Sheet shopping....What's the difference?

Question

I'm looking to order sheets from JC Penny, and I'm confused with choices. Usually I buy a bed in a bag, but the ones they have are tacky. So, my question to you is:

What's the difference between a Bedspread and a Comforter?

Is the bedspread the entire set, or is it just a cover...eh?

Answer 1

In general, look for at least a 250 thread count. Usually, sheets in a 'bed-in-a-bag' set are around 200 or less. Don't just look at JCPenney for sheets, there are great deals at places like Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Linen's-n-things and Ross. Also, look at outlet stores. Sometimes the sheets have a flaw in them, such as line patterns that are crooked or a splotch in the color, but if you don't mind that kind of thing you can get some high thread count (meaning softer) sheets for just a few dollars. Your best bet is to stick with solid colors.

Bedspreads are more dated. They are the ones who go to the floor and usually cover the pillows also. Think of hotel rooms, that is usually where you see bedspreads being used. A comforter is a fluffier covering that usually only covers the mattress. You would then use a dust ruffle to cover the area from the mattress to the floor. A duvet cover is a big, pillowcase-type thing that you can put a comforter into. It's reallly like a big cover for your comforter. One of the things most people do with a duvet cover is put a down-filled comforter inside of it. The plus side to this is that you can buy machine-washable duvet covers; whereas you usually have to dry-clean comforters and bedspreads.

Look at places online that sell bedding and get some ideas. It might be expensive to buy the set as is, but you can get the same look by just buying the duvet cover and two pillows in the print that you like and then buy cheaper sheets in a coordinating color. You can find really inexpensive dust ruffles and pillow shams at Target or Walmart.

Answer 2

Buy your sheets separately so you can choose the thread count you prefer. The higher the thread count, the softer the sheets. Bed in a bag sheets usually are only 200 or 250...a little rough. Look for sales at Linens n Things or Bed Bath & Beyond and such. There isn't any real difference between a bedspread and a comforter....just terms. They do the same thing in making an attractive cover for the bed. Duvets are another type. They slide over a down comforter or even over a spread or comforter to change the look. If you're buying a set, it will tell you on the outside that it includes the spread/comforter, shams, skirt, and sheets.

Answer 3

Watch out for bed-in-a-bag sets...the quality of the sheets is usually very low. A thread count under 400 has a tendency to pill, forming hard lint balls all over...not too comfortable!!

A bedspread consists of one item intended to cover the whole bed - over the pillows on top and down to the floor on the bottom and sides. A comforter is one piece that covers only the top of the bed - does not go over the pillows and only comes to the bottom of the mattress. You have to use a bed skirt and pillow shams to complete the look if you use a comforter.

The bedspread is only a cover.

Answer 4

A bedspread is like a comforter but it is made to reach to the floor. A comforter is made to hang down over the sides of the bed to cover only the mattress and is meant to be used with a dust ruffle. Bed in a bag is the only way you get all of the coordinating pieces.

Answer 5

A bedspread is usually sold alone and just is an attractive cover.

A comforter is actually smaller and covers the mattress and is puffy and filled with a filler , it has a skirt to go between the mattress and box spring, and sometimes comes with a sheet set, pillow cases and shams (prettier, company pillow covers)

If you want finer sheets, look for higher threat count. Egyptian cotton has a very high thread count and feels fabulous to sleep on. I bought a set for our king size bed two years ago at Costco, they feel fabulous and I use them over any of the others, because of the fine weave.

Good Luck shopping.

Answer 6

I'm not sure, but bedspread is a pretty general term. It could include a blanket, comforter, duvet, etc. A comforter, on the other hand, is usually going to be a bedcover that has two layers of fabric filled with some form of insulating material, traditionally down, for extra warmth.

Answer 7

bedspreads reach the floor on 3 sides and are usually thinner than comforters. Comforters hang down to the top of a bedskirt to get the same affect.

Answer 8

For sheets...the higher the thread count the better the quality. Bedspread is for decorative purposes, comforter is for warmth and decoration.