Selecting the Best Comforter (part 3)
This article is the third part of a trilogy. You can find the first part here, and the second part here.
The secret is in the box
When it comes to stitching comforters, there are typically two kinds of construction: the first is called “baffle box,” the second “sewn-through box.” Given that box refers to the area of fabric bounded by the stitches and filled with down, let’s take an in-depth look at those two models:
The name “baffle box” refers to a more particular design: a 3-dimensional fabric-walled box pattern which allows the greatest range of loft for the down to expand upon while remaining distributed evenly inside the box themselves. At the same time, the model manages to avoid cold spots. Baffle boxes leave a small opening in the corner of each box where the latter get filled with down. This construction produces a smooth interface on the top of the comforter.
The sewn-through box is where the quilt attached on both sides of the fabric in a box that is sewn-through. Manufacturers use this pattern in lightweight blankets and comforters where there isn’t enough sewn-through box and down to loft will reduce the down properly. The sewn-through construction is cheap. One of the drawbacks of this pattern is that cold spots occur along the stitch lines as the down tends to shift away.
There are others ways to put together the building blocks of a comforter, but those are the most common in the industry.
One size does not fit all
When selecting a comforter, size is the last thing that we need to consider. There are different standard sizes to choose from, including Twin XL, Twin, Full/Queen, Full-Queen, King, Oversized Queen and Oversized King.
When it comes to selecting the comforter, the size of your bed should ultimately drive your decision; you can choose to cover the bed in a traditional way or opt for an oversized comforter which will drape over the bed. The European type of quilt is made to sit on the bed with little or no drape. But, in the United States, we like our comforters to hang on the bed, just like a bedspread. If what you want is more drape, then a larger quilt will fit you best.
What you also need to consider is your preference for the size of the comforter that is inside the duvet cover, or on the down comforter cover. While some people prefer to match the size of their duvet cover as much as they can, as there is no standard in the industry.
Others prefer their comforter to be a little bit bigger, so it fluffs up much more in the duvet. Finally, others will go for a bigger duvet cover with a more regular sized comforter to get a draped look without the cost associated with the larger quilt.
Last but not least, depending on your situation, you may also want to consider the old “tug-of-war” that a lot of couples experience at night. Indeed, some individuals take a large chunk of the covers when they roll over, which has the unfortunate side effect of leaving their partner in the cold. The partner who falls victim of this nightly game will no doubt appreciate an oversized comforter, which they can use to keep warm at night too!
One last tip
Check the size of your duvet cover beforehand to ensure that it is fitting and fills your comforter correctly. You don’t want to end up with an uncomfortable bedding, especially when it goes by the name of “Comforter.”
As we saw in this trilogy of articles, there are quite some things to take into considerations when choosing a quilt. The first is the warmth level followed by the thread count, fill power, down type, size, fabric type and construction. Hopefully, these criteria will help shape the kind of comforter that will best fit your “style,” situation and taste in the long run. Buying a down comforter is not something you engage in often because of they do last a long time. Make sure that you get your selection right and choose the comforter that suits your style best. If you are still not sure, call us and we’ll do our best to help you make it right.