It’s mid-July, and the heat has officially settled in. If your bedroom feels more stuffy than serene, and you’ve found yourself Googling how to cool down a room or how to stay cool while sleeping, you’re not alone.
The good news? You don’t need to blast the aircon around the clock or redesign your whole space. With just a few simple swaps, you can create a bedroom that feels lighter, cooler, and genuinely relaxing - without giving up comfort or style.
1. Wash & Sun-Dry Your Bedding Weekly
This one’s easy but so often overlooked. In summer, your sheets hold onto sweat, oils, and body heat—making them heavier, stickier, and less breathable. Wash them every 7–10 days, and skip the dryer. Let the sun do the work. It freshens, sanitises, and gives your bedding that crisp, airy feel you need right now.
Pro tip: Wash your pillowcases just as often. You rest your face on them every night—they deserve fresh starts too.
2. Give Your Pillows & Comforter a Sunbath
Too hot for a full laundry day? Toss your comforter and pillows in the sun for a few hours. It helps revive their loft, eliminates odours, and naturally kills bacteria. No washing required.
This is especially helpful if you’ve already switched to a summer-weight comforter (more on that below) and just want to keep things feeling fresh.
3. Swap Heavy Bedding for Breathable Layers
Still clinging to your flannel sheets or dense doona? Time to lighten up. Natural fibres like eucalyptus and bamboo are breathable, soft, and moisture-wicking—meaning they help regulate your body temperature even when the room is warm.
Looking for cool bedding for summer or wondering how to make a mattress cooler? Switch to eucalyptus sheets and a summer-weight comforter. They’re lighter, airier, and a total game changer when it comes to staying cool without blasting the AC all night.
4. Flip Your Pillow, or Upgrade It
That cool side of the pillow trick? It works for about ten minutes. If you’re constantly flipping it or waking up sweaty, it might be time to upgrade to something that actually stays cool. Breathable, moisture-wicking pillowcases help improve airflow around your head and neck - two of the warmest spots on your body while you sleep.
Looking for an easy fix? Our PerfectSleep™ TENCEL™ Pillowcases are crafted from eucalyptus fibres designed to stay cool, soft, and breathable—night after night.
If you’re searching for ways to sleep cooler or things to make the room cooler, this is one swap worth making.
5. Add a Calming Summer Scent
Eucalyptus and lavender aren’t just relaxing, they also help mentally “cool down” your space. Spritz your bedding, drop a bit in your diffuser, or add a few drops to your pillow at night. It’s a low-effort way to shift your mood and create a more calming, cooling bedtime environment.
Bonus: eucalyptus is naturally antibacterial and refreshing - ideal for summer nights.
6. Try a Meditation or Wind-Down Routine
Sometimes it’s not just the room, it’s you. If your mind is running hot, your body will follow. Meditation, breathwork, and even light stretches can help slow your system down and prepare your body for cooler sleep.
We put together this quick bedtime routine with summer in mind - give it a go. Even five minutes can help your brain and body shift into rest mode.
7. Design for Natural Cool-Downs (No AC Needed)
If you’re still wondering how to cool room without AC, here are some no-tech, low-effort tricks to instantly shift the vibe in your bedroom:
-
Cross-ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides for airflow
-
Blackout curtains: Block daytime heat and help with insulation
-
Dehumidifier: Sticky air feels hotter—reduce humidity for instant relief
-
Fan + ice: Place a bowl of ice in front of your fan for a DIY breeze
-
Minimise clutter: The more you have, the more heat gets trapped
-
Light colours: White or neutral bedding reflects heat instead of absorbing it
-
Shut blinds during the day: Keep the sun out before it heats up the room
These tweaks—though small—can change the feel of your space dramatically. More ideas here from the Sleep Foundation and WebMD.
Bonus Tip: Think Long-Term Design
If you're setting up your cool room design from scratch, choose materials with thermal mass properties (think brick or concrete) and stick to breathable fabrics, light colours, and proper ventilation tools like ceiling fans or cross-draft windows.
And if you’re renting or can’t make major changes, remember: airflow, shading, and smart insulation (hello, curtains) can still make a huge difference.
Recap: Your Summer Sleep Toolkit
Struggling to keep your room cool in summer without cranking the aircon? These practical, low-effort tips are the best way to cool down a room naturally - and sleep better doing it.
✔️ Wash & dry your bedding weekly
✔️ Sun-refresh your pillows & comforter
✔️ Switch to breathable eucalyptus layers
✔️ Use cooling pillowcases
✔️ Add calming scents
✔️ Wind down with a meditation
✔️ Use natural airflow + cooling hacks
A few small swaps can turn your room from sweltering to soothing, and your sleep from restless to restful.
Stay Cool, Sleep Better
At Olive and Crate, we’re all about making better sleep easy and beautiful. That’s why our eucalyptus bedding is designed to help you stay cool, breathe deeper, and feel more relaxed—every night.
Your sleep sanctuary is just a few thoughtful choices away.
