A comforter has the characteristics of a warm blanket and is typically paired with a flat sheet or another blanket. If you’re looking for the right combination of covers for a cozy, comfortable bed, here’s what you need to know about adding a comforter, what makes them different from duvets, and how to choose the best bedding for your mattress.
What is a Comforter?
A comforter is a piece of bedding that consists of a fabric shell with either natural or synthetic fill material. With a wide range of options for the shell and fill, comforters can offer varying degrees of warmth. They come in a wide range of patterns and styles.
Overview
Unlike a traditional blanket, a comforter is designed with multiple layers for added warmth. It also has a fluffier, more voluminous aesthetic than most blankets. Stitching helps keep the interior fill, which can be either natural or synthetic, from clumping. Both the shell and fill materials will have an effect on the comforter’s longevity, performance, and price point.
Shell Materials
The shell is the outermost part of the comforter. It surrounds the interior filling and serves as the visible element, dictating appearance. Comforters can be made with various materials, with popular options including cotton, silk, eucalyptus, bamboo, and wool.
Cotton
As a natural plant fiber, cotton is naturally soft and breathable. Depending on the weave, it may also have specific characteristics. Percale, for example, is crisp and cool to the touch. Sateen has a silkier feel and retains more warmth due to the weaving pattern. Since cotton can be washed, a cotton comforter can be a low-maintenance option.
Who it’s good for
- Hot sleepers
- Sleepers in warmer climates
Who should avoid it
- Sleepers in colder climates or those looking for extra warmth
Silk
Silk is also a naturally-derived fiber, with a signature smoothness that borders on feeling almost slippery. That may make a silk comforter hard to keep in place if you roll over during the night. While it’s an excellent pick for temperature regulation, silk is also high-maintenance. It’s prone to staining, and you’ll need to be extra gentle to avoid snagging the fabric.
Who it’s good for
- Hot sleepers
- Those seeking luxury bedding
Who should avoid it
- Combination sleepers
- Shoppers on a budget
- Anyone looking for low-maintenance bedding
Eucalyptus and Bamboo
If your comforter says it’s made with lyocell or viscose, it’s derived from processed wood pulp fibers that are sourced from eucalyptus or bamboo. These are wonderful materials for temperature regulation. They wick moisture well and their smooth surface is soft and slightly silky to the touch. They’re also incredibly durable.
Bamboo and eucalyptus can be an eco-friendly option. To find products that were made with sustainable manufacturing practices, look for comforters made with certified organic or GOTS certified materials.
Who it’s good for
- Hot sleepers
- Eco-conscious shoppers
Who should avoid it
- Shoppers on a budget
Wool
This natural material generally comes from sheep. Quality and construction will have a big influence on how a wool comforter feels. It may be rough or relatively soft and feel similar to a heavy blanket. Wool regulates temperature well, but it requires some care to avoid issues like shrinking and matting.
Who it’s good for
- Sleepers looking for extra warmth
- Sleepers in cold climates
Who should avoid it
- Anyone looking for low-maintenance bedding
Fill Materials
What goes inside a comforter is just as important as the material in the shell. This is where the majority of the comforter’s heft and warmth come from. Down and down alternatives, cotton, and wool are commonly used inside comforters.
Down
Down is the soft, fluffy under-layer of feathers commonly derived from ducks and geese. In comforters, down is well known for its airiness, loftiness, and warmth. The higher the fill, the warmer and heavier the comforter—and the higher the price tag. Down can trap body heat, though, which may lead to overheating. If you’re a hot sleeper, this probably isn’t the best fit for you.
Some down comforters may also require extra care, even dry cleaning, to maintain them. If possible, try to look for a down comforters that was made ethically. Look for certifications like Downmark and Responsible Down Standard.
Who it’s good for
- Sleepers looking for extra warmth
- Sleepers in cold climates
Who should avoid it
- Shoppers on a budget
- Hot sleepers, since down can trap body heat
Down Alternative
Down alternatives are designed to mimic the airiness of down without the high heat retention. Polyester is often used in lieu of down, which makes it less expensive, but there are more eco-friendly fibers (like lyocell) available as well. Depending on the material used, down alternative comforters may not be as durable as real down but are often easier to clean.
Who it’s good for
- Budget shoppers
- Anyone with down allergies
Who should avoid it
- Those looking for extra warmth
Cotton
As a fill material, cotton gives a comforter a soft, lightweight feel. This material circulates air well, which works well in warmer climates or if you tend to overheat at night. It’s also easily cleaned.
Who it’s good for
- Hot sleepers
- Those in warmer climates
- Anyone looking for low-maintenance bedding
Who should avoid it
- Those looking for extra warmth
Wool
Wool is an excellent insulator because it wicks moisture and regulates temperature, which can prevent overheating. In a comforter, wool fill adds warmth without excessive weight. However, you can find heavier wool comforters if that’s your preference. Depending on the quality of the comforter, wool comforters can also be expensive.
Not all wool comforters are machine-washable, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s directions.
Who it’s good for
- Those in colder climates
- Sleepers who like the feel of a heavy blanket
Who should avoid it
- Shoppers on a budget
- Anyone looking for low-maintenance bedding
How to Pick the Right Comforter for You
Choosing the right comforter comes down to weighing personal preferences, price point, and quality. If you overheat at night or live in a warmer part of the world, it’s important to choose a lightweight comforter made with temperature-neutral materials. If the goal is staying warm when the temperatures drop, a heavier comforter with heat-retaining materials is key. Consider maintenance as well. If you don’t want to avoid trips to the dry cleaner, make sure the comforter you buy is machine-washable.
Price point will likely help steer you in the right direction as well. Prices for comforters come in a wide range, and it may be worth spending more upfront for a quality product that won’t need to be replaced as quickly. Check for certifications like Downmark or Responsible Down Standard if you’re buying a down comforter, and consider details like thread count and stitching for clues about quality.
Should You Get a Comforter or Duvet?
While many people use the terms interchangeably, comforters and duvets are actually different kinds of bedding. The former is more common in the United States, while you’ll find duvets more often used in Europe.
Comforter vs Duvet
Generally, duvets are fluffier, thicker and warmer than comforters. Comforters are usually paired with blankets for extra warmth, which isn’t generally required with a duvet.
A duvet is typically filled with down, though you can find duvets with different kinds of fill material. Duvets are designed to be used with a duvet cover that serves a protective layer, which can be removed and washed, so the shells may not be as durable as those in a comforter. However, the lifespan of a duvet may be longer, because it’s protected by the cover. While the duvet cover is easily cleaned, the duvet itself may require more intensive cleaning.
Duvet inserts also lack the aesthetic choice of comforters, and usually are only available in neutral colors. However, there are usually style and color options in the duvet cover, though it is an additional expense.
Bottom Line
A comforter can be a great addition to your bed. This type of bedding comes in an array of materials and price points, so spend some time deciding what matters most to you. Unlike a duvet, a comforter is a single piece that can add warmth and style to your bed night after night.