In my experience, I've used a topsheet and what I think is a comforter (big, fluffy, rectangular, hangs off bed but doesn't reach floor). I've also just used a comforter by itself. Either way the comforter covers my body and keeps me warm. And then blankets (thinner/smaller) on top for added warmth. And my understanding is that you don't put anything else on top of a comforter.
In hotels/motels, there's (what my mom referred to as) a bedspread (thinner than comforter but touches the floor, outlines the pillows and looks pretty) and under that is a blanket(?) and then a topsheet (or vice versa? It's been a minute.). But online I'm seeing them referred to as a coverlet? My mom said to NEVER use the bedspread as a blanket/comforter for sanitary reasons (like they aren't washed as often and people sit and lay on top of them before going to bed?), so I just use the top sheet and blanket to cover me.
I also always thought quilts were just blankets made with smaller patches stitched together in a pattern. Is that correct? Are they used interchangeably with blankets?
And then what even is a duvet? I thought that was just a British English for comforter?
What things go with what and where and what am I supposed to do with them? I'm just trying to sleep!
Anyone else prefer to sleep with throw blankets as opposed to the typical top sheet & comforter?
Does anyone use a blanket atop their bedsheets instead of a duvet + comforter?
What is the difference between Comforter and Blanket and Sheet and Duvet ?
difference - Comforter Vs. blanket - English Language Learners Stack Exchange
Can I use an electric blanket with a comforter?
Do blankets go over or under a comforter?
Is a comforter suitable for summer or winter?
Videos
I’ve always found that I get a more sound sleep and am more comfortable with throw blankets as opposed to a top sheet & comforter.
Is anyone else this way?
I'm moving soon, and noticed that standard North American bedding feels super overkill in some situations.
I was thinking about putting a fitted sheet atop my mattress, and buying a heavy blanket to sleep under. No top sheet, no comforter, no duvet. My space has great temperature control, so no worries about heat fluctuations.
Does anyone practice something similar? Not sure if I'll be missing out on anything by not going the traditional bedding route.
Here's what I'm thinking: https://i.imgur.com/VH8LamW.png
At least in my (American English) usage:
Blanket: a warm bed covering that is much thicker than a bed sheet, but is only a single layer of material. It's usually woven or felted.
Afghan: a blanket that is coarsely crocheted. More associated with warming your lap while sitting than with a bed covering.
Throw: a light blanket meant to be draped (thrown) across a chair or sofa and used by the chair's occupant if necessary.
Bedspread: a colorful, medium-weight bed covering that makes the bed look attractive when fully made up. It may or may not be removed for sleeping.
Comforter: a warm bed covering that has a decorative cover and some sort of filling (down, polyfill, foam, etc.), but is sewn shut. You cannot remove the filling. Often used instead of a bedspread.
Quilt: structurally much like a comforter, but the cover is often made from many pieces of cloth sewn together in a decorative pattern, and then the whole thing is "quilted", which means criss-crossed with stitching. Popular as folk art.
Duvet: A more recent European import, once rare in America but now increasingly common (the comforter is becoming an endangered species as compared to the duvet). A very plain cloth envelope filled with thick fluffy filling like a comforter. Unlike a comforter, there is a separate duvet cover that is decoratively colored and can be removed and washed separately.
In a sense, the two of them refer to about the same thing. However, they aren't usually interchanged. Usually, a blanket is smaller and thinner. It can be used in a lot of situations. However, a comforter is usually larger, thicker, and only used on a bed.
In addition, "blanket" is used more in informal speech. "Comforter" is used more in formal speech, especially when discussing items in business, or making a recommendation to a customer.