Comforters, Blankets & More: How Many Layers Do You Really Need?

You’re chilly. You’re steaming. Either way, your body temperature might not feel optimal for a night of rest. It can require some creative thinking to determine how many extra blankets or comforters you’ll need when you go to sleep. Luckily, there are so many different materials and weights for comforters, duvets and blankets. You’re bound to strike the winning balance. At Pottery Barn, we’re here to help you when you’re choosing bedding. Plus, we have a few tips on how to get the most comfortable night’s sleep no matter what the temperature is outside.

 

If You Sleep Alone

You have complete control over comfort and your bedding! There are many luxurious options for you to choose. But where do you start? Do you get a down duvet insert, down comforter, down alternative comforter, wool blanket, cotton blanket, coverlet or quilt? It helps to know the differences in weight and warmth.

 

Typically, the warmest covers you can buy are filled with down. A down-filled duvet insert and a down comforter come in different lofts (fluffiness levels) and weights. They’ll each quickly warm you during chilly nights. The insulating qualities of pure wool blankets keep you warm when temperatures plunge. However, you may want to layer them for optimum comfort. If you have allergies to feathers, consider down-alternative comforters that still hold plenty of warmth. The medium warmth-makers are comforters filled with polyester batting. Quilts, coverlets, polyester and cotton blankets will help keep you warm when you layer them. However, they’re considered summer blankets and meant for warmer weather when you need just a touch of warmth through the night.

 

If You Sleep with a Partner

Easily customize your comfort in bed by choosing your own personalized layers. How many duvet covers do you need if you sleep with a partner? One for each of you! That way, there’s no tug-of-war with the duvet, comforter or blanket from one side to the other. In addition, you can sleep with different weight covers. Everyone will remain comfortable. There are plenty of storage options, too. Toss both covers on an end-of-bed bench. Layer them on the bed. If you have the same color, place them next to one another so they’re ready for bedtime later.

 

If You Have Hot Flashes

Invest in thick comforters and thinner quilts, coverlets and blankets. That way, you can remove layers throughout the night if you wake feeling too warm. Remember that synthetics are less breathable than natural materials. Keep that in mind when layering up at night.

 

If you sleep hot on a memory foam mattress, adjust your coverings and open the window a crack for some fresh, cool air. Most mattresses, whether they’re memory foam or pillowtop coil spring mattresses, now have either cooling tops or cooling gel beads embedded in the mattress to alleviate sleeping hot. If you’re a naturally hot sleeper who loves a memory foam mattress, a lightweight down comforter plus a flat sheet may keep your temperature optimal.

 

If You Chill Easily

When you chill, it happens fast. There’s no time to get out of bed to layer it up. You may need more than your fair share of comforters. How many comforters should you have if you’re the chilly type? Try two at first. A heavier comforter, or a fluffy down duvet insert and duvet cover, plus a lightweight comforter with polyester batting can keep you feeling toasty.

 

If You Feel Weighed Down

You may not like the feeling of too many coverings layered on top of you. Some blankets and comforters are too heavy to lie under if you’re sensitive to the weight. There’s a simple solution. When shopping for sheets, use the flat sheet that comes with the set. A flat sheet is lightweight enough to layer under a comforter or blanket, but it won’t feel too weighty. Otherwise, opt for a lightweight down comforter. Choose one made for sensitive sleepers who like to stay warm.

 

If You Have a Lot of Guests

Have you ever had guests stay over and you realize you don’t have enough blankets to keep them cozy? Sometimes one layer isn’t enough. If you have kids, how many extra blankets might you need during a wintertime sleepover? Blankets and throws are often easier to store than bulkier comforters. And, they make it easy for guests to layer up. Store them in oversize baskets or under-bed baskets. Just be sure to double up on storage by placing them in large plastic bags before shutting the lid to protect your bedding in between guest stays.

 

Staying cozy and comfortable in bed is a breeze with these helpful tips. Select an array of blanket options and weights, and you’ll always find it easy to relax in any temperature.