BED COVERINGS DEFINED
What is a bedspread, a coverlet, a comforter? How do you say duvet cover?
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  | Bedspreads
A bedspread goes to the floor and has additional length to tuck over the pillows. They may be either throw style or tailored (fitted) style.
Bedspreads are generally made of decorative fabrics that are quilted with a decorative stitch design. Quilting gives the fabric additional body and adds texture and dimension to the finished product.
Because of the fabrics used, the construction and the sheer size of a bedspread, most manufacturers recommend dry cleaning. Check the label for specific information
Important terms:
Side Drop: The distance that the bed covering hangs over the side of the bed.
Pillow Tuck: The additional length built into a bed covering to allow it to tuck over the pillows. |
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  | Coverlets
A coverlet does not go to the floor and may or may not have additional length to tuck over the pillows. They may be either throw style or tailored (fitted) style.
Coverlets can be made of quilted fabrics or they can be made of textured, woven fabrics. The textured, woven fabrics are also known as matelasses (mat teh le zay) or piques (pee kay).
Depending on the fabric and the construction, a coverlet may be require dry cleaning or it may be washable. Check the manufacturer’s instructions or ask the store where you made the purchase for more information.
Important terms:
Side Drop: The distance that the bed covering hangs over the side of the bed.
Pillow Tuck: The additional length built into a bed covering to allow it to tuck over the pillows. |
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 | Comforters
A comforter does not go to the floor and it does not cover the pillows. They are more heavily quilted than either a bedspread or a coverlet.
A comforter can be made of a decorative fabric with polyester fiber fill or a basic, down-proof fabric with down filling.
Decorative comforters generally require dry cleaning while down comforters are best maintained by a professional washing service.
The finished dimensions of a comforter are an important consideration as to how it will fit your particular mattress, box spring, bed frame combination. |
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 | Duvet Covers
A duvet (doo vay) cover is used on a basic down comforter. It serves to add color and design to the top of the bed as well as to protect the comforter.
The word duvet is the French word for down. What we call a down comforter is known in much of the world as a duvet. Therefore, a duvet cover is the decorative/protective cover for a down comforter.
Most, but not all, duvet covers are washable. Check the label for more information
The finished dimensions of a duvet cover are an important consideration as to how it will fit your particular comforter, mattress, box spring, bed frame combination. |
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   | Pillow Shams
Pillow shams are decorative covers for bed pillows. They can be flanged (tailored), ruffled or welted.
The pillow shams generally coordinate with the bed covering so they may be quilted, unquilted or made of textured, woven fabrics.
Recommended care of the pillow shams would be the same as the bed covering. Check the manufacturer’s instructions or ask the store where you made the purchase. |
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   | Bed Skirts (Dust Ruffles)
A bed skirt is used when the lower portion of the bed is an unattractive box spring and bed frame. They can be tailored, shirred (gathered) or box pleated.
A bed skirt may be made of the same fabric as the bed covering or in a fabric that coordinates. When shopping for a bed skirt it is important to know the drop required
Recommended care would depend on the fabric used.
Important term:
Bed Skirt Drop: The distance that the bed skirt hangs over the side of the box spring. |
