Duvets: Down-filled duvets were discovered in Northern Europe as early as the 800s. Countries bordering the North Sea, such as Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Germany, use duvets as their main source of bedding to protect themselves from the cold and humidity of the region. The quilts, or quilts as they were also known, not only served as a blanket, but a second quilt served as a mattress, so that the body was completely enveloped by the warmth of the feather.
The inhabitants of these northern regions collected the down of wild geese that roamed the shores of the North Sea. This down was then stuffed into a pillow-like cover and the entire pillow was sewn shut. The quilts were cut to the size of a bed-mattress and one was used to cover the bed, while the second was used for sleeping. A good quilt has the same qualities that nature gave to geese themselves: geese that survived the stark ice and extremely cold temperatures of winter. A good down comforter insulates, provides warmth, maintains a constant temperature, and protects against dampness and humidity. It also adjusts with the temperature of the surrounding air to keep you comfortable while you sleep.
When choosing a down comforter, there are some special considerations to keep in mind. First, you need to consider the quality of the down, the warmth capabilities of the down (fill), the outer fabric used to cover the down (tick-tock), and the construction of the finished product. Knowing how to care for your comforter before you buy it can also make a difference in the choices you make.
Choosing the right type of down is your first and foremost concern if you are choosing a comforter that will last for many years to come. Look for a down that is pure, meaning that it has not been mixed with feathers or other materials. This will make a difference in the warming properties of your comforter. Fill power is another important factor when choosing quality. The bigger and stronger the down clumps, the higher the fill power, which in turn means your down has superior insulation, will breathe better, and last much longer than smaller brittle down clumps. Fill power is simply a measure of expanded goose down. This is done by compressing one ounce of down and then measuring the amount of space the goose down (loft) occupies once it expands. It is here, in these air spaces between the clumps of down, that heat is trapped and held to keep you warm. To get the right heat for your needs, it’s important to compare what different manufacturers offer. Buying goose down by weight is simply not enough. The better the quality of the down, the less down you will need, which means a lighter, fluffier comforter. Some goose downs are sold by weight, and many manufacturers offer seasonal down comforters, such as summer weight, fall weight, and winter weight. Your purchase should be based on how warm you like to sleep at night, so if you get really cold even in the summer, a big padding is a must.
Next, attention should be paid to the outer layer of the quilt. As the outer cover must be strong enough and densely woven to not allow the down fill to leak out, only the right fabric is required. Although in the past, duvets were made from a standard type of material (material used only for pillows and down comforters), today’s good duvets are made from a wide range of tightly woven fabrics with a high number of threads that are not just practical, but also beautiful. You can buy beautiful quilts in various fabric options. Manufacturers also go to great lengths to seal the outer edges of their comforter to be absolutely sure no down leaks out.
Comparing prices will give you a great basis for comparison. If you plan to use your comforter on your bed as is, then perhaps you should invest in an upgraded outer fabric. On the other hand, if you plan on using a duvet cover, then a basic standard fabric may work just as well as one of the more expensive ones and may even save you money.
Finally, the finish of the construction of the comforter itself can make the difference between comforters that last one year or five years. When constructing a fine down comforter, it is important that the feathers are enclosed in a box or baffle (three tiers of square fabric) so that the down does not shift, which in turn means an even temperature for the sleeper. Without sewing squares or rectangles directly into the duvet, the down would shift, there would be more tension on one side of the duvet than the other, and in turn the sleeper would experience cold spots, meaning an uncomfortable night’s sleep. The better the comforter is constructed, the better the focus on detail, design, and superior stitching, the stronger the comforter will be. Therefore, the longer the life of this beautiful bedding.
When you’re reviewing quilt construction, read what the manufacturer has used. Each manufacturer will provide a description of the types of patterns, boxes, or baffles that were used in the creation of their quilt.
Maintaining and caring for your down comforter is an important matter if you want your comforter to last for many years. The manufacturer’s label will describe suggested washing and care. Daily, after a night’s sleep, it’s a good idea to shake the comforter so that the down becomes fluffy again and assumes its height. Once a week, it’s also a good idea to rotate your down comforter. Shaking and rotating regularly keeps the down evenly distributed throughout the duvet and ensures that when used, the warmth will also be evenly distributed.
If your comforter gets stained, you can clean it, place it in the dryer on low heat, or hang it to dry on a clothesline. Most down comforters should only be dry cleaned. Although some manufacturers say that some down comforters are washable, the real risk here is that they may not dry completely with just a tumble dryer. The moisture inside a down comforter causes mold and mildew to grow which, if left unchecked, could lead to many other health problems. The dry cleaning process can also ensure that the soft goose down is restored to its near original state and the bedding is disinfected.
Other Quilts: There are all kinds of quilts or quilts on the market today that are stunningly beautiful but not stuffy. Today’s comforters are filled with synthetics, polyesters, wools, feather blends, and a variety of many other products. These quilts come in all sizes, all colors, patterns, and styles. You can buy quilts at bargain prices or search the Internet for your favorite designers. You can buy European duvets, hotel-quality duvets, and high-end luxury duvets, all by searching the Internet.
The same rules apply to buying synthetic-filled duvets as with other sheets. First, check the type of fabric used (cotton, linen, silk, wool) and check the thread count. Make sure to measure your bed carefully. The more luxurious your comforter, the more generous the cut will be. Find out if your comforter is washable or if it needs to be dry cleaned. Compare various manufacturers for quality, price, and warranties. Finally, ask the retailer about upcoming or annual sales and discounts.
The care and maintenance of a synthetic-filled comforter depends on the outer materials used in its construction. If the comforter is using a dry clean only fabric, then dry clean is the way to go to maximize the life of the bedding. On the other hand, if your comforter is fully washable, a mild detergent on a gentle wash cycle is best. Generally, the manufacturer’s recommended instructions come with your own comforter and it is advisable to follow these instructions.
Duvet Covers – A duvet cover is another way to care for and protect your beautiful comforter. A duvet cover is a shell-like cover or covering for your comforter. The duvet is cut to the size of your bed’s duvet, however one side of this cover has an opening so duvets can be easily slipped in or removed when needed. Duvet openings come with zippers, buttons, or a hook-and-loop closure to keep the duvet intact and in place. Duvet covers are a popular item for down or synthetic filled comforters. Duvet covers not only protect your comforter, but they come in such a wide variety of styles and colors that they add a wonderful decorative touch to any bedroom in the house.
Whether you’re purchasing a single duvet cover or a packaged bedding set containing a comforter and shams, your shopping checklist should follow the same procedures as if you were shopping for other bedding. First, take a look at the fabrics and the thread count. Just like other bedding and bedding, duvet covers are made in many types of materials. These materials include chenille, satin, wool, linen, French toile, combed cottons, 100% cottons, poly/cotton blends, fleeces, velvets, knits, and percale. Duvets and duvet covers are sold in a variety of bedding sizes, colors and patterns.
You can buy single duvet covers on sale or you can find designer sets through major designer manufacturers. For example, Laura Ashley, Pendleton, Thomasville, and Croscill, just to name a few. You can also check the international markets (European retailers) just to see what is offered in other parts of the world. When it comes to finally buying your duvet cover, it is crucial to take accurate measurements of your duvet first. Many bargain-priced duvet covers are cut to size, and in some cases, this snug cut produces a snug duvet fit. When the fit is too tight, it is difficult to fit the comforter inside a comforter and it is difficult to achieve a light and fluffy loft, the space that is needed for a comforter to breathe properly.
Comforters should fit snugly inside a duvet cover leaving at least a ½ to ¾ inch gap around the entire outside edge. High-end duvets have a seemingly larger and more generous cut. Before considering anything else, taking accurate measurements of your comforter will prevent disappointment and returns on your purchases. Finally, once you have the exact measurements, it’s time to choose your colors, your patterns and the style you prefer. Some wonderful manufacturers’ styles are Remmy, Bocci, Tiffany, Victorian, and Renaissance, just to name a few. These styles may also contain a few extra-fine touches, such as scalloped edges, white eyelet ruffles, Battenburg trim, patterned lace, or hand-sewn embroidered appliqués. It’s worth spending some time checking out what’s available on the market today and then choosing the one you like best.
Buying your duvet cover is very easy these days. With online shopping, you can search for comforters at bargain prices or you can opt for the luxury lines. You can often find discount prices or seasonal sales on high-end or designer lines. All Internet merchants offer low-cost or even free shipping to your door within days of your purchase. The most important thing to remember when shopping for duvets or any bedding is that you, the customer, must be satisfied with the look and feel of the duvet in your bedroom. You’ll know you’ve made the right choice when you see your new duvet and shams enhance the beauty of your bedroom and feel the comfort it gives you every night of sleep. To those happy customers, sweet dreams!