The soothing neutral is a great base for sound slumbers year-round, but that is especially true in summer. Ali Heath explores just why it is so relaxing and shows us how to make sure an all-white scheme is more than a blank space.

When I walk into our white-painted bedroom my shoulders drop and my head noticeably relaxes, recognising it as a space that is synonymous with calm. But what makes me feel that way? It’s a process of careful consideration that is unique to lifestyle and design choices – and those will differ for everyone.

While there are no absolute scientific associations with using white as a backdrop for sleep, the colour is linked inextricably to feeling relaxed, safe and secure – an environment that encourages us to empty our minds and unwind. In the Japanese language, the character for white appears in the compound for emptiness, highlighting an interesting connection that nods towards our perception of white as something that calms.

As a colour, white is unique as it is formed by either blending all the colours of the spectrum together, or by subtracting all other pigments. Somewhat paradoxically, it can be defined as both all colours and no colour. The writer Kenya Hara in his book, White, describes it as “the most singular and vivid image that arises from the centre of chaos” – working against the principle of mixture and breaking the gravity that pulls every colour towards grey. White takes you away from chaos – calm being its antithesis – enhancing our ability to relax and sharpen our senses, with no distractions. Which means everything to how we sleep.

Despite the perceived design simplicity of a white aesthetic, it does not mean one-dimensional. While my go-to choice is a wraparound of Farrow and Ball’s All White across walls, ceilings and woodwork, there are many beautiful options. Atelier Ellis’ Morning – described as a “palette cleanser” – is full of opposing pigments to balance the light; while Paint and Paper Library’s Slate I to Slate V shades combine perfectly, adding a subtle depth and variation within a scheme. Mylands’ Pure White No. 1 is a blend of pure white pigment, china clay and marble, which adds a bright freshness to a room. Always test colours in your home on a piece of A3 paper, painted edge to edge, as the light and orientation of a room can hugely affect the final colour outcome.

The beauty of creating a bedroom foundation with white and complementary natural tones is that it makes a versatile canvas to layer on each season, as our needs shift from a desire for warmth and cosiness in winter to a feeling of lightness and cool in summer.

As the days get longer, I love to dress our bed in a mix of soft linens or fine cotton bedding; layered with tactile, cool cashmere throws, thin, hand-embroidered covers or floaty flat sheets – loosely thrown over and gently ruched. I always recommend sizing up the top layers – as the oversized look will feel airier, and will drape more effortlessly, adding a lighter touch.

Consider also the textures of rugs underfoot – sisal is a lovely summer addition. Replace warmer cushions with lighter, plain linen covers, or introduce a gentle stripe or tonal, soft floral to enhance a sun-drenched reading nook, or an end-of-bed bench. This subtle change of textures and accessories is the thread that connects your core, timeless furniture choices but provides the freedom to transform a space with renewed seasonal edge.

During the warmer months, I love to remind myself that bedrooms are not just for the night. My biggest guilty pleasure is enjoying the serenity of our bedroom on a quiet Sunday afternoon, when you have had too much sunshine, and the call of fresh, cool sheets and a light-filled, white space beckons like a secret hideaway. There is nothing more uplifting, relaxing and rejuvenating. Well, that is, until winter returns, and the desire to hunker down under cosy layers feels good once again.

Ali Heath is an interiors expert – journalist, stylist, creative consultant, and interior designer. Her latest book, “CREATE: At Home With Old & New”, (Mitchell Beazley) is out now.

“The Art Of Living With White” by our founder, Chrissie Rucker OBE, is available now.