The Secret to Summer Bedding
Summer nights are tough as we all struggle between heat and air conditioning. The secret is summer bedding and a vintage quilt.
I finally figured out how to sleep (and survive) summer nights. We struggle with the air conditioning and also the lack of summer breeze. So now, all of our beds have a summer quilt and the nights have been perfect. By replacing the heavy comforters with summer bedding, we are ready for warm summer nights.
Summer Bedding Tips
As you might have guessed, all of our beds now have a vintage quilt. Or quilts. They are all cotton and worn a bit, which makes them very soft! The best fabrics for sleeping in the heat are linen and cotton. Both are woven from natural fibers and they breathe, which is why they help us stay so cool.
So what’s the easiest way to get your bedrooms better suited for summer sleeping? If you like down comforters, you might want to have two of them for each bed … a winter and summer version. If you like to sleep with air conditioning then a thin down comforter could easily fit in your duvet. If you don’t like to sleep with the air conditioner, then you might want to remove your down comforter and replace it with a light coverlet or vintage quilt. Thin, natural fabric summer bedding is perfect.
The first bedroom where I changed to summer bedding is the boy’s queen bedroom. The air conditioner barely works in this room so I knew they needed really light summer bedding. I removed the down comforters and now have the cotton polka dot bedspreads and vintage quilts at the foot of the bed.
Here is a close-up of the quilts I was considering using in the boy’s bedroom. I didn’t want to use pink and these were perfect.
Where to Find Vintage Quilts
Vintage Flea Markets
I have been collecting vintage quilts for years. I usually pay about $30 for a quilt in pretty good condition. I buy them all at vintage flea markets and have some favorite vendors at the Rose Bowl flea market.
Etsy
Etsy sells a lot of Vintage Quilts but you have to make sure you a buying a quilt, and not a quilt piece of a quilt. I haven’t bought any quilts on Etsy, because I have put myself on quilt probation. What is quilt probation? It’s when you have way too many quilts and you need to stop buying them!
You can also find vintage quilts at garage sales, estate sales, resale shops, and antique stores. Whenever you are buying a quilt, make sure you open it up to look for tears or faded areas. If you don’t mind a faded, stained, or worn area that you will likely find a quilt for a less expensive price.
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Summer Bedding in the Master Bedroom
Next, I added some quilts at the end of the bed in our room. My husband doesn’t like the air conditioning at night. Usually, the air cools down at night so it’s not a problem. Since both of us like different temperatures, I leave multiple quilts to make sure we can be cool or warmer as needed.
I love these pink quilts and as a mother of all boys, I sneak them into our bedroom. Dave doesn’t seem to mind.
In case you are wondering, I have vintage quilts also at the beach house and at our Waco home. They are such a wonderful way to welcome family and guests and can handle being laundered a gazillion times.
Summer Bedding in the Boy’s King Bedroom
Our boy’s king bedroom has its own air conditioning unit so I left the down comforter on the bed. It’s quite thin and works great in this room year-round.
I love the blue and white vintage quilt. It’s perfect summer bedding and covers this entire king-sized bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shopping for Summer Bedding and Vintae Quilts
If you can’t find antique quilts, you can find a summer quilt or coverlet. I love that they aren’t very expensive. Here are a few of my favorite Amazon quilts.
Links to the Items Shown in This Post
Similar Posts
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Loved this post about quilts. Always wondered exactly how to clean vintage used bedding that i purchased!!! Hate to throw it in washing machine as the fibers are fragile???!!! Thanks for your advice!
I actually feel as though they are sturdy enough to be washed as many times as they need. I suppose it depends on how fragile the ones you have are!
Put them on gentle cycle in a front loader they should be fine, cold water. I usually wash them individually.
I collect vintage quilts, too, to add color and comfort to beds. My mother was a quilter. I can’t even begin to imagine how many quilts she used her magic on. She made pattern quilts and embroidered blocks for full, queen, or king quilts for us, so the quilts are all new and all handmade. If the color doesn’t go with my decor, I flip it over to the cream or white backing, which displays the intricate design of the quilting pattern. I get so many compliments on them.
That is so beautiful and special.
Such great ideas. Your bedrooms are gorgeous. It sure is nice being back home and in my own bed. Hugs to you.
Thank you so much!! Hugs right back!
Do you have a practical way to clean the quilts?
I can just throw them in the washing machine!
Yes love your quilts I use the same even in winter here in Texas…
I also collect quilts and have for years. ( yes, quilts and dishes) I bought my quilts when they weren’t so popular, now the antique stores around here have really priced them up. Even one in not so great shape goes for close to $100. I would love to know where you have found those shown for $30.00. (although, I do not need anymore)!
Love the blog,
At certain antique shops! And at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. You can also look on Etsy!
I love quilts also. I always enjoy looking at your decorating expertise in all your rooms. I would like to know where you found the polka dot bedspreads, if you don’t mind.
Thanks
Thanks Lisa! They are from Overstock!
Where can I find the white polka dot bedding on the top picture in your boys beds?
Thank you.
From Overstock!