Durable and Practical Duvet Covers

April 16th, 2010

Printed duvet covers are the ideal solution for bringing a bedroom a new look. There are many different and unusual designs available, traditional or contemporary designs are brought right up to date with expert use of faux fabrics to provide practical, fashionable and very affordable duvet covers to suit all interior design styles and colours.

Reversible printed duvet covers give the added bonus of having the opportunity to chance the appearance of a room effectively and efficiently. The reverse sides of a duvet cover are available which uses the same print design, a plain contrasting colour, checks or stripes. Printed duvet covers which utilise the print pattern look equally effect whichever side is used uppermost and typically have a darker and lighter side. The beauty of dark and lighter alternative sides is that they provide a look which remain complimenting the room’s decoration yet providing a new twist to the room’s appearance.

Duvet covers which are printed on one side and plain on the other offer a choice of interior design styles which compliment the rooms decor, crisp plain colours are the perfect solution in providing a clean line and the illusion of order within the room, whereas a printed duvet cover can inspire moods with funky swirls, leaf patterns and other fashionable and trendy prints.

With the vast range of different colour designs and patterns available there are suitable choices for all individual tastes and preferences. Bold geometric patterns offered in a huge range of colours suit contemporary and modern homes, while checks and stripes are suitable for both traditional and modern homes brightening a room’s interior and providing an illusion of a larger room.

Children’s bedrooms which include favourite sporting designs and sports teams, particularly football teams, are extremely popular for a young boy’s bedroom, girls who prefer a more ‘princess’ approach with whites and pinks will not be disappointed with duvet covers which depict their favourite television or film stars. As duvet covers and bedding set are very affordable it is possible to swap and change them as the child moves on to another fashion trend or chooses to support a different team! For an impartial look to a child’s room plain or printed duvet covers in deep primary colours offer a great alternative.

Many people chose to save money by buying affordable, yet stylish duvet covers to bring a new lease of life to a bedroom without the need to completely redecorate. The finishing touches of matching or coordinating curtains and scatter boudoir cushions will transform a room’s appearance instantly and without any hassle.

Ever popular whites and creams with delicate, yet durable embroidery patterns and embellishments of sequins and small faux beads are becoming increasingly popular. These duvet covers are as sturdy as printed or plain covers as most are machine washable. These luxurious duvet covers are suitable for guest and principle bedrooms offering a romantic yet crisp clean look.

Both plain and printed duvet covers are available with matching pillow slips, typically two slips are provided with double and king size sets and one with single bed sets. Made from durable cotton blends duvet covers offer a practical solution to laundry and maintenance of bedding.

Flannel Duvet Covers

February 16th, 2010

A flannel duvet cover is a very wise investment as a protection for your down comforter or duvet.  Todays flannel fabric is usually woven of the finest 100% cotton that has been dyed using low environmental impact dyes for beautiful lasting colors.  Flannel can be easily washed and dried in your washer and drier to keep your bedding fresh and add years of life to your duvet.  Always heed the manufacturer’s instructions and they will launder beautifully.  The more flannel is used and washed the softer it becomes.  A lighter weight flannel can also be used in the warm months because of its softness and breathability.  It has been used in everyday life for several hundred years.

Since the 16th century flannel has been woven from cotton and wool by rural people to add to their store of clothing and bedding.  In the 20th century flannel came into fashion and was used for a myriad of clothing items.  Originally it was left white, but then was dyed all colors as it was discovered to be a wonderfully comfortable fabric and could be used to make pajamas, underwear, even dresses and skirts.  Some enterprising designers have even created accessories such as purses using the heavier weights and scarves using the new blends that include silk being added to the cotton.  Covers for extra leaves of a dining room are available made of a heavy brushed flannel.

Flannel fabric usually evokes pictures of loggers in the forests and hardy men braving the cold climates of the north with their dog teams and farmers plowing the fields wearing their flannel shirts.  Flannel is a closely woven material which is then finished by brushing the fabric creating a nap that makes the cloth very soft and fuzzy.  It can be woven from cotton, wool or cotton blend and comes in varying degrees of weight.  Shirts are made of a lighter weight and are usually napped, or fuzzy, on one side.  Bedding, such as sheets or duvet covers is usually made with a medium weight flannel napped on both sides making the user feel very warm and cozy in the coldest of weather. Heavier wool flannel fabrics were and still are, at times, used in baseball and football uniforms, jackets and vests.

Flannel duvet covers come in all sizes from twin to king and in any color from white to the most exotic print you could desire.  Not only will you be warm and snug as you sleep, but your room will be a delightful place for you to retreat from a busy day.

Flannel Duvet Covers

February 15th, 2010

Here, we examine what you should consider when purchasing flannel duvet covers, including size, style and price. Flannel duvet covers, made from a thick, comfy fabric, keep dust, dirt and bad odors off your comforter. They don’t just keep you warm during chilly winter months, but also keep you cozy all year round. They are not too hot to keep on a bed throughout the year. In addition, they will last a long time and only get softer as they age.

Sizes

Flannel duvet covers can be found in twin, full, queen and king sizes. Frequently, one cover can be used for a full- or queen-size bed; it may look a bit oversized for the full-size bed. The only sizes you cannot find are crib and toddler sizes, probably because this fabric would be uncomfortable for a little child and may even pose a suffocation risk.

Style

Flannel duvet covers offer a wide range of styles, including various patterns and colors. Any room décor can match one of these fabulous duvets. If you favor a country setting, try a plaid or striped theme. If you are looking for something more modern, then try a solid, soft shade or a duvet with a very uncluttered pattern.

If you want a complete set, you can find a flannel duvet along with a fitted sheet, dust ruffle and two pillow shams. Since most people snooze right underneath a duvet, a top sheet is rarely found with a set.

Price

The price can vary depending on the size bed you are looking to outfit and the style of choice. They can cost as little as $30 and as much as over $300. The smaller the bed, the lower the price. In general, flannel duvet covers cost less than satin or silk ones. Expect to pay at least twice as much for these other fabrics.

Shopping Tips

  • Get a flannel duvet cover that is machine washable. Most can go into a washing machine, but be sure to check so that you don’t have a hefty dry cleaning bill after cleaning it. Dry cleaning even may introduce toxic chemicals into your bed.
  • Stay away from cheap flannel materials because these will quickly wear out. Instead, opt for high grade flannel which is composed of natural materials. Before the higher grade is dyed, these natural fibers are brushed for texture and softness.
  • If you are particularly concerned with warmth, search for flannel that is 6 ounces or heavier.

How to Select the Perfect Flannel Duvet Cover

November 30th, 2009


Duvet Size

Duvet covers come in standard sizes, and will be the same size as your duvet. Check the label or internet site product outline carefully to make sure that you are choosing the proper size before buying.

How to Select Duvet Covers – Fabric

When buying a new duvet cover, choose a fabric that feels good. Commonly available duvet cover fabrics include:

Cotton - This has a soft, light-weight feel, and many folks prefer a totally natural fabric. Cotton fiber permits air to pass thru easily, making cotton covers particularly snug in pleasant weather. Cotton will also take dye quickly, making it really versatile. It is simple to care for too.

Cotton/polyester blends -Polyester is sturdy and immune to wrinkling, but isn’t as snug as cotton, so a cover made of a mixed fabric gives you the advantages of both.

Other fabrics are also available – pure synthetics such as polyester, which are inexpensive and easy to care for, but may lack comfort. Duvet covers made of luxury fabrics, for example linen and silk, cost more and may need extra care, but are comfortable and stylish!

The fabric’s weave also is affecting the duvet cover’s texture. Thread count is vital ; this refers back to the number of fibers woven together in one square inch of fabric. Higher thread count fabrics are softer and more durable.

Another factor is the fabric’s ply – this refers to the number of fibers that are woven together then was made into a fabric. A higher ply equals thicker, heavier fabric.

Duvet covers made of high ply fabrics with high thread counts are thick, heavy and good for warmth. High thread count, low ply fabrics are the softest but also dearer. Fabrics with lower thread counts and plys are less sturdy, but are light-weight and economical.

Many high quality duvet covers are made of percale. This term makes reference to the way in which the fabric is woven, and applies to both natural and man-made fibers. Percale has a tighter weave than standard bedding, is of medium weight and straightforward to care for.

Other duvet cover fabrics include sateen, which is usually cotton woven for a satiny feeling, and flannel, which is a particularly thick, comfy fabric that is ideal in cold weather.

Style

Many colours and patterns are available. You may prefer a plain, single color, a bold cool pattern, or the luxurious look of embellished or embroidered duvet covers. For kids, there are plenty of published d-covers with cartoon and other characters to choose from.

Choosing Duvet Covers – Accessories

You might want to buy accessories to match your duvet cover. Matching pillow cases are normally available, and some manufacturers provide curtains, cushions and other items to match the duvet covers that they sell.

All You Need to Know About The Cotton Duvet Cover

November 30th, 2009


A good quality duvet cover should be able to protect & enhance your comforter. Further more, it should be able to keep it clean and prevent loose down. My intention with this article is to review a cotton duvet cover, so I will only focus on it.

The good thing about a cotton duvet cover is its versatility. Most of them are machine washable and can tumble dry even with low heat. Also, It has a modern feel to it and can transform the look of your bedroom from an old rugged one to a fancy modern one. Irrespective of who you are buying it for, make sure that you buy 100% cotton.

You can buy a soft organic cotton duvet cover with an allover black sketchbook-style floral print, Japara cover with satin piped edge, a cotton flannel one, which costs around $15 to $30 or an Egyptian Cotton Duvet. If you love Egyptian linen then you can buy yourself one that is imported from the Nile delta in Egypt. You can either buy a chocolate one or a 300-thread count Egyptian cotton cover that comes with classy hemstitching detail.

If you think you have learned a lot about this fascinating topic so far remember, we are only halfway through!

When you buy a cover some of the features to look for include a sequin detailing and faux silk trim or a silk quilt Classic themed one. Simply review some images and displays and make your choice such as a floral one, if you are into flowers or luxurious ribbons if you cannot do without the word luxury in anything you buy and allover black sketchbook-style floral print or a superb satinised100% cotton duvet cover with quilted mock silk panel. Look for one that is easy to care for. As mentioned earlier, make sure it is machine washable and can tumble dry even with low heat.

Keep in mind that these options all depend on your specific taste and budget. For example, there are some that are sold for more than 1000 USD and some at less than 50USD. Some are made from rare 100% organic Peruvian Pima cotton and some is just your every day one. Also look out for some that come with shams.

These differ by durability, size, label, color, material etc. As for size, the options vary from king, queen to twin size ones. You need to know the size of the bed you want to cover before you buy one.

Generally the single or twin cotton duvet cover sets comes with one pillow case, while the Queen and King sets are definitely sold with at least two pillow cases. Often times your set comes with pillowcases but do ask before you make a payment.

Do not be lazy when it comes to searching for information about this bed linen. After all you do not want to find yourself owning something that disgusts you. There are a number of sources that offer free information and recommended cotton duvet covers to buy.