| Issue #37, December 8, 2006 |
Comforters and Joy
For many of us, the bed serves as a comfortable and restorative haven where we look forward to laying our heads every night. It is often a favorite spot in the home, and whether it’s used as a place to read, watch television or sleep, the bed should be dressed to provide style as well as comfort. When choosing a comforter to drape the bed, there are several factors to consider. The comforter should not only be the cozy cover that we snuggle up in, but also a means to reflect personal taste. Fortunately, there are many popular ways to customize a bedroom beginning with the covers.
When changing bedding with the seasons, many people rely on down comforters to stay warm during the cold winter months. Once thought of as a luxury item, down comforters are now increasingly available at discounted prices and have become more of a necessity than a lavish treat. They are available in solid and reversible colors, which make decorating easy, but sometimes boring. It is generally the duvet cover that expresses the owner’s personal style. Duvet covers are available in endless patterns and designs, but there are now easy ways to craft the ideal cover for your bed using stamps, paint, stencils and other tools. For example, have your child recreate a drawing with a fabric crayon on a solid duvet cover, then place it on the bed to see if it displays properly. If not, wash out the crayon and start over. If it looks good, paint over the crayon using textile paints. Another way to customize the bedroom’s décor is by using the same stencils to decorate the duvet cover and the walls, creating a flow of matching patterns.
If you want to create a duvet cover from scratch, using luxurious fabrics such as plush velvet or satin has become very popular and inexpensive. It’s even possible to make a patchwork comforter using a combination of velvet and satin, or velvet on one side and satin on the reverse. Both fabrics are rich in texture and will give any bed a luxurious custom look. Or use a floral print one side, and satin on the other. Denim, flannel and corduroy are other popular materials used to create custom duvets. Keep in mind when creating your own cover to seek out washable fabrics for easy laundry care.
Several websites and stores are now offering advanced production technology to create customized comforters and duvet covers using your favorite photographs, paintings or designs. For example, a picture of your favorite car or landscape can be successfully displayed. Or perhaps you want to create a comforter with several photographs of your family and friends. Whichever you choose, the completed product is far from screen printing silk screening. The images are actually dyed into the bedding fabric, and final resolutions are sharp and flawless. This product allows you to be the designer, and the possibilities are endless. Photo blankets can be personalized for any person or bedroom, and make excellent holiday gifts.
Another way to customize your cover, and preserve memories at the same time, is by using old t-shirts to create a throw or quilt. If you are anything like me and appreciate all things vintage and authentic, this is the perfect way to manufacture a handmade one-of-a-kind piece. Gather your materials by rummaging through your closet or favorite thrift stores. A full-size cover typically uses 25 t-shirt images. Begin by stitching the pieces together in whichever way you desire, and then back up the throw or quilt with sweatshirt material or a fabric of your choice.
If you decide to manufacture your own covers, whether you choose t-shirts, sheets or another textile, make sure to pre-wash the fabric to avoid resizing. Also, don’t be afraid to mix different colors and patterns. Size, warmth and color are also key factors to consider, but whichever fabric and design you choose to wrap yourself in, comfort and style are still the most important things when you are in bed. So when decorating your sleeping quarters, use the comforter to enhance your bedroom and reflect a taste of luxury and individual style.
– Janine Cheviot
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