In this post
- Types Of Bedding
- Bed Spread
- Bed Sheets
- Pillows & Cushions
- Comforter
- Duvet
- Blanket
- Quilts
- Mattress Cover
- Bed Skirt
If you’ve ever wandered past bed and linen sections, you must have wondered that your bed doesn’t quite have the many layers as on display. A fitted sheet and a bed cover, while are staples, are not all the many components of bedding. There are quite a few, and each serves an important function. To help you in setting the coziest bed for yourself, this blog will give you all the details on the types of bedding.
Types Of Bedding
There are many types of bedding available for a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing bed setting. If you’re designing or decorating your bedroom, you’ve landed on the right page. Some of the most popular bedding types have been discussed below:
Bed Spread
A bed spread, or a bed cover is what goes on top of the bed linens. As the name suggests, it is a cover for the bed and the person lying. Typically, this is not made from woolen or other warm materials and can be used throughout the year.
The bed spread can be of a neutral tone or print, but has to go with the overall aesthetic of the room, especially the bedset. In most pre-designed bed sets, you’ll see that the bed cover has the same color tones and patterns as the bed sheet, however, if you are a fan mixing it up, then you can let your creativity flow.
Bed Sheets
There are two kinds of bed sheets: fitted and flat. A fitted bed sheet is particularly important for thicker mattresses as the elastic around it makes it easier to fix the bedsheet. A flat bed sheet has no such elastic around it and so doesn’t wrap around the mattress quite so easily.
Pillows & Cushions
These are a must if you want to have a good, snuggly and relaxing time. Pillows are divided into sleep pillows and throw pillows. Throw pillows are your neck rolls or any kind of pillow, that is essentially not used for sleeping but only for aesthetic purposes.
Comforter
A comforter is a thicker, padded bed cover which has a polyester filling (more commonly used) to protect against colder weather. Another form of comforter is a down comforter, which is a measure of down per ounce, or more commonly known as the down feathers that come from geese and ducks.
A down comforter is lightweight and is more efficient in heating, however, it is a health hazard, especially for people with asthma or other breathing issues. When buying a polyester, always check the filling.
Duvet
This is a much thicker form of comforter, and is filled with either polyester or feathers. Duvet covers are more commonly used, as they allow you to decide on the filling yourself. If you live in subtropical regions, you can add a polyester filling during winter months, while using a bed cover for warmer months.
Blanket
A blanket is a woolen woven fabric that protects against colder temperatures. For most people in colder climates, a blanket serves as a bed cover as well, since it is used more commonly. Apart from wool, velvet blankets are also commonly available these days.
Many people easily confuse between a blanket and a comforter. The essential difference is that a comforter has a warm filling inside, whereas a blanket is woven in a way that it provides warmth.
Blankets come in various colors and fabric properties. Read this blog to pick the best blanket for yourself .
Quilts
It’s impossible to discuss types of bedding without mentioning quilts. These are flatter versions of comforter and lay flat on bed. Quilts are more common in sub-tropical areas because they do not have a filling, and are not warm. A quilt typically consists of three layers; a layer of wadding (thick material) tucked inside two layers of woolen fabric.
Quilting is essentially a technique through which layers of fabric are patched or stitched together to make one thick cover. Quilt stitches are unique and done in intricate patterns, but the basic purpose is to keep the central filling in place.
If instead of using woolen fabric on the outer layers you use cotton, then the quilt can be used in warmer weather as well. Many people confuse quilts, blankets and comforters. In order to acquaint you with unique characteristics of each, we’ve answered the most Frequently Asked Questions.
Is quilt and duvet the same thing?
No. Quilts have two layers of fabric stitched together with a thin layer of wadding to create a single cover, but a duvet has a much thicker layer of insulative filling inside a stitched cover.
Which is better: duvet or quilt?
Quilts are more commonly used in warmer climates or during summer/spring time, however, duvets are more commonly used in colder climates because the thick filling acts as an insulator.
Which is warmer: duvet or comforter?
Duvet is much warmer as its insulative filling is much thicker than that used in a comforter.
What’s the best quilt to buy?
If you are prone to allergies, it is best you check for the materials used, especially the central filling. Most experts recommend using quilts that are made from 100% cotton. Moreover, if you live in a warmer region, then you should use a quilt with a 100% cotton filling to avoid your body from overheating.
What is the difference between bedspread, quilt, comforter, and duvet?
Each of these are essential elements and/or types of bedding. Bedspread is the final layer of a bed, if it’s being prepared for a hot summer night. Each of these: quilts, comforter and duvet increase in thickness, heat insulation, and so are used in much colder climates.
The most important part of bed is the mattress. It has to be the right size and height, support your body (use orthopedic mattresses if prescribed), and have heat insulating properties if your body is prone to overheating. If you want to make your mattress last longer, read up on tips in this blog. These two are mattress accessories that you can use to make your bedding as comfortable as possible.
Mattress Cover
A newly-bought mattress will be covered in stains if not protected by a mattress protector. This, additionally, also protects against bed bugs, mold, and spills. This is essentially an envelope for the mattress, and is made from fabrics that do not absorb moisture and can be easily cleaned.
It’s best to choose a mattress cover with a light tone to avoid the color from peeping through your bedsheets.
Bed Skirt
This is the cover that extends from the lower part of the bed to the floor. If you’re a fan of British cinema, then you must have seen this on most exuberant-designed beds. These can be decorative as well, and there was a time when bed skirts with frills were particularly popular.
For bed skirts, you can pick bold colors as well or use contrasting colours with the overall theme of your bed sets.
Apart from this, when buying bedding, you must be able to evaluate on the basis of these.
How does the fabric feel? This is important because if the fabric does not feel comfortable or soft against your skin, then you will not be able to have a good night’s sleep. You need to pick a fabric that feels comfortable to you, and one that you are not allergic to, such as woolen fabrics.
Evaluate the heating properties: You need different bedding for different seasons and climates. In sub-tropical regions like Pakistan, you need separate bedding for summer and winter months, owing to changes in temperature. However, if someone lives in colder climates like in Canada, they will require much thicker and warmer bedding for the greater part of the year.
The bedding you choose, should neither make you feel too warm when it’s already warm outside, or be unable to protect you against the bitter cold. Health experts strongly advocate for normal body temperatures during sleep in order to help the body function properly.
Breathability: The thickness of your blankets, quilts or comforters should not be such that it makes breathing difficult. It’s best if you keep multiple slightly less warm blankets and layer up or down throughout the night. This is especially beneficial for people who tend to overheat while sleeping.
Quality: Of course quality is the most important determining factor of your purchase. Materials with a higher thread count and 100% cotton are always preferred over fabrics that might have a high count of polyester. Price does not matter, as long as you are getting quality.
Now that we have prepared you for buying the best quality bedding, write to us at blog@zameen.com to tell us about your shopping experience. Also, keep checking Pakistan’s largest property blog, Zameen Blog for the latest news on Pakistan’s property.
