Since Christmas is a time of joy, warmth and cosiness in the UK, one great way to bring that festive spirit into your home is through Christmas bedding.

Whether you’re looking to transform your bedroom into a winter wonderland, gift a loved one something practical yet festive, or simply update your sleep space for the colder months, Christmas bedding offers a delightful blend of style, comfort and tradition.

Here, the Christmas.co.uk team explores what Christmas bedding is and why you should invest, and also the different types available and why they make such thoughtful presents.

We’ll also give tips on which designs will be popular this year!

What is Christmas bedding?

Christmas bedding is festive-themed bed linen and accessories designed to add a touch of seasonal cheer to bedrooms.

They typically include duvet covers, pillowcases, bedspreads, throws and sometimes matching curtains or cushions, all featuring designs inspired by Christmas motifs such as snowflakes, reindeer, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, holly and tartan patterns.

They’re not just functional items for a good night’s sleep but also decorative pieces that enhance the festive atmosphere in your home during December.

And should you gift festive bedding, you will be combining practicality with aesthetics.

Whether for children, adults or guests, we think Christmas bedding is versatile and appeals to a wide audience.

What are the different types of Christmas bedding?

Christmas bedding comes in various forms, catering to different tastes, budgets and bedroom styles. Here are the main types you’ll find in UK shops and online stores:

Duvet covers and pillowcase sets

The most common type, these sets usually include a duvet cover and one or two pillowcases, depending on the bed size (single, double, king or super king). Designs range from traditional red and green themes to modern Scandinavian styles with neutral tones and minimalist patterns. Many are reversible, offering two looks in one, such as a snowy scene on one side and a tartan print on the other.

Fleece bedding

Perfect for the chilly UK winters, fleece bedding provides extra warmth and cosiness. These sets often feature soft, plush materials and festive designs like penguins, polar bears or snowmen. They’re especially popular for children’s beds or as throws for snuggling up on the sofa.

Cotton and percale bedding

For those who prefer breathable and luxurious fabrics, cotton and percale Christmas bedding offers a crisp, cool feel. These sets often feature elegant designs, such as embroidered Christmas trees or subtle snowflake patterns, making them ideal for adults or guest rooms.

Novelty bedding

Aimed at younger audiences or those who love a playful touch, novelty bedding might feature characters like Santa, elves or Grinch-themed designs. These are great for kids’ rooms or as fun gifts for teenagers. Don’t forget too that novelty bedding is also available for adults – from cute to traditional, there are designs to inspire everyone!

Throws and blankets

Christmas throws and blankets are smaller, decorative items that can be draped over beds or sofas. They often come in festive fabrics like cashmere, wool, or faux fur, with designs such as stag motifs. They’re perfect for adding a quick festive touch without changing the entire bed set.

Luxury and designer bedding

For those seeking something special, luxury Christmas bedding might include velvet finishes, satin trims, or high-thread-count cotton. Brands like The White Company or Marks & Spencer often offer these premium options, featuring sophisticated designs that blend festive cheer with elegance.

Each bedding type serves a purpose, whether it’s keeping you warm, enhancing decor, or delighting a gift recipient. The variety ensures there’s something for every taste and budget in the UK market.

Why do people give Christmas bedding as presents?

Lovely Christmas bedding with a festive motif – pic Amazon

Gifting Christmas bedding is a great way to spread festive cheer beyond the living room. While Christmas trees and decorations dominate communal spaces, bedding brings that joy into the private sanctuary of the bedroom – for people of all ages!

It’s personal yet versatile. You can choose designs that match the recipient’s style, whether they prefer bold festive patterns or subtle winter motifs.

Also, Christmas bedding carries a sentimental value. It evokes the warmth and nostalgia of the season, making it a heartfelt gift that reminds recipients of cosy nights, family gatherings and the magic of Christmas morning.

According to Google search trends, searches for ‘Christmas bedding gifts’ spike in November and early December, indicating a strong cultural preference for gifting these items. People also search for terms like ‘best Christmas bedding for gifts’ and ‘Christmas bedding ideas UK’, suggesting a desire to find unique and high-quality options that stand out.

Don’t forget too that festive bedding is a gift for all ages which comes in a wide array of designs, making it suitable for recipients of all ages, from children excited by novelty prints to adults who appreciate more sophisticated festive styles.

A family set of matching Christmas bedding can also be a fun and inclusive gift.

What is the history of giving Christmas bedding as Christmas gifts?

The tradition of giving bedding as Christmas gifts in the UK has roots in both practicality and festivity.

Historically, bedding was a luxury item, especially in colder climates like Britain, where warm, durable fabrics were essential for surviving winter.

In the Victorian era, Christmas became a time for exchanging gifts, and household items like blankets, quilts and linens were common presents.

These gifts were not only functional but also symbolic of care and comfort.

Over time, as Christmas evolved into a more commercial and decorative season, bedding began to incorporate festive designs.

The 1980s and 1990s saw a surge in novelty bedding, with characters like Santa and reindeer becoming popular, especially for children.

Today, the history of Christmas bedding gifts reflects a blend of tradition and modernity.

While the core idea – providing warmth and cheer – remains the same, contemporary designs and eco-friendly materials (like organic cotton and recycled polyester) show how the tradition has adapted to modern values.

See also  Christmas Clothing

What do people buy? Current trends in Christmas bedding

Pic of advent calendar Christmas bedding to illustrate an article on the subject

This is a great idea for Christmas bedding – an advent calendar! Pic: Amazon

Looking at online search data, several patterns emerge in what people are buying for Christmas bedding.

Reversible duvet sets are incredibly popular, as they offer versatility and value for money.

Consumers want designs that can be flipped for a fresh look, such as a snow scene on one side and a classic tartan on the other.

Neutral and Scandinavian-inspired bedding is also trending, and these designs feature soft greys, whites and forest greens, appealing to those who prefer understated elegance over bold colours.

For children, character bedding featuring Santa, elves, or popular cartoon characters remains a top choice – especially for machine-washable options that can withstand the excitement of Christmas morning.

Eco-conscious consumers are also driving demand for sustainable bedding made from organic cotton or recycled materials, reflecting a broader shift towards environmentally friendly purchases.

Which Christmas bedding will be popular this year?

Looking ahead to Christmas, several trends are likely to dominate based on current search data and industry forecasts. Here’s what to expect:

  • Bold jewel tones: Deep greens, rich reds and metallic golds will be big this year, adding a luxurious feel to bedrooms. Brands like H&M and John Lewis are already showcasing these colours in their previews
  • Reindeer and stag motifs: Animal-inspired designs, particularly reindeer and stags, are expected to be popular, especially in throws and luxury bedding sets. These motifs evoke a rustic, traditional Christmas vibe that resonates with UK buyers
  • Personalised bedding: Customisable options, such as monogrammed pillowcases or duvet covers with family names, will appeal to those seeking unique gifts.
  • Sustainable materials: As mentioned earlier, eco-friendly bedding will continue to grow in popularity. Look for sets made from GOTS-certified organic cotton or recycled polyester, which are both stylish and sustainable
  • Interactive designs for kids: Bedding with glow-in-the-dark stars, 3D effects or storybook themes (e.g., ‘The Night Before Christmas’) will capture children’s imaginations, making bedtime more exciting.

These trends suggest that this year will be one of blending tradition with innovation, catering to both nostalgic and modern tastes in the UK market.

Quality and unusual Christmas bedding suppliers

If you’re looking for high-quality or unusual Christmas bedding, the UK offers a range of suppliers across different categories. Here are some top options, based on reputation, customer reviews, and unique offerings:

High Street retailers

We love this Santa bedding from Next

Marks & Spencer (M&S): Known for luxury fabrics and plush finishes, M&S offers Christmas bedding in velvet, teddy fleece and cotton percale. Their designs range from classic red and white tartan to elegant snowflake patterns. Ideal for those seeking reliability and style

John Lewis: A go-to for timeless and trendy options, John Lewis stocks reversible duvet sets, Scandi-inspired designs, and eco-friendly bedding. Their customer service and fast delivery make them a favourite

Argos: For affordable and festive bedding, Argos offers a wide range of duvet covers, fleece sets, and throws featuring Santa, reindeer, and snow scenes. Perfect for budget-conscious buyers

  • Dunelm: a popular choice for affordable and varied home furnishings, Dunelm typically stocks a wide range of Christmas bedding, including novelty prints, cosy flannelette options, and reversible designs
  • Next: Next often features stylish and trend-led home collections, and their Christmas bedding range usually includes a mix of contemporary festive designs and comfortable materials.

Specialist bedding stores

  • The White Company: Specialising in luxury and minimalist designs, this brand offers subtle Christmas bedding in neutral tones with touches of red and green. Their high-thread-count cotton and cashmere throws are ideal for elegant homes
  • Natural Bed Company: Focused on natural and sustainable bedding, they provide organic cotton and wool throws with festive designs. Great for eco-conscious consumers looking for quality
  • Happy Linen Company: This supplier offers themed bedding sets, such as winter stags and red stars, in sizes from toddler to super king. Their focus on cosiness and festivity makes them a unique choice
  • Very: this online retailer offers a broad selection of Christmas bedding from various brands, catering to different styles and budgets, including many cosy fleece options.

Online marketplaces and boutiques

  • Etsy UK: For unusual and handmade options, Etsy is unbeatable. You can find vintage Christmas quilts, personalised duvet covers, and novelty bedding from independent sellers. Prices range from under £20 to over £100, with many offering free delivery
  • Wayfair.co.uk: Known for elegant designs and bright colours, Wayfair stocks durable polycotton and cotton bedding sets with festive motifs like candy canes and snowmen. Their customer reviews highlight quality and comfort
  • Notonthehighstreet: Similar to Etsy, this platform showcases a curated selection of unique gifts and homeware from small businesses, where you might find distinctive bedding
  • Amazon: The ever-popular shopping site offers a great range of Xmas bedding ideas to meet every budget. If you want to buy impressive festive bedding that really stands out, then you’ll find something here.

Department stores and luxury brands

This Christmas pudding bedding from Debenhams is so cute!

Debenhams: Their Christmas bedding range transforms bedrooms into festive wonderlands with stylish duvet covers and matching accessories. Known for quality and variety

Liberty London: For those seeking truly unique and luxurious Christmas bedding, Liberty London’s iconic prints sometimes extend to festive collections, offering a touch of opulent and distinctive style

Maison White: Offering great festive bedding, Maison White provides fast delivery and great prices on unique designs, making it a good option for last-minute shoppers.

These suppliers cater to different needs, from budget-friendly options to luxury items, ensuring you can find the perfect Christmas bedding for any recipient or room in 2025.

To help, we’ve also found that supermarket home sections from the likes of Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda often have budget-friendly Christmas bedding options, particularly novelty prints for children.

Be cosy with stylish Christmas bedding

We think that Christmas bedding in the UK is more than just a practical gift – it’s a way to bring warmth, joy and festive spirit into every bedroom.

From traditional duvet covers to luxury throws, the variety of options ensures there’s something for everyone.