Bed Sheets Vs Bed Covers

Our beds are one of the most important things in our lives. It is where we go to rest after a day’s activities. Sometimes, that is where we plan our next day. As such, your bed should be as comfortable as possible. This starts with you understanding the different types of beddings and their importance.

Bed Sheets Vs Bed Covers

So, what is the difference between a bed sheet and a bed cover? A bed sheet is a piece of fabric or linen that covers the mattress. A bed cover on the other side is a covering of the bed. It is the outermost bedding. If you are looking to understand the difference between a bed sheet and bed cover, this article is for you.

Keep reading to learn more about the two types of beddings, their differences, similarities, importance, and other related issues.

Bed Sheets

Understanding the difference between these two beddings will first require us to understand bedsheets and bed covers separately. So what is a bed sheet?

As mentioned above, a bed sheet is a piece of fabric that is usually in square or rectangle shape and it is placed directly in contact with the mattress. Bed sheets are used to protect the mattress. They can be made of cotton, silk, rayon, polypropylene, satin, bamboo fiber, and other types of materials.

That said though, there are two types of bedsheets, the fitted bed sheet and the flatbed sheet. The fitted bed sheet is a piece of fabric fitted with an elastic band in all the four corners or just two corners. The elastic band helps the bed sheet to hold on to the mattress.

The flatbed sheet on the other side is a plain cloth with stitches running though out the edge of the cloth. Unlike a fitted bed sheet, to fit a flatbed sheet you will have to tack it in bed through a method known as hospital corners.

Bed Cover

Just as the name suggests, a bed cover is a large fabric that is used to cover the bed. It usually rests on all other beddings. Bed covers come in different types. They include, comforters, duvets, coverlet, quilt, and a regular bedspread.

Regardless of the type of bed cover you choose, the fabric should be easier to clean and preferably hard to stain. This is because a bed cover is meant to protect the mattress, bed and other beddings from dirt, stains and other contaminants, especially if you tend to use your bed regularly for activities other than sleeping. For instance, eating, gaming among other activities.

With all these activities, your bed cover will likely be stained and dirty. Hence why it should be made of a fabric that can be cleaned easily. Other than protecting the bed, some bed covers can be used to cover ourselves on those extra cold nights.

If you are looking to use your bed cover to add warmth, it is recommended you go for the thick bed cover like the quilt and comforters. Other than that, a bed cover can also be used for aesthetic purposes such as the coverlet.

What is the difference between a Bed Sheet and Bed Cover?

Now that we understand the two beddings separately, let us look at their differences.

  • First, bed sheets are primarily used to cover the mattress while bed covers are used to cover the entire bed.
  • Another difference is that bed sheets are placed directly on the mattress while bed covers are placed over bed sheets or other linens used as beddings
  • When sleeping, some bed covers are taken off. This is so especially for bed covers used for decorative purposes only. Bed sheets on the other side are used when sleeping. You can either sleep on your bed sheet or sandwich yourself between two bedsheets. In this case, one bedsheet will be used to cover the mattress and the other two cover yourself.
  • Most bed covers are made of a thicker fabric than that of a bedsheet.
  • Another difference is that bed covers can be used for aesthetic purposes while bedsheets are mostly used for functionality.

Similarities between a Bedsheet and Bed a Cover

  • Despite their differences bedsheets and bed covers share similarities. For starters, both of them are essential beddings that you will need to protect your mattress from stains, dirt, and body oils among other possible contaminants
  • Other than that, both a bed sheet and bed cover are used to make the bed presentable and comfortable. As such, you must have both of them.

Importance of Bed Sheets

Protect the mattress

Bed sheets protect the mattress from dirt, mites, grime, dead skin, sweat, and spillages that may occur accidentally. If the mattress is exposed to these contaminants, it could be stained, damaged and eventually, its life span reduced. As such, if you want your mattress to last a while longer, consider investing in a good quality bed sheet

Protect the skin

should the mattress be exposed to the above contaminants, it creates a good breeding place for dust mite, bacteria and molds. These bacteria and dust mites can then lead to skin conditions such as Eczema. Therefore, for people with theses skin conditions and generally people who are concerned.

Absorb sweat and body oils

harmful bacteria can grow in your bed due to accumulating sweats and body oil. To counter this use breathable bed sheets with good moisture-wicking properties. This wholesomely prevents the growth of bacteria mildew and bad smell from your beddings.

Warmth

as mentioned before, you can use two-bed sheets if you are looking to add some warmth into your bed. If this is the case, you will end up sandwiched between the two bedsheets. Bedsheets, therefore, are not only a source of warmth but also comfort

Importance of Bed Covers

The following are reasons why you should have a bed cover.

Protects other beddings

if you have invested in some top tier beddings, the last thing you want is to age them fast. Typically, beddings are exposed to several things that can cause them to age or even damage easily. They range from stains to exposure to direct sunlight. For instance, direct exposure of sunlight over a long time causes the bedsheets to bleach therefore ruining their color and quality.

To avoid this, use a bed cover when spreading your bed. Other than bed sheets, other beddings are protected by the bed cover.

An alternative to other beddings

For people who battle with allergic reactions such as sneezing, using blankets can easily trigger the allergies. If this is the case, bed covers can be used as substitutes. Other than sneezing, if a specific type of bedding irritates your skin, you may opt to use bed covers whose fabric is mostly soft and gentler on the skin.

Moreover, during summer or any time you feel your beddings are a tad heavy and generate a lot of warmth, you can opt to use bed covers only. If this is a reasonable option for you, consider using thick bed covers to avoid feeling cold in the middle of the night.

Aesthetic reasons

the bedroom is one of the rooms where you get a rare opportunity to express yourself freely. As such, many people find themselves wanting to match colors in the bedroom or have a continuous pattern that they resonate with.

It is for this reason that people have resulted to using bed covers to express their decorative taste. As you, already know, bed covers make the topmost layer of beddings. It, therefore, makes it the simplest way to express your personality, colors and taste of fashion as they match with other accessories in your room

Related Questions

What is the difference between a comforter and a duvet?

Although both of them are bed covers, these two beddings are different. A comforter is a fluffy, thick, stitched blanket. Most comforters are stitched in a specific pattern to help put in place its content. Other than that, comforters are usually sold as a set with bedsheets and pillowcases to match the color or pattern. A comforter, therefore, is one of the easiest bed covers to use if you are looking to achieve an aesthetic touch to your bedroom.

 A duvet, on the other hand, is a flatter version of a comforter and it is not stitched. The inside of a duvet is usually filled with feathers, cotton, or fiber. Unlike a comforter, a duvet does not come as a set but it is bought separately. Other than that,  most of the time duvet generate enough warmth so that you do not have to use additional sheets or blankets with them

After how long should I wash my bedsheets and bed cover?

It is recommended you wash our bed sheets once every two weeks to maintain good hygiene. For bed covers, it is recommended you clean them after 2 -3 months.

Related Article: Can You Wash Bed Sheets With Clothes?

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