How to choose a blanket: basic rules. Types, purpose and characteristics of blankets Which wool is the best blanket?

A warm, cozy blanket is suitable for sleeping, indispensable on the road, and also decorates the room and furniture. Traditionally, rugs were made from natural wool and even served as clothing (like the famous Scottish tartans), and were often used by travelers. Modern bedding can consist of synthetic materials and often the products serve a decorative function.

How to choose a blanket

The blanket is universal - it can be used to cover a sofa or bed, and can also be used as a cover instead of a blanket.

Among bedding, there are three items designed to cover the human body and protect from the cold: a blanket, a blanket and a bedspread. How are they different?

A bedspread is a decorative fabric that serves to protect bed linen. The bed is covered with a blanket and removed before going to bed.
A blanket is an item that protects from the cold. Usually it is a closed textile product with filling inside. To protect the duvet cover, use a duvet cover.
A blanket is an open blanket without a cover, often a dense, warm, rectangular product. The blanket is universal - it can be used to cover a sofa or bed, and can also be used as a cover instead of a blanket. Thin varieties of blankets are compact, they are convenient to take outdoors, on country trips and on long trips by train or bus.

A blanket for a sofa should be beautiful and functional. The product is constantly visible and will be used frequently. General recommendations look like this:

the sofa blanket should be warm so that you can cover yourself with it and warm up with a cup of tea and your favorite book;
the product must be attractive to decorate the room and pleasant to the touch;
Practicality is also important - the blanket will be constantly used, animals can sleep on it, children can play on it, so it should not only be wear-resistant, but also easy to care for;
the size of the accessory must match the dimensions of the furniture so that the edges do not drag on the floor and become dirty;
When purchasing, you should pay attention to the quality of the folds of the material - abrasions, loose pile and loops, and a mismatched pattern are not signs of a worthy product.

Blanket for different rooms

Zoning of a living space provides functional convenience and comfort for the people living in the house. The living room is intended to serve as a relaxation area, and a throw designed for this room should be attractive. The nursery requires durable and non-staining materials that can withstand active play. Particular attention should be paid to choosing a blanket for the kitchen - the product should not absorb foreign odors, hygroscopicity is important, as well as ease of care.

Blanket for the living room

Any materials that match the interior style are suitable for this room - both natural and synthetic:

wool;
acrylic;
microfiber;

Blankets that are several shades lighter than the furniture look very nice - they stand out and give the room coziness and warm charm. Blankets go very well with sofa cushions, matched to match or contrasting. The colors can be any - classic check, stripes, plain material, colored patterns, imitation animal skins. Often a blanket is chosen to match the color of the curtains.

Blanket for a children's room

Children's blankets should be safe first and foremost.

Children's products and especially blankets must meet special hygiene requirements. Textiles should be warm, safe and pleasant to the touch, as well as aesthetically pleasing. The blanket is useful for newborns; it can be taken in a stroller, outdoors, and also on trips. The product will also be needed in the rooms of teenagers and children of primary school age.

Suitable materials:

plush;
polyester;
acrylic;
fleece;
artificial fur;
microfiber;
natural wool;
cotton.

Natural blankets are considered the most suitable, but modern synthetic fabrics are quite safe and therefore perfect for children's rooms. They choose bright products; children's options are often sold with pillows and themed toys. Blankets are decorated with appliqués, bright patterns, and borders.

Blanket for the bedroom

Often a blanket performs a decorative function in the bedroom and replaces a bedspread. In addition, it is pleasant to cover yourself with a soft blanket on top of a blanket - the product helps to keep you warm in any cold weather if the heating fails.

As in the case of a blanket for the living room, almost any materials will do:

wool (camel, sheep);
cotton;
acrylic;
polyester;
artificial fur;

It is believed that a blanket is used less in the bedroom than in the living room: they cover the sofa or bed with it and leave it there for the day. The bedroom is rarely shown to strangers and strangers are not allowed to use bedding, so the most expensive and luxurious options are suitable for this room.

Blanket for the kitchen

The kitchen is a kingdom of odors, so the fabric should not retain them. There is often high humidity in the room, and any textile will be attacked by inevitable pollution. That’s why if there is a sofa or corner in the room, you should choose the material for the blanket that is as practical and non-staining as possible:

polyester;
fleece

Thin, decorative blankets that harmonize with the curtains and overall design are suitable for the kitchen.

How to choose a blanket for a corner sofa

The corner sofa is quite unusual in shape, and a special blanket is chosen for it. The product should protect the upholstery from dirt, animal claws, and also decorate the room. On sale you can find special bedspreads and blankets that completely cover the sofa. The product can be sewn to order. They also use several small blankets that cover the functional parts of the sofa and create an atmosphere of cozy casualness.

There are no special requirements for the choice of material. Suitable:

microfiber;
artificial fur;
cotton;
wool;
viscose;
pashmina;

A well-chosen blanket for a corner sofa protects, decorates, extends the life of the furniture, and also warms.

Materials for the blanket

Let's take a closer look at the popular materials from which blankets are made.

Acrylic

A synthetic material made from natural gas.

Material Features:

wear resistance;
thermoregulation;
ease;
unpretentious care (can be washed in a washing machine);
does not cause allergies;
affordable price;
aesthetic appearance, imitation of natural wool.

Blankets are made both from pure acrylic and with the addition of cotton - such a product allows air to pass through better and is more pleasant to the touch. Over time, pellets form on the material, which must be removed manually. Acrylic absorbs odors well, so it is not suitable for the kitchen.

Camel's wool

Products made from natural wool are not cheap.

Natural material, one of the best of its kind. Products made from natural camel wool are expensive because the raw material is produced in limited quantities.

Material properties:

softness;
lightness (camel wool is lighter than sheep wool);
heat preservation;
hygroscopicity;
hypoallergenic;
breathability;
wear resistance.

Wool does not dye well, so there are only natural colors in beige and brown tones.

Viscose

An artificial material that is obtained by chemically processing natural raw materials - cellulose.

Advantages of viscose:

the material is pleasant to the touch;
does not accumulate static electricity;
retains color perfectly, suitable for creating bright blankets;
lightness and strength;
safety and hygiene.

Viscose is affordable and lightweight soft blankets are made from it. Unfortunately, the material wrinkles, so the products should be protected from creases. When wet, viscose fibers become brittle and less resistant to tearing.

Jacquard

The jacquard blanket can be double-sided.

Jacquard blankets are made from various materials - cotton, wool, synthetics. The main feature of the material is its large woven pattern.

Peculiarities:

high wear resistance;
jacquard blanket can be washed;
aesthetic appearance;
heat preservation.

The jacquard pattern can be different - one-sided and double-sided, with pile, small and large.

Artificial fur

A wonderful humane material, in the creation of which not a single living creature suffers. The finished pile is glued onto a woven base and thermally bonded. Most often, faux fur is made from synthetic materials.

Properties:

strength, durability;
hygroscopicity;
unique appearance;
heat preservation.

Fur blankets are produced in various colors - plain, with a pattern, with imitation of real fur. Products attract dust, so they need to be vacuumed from time to time.

Cashmere and pashmina

Blankets made from these materials are very soft and delicate to the touch, but their price is quite high. called mountain goat down, its fibers are extremely thin and durable. The word "pashmina" comes from the Persian word for "wool" - this is also a material made from goat fluff, but of a higher quality.

Characteristics of cashmere:

subtlety and lightness;
strength and durability;
softness and tenderness;
does not cause itching or allergies.

This blanket is very demanding to care for and can only be washed by hand, but it looks very good and decorates any interior.

Microfiber

A synthetic, wrinkle-resistant material made from polymer threads (polyester,). Microfiber consists of very fine fibers, which provides the blanket with extreme softness.

Advantages of the material:

does not deform;
strength, wear resistance, durability;
absorbs moisture well;
allows air to pass through.

Microfiber blankets should be protected from exposure to high temperatures to avoid damaging the fibers.

Sheep's wool

Excellent natural material, warms very well and absorbs moisture. Sheep wool is affordable and also has a healing effect on the body.

Natural wool blanket:

allows air to pass through;
self-cleaning;
does not accumulate static electricity.

Low quality products may prick. Wool is difficult to dye, so it is best to purchase blankets in natural shades.

Plush

The disadvantage of a plush blanket is the rapid accumulation of dust.

A plush blanket is a fabric with a high, smooth pile. Externally, the material resembles soft shiny wool, and sometimes terry; it is dyed in various colors. Plush is made from wool and cotton, as well as viscose.

Material Features:

beauty;
strength;
heat preservation;
dimensional stability;
color fastness.

Plush made from natural materials is more expensive than synthetic ones. It accumulates dust and is wiped off if not properly cared for. It is difficult to remove stains from a plush blanket, so it is not suitable for a child's room or kitchen.

Polyester

Synthetic polyester fabric created in the last century. The material does not wrinkle, dries quickly and does not require complex care. Other advantages include:

variety of texture and design;
wear resistance;
ease;
affordable price.

Often blankets are not made from pure polyester, but polyamide, cotton, viscose and natural wool are also added.

Fleece

Fully synthetic knitted fabric, a type of polyester. Features of a fleece blanket:

the products are very light;
breathability;
elasticity;
the material dries quickly;
keeps warm.

Fleece must be protected from exposure to high temperatures, as the material becomes electrified. From time to time the blanket needs to be vacuumed and shaken to prevent dust from accumulating.

Cotton

A cotton blanket is practical and durable.

Natural plant material, very pleasant to the body. A large number of different fabrics are made from cotton, as well as with its participation, including rugs.

Positive aspects of the material:

hygroscopicity;
breathability;
durability and practicality;
does not cause allergies;
paints well.

Cotton will perfectly protect the sofa from dust and also warm you on cold evenings.

Features of care

Blankets are made from a wide variety of materials; they are not similar to each other in appearance, texture and composition. All correct information on product care can be read on the label. However, there are general rules that will help keep the blanket looking presentable for as long as possible:

many products can be washed at home, by hand or in a machine;
suitable water temperature is 40 degrees (for almost all materials);
the products are dried flat, in a horizontal position or on a thick beam (a thin rope will leave a noticeable mark);
To clean a blanket, it is best to go to a dry cleaner - the product will remain soft, tangled and stuck together pile will straighten out;
periodically the blanket must be removed from dust - you can shake it in the fresh air or simply vacuum it;
blankets are not ironed;
products are stored in their original packaging or in a spacious closet - they are gently folded or rolled into a roll, not pressed down by anything heavy;
To make the material smell nice, you can leave scented sachets, an open empty perfume bottle, or a special textile fragrance in the closet or in a box with a blanket.

A beautiful blanket will not only decorate the room, but will also protect the sofa from premature wear, protect the upholstery from stains, puffs and dust (it is much easier to change a blanket than sofa fabric). Warm, cozy accessories are made from a variety of materials, natural and synthetic, and painted in various colors. There are blankets that imitate wool, with appliqués and embroidery. You can choose a suitable option for any shape and type of upholstered furniture, as well as for any room, be it a bedroom, living room or children's room.

Originally a part of the national costume of the people of Scotland (a checkered shawl with tassels), the plaid has long turned into a symbol of home warmth and comfort. How is a blanket different from a bedspread or blanket?

The differences are quite arbitrary, but they still exist:

The bedspread is designed to protect bed linen from dust and dirt. It is used to cover a made bed, hence the name;
Cover yourself with a blanket to keep warm. A duvet cover is put on it, which is much easier to wash than the blanket itself;
A blanket is a universal thing. You can cover your bed with it, take cover, and even wrap yourself in it.

You need to approach the purchase of a blanket based on its functionality, deciding for yourself exactly how you will use it. The color scheme and pattern are chosen solely based on personal preferences, but you need to pay special attention to the size. Large blankets measuring 200x220 mm. Fits regular double beds but is too big to drape over your shoulders. For this, a “chair” option, measuring about 130x170 mm, is more suitable.

In order to determine quality, you need to carefully examine the folds. If the pile in these places has become matted or, worse, worn out, such a blanket will not last long. Flaws in knitting: dropped loops, asymmetrical pattern - all this indicates insufficiently high quality.

The main misconception made when choosing blankets: 100% natural wool is the best and most environmentally friendly material. In fact, synthetic bedspreads or bedspreads made from mixed fabrics have their advantages over expensive woolen ones: they are cheaper, safe for allergy sufferers, and keep their shape well after dry cleaning or washing.

How to choose a blanket, since the choice is quite large? Available in knitted, woven, patchwork, etc. With tassels, braids or edges trimmed with braid.

The manufacturing technique is important, but the most important thing is the material from which the blanket is made.

Wool blankets are beautiful, warm and healthy. They fit perfectly into any interior and warm as well as, or even better than, blankets.

Advantages:

They have a healing effect for various diseases of the musculoskeletal system and colds;
Helps activate blood circulation;
They absorb moisture perfectly, while remaining dry to the touch;
They do not need frequent washing, as wool has a unique ability to self-clean;
Pleasant to the touch;
Durable.

Minuses:

Cause allergic reactions;
“Prickly” to the touch;
Quite a high price;
Small color palette of colors.

Wool blankets are made from cashmere, camel hair, pashmina and sheep's wool.

Cashmere

Cashmere is the wool of a special breed of goat (originally from the Indian state of Kashmir). Its main feature is its very fine hairs. For comparison, the thickness of a human hair is about 50 microns, and the hair of a Kashmiri sheep is 15 microns.

Advantages:

Excellent thermal insulation;
Much warmer than blankets made from ordinary sheep wool;
Soft and fluffy, and will become increasingly silky over time.

Minuses:

“Capricious” care (hand wash only in warm water);
Quite a price - from 10 thousand rubles and above.

Camel's wool

Camel wool is a unique material. It can protect not only from cold, but also from heat and moisture. Since biblical times, people have paid attention to the amazing ability of camels to easily tolerate significant temperature fluctuations: from sub-zero temperatures at night to plus forty and above during the day. Such properties are due to the structure of camel hairs - they are hollow inside, the inner surface perfectly absorbs moisture, while the outer surface does not allow it to pass through.

Advantages:

Absorbs an amount of moisture exceeding 30% of its own weight and remains dry;
Thanks to dry heat, they are successfully used to treat arthritis, arthrosis, radiculitis and colds;
The high content of wax (lanolin) not only contributes to the softness of the blanket, but also has a beneficial effect on the condition of human skin. Even after repeated washing and cleaning, lanolin is not completely washed out of the hairs, continuing to be absorbed into human skin even at normal body temperature;
Antistatic. Not only do they not become electrified, but they are also able to remove static electricity. In modern homes filled with plastic and electronics, this property is quite important;
Light, warm and very durable (average service life - 9 years).

To this day, many Easterners consider camel blankets to be a good dowry.

Minuses:

Unfortunately, camel hair, like any other hair, can cause allergic reactions. However, the reason is not the fur itself, but the mite, whose waste products are the allergen. Regular cleaning and care will get rid of ticks and solve the problem;
Another disadvantage of camel wool blankets is their “biting” quality. Camel hair is designed in such a way that it tingles delicate human skin quite noticeably, massaging it, which is even considered beneficial for blood circulation, although not everyone likes it.

Pashmin

Pashmina (a type of cashmere) is the most expensive, but also the most “elite” material for making blankets and rugs. Initially, pashmina was the name given to the thin undercoat of goats. And not ordinary goats, but those who lived in the highlands of the Himalayas. Such wool cost fabulous amounts of money, but was particularly tender and light. A modern, improved version is a mixture of pashmina, cotton and silk in percentages of 60%, 20% and 20%, respectively.

Advantages:

Fluffy, light, warm and highly breathable;
Wear-resistant.

When purchasing such a blanket, you should pay attention to the percentage of materials - the less pashmina it contains, the lower the quality.

Minuses:

The need for careful care;
High price.

If woolen blankets are a “winter” option, then for the warm season it is better to choose thinner and lighter cotton ones.

Jacquard plaid

Jacquard fabrics can consist of both natural and synthetic, mixed fabrics, but most often, when it comes to blankets, cotton is used. The pattern of such a product can be very complex and intricate, two-layer, double-sided, large-patterned or piled.

Advantages:

The main advantage of a jacquard blanket is wear resistance. It can withstand an almost unlimited number of washes, maintaining its shape, texture and color;
With all its lightness, it is able to warm you up on cool summer evenings and create an atmosphere of special, “country” comfort.

Minuses:

Practically none, except perhaps some “simplicity”. Such a blanket is unlikely to fit into an ornate interior with pretensions to luxury.

Fleece blankets

A very good alternative to products made from natural materials. Fleece fabric is made from polyester, a synthetic material that has a number of advantages.

Advantages:

Resistance to mechanical stress and high temperatures;
Retains color when exposed to sunlight;
Does not cause allergic reactions;
Wear resistance;
They do not wrinkle, do not fade and are resistant to washing in a washing machine, as well as dry cleaning and ironing;
Not of interest to moths and microorganisms;
They absorb moisture, but remain dry, since water evaporates very quickly;
Suitable for home, garden and travel.

Minuses:

The only drawback of these blankets is the ability to accumulate static electricity, which is easily solved by rinsing with any antistatic conditioner.

Acrylic

A synthetic material with properties very close to natural wool.

Advantages:

They will last a long time without losing their heat-insulating properties and appearance;
Lightweight, warm, easy to care for (can be washed in a washing machine);
Do not cause allergic reactions;
Not electrified;
Wide range of colors;
Affordable price.

Minuses:

Doesn't allow air to pass through very well;
Absorbs odors;
“Pellets” may form on the surface.

Regular airing and washing with conditioners will eliminate the last two shortcomings of the blanket.

Blankets made from acrylic+cotton blend fabric allow air to pass through and absorb moisture much better than products made from 100% acrylic. Their price is comparable to the price of a cotton blanket, but they last much longer.

Viscose blanket

Products made from viscose have all the properties of other synthetic materials:

Relatively low price;
Wash resistance;
Durability.

At the same time, they are softer and more pleasant to the touch than acrylic ones.

When purchasing a viscose blanket, you need to take into account the “shrinkage” of the material when washing.

Minuses:

Just one - viscose fabrics wrinkle easily.

Microfiber

Modern synthetic material made from polyamide and polyester. Its main difference from acrylic is the thin thread, thanks to which the microfiber blanket has a small thickness and weight. This material is successfully used to produce terry fabric - fluffy and light.

Advantages:

Easy to wash;
They don't shed;
The pile on their surface does not roll off;
Moisture does not accumulate inside the fibers, easily penetrating the product and evaporating from its surface. Thanks to this feature, microfiber blankets dry very quickly after washing.

Minuses:

A small drawback of such blankets is the impossibility of ironing and drying on a radiator. Exposure to high temperatures for microfiber fabrics is contraindicated.

Fur blankets

A completely special category of blankets of this kind. Their main purpose is to give the interior a certain style, sophistication and comfort. A blanket made of fur, natural or artificial, is warm, fluffy and soft. It's a pleasure to lie down on one of these.

Artificial fur

Modern technologies make it possible to produce artificial fur that is practically indistinguishable from natural fur in appearance. The basis of such a canvas is a fabric primed with a special composition, to which a pile of synthetic material is attached.

Advantages:

Wear resistance and strength;
Resistance to moisture;
Wide range of colors;
Excellent heat retention;
Easy to clean (can be machine washed at 30 degrees)

Minuses:

Absorb dust;
They become electrified.

Natural fur

In past centuries, blankets made of natural fur were an attribute of palace bedrooms and boudoirs.

Advantages:

Not everyone can afford a blanket made of natural fur, but for this price you will get an excellent cover for furniture that will last for many, many years;
Protect from any frost.

Minuses:

Perhaps one - they require special “dry” cleaning, which is best left to professionals.

A blanket made of any material will last a long time if you follow the basic rules of caring for it.

Use your imagination one more time and imagine a blanket. Your memory probably “painted” it as checkered and woolen. A similar pattern of intersecting vertical and horizontal stripes of different colors is called “tartan” and is considered classic. In Ukraine we call such a design “tartan”. And all because the word plaid was originally used to describe the checkered woolen cloak of the Scottish highlanders. In fact, the rapport and colors of blankets can be varied, as well as the material from which they are made.

Stroking the fur

Wool is considered the most ideal material for making a blanket. It is also the most expensive, like any natural product, compared to synthetics. In its structure, wool yarn is similar to human hair, therefore, in contact with the skin, it causes a feeling of comfort. The general properties of this material are its unique ability to retain heat (it retains the difference between body and air temperatures), hygroscopicity, and softness.

But wool is different. For example, cashmere blankets are highly valued. This is hand-combed mountain goat down. It is hypoallergenic, warm and soft, but in its pure form it is not very durable, so silk is added to the fabric to increase wear resistance.

Beige-brown blankets are often made of camel hair. This yarn cannot be dyed. Blankets made from this material can be passed down from generation to generation - they are very durable. In addition, they are the lightest.

The warmest insulation materials are made from sheep's wool. They are also the most inexpensive.

Pashmina can be called a real “wool diamond”. It is made from the finest undercoat of high mountain Himalayan goats. The first to appreciate the beauty and softness of pashmina was the wife of Emperor Napoleon Josephine. Houses in those days were not heated, and a warm woolen cape was a great help to its owner.

The only blankets made from llama wool are more expensive than pashmina ones. The material is highly wear-resistant and practically does not fall off. This yarn is not used in its pure form, as it is very stiff. Merino wool is usually added to the fabric composition.

The same applies to mohair. There are no fabrics that are 100% mohair: the hairs are very thin and they do not stick to the fabric. The maximum content of such wool in yarn reaches 83%. People often mistakenly refer to any fluffy yarn with this word, although in fact the definition only applies to goat hair. Mohair blankets are very warm and light. They can be of the most incredible colors, as the fabric is easily dyed.

Also, synthetic fibers, such as acrylic, are often mixed with natural materials. This does not make the fabric artificial. Acrylic makes blankets soft and pleasant to the touch. Such things retain their shape and color for a long time and do not stretch.

Another advantage of acrylic blankets is that they are easy to clean, and this can be done either manually or in a washing machine (you just need to maintain a certain temperature regime). But pure wool blankets are capricious - they cannot be washed (only dry cleaning is acceptable).

Products with acrylic practically do not electrify and accumulate much less dust than pure wool, therefore they are recommended for people suffering from allergies.

All of the listed advantages of the product are added by additives such as polyester, fleece and chenille (viscose). In reasonable doses, of course. The volume of non-natural components in a thing should not exceed 10-15%.

Many manufacturers manage to make completely synthetic products and pass them off as natural, signing “wool” in large letters on the packaging, and adding “artificial” in tiny letters.

Carefully read the ingredients indicated on the packaging. Also pay attention to the color of the product - too bright colors should lead to suspicion: natural fibers are not so actively dyed.

Pure wool also includes woven blankets (their yarn contains up to 90% wool), as well as products with a knitted base, onto which natural fibers from sheep and camel wool are stuffed. The more natural raw materials in a product, the more expensive it is.

And others…

Do not think that blankets are made exclusively from wool. For example, you can often find products made with cotton (jacquard) on the market. Cotton fabric has extraordinary softness and excellent hygienic qualities; it is easy to wash and iron.

There are practically no bedspreads and blankets made of pure cotton: since this material is not elastic, a certain amount of acrylic or wool is added to it. The combination of cotton and polyester provides high density. Things made from such a mixed material seem velvety to the touch.

Linen has long been very popular in the textile industry, despite the fact. which is quite expensive. And there are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, it is environmentally friendly. Secondly, it allows you to create light, openwork, airy products. Thirdly, linen has good performance qualities, as it gets dirty a little and washes well. And fourthly, this material is hypoallergenic, which in the modern world is almost the most important advantage. Unfortunately, linen has one significant drawback - the fabric wrinkles very much and is subsequently difficult to iron.

Fireplace blankets are made from the most delicate types of wool (alpaca or virgin wool). Their size (as well as texture) does not matter - they can be voluminous.

Travel blankets should be warm, compact, light and practical, so they often contain synthetic additives that give these items high wear resistance. The length of such blankets, as a rule, does not exceed 120 cm.

It's nice to wrap yourself in a warm blanket while sitting on the couch when the weather outside is bad. Such elements also allow you to beautifully decorate your living space. A blanket is considered indispensable when traveling to nature or when organizing a regular picnic. This article provides instructions for housewives on how to choose the right blanket?

what do you need to know?

Before choosing a blanket, you need to consider their classification by purpose:

Homemade blankets refer to miniature blankets or simple bedspreads made of fairly warm fabric. Such products are used to warm up in a cold room, or to protect the sleeping area from dirt. The main functional purpose of such products is to decorate the room, provide additional comfort and warmth in the living space;
A travel blanket can always come in handy when traveling. Such products require care when choosing, since the material used for manufacturing must be compact, washable without much difficulty, and not absorb dust and various odors;
Special blankets for picnics provide the opportunity to organize a good outdoor recreation.

Having decided for what purpose the blanket will be used, you can proceed to the next stage.

Difference from the bedspread

It will be useful for many to know the main difference between an ordinary bedspread and blanket and an ordinary blanket:

Bedspreads are used to prevent dust and dirt from getting on the bed linen;
To sleep warmer at night, use a blanket, on which a duvet cover is first placed. This product is much easier to wash compared to a regular blanket;
A blanket is a universal product used for the purpose of blankets and bedspreads. You can even wrap yourself in it.

Before choosing a blanket , It is advisable to consider all the natural materials offered. They breathe well and do not gradually accumulate static electricity. However, these elements of home textiles are not suitable for everyone, as they can provoke an allergic reaction. Some housewives prefer products made from several natural materials.

Many people don’t know how to choose the right blanket. Before purchasing, you need to decide on the main purpose of the product, after which you can select the color scheme. It is recommended to pay serious attention to the dimensions of the product.

Wool

How to choose a wool blanket? Quite warm material that will last a very long time. Products made from such materials are easily shaken out, absorb moisture well, but do not remain wet. Wool blankets are a little scratchy and their cost is relatively high. However, during the cold winter seasons, such products become indispensable.

Advantages:

Helps treat disorders of the human musculoskeletal system, as well as colds;
Stimulates blood circulation in the extremities;
Absorb moisture, keep dry after touch;
Since they are made from natural materials, frequent washing is not required;
Such products can be used for a long time.

Flaws:

Some people are allergic to natural animal fur;
These products may cause a tingling sensation in contact with the skin;
The color range of such products is relatively small.

It should also be noted that woolen blankets almost always blend harmoniously with the interior of the room. You need to familiarize yourself with this information before choosing a blanket .

Cotton

Cotton items are pleasant to touch, soft and lightweight, and can withstand many wash cycles. Cotton blankets do not provoke an allergic reaction in people, but they warm well and are great for use in cool weather. Sheep wool is relatively cheap and produces a large amount of heat. Camel undercoat is quite expensive, but lightweight; cashmere is soft, but with frequent use it quickly becomes unusable.

Fur looks beautiful, but it is a rather difficult to care for, expensive, massive material.

Pashmin

Pashmina is a type of cashmere that is great for making rugs or blankets. The finest goat underhair, silk or cotton is used to make pashmina. This is a relatively expensive material, characterized by lightness, elasticity, shine and warmth.

Advantages:

The material breathes well, weighs little, and retains heat.
Wear-resistant.

Flaws:

Requires careful care.
Pashmina is considered a very expensive material.

Modern products are made from 60% pashmina, 20% silk, 20% cotton.

Camel's wool

How to choose a camel wool blanket? This material protects the wearer from cold in winter and from summer heat or moisture. The natural ability of camels to remain resistant to high temperatures has been noticed by people for a long time. The structure of the hairs on a camel's fur helps to improve interaction with the environment, absorption and retention of moisture.

Advantages of camel wool:

Can absorb moisture in an amount of 30% of its own weight, while maintaining dryness;
Treatment of various diseases is provided thanks to dry heat;
The high lanolin content ensures softness and has a beneficial effect on the skin. Lanolin will not be removed from hairs after prolonged use and repeated cleanings;
Camel wool does not electrify; the material is characterized by a reduction in static electricity. Such quality characteristics are of great importance if there are a lot of plastic elements or electronics in living spaces;
Warmth, lightness, long service life.

To this day, in some Middle Eastern countries, camel blankets are considered a worthy dowry. For those who don’t know how to choose the right blanket, this information will be very useful.

Flaws:

A blanket made of camel hair contributes to the occurrence of an allergic reaction. However, you need to understand that health problems can arise due to the allergen, which is the waste product of mites that live in animal fur.
These blankets are very bitey. Camel hairs tingle the skin a little during contact, while massaging it.

Doctors find this feature very useful for the circulatory system.

Cashmere

The material is created from goat hair, in which the thickness of the hairs is 3 times less than that of human hair.

The advantages of the material include:

Good thermal insulation;
Cashmere products are warmer than regular sheep's wool;
Fluffy and soft material will become silky after a certain time.

Flaws:

Care for cashmere should be close. Blankets can only be washed by hand in warm water.
The cost of products starts from 10,000 rubles.

Woolen blankets are endowed with special healing properties. Doctors recommend using such products for patients diagnosed with radiculitis, arthritis, rheumatism or arthrosis. A woolen blanket will help normalize blood pressure and get rid of headaches.

Natural fur

Until recently, natural plaid was used to make rugs for real palace bedrooms or boudoirs.

Advantages:

Not every ordinary citizen can afford natural fur, but for a lot of money you can buy a wonderful furniture cape that can serve for a very long time.
Frost protection.

The disadvantages include the need for dry cleaning, which can only be performed by a true professional.

Artificial fur

How to choose a blanket faux fur? Modern technologies enable many entrepreneurs to produce such material. Visually, faux fur cannot be distinguished from natural fur.

Advantages:

Durability and wear resistance;
Moisture resistance;
Large selection of colors;
The material retains heat remarkably well;
Easy to clean.

Flaws:

Dust absorption.
Can become electrified.

This material is based on fabric treated with a special mixture, onto which synthetic pile is fixed.

Fur blankets belong to a special category of products. They are made specifically to give the room a special style. A fur blanket will always be warm, soft, fluffy.

Microfiber

This material is based on polyamide and polyester. The thin thread is considered the main distinguishing feature of microfiber.

Advantages:

Easy to wash;
Microfiber does not fade;
No lint collects on the surface of the material;
Moisture does not collect in the inner part of the fibers, is removed from the surface without much difficulty, and easily seeps through the product. This feature ensures that microfiber dries quickly.

Viscose

Viscose has the usual properties of synthetic materials:

Affordable price;
Good washability;
Durability of the material.

The viscose blanket is pleasant to the touch. When choosing sizes, you need to pay attention to the ability of materials to shrink after washing.

Viscose fabric wrinkles very easily. This is its main disadvantage.

Acrylic

Acrylic blankets are popularly called blankets made from artificial wool. This name still hides ordinary synthetic materials. The composition of the material from which a blanket or blanket is made is always indicated by the manufacturer on a small mark attached to the product.

Advantages:

Long service life while maintaining thermal insulation qualities and visual appeal;
Lightweight and fairly warm material is not very demanding to care for, is easy to wash and does not deteriorate;
People do not experience any allergic reactions;
The material is not electrified;
There is a fairly wide range of colors to choose from;
Affordable price.

Flaws:

The material does not allow air to pass through well;
Acrylic blanket can absorb odor;
Pellets form on the surface.

If you constantly hang the product in the fresh air and wash it, you can get rid of some of the shortcomings. A blanket made of mixed fabric is remarkably breathable and absorbs moisture compared to 100% acrylic blankets.

Fleece

High-quality thermal insulation is provided by so-called fleece blankets. The basis of fleece fabric is polyester, but the tactile sensations of the material are similar to natural wool. A fleece blanket is relatively more expensive than an acrylic product, but this material allows air to pass through better and absorbs moisture. These blankets can be used as an extra blanket on cold evenings.

Fleece blanket is considered a good alternative to natural fabrics. This material is created from polyester, endowed with the following positive qualities:

Resistance to various mechanical and temperature influences;
The colors do not fade under prolonged exposure to rays;
Does not provoke allergies;
Does not wear out;
It washes well, does not fade, is easy to iron, does not wrinkle;
Moths and all kinds of microorganisms do not settle on fleece fabric;
Can be used while traveling, in the country or at home.

The disadvantages include the ability to become electrified. This problem can be easily resolved by rinsing with a good antistatic conditioner. It is highly undesirable to use this product for a whole year.

Chenille

A distinctive feature of chenille blankets is the richness of the color scheme and shiny texture. Regular chenille is a glossy fabric that can shimmer when the viewing angle changes. This material is made from viscose, the main component of which is cellulose.

Synthetics

Synthetic blankets are distinguished by their affordability, pleasant sensations when touched, and fairly high wear resistance. Such materials do not provoke an allergic reaction and retain their original visual characteristics for a long time.

To find out how to choose the right blanket, you need to consider the main positive and negative aspects of the products offered on the market. The main advantages of synthetic blankets include:

Pleasant visual qualities;
Affordable price;
Synthetics do not require special care;
Pleasant tactile sensations;
The material is hypoallergenic.

Let's list the disadvantages:

A synthetic blanket can become electrified.
The material does not breathe well and does not allow air to circulate normally.

If you properly care for blankets, any product will last a long time.

How to choose a blanket Right? When choosing a blanket in a store, you should carefully check their entire surface, which should not have the smallest pellets or lint. The cut of the bedspread and texture should be uniform. If the new blanket has been in storage for a long time, no abrasions on the folds should appear. Their presence will be a clear sign of low quality product.

How to care?

Since the materials used to make blankets differ, manufacturers indicate washing conditions on the labels. Using a clothes brush, you can clean the product from accumulated dust. To maintain the shape of the product, it is not recommended to squeeze it. The cotton blanket is machine washable. To maintain the structure of the product, it is recommended to hang it horizontally. Woolen items are washed by hand in cool water using mild detergents. It is not recommended to wring out the blanket; the water should drain on its own. To dry the product correctly, it is recommended to lay it out on a flat surface.

Camel hair can be aired in the summer or dried in the snow in winter. It is unacceptable to wash with detergents. To properly clean such a blanket, in most cases it is enough to shake it. After reading the information presented in this article, no one will have any questions about how to choose a blanket.

When you imagine your dream home, you probably picture in your mind a picture of a person warming himself by the fireplace and covered with a warm blanket. Yes, without such a thing as a blanket, home comfort cannot be imagined. The blanket itself is quite versatile. It can serve as a bedspread, a cover for a sofa or chair, and even a poncho.
A blanket is a large blanket made of thick fabric. Its main function is to decorate the room and retain heat as a blanket.

Types of blankets
Acrylic (soft, antibacterial and hypoallergenic, wear-resistant).

Polyester (durable, retains heat well, does not attract dust and dirt, and is machine washable).

Cashmere (light, delicate, pleasant to the touch, very warm, soft).

Wool (durable, wear-resistant, warm).

The furs are beautiful, have bright colors, fleecy, dense, easy to care for, and easy to clean). There are blankets made of natural and synthetic fur. The difference between them is in quality and pricing policy. Synthetic blankets are usually much cheaper than natural materials, but they do not retain heat as well.

Cotton (airy, more suitable for summer, washes well and dries in a matter of minutes).

Electric (they have the ability to warm and dry the bed, do not wrinkle, fold easily, distribute heat evenly over the entire surface, and have a calming effect).