Warmer weather means picnics in the park, summer days on the water and evenings on patios. But it can also mean sweaty, stuffy nights of tossing and turning if you don’t have the right bedding. To give us insight into summer bedding for the sweetest sleep, we chatted with connoisseur David Saini, owner and founder of David’s Fine Linens, a luxury linens retailer with locations in North York’s Bayview Village Shopping Centre and the Toronto Design District. Read on for all the answers to your questions about the season’s most stylish colours, styling your cottage, and how to stay cool all summer long.
Living Luxe Magazine (LL): As the weather heats up, what bedding materials should we choose to keep cool?
David Saini (DS): Natural breathable fibres are a good starting point—think cotton, linen, modal, and bamboo. Modal and bamboo have moisture-wicking properties that will keep you cool, and they are natural fibres, so they all breathe. Look for 100 per cent long staple or Egyptian cotton (especially Giza cotton), particularly in percale or sateen weaves. Linen is known for its exceptional breathability and body temperature-regulating properties. All linen will naturally soften after washing, but if you prefer sheets with an even softer feel, look for stone-washed linen, which is a higher-end finish.
LL: Why is breathable bedding so important when it comes to getting good sleep?
DS: It allows air to circulate freely, helping to wick away moisture and prevent overheating. Breathable fabrics help maintain a comfortable microclimate between your body and the bedding, ensuring you stay cool, dry and relaxed. Synthetic material will do the opposite, trapping heat and moisture and disrupting sleep, often leaving you feeling clammy or restless. The luxury is not just about how your bedding looks but how it performs.
LL: Summer means it’s cottage season. How would you suggest picking out linens for a cottage?
DS: Colours and florals are always nice. When you are doing a cottage, you want it to be fun and not overly dressy. A more relaxed look is always a good idea. I recommend choosing easy-care, high-quality natural fibres and layering with coverlets, quilts or blankets instead of heavy duvets. It is always easier to take off a couple layers to get to your desired comfort.
LL: What are your go-to colours this summer?
DS: This summer, I’m drawn to a palette that feels fresh, airy and inspired by nature. Think crisp whites, which never go out of style, paired with soft, mineral tones like seafoam green, sky blue and dusty taupe. For more colour, sun-washed pastels like mauve, pale blush and buttery ivory are an easy way to introduce warmth without overwhelming the space. Summer is the time to embrace a lighter, softer palette.
LL: What do you wish more people knew about selecting linens for the summer?
DS: That the best bedding is what you decide is best. Bedding is extremely personal. One person may swear by linen, and another may prefer the complete opposite, such as silk or cotton-sateen. The performance of your bedding is just as important as how it looks, if not more. Never compromise when it comes to natural fibres. Embrace layering—light quilts, cotton blankets and breathable sheets give you the ability to adjust your bedding to the temperature you desire.