Quilts are a must for winter nights to keep us warm and get a good night’s sleep. They are aired in summer and then stored away and then aired again before use, in winter. As is the case with most household items, quilts are available at lesser prices during summer as it’s the offseason. In case, you are trying to grab one or two for your approaching winter, here are a few things that can help you along. What is there to know about a quilt, one might wonder. However, quilts come with different materials and filling. Feather and down, cotton, wool, silk, microfibre, and hollow fibre are the quilt fillings used mostly.
The fillings
Said to be very soft, the feather or down quilts are filled with the real feathers of ducks and geese. The filling is called down as these are the soft feathers found on the underside of the bird. They are breathable and lightweight quilts, and easily take shapes as per the contours. They retain heat well and are suited for extremely cold climates and are durable if cared for well. They are expensive though as they are termed a luxurious item, and cannot be used if you are allergic to feathers.
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Wool, as we all know, is a good option to combat the heat, and woollen quilts are breathable too. They are environment-friendly as they are renewable and recyclable. Maintenance can be a little bit tedious as you cannot wash it often as it reduces their durability. They are not highly expensive and wool is hypoallergenic, and hence, suitable for people with allergies.
The natural cotton sourced from cotton plants is a great filling for quilts during the winter. It keeps you cool and lasts long if maintained well. The lighter ones can even be used during summers and need to be aired out in the sun. They are also lightweight, affordable, and breathable.
Silk is another natural hypoallergenic material that is used as quilt filling for a luxurious feel. They are breathable and retain heat well, but are expensive and not commonly available. They are good for a night’s sleep even during summer but are not easy to maintain as they need professional cleaning.
Microfibres are synthetic fibres used as quilt fillings that are lightweight, durable, and easily maintainable. They are also highly affordable and suitable for lighter climates.
Hollow polyester-based fibres are used as quilt fillings to get lightweight quilts that retain heat well. They are inexpensive and easy to maintain but are not as breathable as the natural fillings.
These days, you also get bamboo-fibre-filled quilts that are lightweight, breathable, and suit nature lovers. They don’t absorb any moisture, are suitable for all-weather use, and are quite durable too.
Note: Some quilts are machine washable and you should check the washing instructions thoroughly before doing so. Some can only be aired in the sun, while a few others need professional cleaning. Store them away folded neatly in a cupboard or box, when not in use.
How to buy them?
Quilts come in various sizes just like the bedsheets, single, double, queen-size, king-size, etc. There are baby quilts to suit children too. Choose the right material and filling based on your region (how bad is the winter) and your skin sensitivity. If you have allergies, then you should only go in for woollen or cotton quilts. Though most microfibre material is said to be hypoallergenic, sometimes, it can cause allergies for people with extra-sensitive skin.
These days, quilts are used as bed covers for ornamental purposes too. Hence, you get a variety of quilts with exquisite, and highly appealing looks. You could also use an outer quilt cover to keep them from getting dirty. These covers can be washed often and the quilt can be aired or cleaned professionally as and when needed. In India, the Rajasthani lightweight cotton quilts with beautiful designs are very popular. Many women weave quilts with cotton sarees using beautiful patterns for outer covering. These are lightweight, breathable, and can be washed easily are common in many households. Quilt-making is an art and some women make it their hobby to create decorative ones.
