4 Classic Bedding Options to Consider

Bedding is a personal choice that must fit an individual’s needs, comfort, decorating scheme and lifestyle. Fortunately, many bedding designers and manufacturers have responded to the fact that not every individual likes the same type of bedding and has created options. When choosing a bedding option, consider not only its comfort, but also its required upkeep and ability to last. There are 4 Classic bedding options to consider when choosing bedding.

1. Quilt

A quilt with a full set of sheets is perhaps the most classic bedding option. Typically, quilts are very colorful with a variety of patterns combined. However, recently quilts have been coming in new fabrics, such as velvet, and are more frequently being offered in solid colors. Quilts can be quite thick or rather thin, but either type requires a full set of sheets, including a top sheet, to ensure warmth or the ability to remove the quilt if the sleeper becomes too warm.

Most designers offer matching pillow shams to use when making the bed. The upside of a quilt is that it is easy to maintain (most are machine washable) easy to remove and easy to maneuver when making the bed.

2. Duvet

A duvet is a thick covering, typically consisting of feathers or another heat-capturing material. Some duvets may consist of hypo-allergenic fibers for those individuals with sensitivities. A cover called a “duvet cover” is put over the duvet to make it fancy. In Europe, duvets are not used with top, flat sheets, but in America most users have a flat sheet underneath the duvet. Because different covers can be used, duvets often make for a very versatile decorating piece. Most duvets are offered with matching pillow shams for decoration. Duvets are not machine washable and must be drycleaned, but duvet covers can be washed and dried at home.

3. Traditional Blankets

Before duvets and quilts, sleepers relied on multiple blankets to keep them warm. The best part about blankets is that they come in a variety of patterns and weights to suit every personality. Additionally, with a blanket, the sheet set often becomes the focus of the bed. Because blankets can be thin, most blanket users have a full set of sheets on their beds. One attribute of blankets is their ability to be layered and removed easily. They can also be moved to either side of the bed to allow both occupants of a single bed to have their individual covering.

4. Electric Blankets

While not as typical as other types of bedding, electric blankets are a classic bedding option. Thin but able to heat up through internal wires and therefore become quite toasty, electric blankets can provide the exact warmth an individual desires. Many electric blankets also allow both sides of a multi-occupant bed to be heated individually. These blankets are often not as pretty or soft as traditional blankets, but can offer additional warmth. Additionally, electric blankets are not machine washable, but must be sent to the drycleaners.