How To Choose A Comforter For Your Bed

With so many comforters and options available it can be overwhelming to decide which one is ideal for you. Making the right choice can be the difference between a good and bad night's sleep.

To choose the right comforter for your bed, you need to consider a variety of factors some of which include, materials, size, and thickness. 

Although there are additional factors to consider when choosing a comforter. We will walk you through key things you should consider.

Before Replacing Your Duvet Or Comforter

Before replacing your duvet or comforter, check if it feels limp or flat. These are signs that the filling has started to leak from the casing. If so, it’s a good idea to replace your duvet or comforter.

Generally, you should replace your duvet or comforter once every 15 to 25 years. Because it doesn’t support weight at night, it should last longer than your pillows. 

Steps to Choose a Comforter:

When buying a comforter, here are steps to take:

Step one: Consider Outer Fabric

The outer fabric is the outer casing of the comforter, which keeps the filling in place. It’s typically made from cotton, silk, polyester fabric, or polyester blends. You can choose from a variety of colors and designs to match your other bedding.

Step 2: Identify an Inner Filling 

The inner filling determines the comforter's weight and warmth levels. Comforters can contain natural materials like wool, duck down, goose down, silk, and fur. You can also go for an alternative comforter made from polyester or polyester blends if you are allergic to natural materials.

• Bamboo: Comforters made of bamboo fibers are attractive to some consumers because they are hypoallergenic. It is also more lightweight than some of the other options.
• Down: Down is a soft material that lies beneath the protective feather covering of a goose or duck. It is an attractive filler because it is long-lasting, all-natural, and extremely warm. Heavier comforters meant for use in cold conditions often rely on down.
• Wool: Because of its unique texture, wool is very effective at retaining heat. It is also extremely durable.
• Cotton: It is one of the most widely-used comforter materials. It is a soft, breathable, comfortable fabric with hypoallergenic properties. It is also relatively easy to wash and dry, and it can serve as both the covering and filler for a blanket.
• Silk: Silk is a soft material that serves as the covering layer for some premium comforters. It is naturally breathable and a good option for those who sleep hot.

Some comforters combine different materials or use partially or fully synthetic materials. You may be interested in our guide, down vs down alternative: which one is better for you?

Step 3: Choose a Comforter Size

The comforter size should depend on the mattress size. For example, you should get a queen-size comforter for a queen-size mattress. Ideally, the comforter must be the same length around the sides and the foot of the bed so they maintain good proportions. 

Note that if you’re buying a comforter for a daybed, you cannot use a comforter for a twin-size mattress. A twin comforter will not fit properly because the daybed has a backrest. Ask the seller to provide you with a daybed comforter instead.

Step 4: Consider Warmth

Comforters are generally warmer than other forms of bedding. However, they come in different weights and thicknesses. Light and ultra-light comforters are good options for those who sleep in temperatures of between 65 and 75 degrees. If your bedroom is colder than this range, you can get a thicker, winter-weight comforter, which will keep you warm down to 50-55 degrees.

For average sleepers living in a climate-controlled home, lightweight comforters are typically sufficient.

Choose Colors & Patterns

Colors and patterns are a preference. Choose a pattern and design that fits your preferences.

Step 5: Consider the Cost

Prices can vary widely depending on the size and quality of comforter materials. A premium goose-down comforter or a blanket with a silk exterior can cost hundreds of dollars. At the same time, quality cotton and standard down or batting options are often available for under $100.

Higher thread counts (400 or more) often lead to a premium price tag, while size also plays a role in the final cost.

What Is The Difference Between A Comforter And A Duvet Insert?

A duvet insert consists of two separate pieces. A duvet and a duvet insert. A comforter is one piece. The comfort often has the filling. Whereas a duvet insert has a filling, with a cover on the outside.

Still unsure? See our guide on duvet vs comforter differences.

Additional Considerations

Types Of Duvets And Comforters

Comforters and duvets come in various construction methods and styles. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Baffle Box

Baffle-box construction means that the top and bottom sheets are stitched in a checkered pattern. Each pocket is stuffed with polyester, down, or any other filling material you choose. 

Since each pocket is sealed off separately, stuffing from one pocket cannot move to the next. That way, you never have to worry about redistributing stuffing or getting any cold spots.

Quilt Stitch Or Square Stitch

As the name suggests, the quilt stitch or square stitch comforter comes with square pockets. Like the baffle box construction, it prevents the inner filling from moving or redistributing. 

Channel

A channel comforter has long, rectangular pockets that run either the entire width or length of the comforter. These strips allow the inner filling to move a little more compared to a baffle box or quilt-stitch comforter. This is preferable for those who want some parts of their comforter to feel warmer than others.

Gusset

A gusset lets the comforter retain its plump shape. It is sewn into the fabric to strengthen or enlarge a section of it. 

Where To Buy A Duvet Or Comforter

Buying In-Store

Buying a comforter in-store is extremely convenient because you get to check if it’s a quality product before purchasing. You can feel how thick the comforter is and how much extra warmth it provides. Nevertheless, make sure to check if you have the right size. 

Before going to the store, measure your mattress thickness. For example, if you have a Queen-size bed that’s 60 inches wide, 80 inches long, and 12 inches thick, you would need to add 12 inches on each side. So, buy a comforter that’s at least 84 inches wide. If your bed comes with a box spring, buy oversized comforters or go up a size.

It may sound intimidating, but don’t worry – you can always ask someone who works at the store to help you find the right size for your bed.

Buying Online

Buying a comforter online can be nerve-racking, but there are ways to ensure that you purchase the right product. Same as buying in-store, be sure to measure your mattress and add the measurements of the thickness to each side. Most online stores already give you the option to choose the size depending on your bed size, so you won’t have any trouble. Same with buying in-store, if your bed has a pillow top or box spring, pick a larger comforter.

Upgrade Your Sleep With Purple

The Purple Duvet is the perfect down-alternative comforter that gives you cozy, warm benefits without pokey feathers, allergens, or fill migration. Choose between a lighter fill and breathable fabric. Perfect for staying cozy without sleeping hot. Or choose a heavier fill that is perfect to stay cozy and warm during the winter months.

How To Choose A Comforter FAQs

Should the comforter be bigger than the bed?

Yes. Your comforter should extend down the sides and the foot of the bed. If your mattress comes with a box spring, you can get an oversized comforter or get a size up. Ideally, your comforter should extend past the mattress and end just above the bed skirt. Keep these proportions in mind when making your bed.

Should I get a light or medium-down comforter?

Get a light or medium-down comforter depending on your local climate and your bedroom’s average temperature. For warmer climates or houses with a hot bedroom, a light comforter will suffice. Meanwhile, for colder climates or houses with a drafty bedroom, a medium-down comforter will be better. If you find that the medium-down comforter isn't enough for cold climates, you can get heavyweight comforters instead.

What kind of comforter do 5-star hotels use?

Usually, 5-star hotels use luxury comforters with a high thread count because they are softer to the touch and exude a luxurious feel. Most hotels also use white comforters to ensure guests that the bedding is thoroughly clean.