Comforters were first used in Sweden in the mid-20th century but have become popular throughout the world. Simple in design but high in warmth, the comforter is one of the warmest covers available. Those who feel cold at night as well as residents of cold climates will appreciate this source of warmth and comfort.

The comforter varies in style and materials. Basically, they are two pieces of fabric sewn together, creating a pouch for a filling. In current times, you can find them filled with feather down, wool, cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers like polyester to mimic real down. They are fluffier than the duvet or a blanket, making them a beautiful covering for a bed.

You can find a range of styles for this covering. The basic comforter has a sewn-through construction to keep material in place. These may be down or a fiber down alternative. They are usually white in color. However, you can cover them with a duvet cover for more ease in cleaning. The other alternative is a decorative comforter. It has less stitching and usually comes as part of a set. It may be sold with a bedskirt and pillow shams. The decorative comforter set can be a colorful focal point to a bedroom.

You may be wondering how often you should wash a comforter. Some resources recommend every three months or as the seasons change. Other suggest the rule of two to three times per year. It is also recommended by doctors that the comforter be washed after a person has been ill. Also, if you have allergies, you may want to wash it more often.

Although this type of covering is not washed as often as a blanket, you can wash the comforter in a washing machine, either front loading or top loading. You'll then want to dry it for 20 to 50 minutes. Be sure to read the label carefully for the best washing instructions, as it will depend on the fabric.

Comforters come in a range of sizes. A Full size may measure approximately 86 inches by 91 inches. Queen size may be approximately 92 inches by 96 inches, while the comforter for a King size bed can be 108 inches by 96 inches.

You can choose the materials, style, color and size of the comforter from a range of choices. If you're interested in staying warm through the cooler and colder months, consider a comforter.