This article was created for eBay via Fractl in fall 2014.
Your bedding can make all the difference between whether winter becomes your favorite or least favorite season. Here’s how to transform your bed into a cozy winter wonderland on any budget—and save on your nighttime heating bills as a result.
Top Tips
Layer. Remember that the air between layers (within a blanket or between multiple blankets) is key to keeping you warm.
Duvet covers are your friend. They are like pillowcases for comforters or any other kind of blankets. They provide extra layers and serve as a decorative element as well. Got a blanket that’s great except for being itchy or ugly? Perfect! Stick it inside a soft, attractive duvet cover and you’re set. (If you don’t see a duvet cover in a design/price you like, you can sew one very simply with a fabric of your choice, or with old sheets.) Note: using a duvet cover means that you can skip using a top sheet, if you like, because you can simply wash the cover as needed. If you go this route, make sure to get a duvet cover that feels amazing against your skin.
Do you sleep with a blanket tugger? Don’t wake up in the cold. Buy your bedding a size larger than your bed so there’s extra fabric available on both sides. If that’s not a drastic enough measure to ensure peace, put two separate duvets on the bed. Yes, you are allowed to do that and it can look great. The usual method is to fold two twin-sized duvets in half and lay them next to one another on the bed. (Bonus—this frees up each partner to select bedding that meets their own preferences for warmth and weight.) If you prefer the appearance of a single blanket, simply lay another across the top.
To complete your strategy, here are some of the most popular and sought-after blankets for winter.
Bloom blanket
Need a blanker with Wow factor? Whether it’s to make a style statement or an amazing gift, the Bloom blanket is like no other. These creations utilize a specially designed Italian wool and cashmere blend, and are inspired by the creator’s childhood experience with origami. The project began as a Kickstarter campaign in Spain and quickly outgrew its initial intent to fund just 40 blankets.
Wool blankets
Wool has been the all-time, go-to fabric for military, emergency, and cabin bedding. It may not be necessary in warmer homes, but for those that are quite chilly, it’s a perfect match. These blankets are known for being very warm, heavy, long-lasting, and affordable.
They can be found ranging from affordable Army surplus varieties to higher-end heirloom varieties such as Pendleton blankets, from historic Pendleton Woolen Mills in Portland, Oregon. These can often be found in sought-after Native American themes.
Another variety of wool blanket is the knitted or crocheted afghan, which is often passed down in families.
If wool feels itchy or rough to you, put it inside a duvet cover or use it as a top blanket over something you prefer against your skin.
Down or Down Alternative Comforters
Do you love a fluffy bed? Then this is your must-have blanket. Both varieties are known for their warmth, though real down is said to beat out synthetic imitations, as well as to be lighter and more breathable. (It works for the goose, right?) Synthetic varieties are preferable for those who are against animal products or who have allergies (or who simply appreciate that they are more affordable and machine washable.)
These blankets are usually white with baffle-box construction, which keeps the filling from shifting. When buying real down, you’ll need to consider whether to select a lighter fill or heavier fill, and to choose a thread count. The higher the thread count, the better the fabric will be able to keep the down from slipping through.
Flannel blankets
This standby fabric is a favorite for its softness. It can be woven from wool, cotton, or synthetic materials, and is often found in plaid designs, though the options are virtually endless. If you’re a fan, look not only for flannel blankets, but also flannel sheets, duvet covers, and pajamas.
Flannel is also a great choice for baby blankets, because the texture of the fabric somewhat holds against itself and stays tucked during swaddling, rather than easily slipping.
Korean Mink blankets
No, these are not really made from mink. They are typically made from an acrylic or acrylic and polyester blend, and they are famous for their plushy softness and warmth. They also come in a vast variety of prints and images and are said not to bleed or fade. Blankets of this style are actually manufactured in numerous countries and can have varying levels of quality.
Sleeping Bags
Hint: you don’t have to use it as a bag. If you have a bag you love, just unzip it and slip it inside a duvet cover to turn it into a traditional looking comforter. This can be a great use for that sleeping bag that you never use because you either never go camping, its zipper is impossible, or it’s just too ugly.
Camping varieties can be extraordinarily warm, such as those rated for sub-zero temperatures, but obviously the mummy-shaped styles aren’t as well-suited to laying across a bed as a traditional bag that opens up to a rectangular shape.
Sherpa blankets
These are typically a soft polyester fabric that imitates sheep fleece on one side and provides a soft “mink” feel on the other. They come in natural colors as well as colors and prints not intended to look like animal fur or fleece.
Fleece blankets
The synthetic fabric known as fleece is generally made from lightweight polyester. It’s a favorite pick not only for bedding, but for throwing on the couch or in the car. It’s also a favorite for those looking to simply buy fabric and make their own blanket with little to no sewing, because the edges won’t unravel.
Vellux blankets
These velvety blankets, which you may recognize as common in hotels, were designed for frequent washing and drying, which makes them highly durable. They’re said to get softer with every wash, and they’re a top pick for those concerned with controlling allergies and avoiding dust mites.
Electric Blanket/Mattress Pad
If none of the other options sounds warm enough, there’s always the luxury of heated bedding. Granted, the use of electricity is not free, but these blankets could still save you money if they allow you to lower the heat throughout the rest of your house at night. Electric blankets come in a variety of fabrics and sizes, and you can find styles that are washable and offer multiple heating levels.
A related option is USB-port heated blankets. If you use a blanket at your desk, (or keep your laptop on your bedside table?) this could make sense for you.
Besides Blankets
Whatever bedding you choose, don’t forget to factor in your pajamas! Thermal underwear or long johns (and sleep sacks for kids) will go a long way toward keeping everyone warm—especially those prone to kicking off their covers in the first place.