Bedding Basics

Bedspreads, Comforters, Duvet Covers -- all of these are in the same family of bed cover, but each is unique in some way. Comforters and bedspreads are both bed linens that comprise the top layer of a bed, covering the sheets and any other blankets, but each has distinctive features that classify it as one or the other. Size is one of the most noticeable differences. A comforter is designed to sit atop the bed, covering just the top mattress.

A bedspread is designed to cover the entire bed and hangs low enough to cover the box spring. This means a comforter is usually smaller than a bedspread and requires a bed skirt to cover the box spring area. Both come in specific sizes for twin, full, queen, or king size beds, but sizes between each of these categories differs.

Another difference is that comforters are designed to stay on the bed during the night. They are extra thick because they have the functional purpose of providing warmth. Bedspreads are strictly ornamental. They can certainly be used as an extra cover on a cold night, but they are not made to be as durable and hence, may have more complicated cleaning instructions or be made with more delicate fabrics that will not withstand soiling and use as well as a comforter.

Sometimes duvet covers are erroneously tagged as a "duvet”, but they are not a stand-alone bed linen like a comforter or a bedspread. A duvet cover is used in conjunction with a comforter, but not a bedspread. These are made with one side open to insert a comforter, and this end is then closed with velcro or buttons, which allows washing of the duvet cover more frequently than the entire comforter. This, in turn, lengthens the life of the comforter. Duvet covers also allow for frequent decorative changes, as a comforter can be used without one, with one, or with several that are swapped out when the mood changes.

Comforters are quilted and can be reversible. Bedspreads are not. Some people use both a comforter and a bedspread, but generally not at the same time. A comforter can be kept in a chest, folded on the end of the bed, or tucked away in a nearby closet during the day to be used at night when the bedspread is removed.

A coverlet is a type of lightweight bedspread which may be woven or quilted. Classically, coverlets are primarily decorative, and designed to cover layers of thicker bedding. They may also be used on their own as throw blankets, and their light weight makes them suitable as picnic blankets, as well. Most department stores carry a range of coverlets, as do stores which specialize in bedding, and it is also possible to find unique coverlets in stores which carry imported ethnic crafts.

The term "coverlet” is derived from the Old French covrir, which means "to cover,” and lit, for "bed.” Literally, a coverlet is a bed cover. You may also hear a coverlet referred to as a coverlid. People have been using coverlets for quite a long time, but the art of crafting decorative coverlets really began to flourish in the 19th century. Today, some people prefer to use duvets, more heavy weight bedspreads which provide warmth as well as decoration, to reduce the number of layers on their beds.

The word sham means something that is false, and a pillow sham is a false decorative pillow. It lends the illusion that you have purchased specially decorated pillows instead of just covering a standard bed pillow with a pillow sham. Unlike the typical pillowcase, the pillow sham is often open in the middle of the back, with slightly overlapped fabric. Typically, you insert one side of the pillow into the pillow sham, and then insert the other side of the pillow into the opposite side of the sham. The overlapping fabric in the back covers the pillow completely, and by having pillow insertion in the middle instead of on one side like a pillowcase, the pillow sham allows for a uniform design around the four edges of the pillow.

Pillow shams are often sold as part of comforter sets, and may either be of the same fabric that makes a comforter or quilt, or may be a different contrasting fabric that works well with the rest of the bedding. Because they turn regular pillows into "decorative pillows” people dont usually sleep directly on pillows covered by a pillow sham. Instead these may be placed behind pillows with pillowcases when one is sleeping, or they may simply be removed from the bed. When making a bed, pillow sham covered pillows often are placed in front of pillows in pillowcases.

The benefits to using a pillow sham is that it adds decoration to the bed, but is more useful than specially purchased decorative pillows. Often pillow shams are washable, while decorative pillows usually dont always feature washable covers. Elaborate pillow shams may require hand washing or dry cleaning.

Additionally, unlike a decorative pillow, you can replace the pillow if it gets worn, without having to search for another decorative pillow that matches your bed. The pillow sham cover will remain the same, but a new, more comfortable pillow, as long as it is the same size as your old pillow, can be purchased. This is definitely a convenient feature of the pillow sham, because comforter and sheet styles may no longer be available in the design you own.