There are a few different words that can be used to refer to a blanket used on a bed. Some of the most common ones are comforter, duvet, quilt, and blanket. Each of these words refers to a specific type of bed covering with its own characteristics. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick overview of the differences between these terms and what they mean.
A comforter is typically a quilted bed covering that is loosely filled with batting or down. Comforters are designed to be used in conjunction with a duvet cover and are sometimes called a “duvet insert.” The filling makes them puffy, soft, and warm. Comforters are one of the most common types of blankets used on beds today.
A duvet is a blanket that is specifically designed to be used with a duvet cover. The duvet itself is usually filled with down or feathers and is sometimes quilted for additional warmth. Using a duvet cover allows the duvet to be easily removed for washing. Duvet covers often have decorative patterns or designs on them. Together, the duvet insert and duvet cover create the complete bed covering.
A quilt is a type of bed cover that is constructed by stitching together two layers of fabric with a soft filling in between. Quilts are distinctive because of their decorative patterns and visible stitching. Quilts are usually made of materials like cotton, wool, or polyester and may be handmade or commercially produced. They can be used on their own or in conjunction with other blankets.
Finally, a blanket is a general term for any type of covering used on a bed for warmth. Blankets come in woven varieties like wool or fleece, as well as stitched varieties like quilts. They can be made from natural or synthetic materials. Blankets don’t necessarily have any padding or filling inside – some are simply a single layer of fabric. They are one of the most versatile types of bed coverings.
So in summary, comforter, duvet, quilt, and blanket are all words used to describe bed coverings. Their definitions differ in terms of construction, materials, and intended use. With this quick overview, we can now dive deeper into the specifics.
The Origins and History of Bed Blankets
Humans have been using blankets and similar bed coverings for thousands of years. Some of the earliest evidence of bedding dates back over 20,000 years to the Paleolithic Era. Ancient people used available natural materials like animal skins, furs, grasses, and leaves to create rudimentary blankets for warmth and protection while sleeping.
The fabrication of textiles allowed our ancestors to produce more refined blankets. One of the oldest known woven blankets dates back approximately 3400 BC and was found in Azerbaijan. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used various forms of bed coverings and linens. The wealthy often had finely decorated bed blankets made from luxurious materials like silk.
In Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, blankets evolved into more sophisticated forms. Wool, fur, and velvet were common materials used by nobility and the emerging merchant class. Fine beds often included a stack of lavish blankets and furs to combat cold castle bedrooms.
By the 18th century, European aristocrats often slept under elaborate canopies draped in sumptuous bedding. Extravagant status symbols like ermine fur blankets indicated wealth and privilege. At the same time, more common people relied on simple coverlets and bed throws that could be produced at home.
The mass production of textiles during the Industrial Revolution made all kinds of blankets widely available to the public. Advances in spinning, weaving, and sewing technology enabled factories to churn out affordable woven and quilted bed covers.
In America, early colonial households made use of humble homespun blankets. Decorative quilts soon became a popular handicraft. By the late 1800s, Sears Roebuck & Co. was selling mass-produced blankets by mail order.
Today, modern manufacturing techniques and materials like polyester have brought the cost of blankets down considerably while increasing their warmth, durability, and softness. Specialty stores offer hundreds of blanket options from luxury wool throws to high-tech electric heated blankets. The progression of the simple blanket has reflected both human creativity and developing technology through the centuries.
Types of Modern Blankets and Their Uses
There are many different types of blankets used on beds today. Here is an overview of some of the most common varieties and their typical uses:
Comforters
As mentioned earlier, comforters are fluffy, quilted blankets filled with insulation like down or polyester batting. They are designed to be used with a duvet cover and are valued for their softness, lightweight warmth, and ability to conform to the body for maximum coziness. Comforters come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and levels of warmth suited to different climates and seasons. They are a popular choice for beds in many parts of the world.
Duvet Inserts
Duvet inserts are similar to comforters but are specifically made to be inserted into a duvet cover. They are typically filled with down or down alternative and may be quilted for stability and distribution of fill. High quality duvet inserts can be quite warm yet remain breathable. The duvet insert and cover combination allows for easy laundering and customization of the bed’s appearance.
Wool Blankets
Blankets made from wool have been valued for centuries for their exceptional warmth, breathability, and natural fire resistance. Wool bed blankets help regulate body temperature and allow moisture to dissipate rather than accumulate. Wool is also durable, hypoallergenic, and antistatic. From classic wool throws to modern merino wool blankets, wool remains a premium bed covering for warmth without weight.
Cotton Quilts and Coverlets
Quilts and coverlets made from fabrics like cotton, polyester, or blended fabrics offer lightweight coverage ideal for warmer weather and climates. Cotton bed covers are breathable and soft while also being affordable and easy to launder. Quilted patterns and surfaces add visual interest and texture. These blankets can be used alone on top of bed sheets or layered with other blankets.
Electric Blankets
Electric blankets contain integrated wiring that allows them to produce heat. The blankets may be made from materials like polyester fleece and feature control units that allow users to adjust the temperature setting. Turning on an electric blanket before bed can preheat the bed for comfort. Some electric blankets automatically adjust heat throughout the night. These high-tech blankets provide hands-free warming in cold weather.
Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets are designed to gently apply pressure to the body. Many have hypoallergenic polyester fill added to increase the blanket’s weight, typically to between 5-30 lbs. This deep pressure stimulation is thought to have a calming effect and promote relaxation. Weighted blankets are growing in popularity especially for use by those with anxiety, insomnia, or autism spectrum disorders.
Travel Blankets
Smaller blankets meant for use during travel often focus on portability and packability. Materials like fleece, wool, and microfiber allow these compact blankets to insulate while also being lightweight and easy to fold up when not in use. They can be comforting when spending extended time in airplanes, cars, or outdoors.
So in summary, today’s wide spectrum of bedding offers blankets suited to nearly any preference, climate, or need. From traditional quilts to high-tech electric blankets, there are more options than ever before to stay comfortable and warm at bedtime.
How to Choose a Bed Blanket
With so many bed blanket options on the market, it can be tricky to decide which type best fits your needs. Here are some tips for choosing the right blanket:
Consider climate and seasonal use
Think about the temperature of the environment where you’ll use the blanket most often. In warm weather, you’ll want breathable blankets like lightweight cotton or linen. In colder climates or seasons, choose blankets with insulation, thickness, or wool content to stay warm.
Pick materials suited to your preferences
Natural fibers like cotton, wool, silk, and bamboo are valued for comfort and temperature regulation. Synthetic materials like microfiber and polyester offer affordability and easy care. If you frequently get hot during sleep, breathable natural fibers may help you stay cool.
Factor in laundering restrictions
Some materials like wool or silk may require special laundering procedures. If easy laundering is a priority, cotton, microfiber and polyester blankets may be preferable. Check labels for washing instructions or consider dry clean only blankets.
Consider your bed size
Make sure to choose a blanket that is large enough to cover your mattress adequately, especially if you share a bed. Twin, full, queen, and king sizes are standard. Measure your bed first if unsure what size you need.
Read customer reviews
Checking out blanket reviews can reveal useful details about factors like real-world warmth, quality of construction, durability, and more. Customer testimonials help identify both outstanding and underwhelming products.
Set a budget
Bed blankets span a huge range in terms of pricing. Setting a spending limit can help narrow down the options. Premium materials and manufacturing will increase costs, but deals exist at every price point.
Pick the right style for you
Beyond function, also think about which blanket aesthetics you’re drawn to. Look for colors, patterns, and textures that appeal to your personal taste and complement your existing decor.
Taking the time to evaluate these factors will help ensure you select a high-quality bed blanket well suited to your individual circumstances and sleeping preferences. With so many options, you should be able to find the perfect blanket to keep you cozy.
Making Your Bed Blanket Last
A high-quality bed blanket can last for years with proper care. Here are some tips to help preserve and extend the life of your blanket:
Inspect regularly for damage
Check for signs of wear like thinning fabric, holes, loose threads, or clumped filling. Make repairs promptly before small issues grow larger.
Follow laundering guidelines
Always reference care instructions and wash in cold water on gentle cycles. Air drying is best for many materials. Dry cleaning preserves fibers longer.
Use a duvet cover
Protect your comforter or duvet insert inside a duvet cover changed and washed more frequently to limit soiling of the inner blanket.
Avoid excessive heat
Don’t let electric blankets run hotter than needed. Keep blankets away from direct radiators or similar intense heat sources.
Store properly when not in use
Neatly fold or roll up blankets and keep in low humidity environments to prevent mildew or mustiness.
Spot clean when possible
Treat stains and spills as soon as possible by spot cleaning gently with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
Use a mattress pad
Waterproof mattress pads or toppers help protect against sweat, oils, and spills from penetrating the blanket.
Fluff and rotate regularly
Fluff blankets frequently to maintain loft and thickness. Rotate or flip reversible blankets to evenly distribute wear.
With proper care and handling, most high-quality bed blankets should easily last for 5 years or longer, keeping you cozy for years of restful sleep.
Fun Facts About Blankets Through History
Here are some interesting bits of trivia and history related to bedding and blankets over the centuries:
- One of the earliest surviving examples of a knitted wool blanket dates back to around 100-300 AD and was found in a Roman-Egyptian grave site.
- Wealthy medieval households often used elaborately embroidered blankets called copemates to cover beds.
- Colonial American quilts often incorporated political and historical symbols into their designs, like eagles, flags, and the “rising sun” motif.
- The first electric blanket was invented in 1912 by American physician Sidney I. Russell.
- During World War II, the Red Cross produced thousands of blankets for troops, POWs, and civilians in need.
- The popular “time blanket” fad in the 1960s saw couples embroidering personal milestones and important dates onto their blankets.
- The 20th century saw the rise of high-tech electrically heated mattress pads controlled by thermostats.
- NASA originally developed mylar emergency blankets in the 1960s to reflect heat and counter shock.
- Weighted blankets, used for sensory input and comfort, trace their origins to occupational therapy tools.
- Dogs and cats appear to be the most frequent unplanned users of heated electric blankets.
So blankets have played important and sometimes unexpected roles throughout human history! Their forms and functions continue evolving even today.
Conclusion
Bed blankets have progressed through a long history from primitive furs to today’s high-tech varieties like weighted and electric blankets. They reflect cultural aesthetics, social history, and developing textile technologies through the ages. Choosing the right blanket requires evaluating climate, materials, care, and personal style. With some prudent care, a good quality blanket can provide many years of cozy comfort and enjoyable rest. Whether you prefer a traditional quilt or a fuzzy electric throw, bed blankets are an integral part of the human quest for a warm and peaceful night’s sleep.
