It's official, winter is here. Whether you're rugging up in cosy knits, cooking more carbs or activating gremlin mode, one thing we all should be doing more of this season is sleep. Darker, earlier nights and chilly mornings means we are clocking up some serious duvet time.

To help get our beauty sleep, we're eyeing up new high-quality bed linen. From crisp cotton sheets to silk pillows softer than a kitten's ear, Aotearoa has some of the best bedding options available.

If your bedroom needs a refresh, we have you covered with our Ensemble Bed-it of brands that are setting a new standard in sleep.

Bianca Lorenne cotton linen duvet cover set, from $490

This New Plymouth-based brand is all about luxury, known for its lush fabrics and unique prints created by local artists.

Gloria silk pillowcase, $130 each

If you have frizz-prone or curly hair that needs to be treated like a delicate baby, 100% silk pillowcases are a must. This nasturtium colour, from Auckland-based fashion brand Gloria, is a rich matte orange that will give a gorgeous pop against more neutral duvet covers.

Sutram fitted sheet, from $160

Like the crisp linens that you’ll find at a fancy hotel, where you have the best sleep of your life. Sutram was launched in 2022 by Sydney-based Kiwis Rukaiya Daud and Kate Fowler, with a 300 thread count weave made with GOTS and Fairtrade certified organic cotton – they describe it as “tight yet breathable”. They offer chic shades made to be colour blocked – the apple green colourway is a particular favourite.

Foxtrot Home wool throw blanket, $309

A good book, a rainy day, a hot chocolate and a luxurious pure wool throw in Cocoa. Name a cosier scenario. This generously sized throw is made in New Zealand with homegrown lambswool from founder Kate’s Hawke’s Bay farm. Foxtrot Home’s textural throws are finished in a blanket stitch, paying homage to classic vintage Kiwi blankets and are knitted for an easy, organic drape across beds and sofas.

Dehei duvet cover, $280 (king), and fitted sheet, from $130

If you’re a terrible sleeper, and need a very particular set up to get any sleep – like a heavy-weighted but not still light duvet, no scratchy textures – Dehei’s simple but heavenly bedding will become your go-to. The local brand’s offering is made from soft as a well-worn T-shirt organic cotton (150 gsm), and comes in an array of unexpected bed linen colours – a bold electric blue, a bright yellow ‘mimosa’ shade, a soft peachy pink that are made to be mixed and matched.

Fresh Retro Love restored wool blanket, $145

You know it’s cosy season when the thick wool blanket gets taken out of the linen cupboard and added to your bed. Fresh Retro Love repair and restore vintage NZ-Made woollen blankets, the type you might associate with sleeping at the bach or your granny’s house. Fitting with their retro origins they are often in gloriously 1970’s colour combinations, or muted army greys with contrast blanket stitch trims. A cosy essential for beds and cold evenings on the couch.

Citta linen duvet cover, $299

Designed in New Zealand and sourced from France and Belgium, this breathable flax linen duvet cover will only get softer and cosier with age. We love the freshness of this Spearmint colour, which pairs beautifully with their lilac and pine colourways.

Hotel at Home garment washed waffle duvet cover set, $290 for a super king cover and two pillowcases, from Briscoes

The name says it all - it’s a dreamy hotel-worthy sleep, but every night, in your own room. What’s not to love? These 100% cotton pieces in the lushest washed waffle are cosy enough to while away entire rainy weekends cocooned in bed watching Netflix, or old-school, reading an epic romantic saga. 

Klay bolster cushion, $255

Ok, it's not technically 'bedding' but how could we go past this vibrant shade of Ensemble purple? Fun, functional and made here in Aotearoa, this dense cushion is perfect for tucking under your head for extra support while reading on those Sunday morning lie-ins, and can also be used for any other part of the body that needs a foundation for being propped up. 

George St Linen pure linen duvet set, from $399

It’s in the name. Based in Bay of Plenty and with stores in Auckland, Whakatane and Tauranga, George St has become a go-to for fans of the lived-in look of linen. Theirs is super lightweight, made with 100% fine European flax and pre-washed.

Home Lab cotton pillowcase pair, $90

With its embroidered cotton scalloped edges, the ‘Celine’ style from Home Lab adds cute detail to a minimalist crisp and white vibe. Designed in New Zealand and made from 750 thread, 100% cotton percale, they feel both elegant and durable.

Wallace Cotton feather blanket, $250

Winter is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to an extra layer of luxury on your bed. These cosy feather down blankets encased in 100% cotton are pure heaven to wrap up in, yet lightweight enough to be used year-round, too.