Whether it’s the joy of high-quality bedding or the simple satisfaction of a pre bedtime tidy-up, design and interiors journalist Claudia Baillie shares her secrets to a good night’s sleep.
My favourite thing about my bedroom is…my mattress and my bedding. Many years ago I used to write all the practical features, including buyers guides, for the magazine I was working on at the time. That meant I did a lot of deep dives into specific products and subjects; sinks, carpets, paint, sofas – you name it, I wrote about it. The topics I really got into were art, bedding and mattresses, (I still reel off my mattress lecture at any given opportunity) and subsequently, over the years I invested in more elevated versions of all three. I love down pillows, a down duvet, a feather mattress topper and a soft mattress, which aren’t for everyone, especially if you have allergies. But for me, synthetic fibres just aren’t the same and spending a little more on quality, natural bedding is the (literal) dream.
Hampstead bed in V&A Threads of India Opulent Velvet Tree of Life Powder Blue
Every night before I go to bed…I do a ten minute tidy up. I wish I could say I have an hour long wind down period with yoga and meditation and a seven step skincare routine, but that would not be telling the truth. I do try to make sure that there isn’t too much to deal with in the morning however – no one wants to wake up to mugs in the sink and socks on the floor. Then when I get up and things are ship shape, I’m glad I put that little bit of effort in the night before.
I can’t get into bed without…a big bottle of water? Realistically, I can get into bed with very little encouragement and I don’t have many bedtime necessities. Things I do love include my Suri toothbrush because it looks good, it doesn’t have one of those annoying charging stations (you stick it to the wall with a magnetic tile) and it’s recyclable and repairable, unlike most electric models. I also like those bamboo toothbrushes that can be ‘acquired’ from hotel bathrooms as they have very soft bristles, which make your teeth and gums feel super clean. In an ideal world I’ll give my face a once over with Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm, which is a bit spenny but worth it because it smells delicious and feels like a ritual, and a nice thick cotton flannel. Then retinol, usually from The Ordinary, in an effort to deflect the wrinkles now I’m getting on a bit. Finally, I was given a sample of Aesop’s Primrose Facial Hydrating Cream not so long ago and I’ve since invested in a full size pot. It also has sage, rosemary and lavender, so it smells amazing. A friend of mine recently taught me the expression ‘micro joy’ and a dip into that jar is definitely one of mine. The combination of scents alone is enough to put me to sleep.
Bermondsey bed in RHS William Hooker Design
In bed I listen to…anything that requires concentration. As a rule, I’m lucky as I tend to nod off quite quickly and sleep right through. But if I am struggling, I plug into something that I’m supposed to listen to properly and I’ll be out for the count before you know it. During waking hours I can be a dreadful procrastinator (this might be a thing amongst people who write for a living – or is it just me?) so at the moment I’m making my way through a BBC Maestro course on time management with Oliver Burkeman, who’s a journalist and the author of several books including Four Thousand Weeks (which is apparently the average person’s life span – yikes!) He’s an excellent teacher with some brilliant advice on how to be less of a faffer. If I listen during the day, great, all noted Mr Burkeman. At night, no chance, I’ll be asleep in minutes.
My tip for a perfect night’s sleep is…leave the window open, even an inch or two. If you live somewhere noisy or if it’s very cold, that might not be possible but a waft of fresh air in a stuffy room can make all the difference. And if it’s raining, or even better thundering, that’s nature’s own sleep soundtrack right there.
Shoreditch Bed in V&A Drawn from Nature Oak Tree Natural
Claudia’s reflection on bedtime is a reminder that it’s the little things—comfort, ritual, and a touch of luxury—that make the biggest difference. Want to share your own sleep essentials? Join the conversation over on our Instagram @sofasandstuff.
Comfort at bedtime also starts with the right foundations—like a well-made bed, a supportive mattress and beautiful soft furnishings. Explore our collection of handmade beds and luxury mattresses online or visit a showroom to see how we can help you create your own sleep sanctuary.