Ever snuggled under a blanket so wonderfully thick and comforting that it felt like a warm hug? You’re not alone. Many types of thick blankets offer this luxurious feeling, and while there isn’t one single, universally agreed-upon name for all of them, certain terms are commonly used to describe them. Let’s explore the world of thick blankets and uncover their diverse names, constructions, and benefits.
Understanding the Terminology: More Than Just a “Blanket”
The word “blanket” itself is a broad term. It simply refers to a covering used for warmth, typically made of woven cloth. But when we’re talking about thick blankets, we often use more specific terms to reflect their unique characteristics. The specific term often depends on the blanket’s material, construction, and intended purpose. The quest to understand what those thick blankets are called lies in exploring these distinctions.
Common Names for Thick Blankets
Several names are used to describe thick blankets, each hinting at specific qualities:
- Comforters: Comforters are thick, quilted blankets filled with down, feathers, wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. They are often the main bedding item on a bed, providing significant warmth and insulation.
- Duvets: Similar to comforters, duvets are filled blankets, but they are typically designed to be used with a removable cover. This makes them easier to clean and allows for style changes without replacing the entire blanket.
- Weighted Blankets: These blankets are designed with added weight, usually from plastic pellets or glass beads, to provide a calming and comforting sensation. They are popular for their potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety and improving sleep.
- Quilts: Quilts are blankets made of three layers: a top layer pieced together from fabric scraps, a middle layer of batting (such as cotton or polyester), and a backing. Quilts are often thicker than simple blankets and are valued for their warmth and decorative appeal.
- Throws: While throws can vary in thickness, some are made from thick materials like fleece or chunky knits, offering significant warmth and a cozy feel.
- Fleece Blankets: Fleece blankets are typically made from synthetic materials like polyester and are known for their soft, plush texture and insulating properties. They range in thickness but can provide substantial warmth, especially thicker varieties like Sherpa fleece.
These are just a few of the common names associated with thick blankets. The best term to use will depend on the specific characteristics of the blanket in question.
Exploring Different Types of Thick Blankets
Now, let’s delve deeper into some of the most popular types of thick blankets and what makes them unique. Understanding their construction, materials, and purpose will help you identify them and appreciate their distinct qualities.
Comforters: The All-Encompassing Bedding Choice
Comforters are a staple in many bedrooms. Their thickness is primarily due to the filling material, which can range from natural down and feathers to synthetic alternatives like polyester. Down comforters are known for their exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio, while synthetic comforters are often more affordable and hypoallergenic.
The quilting pattern of a comforter is also crucial. It holds the filling in place and prevents it from shifting or bunching up, ensuring even warmth distribution. Common quilting patterns include box stitching, channel stitching, and diamond stitching.
- Down Comforters: Luxuriously soft and incredibly warm.
- Down Alternative Comforters: Offer similar warmth but are hypoallergenic.
- Wool Comforters: Naturally breathable and temperature-regulating.
The outer shell of a comforter is typically made of cotton or a cotton-polyester blend. Higher thread counts indicate a softer and more durable fabric.
Duvets: Customizable Comfort and Easy Cleaning
Duvets offer a similar level of warmth and comfort as comforters, but with the added benefit of a removable cover. This makes it easier to keep the duvet clean, as you only need to wash the cover, not the entire blanket. Duvets also allow for greater customization, as you can easily change the cover to match your decor or personal style.
Duvet covers are available in a wide variety of materials, colors, and patterns. Common materials include cotton, linen, silk, and microfiber. The choice of material can affect the duvet’s breathability, softness, and overall feel.
The construction of a duvet is similar to that of a comforter, with an outer shell filled with down, feathers, or synthetic fibers. The filling is typically held in place by quilting, which prevents it from shifting and ensures even warmth distribution.
Weighted Blankets: Comfort with a Calming Effect
Weighted blankets have gained popularity in recent years for their potential therapeutic benefits. These blankets are designed with added weight, typically from plastic pellets or glass beads, to provide deep pressure stimulation. This sensation is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and promoting relaxation.
The weight of a weighted blanket is typically determined by the user’s body weight. A general guideline is to choose a blanket that is approximately 10% of your body weight, plus one or two pounds.
Weighted blankets are available in a variety of sizes, materials, and designs. The outer fabric is often made of soft and comfortable materials like cotton, fleece, or microfiber. Some weighted blankets also feature removable covers for easy cleaning.
Quilts: A Tapestry of Warmth and Art
Quilts are more than just blankets; they are works of art. Made from layers of fabric, they are a celebration of design and craftsmanship. The top layer, often pieced together from colorful scraps of fabric, creates intricate patterns and designs.
The middle layer, known as batting, provides insulation and warmth. Common batting materials include cotton, polyester, wool, and silk. The backing is the final layer, typically made of a single piece of fabric.
Quilts are often heavier and thicker than regular blankets, providing substantial warmth. They are also valued for their decorative appeal and are often passed down as family heirlooms.
The construction of a quilt involves meticulous stitching, holding all three layers together. Quilting patterns can range from simple straight lines to intricate designs, adding to the quilt’s overall beauty and durability.
Throws: Versatile Comfort for Any Occasion
Throws are smaller blankets, often used for decorative purposes or for snuggling up on the couch. While some throws are thin and lightweight, others are made from thick materials like fleece, wool, or chunky knits, providing significant warmth.
Throws are versatile and can be used in a variety of settings. They can be draped over a sofa or chair, used as an extra layer on a bed, or taken on the go for picnics or outdoor events.
Thick throws are particularly popular in colder months, providing a cozy and comforting way to stay warm. They are also a great option for adding texture and visual interest to a room.
Fleece Blankets: Soft, Plush, and Incredibly Warm
Fleece blankets are known for their soft, plush texture and excellent insulating properties. They are typically made from synthetic materials like polyester and are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and thicknesses.
Fleece blankets are lightweight, easy to care for, and relatively inexpensive, making them a popular choice for everyday use. Thicker varieties, like Sherpa fleece, offer exceptional warmth and a luxurious feel.
Fleece blankets are also hypoallergenic, making them a good option for people with allergies or sensitivities. They are machine washable and dryable, making them easy to keep clean.
Choosing the Right Thick Blanket for You
With so many options available, choosing the right thick blanket can seem daunting. Consider the following factors to narrow down your choices:
- Warmth: How warm do you need the blanket to be? Consider the climate you live in and your personal preferences.
- Material: What type of material do you prefer? Consider factors like softness, breathability, and durability.
- Weight: Do you prefer a lightweight blanket or a heavier one? Weighted blankets can provide therapeutic benefits, while lighter blankets are more versatile.
- Size: What size blanket do you need? Consider the size of your bed or the area where you will be using the blanket.
- Care: How easy is the blanket to care for? Consider whether it is machine washable and dryable.
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? Thick blankets can range in price from affordable to luxurious.
By considering these factors, you can find the perfect thick blanket to keep you warm, comfortable, and cozy for years to come.
Caring for Your Thick Blanket
Proper care is essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of your thick blanket. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and drying.
- Washing: Most thick blankets can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent and avoid using bleach.
- Drying: Tumble dry on low heat or air dry. Avoid using high heat, as this can damage the fibers.
- Storage: Store your thick blanket in a cool, dry place when not in use. Consider using a storage bag to protect it from dust and pests.
By following these simple care tips, you can keep your thick blanket looking and feeling its best for years to come.
What are the most common names for thick, cozy blankets?
Thick, cozy blankets are often referred to by several names depending on their construction and purpose. Some of the most popular terms include weighted blankets, which are known for their calming effect due to the added weight. Other common names are chunky knit blankets, often made from large loops of yarn, and duvet inserts, which are thick blankets designed to be used inside a duvet cover.
Beyond these, you might also hear them called comforters, which are generally thicker than quilts and often filled with down or synthetic materials. Finally, thermal blankets, while not always incredibly thick, are designed to trap heat effectively and can provide a significant level of warmth. The “correct” name really depends on the specific features and materials of the blanket in question.
What materials are typically used to make these thick blankets?
The materials used to construct thick, cozy blankets vary widely depending on the desired feel and functionality. Common fillings include down feathers, known for their excellent insulation and lightweight properties. Synthetic alternatives like polyester fibers are also frequently used, offering a hypoallergenic and more affordable option. For weighted blankets, materials such as glass beads or plastic pellets are incorporated to add weight.
The outer shell or fabric of these blankets can also be made from a range of materials. Cotton is a popular choice for its breathability and softness. Fleece, particularly microfleece, provides exceptional warmth and a plush texture. Other options include wool, which is naturally temperature-regulating, and linen, known for its durability and breathability, especially during warmer months.
How does a weighted blanket provide a sense of comfort?
Weighted blankets provide a sense of comfort primarily through a mechanism called “deep touch pressure stimulation” (DTPS). This gentle, distributed pressure mimics the feeling of being hugged or swaddled, which triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness and relaxation. Simultaneously, DTPS can help reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, promoting a calming effect on the nervous system.
This therapeutic effect is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with anxiety, insomnia, or sensory processing disorders. The consistent pressure helps to ground the body, reducing feelings of restlessness and promoting a sense of security. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, weighted blankets can contribute to improved sleep quality and overall well-being.
What are the benefits of using a chunky knit blanket?
Chunky knit blankets offer several benefits, foremost being their undeniable aesthetic appeal. Their large, visually striking knit patterns add a touch of texture and warmth to any room, making them a popular decorative item. Beyond aesthetics, these blankets provide a tangible sense of coziness and comfort, making them ideal for snuggling up on the couch.
While not as heavily weighted as weighted blankets, the substantial weight of the chunky knit can still provide a subtle sense of security and comfort. Furthermore, the use of natural fibers, such as wool, in many chunky knit blankets offers the added benefit of breathability and temperature regulation, helping to keep you warm without overheating.
How do I properly care for my thick, cozy blanket?
Proper care for your thick, cozy blanket depends largely on the materials it’s made from. Always check the care label for specific instructions from the manufacturer. Generally, for blankets made of cotton or synthetic materials, machine washing on a gentle cycle with cold water is appropriate. Tumble drying on low heat or air drying is recommended to prevent shrinkage or damage to the fibers.
For blankets made of more delicate materials like wool or down, professional cleaning is often the best option. If you choose to wash them at home, use a gentle detergent specifically designed for these materials and avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach. Spot cleaning any stains as soon as they occur can also help prolong the life of your blanket.
What size thick blanket should I choose for my bed?
Selecting the right size thick blanket for your bed ensures adequate coverage and comfort. For a twin bed, a blanket measuring approximately 66 x 90 inches is generally suitable. For a full or double bed, opt for a blanket that is around 80 x 90 inches. Queen beds typically require a blanket size of 90 x 90 inches.
For king-size beds, the recommended blanket size is 108 x 90 inches. However, consider personal preference and sleeping habits when making your decision. If you prefer extra drape or share the bed with a partner who tends to pull the covers, sizing up is always a good idea. Also, ensure the blanket is wide enough to adequately cover the sides of the mattress for optimal warmth.
Are there any potential drawbacks to using thick blankets?
While thick blankets offer numerous benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. Overheating can be a concern, especially for individuals who tend to sleep hot or in warmer climates. Choose breathable materials like cotton or linen to mitigate this issue. The weight of some thick blankets, particularly weighted blankets, may also be unsuitable for young children or individuals with certain medical conditions.
Another potential drawback is the added bulk and weight, which can make washing and drying them at home challenging. Large capacity washing machines and dryers may be necessary, or professional cleaning services may be required, which can incur additional costs. Consider these factors when deciding if a thick, cozy blanket is the right choice for you.