In the world of home comforts, few things rival the cozy embrace of a well-chosen blanket or quilt. Beneath their seemingly simple surfaces, an intricate composition of weaves and material consideration lay out how comfortable they would be for you. In this blog, Feedhour will help you understand the bewildering world of blankets and quilts, and decipher what blankets and quilts will be the perfect addition to your bedroom to make it a cozy and snug haven for you to relax in.
History of blankets and quilts
Blankets and quilts are not mere fabrics but are a marker of how human existence has evolved. Blankets are primitive protectors that have emerged from the obscurity of our distant past when they were fashioned from rudimentary animal hides and coarse cloth. These early incarnations served as primal shields against chilling winters, embodying human’s primal connection to the art of survival.
Quilts, on the other hand, have their roots quite deep. The most ancient of known quilted garments, dating back to medieval times, stands as an infallible testament to humanity’s enduring affinity to craft warmth and comfort. Passed down through generations, these quilts have become conduits of familial narratives and craftsmanship.
Types of blankets
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Duvets and comforters
One of the most popular types of blankets, comforters consist of two large fabrics padded with warm materials such as feathers, cotton, or polyester. A duvet is similar to a comforter but can be thicker, softer, and warmer than a down jacket. A key difference is that duvets come with covers, while comforters are generally used without any.
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Throw blankets
Throw blankets are lighter blankets that are generally used for decoration purposes or to be used in the daytime on the sofa when it’s not too cold. It is quite lightweight and can be moved around the home easily. You will mostly find knitted or woven throw blankets in the market.
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Microfiber blanket
Microfiber blankets are an amalgamation of many kinds of fibers blended to make a softer and smoother fabric that gives you a snug feeling. The most common materials that are used are polyester, rayon, and nylon. Since they are very finely woven, dust particles do not particularly stick to them and thus they can be cleaned easily.
Types of quilts
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Patchwork quilts
Patchwork quilts are the simplest of all quilts. They are essentially just patches of different fabrics sewn together to create a larger piece that you can use as a throw. You can use any shape really- squares, triangles, hexagons, or even curves.
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Crazy quilts
The Crazy quilts dates all the way back to the Victorian era when women would create these intricate quilts out of odd pieces of different fabric types and then show off their impressive embroidery skills by embellishing the quilt tops with a wide variety of stitches and embroidery designs.
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Rag quilt
Rag quilts are like patchwork quilts but the patches are frayed at the trims. You can make them out of flannel or fleece fabrics but ensure that the pieces can be frayed really well.
How to maintain your blankets and quilts
- When blankets are stored in a pile, they get worn out because of the pressure required to remove them. Instead, consider storing them by folding them into small round and cylindrical rolls and placing them vertically next to each other in the bed’s storage compartment.
- Be sure to use cold or room-temperature water and a mild detergent. Also, when washing a blanket, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and consider using a wool blanket instead of standard detergent.
- Consider vacuuming blankets and duvets daily or weekly and then removing stains immediately. If you get a stain, instead of washing the entire blanket, wet the stained area and prewash it with liquid detergent. After a few minutes, remove any residue from the surface with a cloth or tissue paper instead of washing it off with lots of water.
Top picks for blankets and quilts
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Sweater knit blanket
This 100% long-staple cotton is a very soft option for daily use. The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification ensures that the blanket is completely free of any potentially harmful chemicals. The blanket also has moisture-wicking properties because of which it dries rather quickly. The chunky moss-knit pattern has dual benefits; it offers both warmth and breathability.
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Aero quilt
This airy quilt has a light cotton-viscose gauze weave quilt that allows for maximum breathability. It also features a convenient hypoallergenic poly batting filling that will provide you with snug and warm comfort.
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Weighted blanket
This plush weighted blanket comes with an ultimate relaxing material and provides you with a good rest with its cozy cotton velvet weight. It has a luxurious diamond quilt that gives it a very plush look. It can also be doubled as a throw for your living room just as easily.
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Diamond knit blanket
This light and airy cotton blanket is highly versatile and comes with a lightweight knit made out of luxurious long-staple cotton. What’s best? It only gets softer with every wash! This blanket too is naturally hypoallergenic and does not retain too much moisture, making it perfect for winters or for children who believe in spilling things at the worst possible places.
Conclusion
Winter is coming and you need to protect yourself from the excruciating chills of the winter breeze. Look for carefully crafted fabric to transform your chilly nights into a sleep of comfort and luxury, but remember to care for your blankets and quilts too, for the season is damp and full of moisture. Check out these quality plush blankets and quilts recommendations by Feedhour on Saatva and make your bedroom a cozy retreat.
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