Duvet covers: varieties and tips for choosing

The duvet cover is an important element of the bedding set and is widely used as a bedding accessory among many peoples of the world. The first mention of duvet covers dates back to the first half of the twentieth century. In those days, only rich people could afford to purchase it. However, after half a century, the duvet cover has firmly entered the household and today almost no bed can do without it.

The presence of a duvet cover in the bed set is due to the need to comply with the rules of hygiene. Thick blankets do not dry well and often lose their original appearance, so frequent washing of such items is impractical. To keep the blankets clean and neat, the hostesses use duvet covers. In addition to hygiene requirements, the use of a duvet cover significantly increases the level of comfort in the presence of a prickly or slippery blanket surface. Many synthetic blankets are poorly breathable and can cause excessive sweating during sleep. The use of duvet covers creates a thin air gap between the body and the cover material of the duvet, which ensures ventilation and reduces perspiration.

When using thin bedspreads as a blanket, the duvet cover creates a multi-layered effect, which somewhat increases the thickness of the blanket and, due to the formation of air layers, improves the heat-saving functions of the latter. In addition to its practical benefits, the duvet cover brings an important aesthetic component to the appearance of the sleeping bed. Bedding sets, including, along with a duvet cover, sheets and pillowcases, look aesthetically pleasing on the bed and harmoniously combine with each other. Duvet covers are classified according to many criteria, the fundamental of which are the types of cuts, sizes, material of manufacture, structure and color.

On this basis, all duvet covers are divided into three types.

• Items with a blanket cut at the bottom of the model. The advantages of such duvet covers include the ability to use both sides when covering, the ease of filling the blanket and the finished appearance. Among the disadvantages is the likelihood of blankets slipping out during sleep. However, this moment can be considered a minus only conditionally. Bottom slit models are very easy to equip with different types of fasteners such as zippers, buttons or buttons. The choice of fastener depends entirely on the cut of the duvet cover and the personal preferences of the owners. So, when one half of the product enters the other with an overlap or equipping the model with a valve, it is advisable to install buttons and buttons, and with a simple cut - zippers.

• Models with a "European" cut, made in the middle of the side edge of the product. These duvet covers are much more convenient to use than the previous ones, and often do not need additional fasteners. With the correct size, the blanket does not leave the duvet cover even during a restless sleep, due to which "European" cutouts are often used when sewing children's sets.

• The third type is a typical Soviet invention and is cutout in the center of the front side... The hole can have a round, square or rectangular shape, and also be made in the form of a rhombus or a narrow slot located in the center of the product. This type of duvet cover uses only one side of the duvet and is considered the most difficult to fill.

The modern bedding market offers a huge variety of different standard sizes. The choice of the right product depends entirely on the dimensions of the bed and blanket. So, the standard domestic sizes of one-and-a-half-size blankets are 140x205 cm, two-bed blankets - 172x205 cm and Euro models - 200x220 cm.Children's products are produced in sizes 140x110 cm or 140x100 cm. Foreign sizes are somewhat different from Russian ones and are designated by letters. For example, a one-and-a-half size duvet cover of 145x200 cm will be marked with the inscription Single / Twin. Double models 264x234 cm are designated as King / Queen, and the marking of children's duvet covers with dimensions of 100x120 cm will look like Baby bed.

In addition to the standard, non-standard options are often found. So, children's models can be produced in sizes 125x120 and 125x147 cm, the dimensions of teenage single-bed products sometimes correspond to 122x178 cm, and one-and-a-half options can be represented by products of 153x215 cm.The ideal size of a duvet cover is considered to be the one whose length and width are 5 cm higher than the parameters of the blanket. In this case, the blanket will not get lost during sleep and will be easy to refuel.

Materials for the manufacture of duvet covers can be both natural and synthetic fabrics. High-quality products should include at least 60% of natural fibers, represented by cotton, silk, linen and wool. A number of fabrics are considered the most popular for sewing duvet covers.

Cotton is the most versatile and practical raw material for making bedding. The ideal option is one hundred percent, without the use of synthetic impurities, cotton composition. Such products are distinguished by high density, do not shine through, but at the same time are soft and pleasant to the touch. The advantages of cotton are high durability, the ability to remove excess moisture from the body, ease of washing and ironing, absolute hypoallergenicity, non-slipping and excellent antistatic properties. The disadvantages include fast color fading and size reduction during washing.

Silk is one of the most expensive fabrics used for duvet covers. The material is distinguished by a long service life, the ability to wick moisture away from the human body and an elegant appearance. Black and red monochromatic models, as well as printed products with photographic images, look especially beautiful. Silk models belong to the category of winter-summer products, which is due to their high temperature-regulating properties. The advantages of silk include resistance to fading and deformation, as well as the dirt-repellent properties of the material.

In addition, silk is not a favorable environment for the vital activity of saprophytes, does not break when stretched and does not accumulate static electricity. The disadvantages include the impossibility of bleaching products and strict requirements for washing. So, a silk duvet cover should be washed with a special powder at a water temperature not exceeding +30 degrees, and only on the hands. It is forbidden to wring out and twisting the product, and ironing should be done only from the wrong side. During ironing, it is not recommended to use a steamer and a spray arm, as this leads to the appearance of stains on the product and spoils its appearance. In addition, silk models are prone to slipping, therefore, it is recommended to sew fasteners into duvet covers, and equip sheets with an elastic band.

Jacquard is also widely used for sewing bedding. It consists of cotton with viscose fibers added. The material has a relief structure and looks like a tapestry, but has a smooth texture and is pleasant to the touch. The advantages of jacquard models include the high strength of products, the ability to remove excess moisture and good thermoregulatory properties. The material is not prone to accumulation of static electricity, has high abrasion resistance and dries quickly after washing. The disadvantage of jacquard products is their tendency to form pellets after frequent washings, which will make the duvet cover look stale.

Satin jacquard is also often used as a material for sewing duvet covers. The fabric is distinguished by a harmonious combination of a smooth surface and embossed patterns, a beautiful shine and aesthetic appearance. The advantages of the models include the complete hypoallergenicity of the fabric, the possibility of using it in winter and high durability. Among the disadvantages are the slippery surface of the duvet cover and unsuitability for use in hot weather.

Linen is a valuable natural material and is distinguished by some stiffness and knotty texture. Linen duvet covers have thermoregulatory properties and a moderate bactericidal effect. The material is able to prevent the appearance and reproduction of fungal infections and eliminate skin inflammation. Linen bed perfectly absorbs moisture while remaining dry. Such models are durable, resistant to fading and not prone to yellowing. In addition, linen duvet covers with a cutout on the front side look very nice with quilted or insulated patchwork quilts and fit perfectly into a modern interior. The disadvantages of linen models include high crease and difficulty in ironing products, which, however, is more than offset by the naturalness and hygiene of the material.

Duvet covers made of terry cloth, which have excellent absorbent properties and do not require ironing, are no less popular. Both completely natural materials and fabrics with the addition of synthetics can be used as raw materials for such models. Microfiber and bamboo duvet covers are interesting options. Despite the different origins, both materials are pleasant to the touch, lightweight, hypoallergenic and not susceptible to the appearance of fungi and bacteria.

When choosing the color of the fabric, it should be remembered that plain duvet covers in white, pale pink and light blue tones symbolize a state of purity and peace. Black models promote the flow of energy, while red products protect against anxiety and anxiety. Green color represents serenity and tranquility, and purple shades bring originality and experiment to the room. Duvet covers with a small pattern are good for a rustic style, and gray linen models will fit perfectly into eco-style. Geometric patterns and oriental motifs will bring mystery to the room, and drawings with large red flowers will set you in a romantic mood.

When choosing a duvet cover it is necessary to consider such important factors as:

• in order for the linen to last longer, you need to choose models with the addition of synthetics, but completely synthetic fabrics should not be bought either - products made from them can accumulate static electricity and be not very pleasant to the touch;
• if the model is purchased for year-round use, coarse calico or poplin would be the best option;
• if you want to have shiny linen instead of silk, you can buy satin: it costs much cheaper, but it looks no worse;
• when choosing a duvet cover as a gift, it is better to focus on cambric or jacquard models, but if funds allow, it is preferable to choose silk;
• knitted models are more suitable as duvet covers for duvets;
• when choosing a product, you need to see if the color of the fabric and threads matches, as well as check the quality of the processing of the internal seams and the geometry of the stitches; in addition, the duvet cover must be made of a single piece of fabric: the presence of joint seams is unacceptable;
• before buying, you need to smell the product, and if you find an unpleasant chemical smell, refuse to buy.

For information on how to choose a duvet cover, see the next video.