Buying guide for best king size comforter sets
For many people, their bedroom is their sanctuary — a place to rest, relax, and recharge. Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to our everyday health, and the bedding we choose plays a huge role in this. Comforter sets are a great choice because they give your bed a cohesive look while fulfilling your needs for comfort.
As you look for a king size comforter set, it’s helpful to understand why some materials are favored over others, how the stitching can affect comfort, and what to expect for proper maintenance. There’s more to picking the best king size comforter set than you might expect; however, once you narrow down your unique needs, you’re one step closer to having the bedroom of your dreams.
Important considerations for king size comforter sets
What’s included in a king size comforter set?
Depending on the brand and price, the contents of a comforter set can vary. The color and pattern of the pieces are typically matching, or at the very least, color-coordinated. The items you might find included in a comforter set include:
- Comforter
- Two to four pillow shams
- Small decorative throw pillow
- Two to four pillowcases
- Top sheet
- Fitted sheet
The comforter in the set is designed to be bed-ready — this means it’s different from the standard white comforters that are intended for use with duvet covers. A comforter in a set comes in a fabric that’s colored or patterned and is meant to be used as the centerpiece for your bedding.
With this in mind, it’s critical to choose a color or pattern you like that matches well with the other colors in your bedroom. You should take into account the colors of walls, carpet, and other furniture pieces you might have.
All-season, lightweight, or heavyweight
Where you live and the seasons you experience are important factors to consider when choosing your comforter set. If you live somewhere with more mild, temperate weather, an all-season comforter is probably a suitable choice. All-season comforters are designed with just the right amount of fill and breathability so that they can be used during spring, summer, fall, and winter.
However, if you live in a place where the seasons change more dramatically, you might need different comforters to account for the temperature changes. A lightweight comforter is best for spring and summer, while a thick, heavier comforter is better for the fall and winter months. It’s always helpful to have a cozy throw blanket on hand as well, as it can be layered with your comforter and added or removed as the climate changes.
When storing your comforter, avoid keeping it in plastic zippered bags or anything too confining, as this can trap heat and moisture and lead to mold or mildew. A linen or fabric bag is suitable for storage.
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Features of king size comforter sets
Material
The outer fabric of your comforter can be made from different materials, but the most common are cotton, Egyptian cotton, synthetic blends, silk, or wool. Some of the more eco-friendly options utilize natural materials like bamboo or eucalyptus fibers to create soft, environmentally friendly bedding pieces.
Materials such as Egyptian cotton and silk are among the most expensive, but they’re the most durable and are often the softest and most comfortable. Wool is sourced from sheep and tends to be higher-priced, but it’s incredibly insulating and enjoyable to sleep on, making it a solid choice for cold weather. Cotton and synthetic blend fabrics are the most affordable, and if they have a higher thread count, they can be just as soft and cozy as silk.
Thread count
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into each square inch of the fabric. A lower thread count equates to a rougher, less resilient material. A higher thread count means a denser weave and more durable fabric that’s smooth and soft. The lowest thread count (that’s still of decent quality) sits at around 200 to 300. Mid-range thread count is roughly 400 to 800, and the highest-quality materials have thread counts above 800, often reaching from 1,200 to 1,500.
Comforter stitch design
The stitch design of your king comforter refers to the stitch pattern that sections the fill, maintaining the loft of your comforter. The most common comforter stitch designs are:
- Baffle box
- Box
- Diamond quilted
- Channel
- Ring
The cross-sections in baffle box, box stitch, and diamond-quilted designs better prevent cold spots and keep the down fill from separating or bunching up as much as it may with other stitching methods.
Fill power
Fill power designates the loft, amount, and overall condition of down fill. The loft of your comforter refers to its fluffy, comfortable quality. Lower fill power means you have a thinner, lower-quality comforter that’s lightweight and airy. These are more breathable and best for hot sleepers or warmer climates.
Fill power measurements on the lower side of the spectrum range from 400 to 650. Higher-quality and more desirable fill powers are 650 to 850. Higher fill powers equate to thicker, fluffier comforters with high-quality down fill. These are heavier and warmer and retain firmness for longer because they offer more insulation. Comforters with high fill powers are excellent choices for cold weather.
Goose-down fill typically has higher fill power than duck-down fill. Goose down is also more difficult to collect, and for these reasons, comforters or pillows with goose down are much higher in price.
Fill material
Down comforter fill is traditionally made utilizing goose or duck feathers. The feathers are sourced from the undercoat and are known for their comfort, durability, and breathability. Because down fill is retrieved from live birds, it’s important to check that it’s ethically sourced.
Another fill material is an alternative down fill. Many people have allergies and sensitivities to natural feathers, thus down alternative emerged as a hypoallergenic, cruelty-free option that’s also much more affordable. Down alternative is made from synthetic polyester that mimics the lightweight loft of traditional down fill. Down alternative is often preferred for its price, animal-friendliness, and the fact that it’s easy to clean.
DID YOU KNOW?
Buying a comforter with a higher thread count means the weave of the fabric is denser and more durable, making it less likely that any of the down fill will poke through or fall out.
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What to pair with your king size comforter set
Throw pillows
One or two throw pillows can add the final decorative touch you need to complete your bedding. They’re a simple yet thoughtful way of livening up your bed set and are pretty affordable, too.
Bedding set
Since your comforter set only includes a comforter and pillow shams, you’ll also need a king bedding set with some high-quality sheets. You can find bedding sets in a huge variety of colors and patterns to match your comforter set.
Bed runner
A bed runner is not only an elegant decorative accent but serves a practical purpose as well. Bed runners are an easy way to help protect your comforter from damage like accidental spills or sharp objects snagging on the material. Bed runners are a smart option for those with pets or children and help to extend the life of your comforter set.
How much do king size comforter sets cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable king comforter sets are around $45 to $150. They’re made from commonly used materials like cotton and polyester and vary from a simple four-piece set to a full eight-piece set that includes sheets and pillowcases. Comforter sets in this range are made with fabric that has a lower thread count, and the comforter typically has a lower loft.
Mid-range
Mid-range king comforter sets cost between $150 and $300. These are larger sets made with higher-quality materials like wool, silk, or cotton and have mid-range thread counts from 500 to 800. The fill is likely made from authentic duck or goose down but can still be a down alternative.
Expensive
Expensive king comforter sets go for $300 to $500. Comforter sets in this range are made with materials like silk, cotton blends, and wool and boast thread counts of 800 to 1,500. They include multiple pieces and feature patterns and designs as opposed to simple, solid colors. Many of the comforters in this range boast goose-down fill.
If your bedroom walls have a distinct pattern, choose a solid color comforter set. If you have more neutral colors in your bedroom, a patterned comforter can add a stylish accent.
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Tips
- Shake your comforter out before making your bed. Throughout the night, you naturally put weight on your comforter, and this can flatten the down fill. Lightly shaking out and fluffing your comforter before making your bed restores its loft, allowing it to become full and fluffy again.
- Use throw blankets or bed runners to extend the life of your comforter set. You don’t have to keep your comforter covered all the time, but blankets or runners can help protect the material from everyday stains and spills or fading from sunlight.
- Spot treat any individual stains before washing your comforter. You can use a store-bought or homemade spot treatment to lift and remove stains from your comforter. This is most effective when done immediately after something spills.
FAQ
Q. Do I need a duvet cover for my king comforter?
A. You’re welcome to add a duvet cover to your comforter if desired, but it’s not entirely necessary. The shells of comforters in sets are thick and durable enough that they don’t need a cover. Reasons to add a duvet cover would be if you seek additional thickness for warmth, or if you simply want to change up the color of your comforter without replacing it.
Q. Should I wash my comforter set before using it?
A. You should wash sheets, comforter sets, duvet covers, and any other type of bedding at least once before using it. This cleans the materials of any bacteria, germs, or potential unwanted pollutants from the manufacturing process.
Q. How long does a king size comforter set last?
A. Many comforter sets can last upwards of 10 or 20 years. However, the majority of owners swap their comforter sets much sooner than this, after about five years. Depending on the frequency of use and how well it’s maintained, this can vary for each comforter set.
