rooms with poor ventilation can retain a lot of heat, so you might not need a super-heavy duvet to keep your room warm at night. On the other hand, larger rooms might be better with heavier duvets and togs around the 12-14 mark.

It’s not just the size of your room that can affect things. The heat retention of your home is something else to bear in mind, as well-insulated homes with double glazing and central heating often stay warmer for longer periods of time. In these cases, you won’t need any extra-thick duvets to keep you warm, as a slightly lighter duvet will still keep you feeling cosy. In houses with single glazing, switching to a heavier tog sooner will keep your bed snug and warm even in freezing outside temperatures.

Another factor that can come into play is the weather. The ideal sleep temperature is estimated to be between 15°C and 19°C, so freezing winter temperatures can seriously disrupt our sleeping routines, making it difficult to drift off when temperatures drop.

When Is The Right Time To Switch Duvets?

If you’re finding it’s chillier in the mornings, it might be time to start thinking about swapping your duvet to a warmer one. We’d recommend changing your duvet over during the autumn months, either in late September or early October.

As a rule of thumb, you should consider switching to your winter duvet when the night time temperature consistently drops below 10°C. But if you find yourself lying in bed shivering at night, you don’t have to wait! The exact time the temperature begins to drop is different each year, so if you’re feeling the chill, there’s no need to miss out on good sleep by not switching earlier than recommended.

Why Should I Invest In A Winter Duvet?

To keep cosy and warm at night, you need to make sure that you have the right bedding. Other alternatives like central heating or electric blankets can result in costly electricity bills, which are subject to change every year – investing in a winter duvet can be much more beneficial, as it saves you more money over a longer time period. At the English Bed Linen Company, our selection of handmade Lancashire duvets can keep you snug and relaxed throughout the winter months, providing you with a sumptuous night’s sleep, night after night.

Now that you have found your perfect duvet, why not complete your bedding with our fitted sheets, mattress toppers, pillows and more? For more information about our bedding products, or to order your free fabric samples, contact our team today.