12 Ways To Make Your Bed More Comfortable On A Budget

Your bed is a sanctuary for rest. It’s where you spend a third of your life, and where you start and end each day. Since this is your home's single most-used piece of furniture, you want to ensure it is as comfortable and welcoming as possible. The problem is, a new bed can cost a fortune, which means you’ll need to think outside the box if you want to make your bed more comfortable on a budget. 

Some easy, cheap, and effective ways to make your bed more comfortable include buying higher-quality pillows, better sheets and a fresh duvet. You can try a mattress topper to make your mattress softer, or consider buying a new box spring if yours is outdated. Ensure your bed frame is solid and sturdy. You can buy a cushioned headboard, and remember to flip your mattress.

An uncomfortable mattress can make sleep feel more like torture than rest. The last thing you want to do is curl up into a bed that hurts your body. If your bed is uncomfortable but you can’t afford a new one, you’ve come to the right place. Below is a list of effective and affordable methods to help make your bed more comfortable.

12 Budget-Friendly Ways To Make Your Bed More Comfortable

1. Buy A Mattress Topper

One of the easiest ways to transform an uncomfortable bed into a comfortable one is with a mattress topper. Mattress toppers are an extra layer you can purchase to go over your mattress.

You can buy different types of mattress toppers that are made of various materials.

You can opt for memory foam or a thick layer to make a hard mattress feel like a pillow-top one. 

When purchasing a mattress topper, choose the right type for your needs. You can even opt for a feather topper, which makes your bed feel like it's a giant pillow.

Some materials will make your bed cooler at night, while others (like memory foam) will make you warmer. Take this into account when you select the right mattress topper for you.

2. Add More Pillows

Sometimes your bed can feel more comfortable if you simply add more pillows. If you only have one or two pillows, try adding several more plush pillows. The more pillows you have, the more places you can put them. 

You can have a pillow to put between your legs if you’re a side sleeper, or one for your back for some extra support. While this doesn't make the mattress more comfortable, it can make sleeping more enjoyable than it was before.

3. Purchase Higher Quality Sheets 

One reason some beds are uncomfortable has to do with the quality of your bedding. If your sheets feel scratchy or if you find yourself ripping them off in the middle of the night, then it’s time for better sheets.

Opt for soft and breathable materials. Cotton sheets with a high thread count are ideal. You don’t have to break the bank to get good sheets either. Search online, or shop at wholesale clubs or at a home goods store, where they almost always have high thread-count sheets on sale.

4. Flip Your Mattress

One trick that has helped mattresses last longer and stay comfortable for generations is flipping it. When you flip your mattress, you help prevent any dips and sags in the mattress. If you notice your mattress is starting to slope downward a bit, or if a spring feels weird, then try flipping it.

Flipping your mattress can make it more comfortable, and it will also help prevent it from becoming noticeably uncomfortable and saggy in one place. 

5. Switch Out Your Old Comforter For A New Duvet

In addition to comfortable sheets, the quality of your comforter can also help or hurt how well you sleep. If your comforter is synthetic, old, and a bit lumpy, take it as a sign that you need a new one.

Consider purchasing a quality comforter and a duvet. This will allow you to choose the filling that best suits your sleeping temperature, and also have a fresh and clean outer layer. Keeping your comforter cover washed helps prevent dust mites and will make sleeping more comfortable.

6. Use A Body Pillow And Pillows That Will Last

When it comes to pillows, remember it’s all about choosing the right pillow type, as well as high-quality pillows. Many people find that sleeping with a body pillow allows for a more restful night. Since these pillows are large and soft, they can help make an uncomfortable bed a little more tolerable.

When choosing pillows, go for quality, not quantity. Cheap pillows don’t last. They lose their form, get lumps, and some pillows start smelling after a few months. 

7. Add A Soft Rug Under Your Bed

Getting in and out of your bed should be an enjoyable experience. Adding a soft and fluffy rug under your bed can help you feel rested when you wake up. Instead of placing your feet on the cold floor every morning as soon as you get up, a soft rug can help start and end your day with a little extra comfort. 

Sometimes, creating a cozy and soft ambience all around the bed can help you get a better night’s rest.

8. Choose A Padded Headboard

Headboards can make your bed look nicer and are a very useful design tool. They can also serve a practical purpose when it comes to comfort. If you want to make your sleeping arrangement more comfortable, find a padded headboard. 

For one, a padded headboard will prevent you from banging your head on the hard wall. A padded headboard can also be comfortable to recline on if you feel like sitting, rather than lying in your bed. 

9. Upgrade Your Box Spring

Sometimes the reason your bed is uncomfortable has nothing to do with the mattress. Instead, an uncomfortable bed can be caused by a damaged or very old box spring. Take a look at your box spring. If it’s damaged in any way, then repair it or swap it out for a new one. 

10. Ensure Your Bed Frame Is Sturdy

Your bed frame, or lack of one, can also make sleeping less comfortable. Ensure your bed frame is sturdy and tight. You don’t want your bed to move or squeak every time you make a tiny movement in your bed.

If you don’t have a bed frame and instead sleep with a bed on the hard floor, consider buying one. You can find budget-friendly bed frames for under $50, especially at second-hand stores. This is much cheaper than buying a new bed.

11. Buy A Reading And Entertainment Pillow 

If you don’t have the budget for a headboard, or if a padded headboard doesn't go with your aesthetic, then consider a reading pillow. These pillows allow you to sit up easily in bed without straining your neck. 

You can read and watch TV using this pillow. And then remove it from your bed when you want to sleep. These pillows help make your bed more comfortable during the times when you just want to hang out in bed.

12. Incorporate Soft Throw Blankets

Sometimes an uncomfortable sleeping arrangement can be improved by simply adding a few soft and warm throw blankets. You can find soft blankets for less than $20. Keep these extra blankets folded at the foot of your bed. They allow you to customize how warm you’d like to be. 

Summing Up Ways To Make Your Bed More Comfortable On A Budget

If you aren’t sleeping well because your bed is uncomfortable, then you need to make some changes. A good night’s sleep is critical, and while a new mattress can cost hundreds of dollars, there are several ways you can make your bed more comfortable on a budget.

The best way to make a hard bed more comfortable is to add a mattress topper and buy better sheets. Ensure your bed frame and box spring are in good condition, and opt for more, higher-quality pillows. 

Related Guides:

• The Difference Between A Low Profile Bed And Platform Bed
• How Often Should I Purchase A New Bed?
• How To Make Your Bedroom Dark For Sleep