Duvet Covers - Three Decisions to Make Before You Shop

Do you see a new duvet cover in your short-term future? If so, it should be a bright spot on your horizon. But it is a bright spot that would fade significantly if you have to return the cover after the purchase. To help avoid this, as you get ready to shop, make and keep in mind three decisions related to the size, comfort level and style of your new duvet cover. With a good set of criteria in hand, you are much more likely to be happy with the duvet cover that you choose.
Size
It is true that there are a limited number of bed sizes in the US - twin, full, queen, etc. - and that the corresponding duvet insert or duvet cover sizes will fit their respective beds. However, if you are not purchasing the duvet insert and cover as a set, size can be an issue. It is not a matter of having either item fit the bed, but the insert and cover need to fit each other. It is worth a little time up front to avoid bringing home a duvet cover that looks too big and sloppy because it is too big or one that causes your duvet insert to bunch-up because the cover is too small.
The solution is to measure your duvet insert before you shop. The root problem is that manufacturers have not made either down comforters or duvet covers to standard measurable sizes. If you are buying a duvet cover for use over another kind of comforter, quilt or blanket, the need to measure your insert is even more obvious. It is important to get help when measuring your duvet insert, because two people can pull the insert tight and make sure the end of the measuring tape is even with the edge of the insert.
Once you have the duvet insert measurements, the measurements of your duvet cover can range from being the same size as the insert to being about two inches larger in both directions. For instance, if your queen size insert measures 85" wide by 90" long, your duvet cover should be from 85 to 87" wide by 90 to 92" long. Since both insert and cover are made of cloth and flexible, these limits can be pushed a little, but be sure the item being purchased can be returned before going too far outside of the determined range.
Comfort
Comfort is important to falling asleep quickly and having a restful night's sleep. Although cotton is America's first choice in bedding, there are several other choices that provide good to excellent comfort at good to "excellent" prices. Some of the cotton and cotton alternatives that are currently available on the duvet cover market include:
  • Cotton - In general cotton is a good fabric choice for bedding because its flexibility, softness and breatheability all add to its comfort level. The quality of the cotton and the manner in which it is weaved effect its softness and feel. Quality is mainly based on the length of the cotton fibers (staples) attached to the cotton seeds. The weave produces different thread arrangements, and it also establishes the thread count, which is the total number of threads when counted along the top and one side of a square inch of material. The thread count of good quality sheets starts around 180 while even better quality sheets continue up the range to thread counts of 400 or 500. Thread counts above the 400 to 500 range are available, but many people question their increased value.
  • Cotton/Polyester Blend - Polyester is a man-made fiber that can be blended with cotton to make one of many Poly cotton blends. The resultant fabric is not only less expensive than the equivalent grade of cotton, but it improves washability at high temperatures.
  • Faux Suede - Faux Suede is a 100% polyester fabric that has the look and feel of suede.
  • Silk - No one can deny that silk has the look and feel of silk, but it also brings along the silk price tag.
Style
If your purpose is to just get out and spend the whole day shopping, go ahead and enjoy yourself. However, if your time is limited and you have decided on the size and material for your new duvet cover, determine some style guidelines before you head for the Internet or brick and mortar store. Actually spend time in your bedroom and take in all that is currently there. Then generate your guidelines, and if you can, picture some of the possibilities that the guidelines will produce. Style is a personal preference, so you cannot make a mistake, but as you express your personal sense of style you can take the results from good to better to best. The following suggestions may help in determining your guidelines.
  • Duvet covers are typically of similar style to the bed headboard and other major bedroom furniture.
  • The duvet cover should complement the style and color of the walls, art, floor coverings and window treatments.
  • In addition to your duvet cover, consider purchasing accent pillows to carry your color themes through the room.
On line or in a store, your shopping trip will be much more efficient if you determine the size, comfort level and style of your new duvet cover before you start. With these decisions made in advance of the trip you can quickly weed out the duvet covers that do not satisfy one or more of your criteria and concentrate on those that could be the one you are looking for. They also help prevent the need to return the merchandise.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_A_Klarich



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