Putting Your House to Bed | The Perfect Evening Routine

Most of us have some sort of sleep routine, whether brushing our teeth, reading in bed, or switching off our phones, but have you ever thought about putting your house to bed, too?

As the sun sets and the day's hustle begins to fade, many of us focus on winding ourselves down for the night. Creating a gentle nighttime routine can support a calmer home environment and improve your overall well-being. It doesn’t need to be elaborate; a few thoughtful steps each evening can help prepare your mind and home for a restful night.

Before you begin your wind-down, take a few minutes to tidy up. Straightening up the living room, clearing kitchen surfaces, or folding blankets gives your home a sense of calm and order. It’s a good way to signal that the busiest parts of the day are over.

This routine doesn’t have to be perfect or take long. A few consistent habits can make your space feel settled and more inviting, especially when it’s time to switch off for the night.

As night falls, adjust the lighting in your home to create a more relaxing atmosphere. Swap bright ceiling lights for softer lamps or warm-toned bulbs. You could also light a candle or turn on a diffuser with a calming scent.

These small changes help your body transition into rest mode and make your evening feel more peaceful. A softer, quieter space encourages a slower pace and supports a healthy sleep routine.

A comfortable and tidy bedroom makes a big difference when it comes to sleep quality. Straighten the  bedding , turn down the  duvet , and check that the room feels clean and uncluttered. A cooler room, ideally between 16–18°C, is often best for sleeping.

If you enjoy those little finishing touches, try a gentle linen spray or change your bedding regularly to  keep things feeling fresh . Investing in soft, breathable materials like our  duvet covers  or  bed linen  can also improve how comfortable your space feels at night.

For further tips on keeping your bedding fresh, head to our  care guides  for  cotton  and  linen bedding . 

Once your space is ready, shift your focus to your own routine. Everyone’s version of how to get ready for bed is different, but the goal is to slow down and disconnect from the day. That might mean having a  bath , reading for a few minutes, or listening to music.

A warm bath or shower can be a great way to unwind, especially when followed by wrapping yourself in a  soft, absorbent towel . Our  towel collection  is crafted with comfort and quality in mind, perfect for turning a simple bathroom ritual into a moment of everyday luxury.

You don’t need to follow the same pattern every night, but repeating a few simple steps regularly can help your body recognise that it’s time to rest. This kind of consistency is especially helpful if you often struggle to relax before sleep.

‘How to get the perfect night’s sleep?’ is a question we get asked too many times. Luckily for us, Dr Katie Armstrong, a GP from Cinic51 in West Sussex, lets us in on her top tips for a good night's sleep in  our blog on mastering the perfect night’s sleep.  

Just before bed, take one last walk around the house. Switch off any bright lights, lock the doors, and make sure things are ready for the morning. You might want to draw the  curtains,  lay out clothes for the next day, or prep the coffee machine or kettle.

This brief check-in at the end of the evening can help you feel more organised and at ease. It’s a small routine that can have a big impact on how settled your home feels at night.

Adding a few personal touches can make your nighttime routine more enjoyable. Maybe that’s rotating your  throws  and  cushions  for the season, lighting your favourite candle, or keeping a good book beside the bed.

These choices don’t need to be complicated, they’re just a way to make your space feel like your own. A familiar, comfortable environment can make it easier to relax and fall asleep more easily.

You can also personalise your nighttime routine by knowing what kind of sleeper you are. From early birds to night owls, everyone has a unique internal clock that impacts their sleep, productivity, and energy levels throughout the day. Discovering your chronotype can help you tap into your natural rhythms for better sleep quality and more productive days by tailoring your routine to what works best for you. 

Head to our blog and  we’ll help you uncover your chronotype with our helpful quiz. 

Putting your house to bed is about more than just tidying up. It’s about creating habits that help you slow down, feel more settled, and prepare for a better night’s sleep. When your space is calm and ready for rest, it’s easier for your mind to follow.

At Secret Linen Store, we believe that how you wind down matters. From soft bed linen to the details that make your bedroom feel inviting, we’re here to help you build a routine that works for you.

Explore our full range of  bed linen ,  pillowcases ,  duvet covers ,  throws and cushions  to help make every night feel that little bit more restful.