Does sleep help your body and mind relax? Yes, it does, and beyond that, it improves your ability to concentrate and think and even helps in weight and stress management. Now that you have realized the importance of sleep, would you like to know the differences between comforter and blanket? Though they both are for warmth and comfort, they differ in many aspects. Learning the difference between the two will aid you in picking the right one and contribute to your good night’s sleep.
Let's start with a brief discussion about each of them and then look at the differences in tabular form for better understanding:
What is a Comforter?
A comforter is a thick and fluffy bedding essential that is filled with insulating materials to provide you warmth and comfort during sleep. Its outer shell is decorative and soft, whereas the inside features insulating filling that makes it perfect for winter and cold climates. The filling can be down feathers, cotton, or synthetic fibers.
What is a blanket?
A blanket is a single layer of fabric that is designed for warmth and comfort in cold temperatures. It is usually made from wool, flannel, cotton, or mink material. The warmth level of each blanket varies, and it depends upon the material used and thickness. They are available in various textures, designs, and colours for bedding decor.
Key Differences Between Comforter and Blanket
Having a look at the table below will help you clarify that comforter and blanket are two separate terms that are often used interchangeably.
Basis |
Comforter |
Blanket |
|
Made Up of |
Usually made of cotton, polyester, or down-filled fabric |
Blankets are made of fleece, wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers |
|
Typical Weight |
Can be lightweight or heavy as it depends upon the filling and thickness of layering |
Light in weight because it features only a single layer of fabric |
|
Warmness and Comfort |
Meant for a high level of warmth that one seeks in cold weather |
Provides moderate warmth that is required in mild to cool temperatures |
|
How to Care |
Few comforters require dry cleaning; otherwise, machine wash by reading instructions carefully |
Easy to Care for—wash in the washing machine with mild detergent whenever it gets dirty |
|
When to Use |
Prefer in winter or extremely cold climates |
Use it year-round either by layering or alone |
|
Long Lasting or Not |
Are long-lasting but ask you for careful maintenance |
Generally durable even if used regularly |
Versatility of Each
From the versatility point of view, blankets have no match. You can use them alone for a cosy sleeping temperature at night or use them for layering when there's a biting cold atmosphere. Not limited to bedding, blankets like plush blankets are excellent to use as a throw as well. In contrast, comforters are great only for main bedding and are usually used in harsh winters.
Designer Touch
Comforters give a designer touch to your bedroom. To keep the filling in place, they feature a designer stitching pattern on the top that looks stunning. Furthermore, the duvet comforters that have different colours on each side add to the ambience of your bedroom even more—they let you have two colour choices for your bedding in one duvet.
On the other hand, talking about the blankets, they come in gorgeous colours and designer patterns and textures on them that give a beautiful touch to your bedroom.
Insulation Capacity
Both are good at insulation, but which one is better can only be decided by you. If you need extra warmth and cosiness, then comforters are the best option for you—they are meant for use in harsh winter regions. However, for having mild warmth in cold temperatures, the blankets are your perfect pick. In extremely cold climates, too, blankets are worthwhile, as they can be used for layering.
Maintenance & Care
With proper maintenance and care of your duvet or comforter, you can take advantage of their beauty and warmth for a long time. Here are a few tips on how to do that:
Comforter: Tips for Maintenance
- Occasionally take out your comforter and put it under sunlight so that its odour and moisture are taken away.
- If you ever accidentally spill something on your comforter, then immediately spot clean the stain with mild detergent.
- Whenever your comforter is not in use, fold it nicely and put it in a fabric bag or vacuum bag, which you store at an uncrowded location in your room.
Blanket: Tips for Maintenance
- While washing the blanket, follow the care instructions and use mild detergent only because it will preserve the softness of your blanket.
- Shake and air it out regularly so that your blanket stays fresh, and you have a comfortable sleep at night.
- Fold your blanket neatly before you want to store it. And ensure the storage location for the blanket is cool and dry to avoid odour when using it next time.
Pricing of Comforter vs. Blanket
Comforters are slightly priced higher than blankets because they have extra filling in them and designer stitching patterns on top. Also, they provide more warmth as compared to blankets, so from that point, the higher pricing is valid and reasonable.
You must choose between a comforter or blanket depending upon the weather of your area and the warmth you seek because then the price you pay for either of them will be worth it.
The Bottom Line
Blankets and comforters greatly differ from each other. Their fabric, insulation, and purpose are not the same. So, before you go shopping for winter bedding essentials, keep this comforter vs. blanket guide handy and buy the right one to ensure your good night’s sleep is not compromised. Reach out to Homemonde’s store to shop for lightweight duvet comforters or plush blankets. You will get premium quality and perfect insulation at the best prices.
FAQs
1. Should I put a cover on my comforter?
Generally, they don’t need a cover, but it is suggested to put a duvet cover on them. Especially if dust and stain chances are high in your bedroom, then you must use a duvet cover that you can remove and wash anytime.
2. What happens if you don't wash your comforter?
Usually comforters do not get much dirty if maintained properly. However, still, you must put them in the washing machine after every 3-6 months because some tiny dust particles that may not be visible to the naked eye can impact your hygiene and health.
3. Do blankets need covers?
No, blankets need not be covered as they are already a single layer of fabric. If your blanket is heavy in weight, then you might think of covering it so that maintenance gets less hectic for you.
4. How often do you wash a blanket?
Blankets are easy to wash since they are machine washable, so to maintain hygiene, put them in the washing machine every 2-4 weeks. In case your blanket is heavy, then you can opt for the 1-2 month washing cycle.
5. Are blankets warmer than comforters?
The comforter vs. blanket warmness depends upon their material. Comforters are generally warmer compared to blankets because they have filling in them. Meanwhile, blankets provide moderate warmth, but you can use them for layering to add to insulation.
