Quicklist: Types of Bedding
- Bedsheet
- Top Sheet
- Bed Cover
- Coverlet
- Bedspread
- Down Comforter
- Polyester Comforter
- Wool Comforter
- Cotton Comforter
- Silk Comforter
- Quilt
- Duvet
- Cotton
- Flannel
- Tencel
- Acetate
- Silk
- Polyester
Bedrooms are a very personal and special place where a person can relax the way they want, do whatever they want, and above all, decorate it the way they want. It is the place where people unwind at the end of a tiring day.
It is the one place where one cannot compromise on comfort. The most obvious element in any bedroom is the bed. It is a very prominent and important part of a bedroom. You may like it simple, or you may want to decorate it in a fancy way — it all depends on your preferences.
Have you ever been to a hotel room? What is the one thing that seems to be the most welcoming in a hotel room? The bed!
The beds in hotels have numerous layers, look soft from far away, and feel as if they are inviting you to jump on them and just relax. Beds in hotel rooms are plush, comfortable, and super soft, and most people wish to have such beds in their home.
Are you one of those people who want to have a hotel-like bed in your bedroom? Are you wondering what makes these beds so comfortable?
The trick to having a hotel-like bed at home is to make the beds comfortable and visually appealing. You want your bed to have the same attraction that a bed in a hotel room has, right?
The most common practice when it comes to making beds is to cover the mattress with a bedsheet, placing a few plush pillows at the head of the bed, and then throwing a bedspread to cover it all up.
However, even after covering your bed with the best bedsheet, don’t you think the element you desire is missing? That is because you are not adding a sufficient number of layers to your bed.
Having suitable bed covers is the secret to having the dreamy bed you desire. Before we move on to the types of bed covers, let’s first look at what the different layers of a bed are. Many people get confused between bedsheets and bed covers. So let’s clear that up before we start talking about the different types.
Different Types of Bedding
Bedsheet
Bedsheets are the sheets of fabric that are placed directly on the mattress. Since it is the topmost layer of most beds, the bedsheet is generally the part of the bedding that makes contact with your body.
Top Sheet
The concept of a top sheet is not as popular today as it was a few years back. The top sheet is a sheet of fabric that is spread over the bedsheet. People sleep between the bedsheet and the top sheet.
Bed Cover
After you have the mattress properly covered with a bedsheet (either flat or fitted), the fun part is choosing the right bed cover. Bed covers are of various types, and it is the bed cover that adds to the aesthetic appeal of your bed.
Bed covers are the ‘extras’ that you need if you want to have a hotel-like bed in your bedroom.
Types of Bed Covers
Having a bed cover holds significant importance in adding to the overall appearance of your room. Bed covers are a powerful way of distracting people away from old, worn-out furniture.
They add the appeal that may be missing from your room even after you have furnished your bedroom with the best furniture.
It adds a factor of attraction and beauty to an otherwise boring and plain-looking bed. If you wish to step away from the typical, mainstream bed décor, you need to invest in suitable bed covers for your bed. Let’s have a look at the different types of bed covers that are available today.
1. Coverlet
A coverlet is a type of bed cover that is often overlooked. At times, people own it but aren’t aware of it. A coverlet is basically a bed cover that is placed over the bed sheet and underneath the duvet.
It grazes the space where the bed frame and the mattress meet. Coverlets are smaller than bedspreads and larger than the standard blankets that you usually use. Coverlets give your bed a modern look.
They can be left untucked, allowing them to just lie over the bed sheet to give a cozy and relaxed look, or they can be tucked with the bed sheet to give a tailored vibe.
A coverlet is a thin bedding material that often comes pre-filled. This type of bed cover is meant to cover the sides of the box spring and the surface of the bed.
Unlike a bedspread, a coverlet does not reach the ground. They can be used all year long to keep you warm. Since they are lightweight, they are quite suitable to be used in summers because, unlike quilts, coverlets are lighter, thinner, and softer.
Coverlets form the perfect canvas for the décor of bedrooms. The thin, yet stylish, bed covers allow you to transform the look of your existing bed. It delivers the perfect finishing touch for a hotel-like bedroom look.
As they are too thin to be used as a single bed cover, they are often paired with duvets or blankets to make the bed look comfortable and plush.
Fabrics Used to Make Coverlets
Coverlets can be used as a sole bedding accessory in areas where the weather is usually warm, and the need for blankets is not felt. Coverlets are treated as a completely separate type of bed cover because of their qualities and characteristics.
As coverlets are a versatile type of bedding, they can be made in a number of fabrics, depending on whether you intend to use it for decorative purposes or as sole bedding.
The commonly used fabrics for coverlets are cotton, woven jacquard and polyester.
Coverlet Styles
The coverlet style that you opt for completely depends on your taste and preferences. You could choose a plain coverlet if you want the bedsheet or the duvet to be the highlight of your bedding. However, coverlets are available in numerous patterns, designs and colors.
If you wish to keep the look minimalistic, you can opt for solid designs, while if you want to add a pop of color, patterned coverlets will work best for you.
2. Bedspread
As you can tell by the name, a bedspread is a bed cover that is spread on the bed. It differs from the coverlet in terms of its size. Unlike a coverlet, a bedspread covers the bed in entirety, all the way to the ground.
This even includes the space where pillows are placed. Bedspreads are decorative bed covers that are placed over the bed sheet or the top sheet if it is present. A coverlet will give your bed a modern look while a bedspread will give your bed a more traditional look.
If you wish to preserve the old-school, traditional vibes, you may want to stick to a bedspread.
Bedspreads are thin, decorative bed coverings that are less common today as more and more people upgrade their décor to more modern styles. However, for people who wish to keep their bedrooms elegantly traditional, bedspreads do the job pretty well.
Fabrics Used to Make Bedspreads
As the bedspreads cover the bed completely, it is important that the fabric is chosen carefully to ensure that you feel comfortable when you lie on your bed. Fabrics that are used most commonly for making bedspreads include cotton, wool, chenille and polyester.
3. Comforter
A comforter is the most common type of bed cover that is used today. It is used as a top blanket for your bed. It is a fluffy, quilted bed cover that is extremely light in weight.
As compared to a duvet, a comforter is thinner and often lays flat. The filling in a comforter is held in place with the help of stitching. They are used without covers, which often adds to the need of using it with a top sheet or an additional blanket in winters.
Comforters are available in a number of colors, designs, and patterns. Most of the time, they come as complete packages with coordinated pillow shams and bedsheets that help you pull off a perfectly coordinated look for your bedroom. A comforter is meant to be used as a one-and-done option.
These bed covers are filled with cotton blends or synthetic fibers, such as polyester, that give them their characteristic fluffy look. Comforters are surely comfortable and warm if you have used them. But there is a catch. They vary widely from the material to construction design.
When choosing a comforter, you may come across all types of comforter, down comforter, alternative down comforter, with baffle box construction or sewn-through construction.
Types of Comforters
The comforters that have a higher thread count are considered to have better quality. A thread count of more than 200 is usually preferred. There are several types of comforters that you may choose from.
Each type has distinct features, including durability and warmth.
Down Comforters
Down is a layer of fine feathers that is present beneath the outer feathers of water birds. Comforters that are filled with down are called down comforters. Down is soft and lightweight.
It offers high levels of comfort and warmth, making down comforters one of the best types of comforters in use. Down comforters that contain goose down are quite expensive, owing to their high level of comfort.
However, if you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, comforters that are filled with a mixture of feathers are less-expensive, and even offer superior comfort and warmth.
Since down comforters are on the pricier side, you may want to take care of certain considerations before spending your money.
Fill Power
Fill power is defined as the amount of space and weight a comforter filled with down occupies. This refers to the amount of air that the feathers can trap. When you are shopping for a down comforter, you should always look at the fill power.
The higher the fill power, the better is the quality of the down. When a comforter has a higher quality down in its filling, the comforter will be warmer and will have more insulation.
Fill Weight
These comforters are rated by the weight of their down in ounces. The higher the weight, the warmer the comforter. However, comforters that have a higher fill power will weigh less, and these comforters are the most suitable for winters.
Comforter Construction
As mentioned earlier, comforters are stitched to make sure that the material inside stays in place.
Down is relatively more prone to forming lumps, which is why you need to consider the construction of the comforter before buying one. The construction, in this case, refers to the stitching on the interior.
Polyester Comforters
Comforters that are filled with polyester fibers are called polyester comforters. These types of comforters are far more affordable than down comforters. If you have a sensitive immune system and are allergic to certain materials, polyester comforters are an ideal option for you.
Polyester fibers are non-allergenic. They are also lightweight and warm. Most of the time, polyester comforters are machine-washable, which makes them super easy to clean.
Wool Comforters
The thing that makes wool comforters so popular is the fact that wool keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer.
Wool for comforters can be obtained from sheep, angora rabbits, camels, cashmere goats, llamas or alpacas.
These comforters are extremely soft and comfortable, but not all wool comforters can be washed in a washing machine.
Cotton Comforters
Cotton comforters use natural fibers from the cotton plant seed. They are soft, comfortable and breathable. Two types of cotton are used for making cotton comforters.
These are sanforized cotton and mercerized cotton. Sanforized cotton is shrunk before being filled in the comforter so that it does not shrink when the comforter is washed. Mercerized cotton, on the other hand, is a stronger type of cotton that is made colorfast and absorbent.
It is immersed in a lye solution. Cotton comforters are one of the most affordable types of bed covers that offer the highest levels of comfort. They are quite durable and can be washed in a washing machine.
Silk Comforters
Silk comforters are made from silk that is obtained from the silkworm caterpillar’s cocoon. Silk is a natural material which is very soft, comfortable and breathable. The only drawback of using silk comforters is that they have to be dry-cleaned.
Silk comforters are most often found in white or eggshell color, and hence, they are paired with duvet covers to protect them from dust and dirt. In case you have allergies, a silk comforter is ideal for you. It also brings a level of elegance to your bedroom.
You can opt for a comforter that meets your comfort needs and your budget. A comforter is one of the best bed covers that can give your bed a complete look instantly.
Outer Fabric of Comforters
The outer fabric of a comforter is as important as the fill material. The main feature that should be considered when selecting the outer fabric is the thread count. The higher the thread count, the finer the fabric is considered to be.
Better outer fabric means that the comfort level of the comforter will be very high.
4. Quilt
A quilt is a commonly used bed cover that has three layers stitched together. The three layers are the top, batting and backing. The top layer is made from a series of complex stitches that conjoins different fabrics together.
This unique stitching is known as quilting, and it is considered as an age-old form of art. The inner batting layer is the layer that consists of the filling. The filling is usually done with wool, cotton or feathers.
The bottom layer or the backing is comprised of thick fabric. All the layers are held together by stitching. A quilt offers additional comfort and warmth during winters.
It can be used as the top bed cover, just like a comforter. Quilts and comforters are the most common types of bed covers.
Buying a Quilt
When you are planning on buying a quilt, there are certain considerations that you should be mindful of. Quilts are available in sizes from single beds to king-size beds. Therefore, the first thing to consider is the size of your bed.
You don’t want your quilt to be too big or too small for your bed. The wrong sized quilt on your bed will be a visual turn-off. The second most important consideration is the fabric of the quilt.
The best materials for quilts include cotton, cotton blends, flannel, and silk. The next thing you need to consider is the purpose for which you are buying a quilt.
If you want a light quilt for summers, a simple cotton quilt will do a great job, but if you want a quilt that will keep you warm in winters, you should consider buying thick flannel or silk quilts.
5. Duvet
A duvet is a fluffy bed cover. It is filled with synthetic fibers or feathers, similar to a comforter. However, duvets are fluffier. Moreover, comforters are stitched while duvets are not.
While comforters are meant to be used as-is, duvets come with protective covers known as the duvet covers. Duvets are not machine-washable; they need to be dry-cleaned. However, the duvet covers are removable and machine-washable.
Duvets are a perfect replacement for top sheets and blankets. If you find it difficult to make your bed with different pieces of bedding, a duvet might make your life easier. With a duvet, you don’t need a separate top sheet and a blanket.
A duvet with a duvet cover will deliver the warmth and the comfort that you desire. Duvets look extremely stylish and trendy. If you wish to modernize your bedroom, you should definitely go for a duvet.
Types of Bed Covers Based on the Fabric Used
Now that you are aware of all the types of bed covers, let’s move onto the types of bed covers based on fabric or materialused. The material used plays a vital role in determining how comfortable and how warm your bed cover will be.
1. Cotton
The most common fabric that is used for beddings, be it cotton sheets, duvets, comforters, or blankets, is cotton. It is soft, comfortable, breathable, easy to take care of, and above all, affordable. Different types of cotton are used to make bed covers.
Each type has different characteristics and costs. However, the basic characteristics are similar.
Egyptian Cotton
This is the most luxurious type of cotton. It is super soft and extremely smooth. Its long fibers are the reason behind its high level of comfort.
Pima Cotton
Pima cotton is known for its natural sheen and softness. Its fibers are medium to extra long. It is great for bed sheets and bed covers.
Upland Cotton
Upland cotton fibers are shorter than Egyptian and Pima cotton, and that is why upland cotton is not as soft as the above-mentioned cotton types.
Cotton Jersey
Cotton jersey is a type of cotton fabric that is not woven but knitted. It is the same type of cotton that is used to make t-shirts, so you can well imagine how comfortable bed covers made with cotton jersey will be.
Percale
A type of cotton fabric that is woven closely, having a plain weave. The texture of Percale cotton is soft and cool.
Combed cotton
Combed cotton is one of the softest cotton types as all the short fibers are removed during treatment.
2. Flannel
Flannel-made bed covers are the best for winters. The fibers in this material are combed to fluff them up. The resultant fabric is super-soft and gives this material a snuggly-warm quality.
3. Tencel
It is a brand name for a fabric that is made from the wood pulp of the Eucalyptus tree. It is very durable, soft, and anti-microbial in nature. It is also an environmentally-friendly material as its production process produces less harmful chemicals.
It is a cool fabric but not as breathable as cotton.
4. Acetate
Another fabric that is used in making bedding, especially bedspreads, is acetate. As the material does not suit a lot of people, it is not a very common fabric for bedding. However, acetate is extremely soft and has a satin-like feel.
5. Silk
Silk bed covers are the most luxurious, the prettiest, and the most elegant of all. Their natural sheen, smoothness, softness, and their silkiness, of course, are why silk remains one of the most preferred bedding fabrics.
The downside of silk is that it is very costly and is very delicate, which makes taking care of it a bit difficult.
6. Polyester
Polyester is a humanmade fiber. Since it is quite stiff when used alone, it is often mixed with different cotton blends to make it soft and comfortable. It is inexpensive. Finely woven polyester or microfiber is softer than normal polyester but not as breathable as cotton.
What makes polyester popular as bedding material in children’s rooms is its stain resistance. Other synthetic fabrics that are used to make bed covers include nylon, acrylic, bamboo, and certain blends, of which the cotton/polyester blend is the most common.
You can always enhance the décor of your bedroom by giving your bed some extra attention.
Along with the right bed covers for decorative covering, adding decorative pillows like throw pillows, throw blankets over the headboard, and coordinated sheet sets that come with matching pillowcases will do wonders.
Even if your bed is old, the right bedding will make it look amazing!
Top Brands
Coyuchi
Source: Coyuchi
Coyuchi was founded in 1991 and continues to make beautiful bed covers and other bedding today. The company has been focusing on organic cotton linens for 30 years and counting.
Everything from Coyuchi is soft, luxurious, and durable and you will find everything you need for a complete bedding set, including sheets, duvet covers, blankets, and more. All bed covers (and other products) by the brand are made using only the finest 100 percent organic cotton.
You won’t find any synthetic materials here. Instead, enjoy luxury, softness, and comfort without harmful toxins. Coyuchi also practices a “circular initiative,” ensuring that everything they make starts with 100 percent organic fibers through a traceable and sustainable supply chain.
The brand also sells recycled linens that are returned to the retailer through their 2nd Home Take Back program.
All of the partners at the Renewal Workshop clean the items, look for flaws, and go over every detail to repair each item to its brand-new, original condition. If the item is not up to standard, then Coyuchi sends it to be recycled.
Frette
Source: Frette
Frette has been making beautiful bed covers and other linens for over 160 years (since 1860 to be exact). The company works with talented Italian artisans to ensure that every item it creates is done with pride and love.
Frette is well-known for offering luxury linens that are supremely soft and comfortable. Each item is made with original designs, and you may find Frette products at some luxury hotels worldwide.
You can shop on the website and search for results based on the cooling level (cool, temperate, and warm), feel (crisp, smooth, and silky), and style (minimalist, modern, and romantic).
Not only does Frette sell stunning bed covers, but the company also offers comforters, blankets, pillowcases, and sheets, just to name a few. If you’re in the market for a high-quality bed cover that has a unique design, then you shouldn’t miss Frette.
Shop online to find stunning products specially designed to complement not just your bedroom, but also your lifestyle. Frette also sells luxurious loungewear for men and women, including plush and silky robes, pajamas, and more.
They also have a comprehensive consumer guide on the website including in-depth information about the different types of materials they offer, care instructions, and information if you need a little bit of help choosing the right bed cover and other linens.
Peacock Alley
Source: Peacock Alley
Founded by Mary Ella Gabler, Peacock Alley had the vision to create and sell bedding made of the highest quality. Everything here is beautifully crafted, yet timeless, classic, and simple in terms of style and design.
The idea behind Peacock Alley is to provide customers with bedding that is able to be enjoyed for years to come while also experiencing everyday luxury at home. The company began in 1973 when Gabler started selling patchwork pillows to the well-known retailer Neiman Marcus for the company’s Fortnight celebration.
Since then, Peacock Alley has become a staple in the U.S. luxury bedding market. Even better, you can find products by Peacock Alley on Amazon, so it’s easy to browse, shop, and get your items shipped to your door for free.
Look for soft, luxe bed covers, sheets, throw blankets, and bath items including ultra-plus towels and much more.
Parachute
Source: Parachute
If you believe that a beautiful bedroom is part of good self-care, then you shouldn’t miss the line of bedding and other products from Parachute. This brand focuses on providing customers with a premium line of bedding, décor, and high-quality pieces that reflect your modern style.
Parachute provides free shipping and free returns, and you’ll also receive a 60-day trial in case you’re not happy with your new bed cover. The company was founded in 2014 by Ariel Kaye and now has quite a loyal following.
The comfort and high-quality bedding ensure that you’ll probably fall in love with Parachute, too. You can choose from a variety of different fabrics including sateen, linen, and percale. There are also plenty of different colors and patterns, which makes it easy and fun to design the perfect sleeping space.
Not only does Parachute sell sheets and comforters, but they also sell duvet covers, robes, quilts, and shams. The company also focuses on ensuring that everything is made using sustainable materials and practices and that they stick to ethical manufacturing.
Before the company began, founder Kaye was a design enthusiast and avid consumer of home goods, but she couldn’t; seem to find a brand that made high-quality and affordable products to suit her needs.
With over a decade in advertising and brand development, she decided to start Parachute as an online-only, direct-to-consumer brand. Today, Parachute also has several retail locations throughout the United States.
Where to Buy
Brooklinen
Source: Brooklinen
This popular influencer-inspired brand offers a range of high-end bedding including bed covers, sheets, and much more. The Brooklinen brand features soft, quality bedding in a variety of both classic and contemporary designs.
This new brand was founded in 2014 and is fast becoming a popular place to shop for bedding online. The brand’s top sellers include the Luxe Sateen and Classic Percale sheets that come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and styles.
You can also mix and match your bedding to create a custom look. Brooklinen offers mattress toppers, bed and duvet covers, throw blankets, pillows, quilts, and comforters, too. The company offers customers an impressive 365-day return policy, even if the items are used.
If something rips or gets damaged, you can return it for a replacement or a refund, which is rare in the bedding industry. You can purchase Brooklinen products with Paypal, credit or debit, and Amazon Pay.
The subtle and modern patterns make every item a great choice for today’s modern bedrooms. And, if you only need a fitted sheet, you’re not forced to purchase a complete set which makes them extremely versatile, too.
The Company Store
Source: The Company Store
The Company Store is part of the Home Depot, although you’d never guess by visiting the company’s website. This retailer offers bedding in a massive variety of colors, patterns, and product lines. The Company Store makes beautiful, soft bedding, and its line of thick, lofty down comforters is especially popular.
You’ll also find deep pocket options for taller mattresses as well as bedding made of soft, wrinkle-resistant fabrics for longevity and a crisp, beautiful look. You’ll discover practically every type of bed cover and every type of sheet you can imagine here, including seasonal prints that will add a fun, colorful element to your sleeping space.
The Company Store offers a 90-day return policy which does include used items. If you sign up, you’ll get a code for 20 percent off your first order. There’s also another 20 percent off for referrals.
And if you really want to give a nice gift this year, The Company Store also has some monogrammed items available as well as custom orders. It’s important to note that clearance items are non-returnable, but everything does come with an impressive lifetime guarantee.
The Citizenry
Source: The Citizenry
The Citizenry sells exceptional bedding, but the retailer also sells a variety of artwork, furniture, area rugs, and décor, too. The company prides itself on only selling items that are Fair Trade Guaranteed, which means that everything they sell is made by artisans from around the globe.
The Citizenry’s stonewashed linen bedding is made from soft, organic Oeko-Tex certified French flax linen for a luxurious yet casual, inviting look. The retailer also sells soft and warm wool and alpaca blankets, with the La Calle Alpaca Bed Blanket being one of its best-selling products.
Everything comes with a 30-day return policy and there are no restocking fees for most bedding except for throws, decorative pillows, and bed blankets. Everything must be unwashed if you plan to return bedding.
Orders ship for free if you choose basic ground shipping, and it’s just $10 for premium shipping that gets your order to your door within three to five business days. The company is mostly online, but they do have a flagship store in the Soho neighborhood of New York City.
Check out the company’s assortment of bed covers as well as beautiful baskets, soft bath sheets, unique mirrors, and gorgeous kitchen products. The Citizenry prides itself on selling products “with a soul and with a story.”
Buffy
Source: Buffy
If you’re looking for comfortable bedding made from eco-conscious materials, give Buffy a try. This bedding retailer focuses on selling warm bedding that keeps you cool, all while keeping sustainability a priority.
You’ll find sheets, pillows, blankets, pillow protectors, and comforters here including an amazing eucalyptus and sustainable linen collection. The Buffy Cloud Comforter is one of the brand’s most popular items and features a nice, medium weight with a smooth, soft touch.
The comforter keeps you cozy throughout the night without making you feel overheated. The breathable shell is crafted of sustainably sourced lyocell. The Eucalyptus Sheet Set is another favorite that isn’t just soft, but also wrinkle-resistant, too.
Customers will receive a free 7-day trial on all Buffy products and if you decide you don’t want your bed cover, you can return it to the company free of charge within that timeframe. All returns must be initiated within 30 days.
Everything ships to you the next business day with free ground shipping and the bedding has a smooth, silky texture that you’ll definitely appreciate.
