The Range of Comforters

From printed bedspreads to quilts to plain down- or synthetic-filled comforters that you cover with a duvet cover (also known as a comforter cover), you and your child have a range of options when deciding on the best way to “cover up.” Bedspreads tend to have a printed pattern on one side (or both) with a little bit of insulation in the middle and some stitching to create a quilt effect. These add instant color and pizzazz to a room, and are relatively light, so that you can adjust the warmth through the use of other layers.

Similarly, coverlets and quilts are items slightly heavier than a blanket that function both decoratively and as a warm layer. Comforters, on the other hand, tend to be plain layers filled with either down, synthetic fill, or a combination of both. They are often heavy enough to be used alone, but can also be layered with blankets and/or quilts.

Comforters can be sheathed with a duvet cover or comforter cover – similar to a large pillowcase – that allows for easy cleaning and for quick and relatively inexpensive décor changes. Comforters come in a variety of weights. In general, the “heavier” the fill number, the warmer the comforter will be. Also note that the more stitching a comforter has, the less likely it is that the fill will ball up, making for more even fill and warmth.