With the cold winter months well underway, it is ever more important to make sure you stay wrapped up warm. Everybody has their lighter summer clothes that tend to be cast aside in winter, in favour of wooly jumpers, warm coats and weather-proof shoes which allow maximum conservation of body heat and comfort. So why wouldn’t you apply this rule to your home linens? We’ve listed the top winter warmers for your consideration:
1. Down
Down is a light and fluffy coating used in bird’s nests and is most popularly used in warm blankets and comforters. It can retain just the right amount of warmth to keep the body comfortable, which makes it the perfect first choice for winter bedding.
Often combined with duck and goose feathers, down products can vary heavily in price and quality. The ‘down’ material is often sown into pockets to keep the filling evenly distributed across the blanket, allowing for maximum thickness and comfort whilst maintaining all the characteristics of a high quality product. White is the most common colour that the comforters and blankets can be found in, but they are also available on the high street in a range of designs depending on your preference.
Down is a great material to use as a duvet for children –these ‘pocket’ qualities make it much easier for children to make their own beds! All that is necessary in the morning is a simple shake over the mattress for the blanket or duvet to fall neatly into place. Be wary of this material around people with allergies – sadly they may not be able to use down products! Yet a more expensive choice from a respectable company would ensure a thorough wash of at least eight times before sale, removing any dust particles or allergens that would likely cause a reaction. In this circumstance be sure to buy a tightly woven fabric cover to ensure that the down and feathers do not escape through the material.
2. Silk
Silk is one of the most luxurious materials available and its softness cannot be overlooked in the winter months. It is now a material that is readily available on the high street for everyone’s home, creating a lightweight and breathable effect with the added bonus of being completely hypoallergenic. The only issues that should be mentioned relate to durability; a silk comforter should be dry cleaned and protected by a duvet cover to prolong its usage across many winters, instead of just this one! Silk makes a valuable contribution as part of the combination of layers making up our range of Natural Mattresses.
3. Electric Blankets
Electric blankets have existed for over 100 years, but it is only fairly recently that they have been made available to buy on the high street. They are a great way to warm the bed up instantly, and although not recommended for children, they are safe to use despite the stigma surrounding electric heat products. Keep checking that the wires are in a good condition and there should be no problems.
In terms of design and colour options, these are quite scarce! They are however available in many different sizes and have adjustable heat controls for you to find that perfect balance. Some electric blankets even have heat controls on either side so couples can amend their preferences accordingly, and most have timers too. Many are machine washable and can be folded easily enough, taking care of the way the wires bend!
4. Soft Flannel Sheets
Most flannel sheets are made from cotton and keep you warm easily whilst maintaining soft, lightweight qualities. This is not particularly the best material for laundry as the material tends to fray after washing a few times, and some people may not like the feel of the small soft balls that form after spending time in the tumble dryer. This is a great material for comfort though, perfect for a young child’s first Christmas in their own room.
5. Mattress Pads
There are many different types of products that can be put on top of your mattress to help you stay warm in the winter. Traditional mattress pads are generally filled with down, wool, cotton or polyester, which intend to soften the mattress and protect the outer layer of fabric. They fit around your bed in a variety of ways, the most reliable being the mattress pads with corner elastic.
For obvious reasons, the thinner the mattress pad the more often you should wash it. It therefore may be wise to go for a product that has a bit more thickness and comfort. Some products even have copper coils to radiate and store natural heat, yet it is fair to say the price of the product would reflect this. Fleecy, wooly mattress pads offer the warmth of wool and the softness of down as a fabulous compromise, yet it becomes matted easily due to the nature of the material. Dry cleaning is also necessary for this in particular, as with any wool orientated product.
We have some great products available on our website to keep you warm over the winter. Why not visit www.theenglishbedcompany.co.uk for more information.
