Comforters
Comforters & Duvets Buying Guide
You may have heard about comforters and duvets for bedding updates. However, before you embark upon your plan of buying this bedding type, it is best to know and understand what these bedding pieces are. What exactly is a comforter or duvet?
Duvet is derived from a French word which means down. It is basically the same as what is usually referred as down comforter. Down refers to the spineless under-feathers of specific bird species highly preferred for its soft and plush features. This bedding piece is a flat bag with soft features conventionally filled with features, wool, down or any other types of natural stuffing. In the United States, duvet covers are also known as comforter cover.
This bedding type is actually made from double layers of plush cloth or linen sewn and tailored to make a large pocket. The cover interior pocket is eventually filled with a considerable and generous amount of materials, usually down feathers from birds, duck or geese. Nevertheless, the most common materials for the fiberfill include wool, microfiber, polyester, down and other natural fillers.
Perfect for Winter and Cold Seasons
The organic materials filled in the duvet or comforter interior are usually down, wool and feathers which are generally great for body protection especially against the cold and chills. Best of all, these are lightweight materials which are very comfortable and soft in texture and quite easy to carry wherever you want to snuggle in warmth and coziness.
Essential Facts for Duvet and Comforter Filling
If you prefer down fillers for your comforter cover, there are basic things to consider before making a decision. What color do you prefer with your down comforter? Is it grey or white, goose down or duck down? For instance, goose has larger cluster compared to duck which gives you higher loft or filling capacity. It also provides more warmth and coziness with its weight more than duck downs do.
The case construction is likewise an important component in choosing high quality duvet and comforters. In fact, this would dictate and determine how long your bedding ensemble would last. Look for construction which are not poorly sewn through which could affect the loft of your cover and even make the down escape or leak.
The turbidity and oxygen number of the cover is likewise important because it would test the sanitation and cleanliness of the fiberfill. The oxygen number measures the foreign organic matter quantity present on the down or feather surface. Clean oxygen number is actually equivalent to less than 10. Turbidity on the other hand is the amount of dust present in the product. The ideal and clean turbidity rate must be greater than 300mm.
Another most vital component to look for in the fillers of your duvet cover is its antibacterial treatment properties. Good quality covers must have anti microbial treatment which protects users from bacteria, fungus and dust mites among other common allergens.
Fill Weights, Power & Percentages
It is important to look for comforters which have higher fill weights to give you more warmth and comfortable protection. For instance, premium quality covers in queen size must have 1800 grams of fill. Weights could vary from 1100 grams or less and 1800 grams or more depending on the cover size.
Fill power on the other hand determines the quality of the fill especially its capacity to respond to changes in temperature. Before you buy your comforter, make sure you know the indicative range of the duvet cover’s fill power. Some of the common types of percentages for high grade down comforters include 50% down and 50% fiber or 95% down and 5% fiber.
Thread Count
This is a valuable criterion to consider since it states how many individual threads are used and present per square inch of the fabric utilized. Higher thread counts mean you get softer, plusher and warmer finishes with the most luxurious feel. The ideal thread count on duvets and comforters must be 300 minimum up to 600 maximum. Make sure you do not choose thread counts which are as low as 100 or 1000 or more which means the threads are much thinner than the ordinary. This could actually result to leakage or escape of the fiberfill for your cover especially with longer use.
Size and Cover Features
The standard sizes for covers include twin or single, double, queen, king and California King. It is imperative that you first find the right measurement before you buy the items so that you need not worry or waste your money on oversized covers or not fit to your duvet. There are also additional innovations and style for your duvet cover such as those made with button, zipper or snap closures. It depends on the user what he needs especially in the convenience of putting the cover and removing it for cleaning or washing.
Finally, the fabric type spells a great difference on the texture and effect of the cover. Cotton is one of the most common fabric materials since it is plush, luxurious and breathable. Other viable fabrics commonly preferred include rayon, silk or silk blends and even suede. There are also varied colors and palettes including white, blue, pink, green and other shades. Popular patterns on comforters and duvets include solid or printed designs from striped, floral, plaid and jacquard among others. You could even find Hello Kitty designs for children’s bedrooms and nursery.
Brands and Stores
The internet is the best place to find the quality and affordable comforters and bedding pieces you want to invest on. Some of the famous brands and online suppliers to check out are Laura Ashley, Tommy Hilfiger, Ikea, Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, Pottery Barn, JCPenney and Macys. You could also find online deals from Amazon, Overstock, buy.com and eBay.
Investing in high quality duvets and comforters is certainly lucrative for your home with its capacity to boost the appeal and ambiance of your sleeping quarter. Best of all, you need these bedding pieces for warmth and comfort when temperatures drop during fall or winter.