Create a Cosy Retreat

By Katherine Sorrell

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Create a cosy retreat

Warm and quiet, dark and comfortable – ensure your bedroom has all the ingredients for a great night’s sleep.

Lack of sleep has a profound effect on our physical and mental health, and as many as one in three of us – according to the NHS – suffer from poor sleep. It’s wise to make your bedroom as sleep-friendly as possible – dark, quiet, tidy and comfortably warm.

Start with the mattress

Choosing a mattress can seem highly confusing but start by deciding whether you would prefer a sprung or non-sprung version. Sprung mattresses are literally filled with lots of springs, but while open-spring mattresses are cheaper, they should be used for guest rooms or children’s beds; the best ones are individually ‘pocket’ sprung, with a large number of small springs each in their own pocket of fabric and working independently from each other, so they adjust to the body and eliminate ‘roll-together’. Calico pockets, hand nested in a honeycomb pattern and centre-tied with linen cord, are the best quality. You might find it beneficial to have a sprung mattress that is ‘zoned’ across the middle to give extra support for heavier hips and shoulders, or made ‘half and half’, to provide different tensions on each side of the bed. Another solution for sleeping partners who are very different weights is a ‘zip and lock’ system of two different mattresses that fasten together in the centre. Sprung mattresses can be filled with a variety of materials, including cotton, wool, coir, foam and horsehair, with additional mohair, cashmere and silk in luxury versions. Tufted construction is generally considered better than quilting, as it prevents loose fillings from being dislodged. In cheaper mattresses, fillings usually come in compact pads, while in better quality mattresses there will be layers of loose fillings in greater volumes. Always look for a high-quality mattress cover (known as ‘ticking’), while hand stitching on the sides keeps the mattress in good condition for longer, and sturdy handles help with turning (which should be done regularly to even out the wear and thus prolong the life of the mattress). Non-traditionalists may be interested a non-sprung

mattress, a relatively new market that is growing rapidly. Sometimes called the ‘mattress-in-a-box’ option, the mattress is delivered vacuum-packed in a box, ready to be unrolled, at which point it will expand naturally and can be slept on a few hours later. The choice of non-sprung mattress materials includes latex, memory foam, polyurethane foam and gel, a new filling known for its support, breathability and thermoregulating properties. These mattresses, which are good for allergy sufferers and said to be excellent for joint pain relief, mould to the sleeper’s shape and are often warmer than sprung mattresses (not necessarily a good thing). It is also possible to buy ‘hybrid’ mattresses, which provide the traditional support and comfort of springs with a pressure-relieving, nonsprung top layer. A happy combination that could well be the way forward.

What about the windows?

Windows can be a source of disturbing light early in the morning, and noise, heat loss and draughts at any time. For single-glazed sash windows that are opened regularly, specialist seals fitted into a rebate will improve draught-proofing, while secondary glazing is a good idea for windows that are seldom used, trapping

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heat and blocking sound. In the right place, well-fitting timber shutters can be at least as effective as double glazing, and will complement a period property. The traditional solution, of course, is a thick, floor-toceiling curtain. Add a thermal or blackout lining, and it serves several purposes – as well as being a way to add colour and texture to complement your scheme. Extend the curtain pole far enough beyond the window edges so that light cannot creep in. The same applies to blinds – thick, blackout versions are best, fitted close to the wall so that draughts and light can’t escape around the sides.

Don’t forget about the floor

Suspended timber floors can be another source of draughts, in which case a fitted carpet with a thermal underlay is ideal. Carpets deaden sound and are beautifully soft underfoot. If, however, you prefer the look of original timber floorboards, seal any gaps at the base of the skirting boards with foam strips, a bead of silicon mastic or slivers of matching timber, and add thick rugs at each side of the bed for extra comfort. Another really effective improvement is to add insulation such as foil-faced foam board, wood fibreboard or quilt below the boards. The end result? Toasty toes and a lovely warm room.

1 A soft, curving headboard could help your bed feel enclosed and cosy. Matilda Dove Grey bed, from £549; Amazonia Toile duvet cover set, £28; Farrah Palm Leaf ceiling fitting, £65; all Dunelm: 0845 165 65 65, dunelm.com. 2 Full-length curtains help block out light, sound and draughts. Curtains and headboard in Knot Garden Grey, £75 per metre, James Hare: 0113 243 1204; james-hare.com. 3 A handmade bed frame with an entirely natural, organic mattress. Eva bed with storage, from £1,470 for a small single, Naturalmat: 01392 877 247; naturalmat.co.uk.

like to volunteer at Wixams Retirement Village?

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust has thousands of volunteers who play an invaluable part within the organisation; they make a real difference by sharing their skills/knowledge and offering their kind support.

We have a wide variety of volunteering opportunities:

• Bistro/Coffee Bar/Kitchen Assistant • Fitness/Gym Assistant • Receptionist • Gardening Club • Shop Assistant – covering the till in our small on-site shop • Wellbeing/Enriched Opportunities Programme volunteer • Maintenance Team - practical tasks/admin (Supporting residents living with dementia & other • Befriender (age 18+) - supporting other residents mental health conditions) • Bar Assistant

…. and many more!

If you would like to volunteer or have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me Paula McCready (Volunteer Co-ordinator) Telephone: 01234 981000 or Email: paula.mccready@extracare.org.uk Core Hours: part-time, Mon-Wed 8.30am-3.30pm (Flexible, subject to change) Wixams Retirement Village, Bedford Road, Wixams, MK42 6EA

Known for our specialist expertise and exciting curtain and blind design ideas  Home selection  Comprehensive range  Free measuring and quotation  Friendly, impartial design advice  Local, family run businessr Fa ce book page for all the latest offers We are now open again for bookings and showroom appointments S ee o u  All blinds supplied meet current child safety regulations 01763 243894 www.newdawnblinds.co.uk New Dawn Blinds We are ‘Inspiration Dealers’ for Luxaflex Blinds Visit our showroom to see our motorised blinds. Unit 6a Highfields Business Park Old North Rd, Bassingbourn, Royston Herts SG8 5JT