A Guide to Comforters

A Guide to Choosing Comforters

Thread counts, weights, materials… picking the right bedspreads and comforters for your individual needs can be time consuming and confusing.  This guide will help you to understand the different terms and factors to consider when choosing bedding for your home.

Basic Comforter Elements

Comforters and bedspreads are generally made up of two major elements – the shell and the filling.  The same materials can be used for both, such as a cotton shell with a cotton filling, or can vary, such as a silk shell with down filling.  If your comforter is very thick and fluffy, it might also include baffling, which prevents the filling from clumping.

Determining Quality with Thread Count

When it comes time to purchase a new bedspread, you want an easy way of comparing quality among your various choices.  Thread count is one common way of rating the quality of your bedding. 

Thread count is the number of threads per square inch of fabric.  The higher the thread count, the tighter the weave and the higher the quality.  A higher thread count also indicates softness and comfort.  180 thread count is the minimum that you should consider in your sheets.  For real luxury, try thread counts of 400 or more.

Fill Power in Down Comforters

Fill power is another rating that you will often see, especially in down comforters and bedspreads.  Fill power is a rating of the number of cubic inches that it takes to contain an ounce of down filling.  The higher the fill power, the warmer and more luxurious your bedding will be.  Top quality down bedspreads will have a fill power of 550 or more.

By considering the materials, thread count, and fill power of your comforters and bedding, you can compare the quality that is offered across a wide range of products, and determine the best deal for your money.