Introduction
There are many similar terms for different bedroom decor products. Misunderstanding these terminologies, such as blankets and comforters, can lead to a wrong decision, making you suffer from sleeping but not enjoying. The comforter vs blanket comparison will clear your confusion in choosing your perfect bedding mate.
Brief Summary
Pros And Cons Of Comforters
Comforters are thick bedding that consist of three layers. The outer layers are often made of silk, cotton, or polyester. Meanwhile, silk, cotton, wool, or fleece are used for the middle layer.
Pros
- High insulation properties since it has three layers
- Suitable for colder nights
- Fluffy and comfortable
Cons
- Rather high maintenance
- Its size and weight make it hard to store
- It has the potential to cause allergies as it traps mites and dust.
Blankets' Pros And Cons
Blankets are pieces of large rectangle cloth that are usually thicker than a bed sheet. Typical blankets are usually one layer and are popularly composed of fleece, wool, cotton, and microfiber.
Pros
- Consisting of a single layer of fabric provides it a lightweight profile
- Easy to maintain and store due to its size and weight
- Comfortable, the best fit for warmer seasons
- Keep warm well if made from wool
Cons
- Insulation property and fluffiness depend on the material
- Less durable
Comforter Vs Blanket - What Makes Them Different?
The blanket and comforter are available in various shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns, and the preferable material is wool and organic cotton. However, they are not identical.
Construction
As mentioned above, there are three layers in a comforter. The fabric for the front and back layers can be cotton, silk, or polyester, depending on the users' needs. The filling material is down feathers or down alternatives. People use buttons or zippers to close the item.
On the other hand, a blanket only consists of a single layer of fabric such as cotton, fleece, microfiber, cashmere, etc. You can find wool and fleece blankets are the most popular ones as the first type is thick and warm while the other one gives you a feeling of fluffy and huggable.
Maintenance
Distinctive maintenance and care methods are the second points to discuss the difference between comforter and blanket. Comforters require higher maintenance. It is quite challenging to keep it fluffy and not lump after being in the washing machine. Putting some clean tennis balls in the machine can somehow solve this problem.
Some comforters even call for dry cleaning only, so you should spend more budget on it. Meanwhile, you can easily throw most of the blankets for a wash cycle. However, double-checking the price tag is highly recommended as different materials have different washing instructions.
Resistance
Resistance to dust, mites and other allergens is the thing you should consider when choosing between a comforter and blanket. For some people who have allergies, it's important to pay attention to the fabric that the bedding is made of.
The comforters are well known for their insulation property but are also prone to trapping more dust particles. Dozing under them causes some people to sneeze or cough.
You can prevent allergic risks by putting your comforter into a zipped cover. Consider high-quality models to minimize this possibility, such as organic comforters with the hypoallergenic property.
Another option is to consider woven fabric blankets instead, as they tend to block dust and mites from sneaking inside.
Warmth
One more difference between blanket and comforter is their warmth levels. It's considered one of the most important factors affecting your decision.
Natural feather down-filled comforters have excellent insulation capabilities. If you are seeking extra warmth during sleep, go for this type of bedding. Otherwise, have a look at other options.
Since blankets don't have filled layers, they are less warm. This single-layer bedding is suitable for those who struggle with overheating at night. It's a lighter, more breathable fabric and easier to add or remove if needed.
Price
Price is an unskippable element in determining a comforter or blanket purchase. In general, it depends on the fabric and layers. Since the comforters are thicker, their price is also higher, starting from $50 to hundreds of dollars.
Meanwhile, the simple construction and no insulating material allow the blankets to be offered at a more affordable price. It's also more cost-effective to use multiple blankets on each other to keep warm.
Alternatives For Comforters And Blanks
Duvets
A duvet is similar to a comforter with a removable cover. It's a soft flat bag with different types of fabric inside, such as cotton, wool, silk, feather, or synthetic alternatives.
You can use a reversible cotton duvet cover for your comforter because it traps less dust, thus reducing the allergic risks. The large cloth bag cover can tightly zip the bedding inside, and you can easily take it out to clean it.
Quilts
If you are still in a blanket vs comforter dilemma, a quilt is a good option. It's a multiple-layer blanket, providing enough airflow and keeping warm at the same time.
It is basted together with the batting and backing. You can use it as a bed topper as well.
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FAQs
Is A Comforter Better Than A Blanket?
Yes, it can be better than a blanket in terms of insulation, but it's not the only point to consider. Your requirements and sleeping style are what decide which one is better. If you sweat during sleep, you may need to replace your comforter with a blanket.
Which Is Warmer: Blanket Or Comforter?
When comparing a comforter vs blanket in terms of warmth, comforters are known to insulate better than their counterparts. That's why they are widely used in cold seasons.
Their layers of fabric and filling material guarantee a fluffy and cozy embrace. However, some types of blankets, such as the wool one, can also keep you warm effectively.
When Should You Use A Comforter?
Living in a cold area makes you more likely to need a comforter than a blanket. It offers you additional warmth and a huggable and fluff feeling. Some moms even start introducing a small comforter to their 6-month babies for this reason.
Which Is Better: Quilt Or Blanket?
Again, the answer to this question all boils down to your needs. Quilts are thicker and heavier than blankets as there are more layers. Therefore, it's more suitable to use in the winter. However, the 100% outside and inside cotton quilts are also acceptable in the spring and summer months.
Conclusion
The hot debate about comforter vs blanket seems never to end as many people are still struggling for comfortable sleep. A correct bedspread optimizes the sleep quality, providing you the energy to start a new day.
Each type of bedding has its pros and cons. Your needs and preferences decide which home decor item you will give a vote for.