Definition of Bedding Types
Quilt: n. A 3-layered stitched bed covering. The top layer is normally cotton or polyester and patterned with either a solid, printed, or pieced pattern, while the bottom layer is a solid or printed layer, and finally the interior padding is made of cotton, polyester, or a poly-cotton blend. It keeps you warm by allowing body heat to transfer up through the quilt in order to push off cold room air, thereby eliminating overheating. Festival Quilts sells quilts with their matching pillow shams, but they also come in a throw size meant for sofas, recliners, quilt ladders, or at the foot of the bed.
Comforter: n. a 3-layered bed covering made of two lengths of fabric or covering sewn together and filled with insulated materials for warmth, traditionally down or feathers, wool or cotton batting, silk, or polyester and other down alternative fibers. It’s keeps you warm by trapping body heat inside your sleeping capsule which can lead to overheating and perspiration.
Bedspread: n. A single layer fabric primarily used for aesthetics, covering the entire bed and often reaching the floor. They often feature decorative patterns and embellishments and are made from various materials, including cotton, microfiber, or other decorative fabrics. It’s not really meant to keep you warm on its own but relies on a blanket or quilt underneath for warmth.
Duvet Cover: n. A protective fabric covering for a comforter. It's essentially a large pillowcase that encases the comforter, making it easier to clean and change the look of your bed. Because of the extreme insulating properties these are popular in cold climates, especially N. Europe and Canada.
Blanket: n. A single layer cloth covering that is used on a bed under a quilt to keep you warm. Many times people use a blanket for napping on sofas or a recliner. It’s usually made of cotton or polyester and lacks the design features of a bedspread or quilt. A blanket is utilitarian in nature and is commonly layered underneath a quilt or bedspread for added warmth.
Bedsheets: n. A single layer fabric meant to protect your mattress with its fitted sheet, protect your quilt with its flat sheet, and your pillows with the pillow sheets. Bedsheets do add a thin layer of warmth over you. Normally, bedsheets are made of cotton, flannel, bamboo, or polyester and sold in four to six piece sets.
