Summer heat is coming soon. Here, in Texas, it’s scorching, especially in August. Now, nights are still pretty comfortable. Low clouds and cool weather help you sleep better. The thunderstorm sound of rain lets you relax. So, you may need some bedding accessories. Let’s discuss difference between comforter and blanket. Which cover grants you necessary security and warmth? I’ll try to highlight basic pros and cons of the popular bedding types.
When Should You Use a Comforter?
Are you going to select a bedding product soon? You may need to revitalize your bedroom. Have you recently moved to a new house? You are to decorate your space. Changes in temperature make you replace your winter bedding sets. Summer ones are meet your specific needs.
Will you use a lightweight comforter in summer? If you are a cold sleeper, light warmth could be necessary. A 2012 research shows that thermal environment may affect your sleep quality. Temperature in the bedroom should be between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. How to regulate your room temperature? In summer, you can:
- Sleep in the basement that is the lowest level of your house;
- Open windows to let fresh air come;
- Use a thermostat to regulate the temperature;
- Run a powerful air conditioner.
Therefore, sleeping under sheets only could be not cozy enough. What is brushed microfiber? Soft fabric gives you comfort and perfect sleeping experience. It’s thin but very strong and stain-resistant. So, you need a cover to fall asleep.
Summer nights are warm in Texas. Air conditioning is essential. If you live in a coastal area, you may enjoy cool breeze. In northern states, such as New York or Oregon, cold rainy days occur even in August. Humidity also matters. Its optimal spot is between 30% and 50%. So, which type of bedding will you use in each case? Let’s consider their special aspects.
Is a Comforter the Same as a Blanket?
You may call the covers you use as you want. Meanwhile, a terminology problem exists. Sometimes, it causes confusion. Is a duvet a blanket? If you ask the question, explanations are necessary. How do you refer to the bedding product you need to buy? You’ll need well-defined features to tell blankets and comforters apart. Let’s specify them.
| Criteria | Blanket | Comforter |
|---|---|---|
| Layers | one | several |
| Size | draping over bed sides | conforms to your mattress |
| Material | woven or felted fabric | feathers, down or synthetic filling |
| Location | below the cover | on the top of a blanket |
| Season | summer | winter |
| Thickness | thin | bulky |
Thus, soft blankets are preferable during the summer heat. These bedding accessories provide essential coolness. They comfort you when you sleep or sit on your sofa. Blankets are thin, easy to fold and store in winter. Their thickness is about 0.2-0.5 inches. Open-weave texture allows airflow. As a result, it reduces build-up of allergens. But if you need to increase warmth, one blanket is not enough. Even the one that consists of wool or fleece.
What is a Comforter for a Bed?
Thick knitted bedding is necessary to keep you warm and cozy. In winter, it’s essential, especially if you live in a region with a cold climate. Comforters are:
- soft;
- fluffy;
- cuddly;
- quilted;
- lofty.
The topper consists of two layers of fabric. Natural or synthetic filling material is between them. It remains in its place thanks to the special sewing technique. Which is warmer: blanket or quilt? It depends on the materials inside. Thus, wool and fleece blankets are pretty warm and cozy. Comforters filled with down, feathers, or synthetic materials offer perfect insulation. They trap heat, impeding airflow.
Meanwhile, comforters have minimal stitching. Quilts stand out by decorative design. They feature embroidery, intricate stitching, and patchwork. Thus, this type of bedspread has a special cultural role. Relative present quits as symbolic wedding gifts. Comforters are practical bedding accessories. Their shells are usually monochrome. White color is the most popular. Grey, blue, or ivory are also common.
Do You Sleep on Top of a Comforter?
Yes, it’s possible. Sleeping on the top of your comforter is an unconventional approach. But thickness of a lofty comforter is up to 6 inches. Why don’t you use it as an additional mattress? You may prefer this solution, because:
- It’s cozy.
- It lets you avoid overheating.
- You don’t have to tuck the sheets every morning.
Feeling of shifting sheets could be awful. If you move much, your sheets may get untucked very soon. You may feel restricted because of top sheet availability. Are you a restless sleeper? Movement during sleep might create discomfort. A heavy-weight cover could be essential in this case.
Can You Use a Comforter as a Blanket?
Commonly, you place your blanket on the top of your sheet. Do you feel cold in winter? Place a comforter or another blanket on the top of the first blanket. Finally, when you make a bed, it’s possible to cover your comforter with a quilt. This way, you decorate your room. Now it looks stylish and beautiful.
Quite naturally, using a duvet cover is desirable. It’s:
- easier to wash;
- breathable;
- odor and static resistant.
The cover protects your comforter and keeps it clean. Some comforters are machine-washable. The ones that feature synthetic fillers inside are hypoallergenic. Being fluffy, but lightweight, modern comforter fits your washing machine.
A down filler material is warm and comfy. These bedding accessories have superior insulating properties. But they trap dust, letting dust mites live inside your bedding. If you suffer from allergy, avoid these items. Additionally, goose feathers require dry cleaning. It makes down comforters not the most hard-wearing or hygienic options.
Overall Impression
You know what the difference between quilt, comforter, and blanket is. In summer, I would select a less warm option. But don’t hurry up. Consider your climate, sleeping habits, and preferences. You might need bedding accessories of all 3 types. Do you live in a southern state? I would advise you to order a comforter in the fall. Otherwise, you’ll need additional room to store it in summer. So, select top-quality bedding sets and increase your sleep quality.
