Buying The Right Comforter For Your Bed

by Duane Jones

Putting the right comforter on your bed can make the whole bedroom look fabulous. Comforters are the most visible of all the bedding pieces, so when you change the comforter you make a large change in the decor of the bedroom itself. But comforters are also very functional as they make for a very warm, and soft bed to sleep in too. But getting the right comforter for your bed takes some thought and preparation, and this article will help you make the right decision when you buy.

The first factor in choosing the right comforter is to make sure that it actually fits your bed. This may sound like a simple thing, but not all mattresses are the same size because of their design. If you have a very standard mattress it will most likely fit into one of the conventional categories like "Full", Queen", or "King".

The Difference in a Bed Spread and Comforter

Corine Bachmann

You may be surprised to learn that yes, there is a difference in a bed spread and comforter. Many people often think of these two things as the same thing. While they really both serve the same purpose, the two are quite different in deed. Telling the comforter apart from the bed spread is not that hard to do. Once you know the difference, you will be able to spot the difference in no time, and tell the two apart yourself.

While both the bed spread and comforter are used to cover the bed, and keep you warm at night, they both have very noticeable differences. If you care to take notice, you will find that the comforter is quite fluffy, and full of stuffing. The comforter is also thick, and can even be heavier than a bed spread is. If you are ever to wear hole in your comforter, you will see that there is stuffing inside, and even sometimes there are feathers.

While the bed spread and comforter are quite different, you may still want to learn a little more about the bed spread. A bed spread is always thin, and sometimes referred to as a coverlet. You would be more apt to use a bed spread in the summer and warmer months, and pull the comforter out of storage during the cooler months. That is how different the weights are in the two. You will be able to tell quite a difference sleeping under a bed spread when it is cold outside, if you are used to sleeping under a comforter. A bed spread is not stuffed with any stuffing, but will at times have a thin batting between the two layers of the top and bottom, kind of like a quilt. You will also find bed spreads that are as thin as a blanket, with only one layer of fabric used to make the whole thing.

Deciding which you prefer between the bed spread and comforter will be a personal preference. However, it is not unreasonable to own one of each, nor is it odd to use one or the other all year round. You should decide how you would be the most comfortable sleeping, and go with that choice. Some people do use the comforter year round, even in the warmer months in hotter climates. However, these people also probably keep their home quite cool when it is hot outside, and like the look of the comforter on the bed rather than the bed spread. There are also some that prefer the bed spread year round and go with that choice. You will have to make the choice for yourself. However, you now know the difference between the two, and will be able to choose accordingly.

Corine has worked in the furniture industry for more than 15 years and has experience in fitting the best comforters with the customer's needs. Visit Corine's comforter website, http://www.comfort-mattresses.com , to learn more about discount comforter sets.

But many mattresses these days are not standard sizes because mattress makers have gone to adding more features like pillow tops on one side or sometimes both sides of the mattress. This means that the mattress is now much thicker than it would normally be. And that will also affect the size of any bedding that you are now able to put on that bed. That's why it's always a good idea to measure your bed and mattress to make sure that you know what size comforter to get beforehand and won't have to be faced with the prospect of having to return the bedding that you love when you find that it just doesn't look right on your bed.

When considering a comforter look at the TPI or threads per inch too. This figure will often give you a good idea of the quality level that has been put into that comforter. Generally speaking thread counts above 250 produce a soft and comfortable feel and fabric that will last a long time. Try to avoid thread counts below 200.

It's also not a bad idea to look for a comforter that has patterns on both sides. That way you can change the look of the bed from time to time and not just have the same pattern all the time.

If you are in the market for a down comforter, the most expensive kinds will have pure white down in them, but actually a mixture of down and feathers will do the job nicely and is not as expensive. Just avoid so-called down comforters that have a really low ratio of down to feathers. The higher the down ratio in the comforter the more important that the cover be what is called "down proof" because down is so small and can actually work its way through a normal cover. Usually this designation is listed on the comforter package.

Finally, be sure that a down comforter is stitched so that the insulation material cannot move about very freely or shift. If the stitching is not in place the down can shift so that some parts of the comforter do not even offer much insulation at all. This is widely known, and most down comforters will have necessary stitching in place on the quilt, but just make sure before you buy.

Buying a good quality comforter is an investment in practicality and appearance at the same time. Use these guidelines for choosing your new comforter and you should be happy with it for years to come.

About the Author

Duane Jones - All About Bed And Bath provides free information, resources and tips on finding bedding, comforters, bathroom fixtures, tubs, and more for your home at the very best price.

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