Comforter Buying Guide: Velvet, Chenille or Cotton?

Velvet Comforters: The Softest and Warmest Choice

Velvet has a short, dense pile that feels exceptionally soft and reflects light with a gentle sheen. That sheen makes colors look deeper and the room more luxurious.

A velvet comforter suits anyone who loves a warm, soft bed and wants a luxurious, hotel-like bedroom. La Vita velvet comforters mostly come in two styles, bordered and quilted; the stitching keeps the filling evenly spread and gives the surface a neat shape.

• Softness: very high
• Warmth: high; ideal for fall and winter
• Look: lustrous and elegant
• Care: gentle wash in cold water, or dry cleaning

Chenille Comforters: Raised Texture and a Regal Look

Chenille is woven from tufted yarns that make patterns stand out in raised, three-dimensional relief. Its surface is both soft and richly detailed, so a chenille comforter is striking even in plain colors.

If your bedroom is classic or opulent, or you want the comforter's design to be the focal point of the room, chenille is a good choice. La Vita chenille comforters come in paneled, bordered, Turkish-design, quilted-back, lace-trimmed and duvet-cover styles.

• Softness: high
• Warmth: medium to high
• Look: patterned and raised
• Care: gentle wash, inside out, without wringing

Cotton Comforters: Light, Breathable and for Every Season

Cotton is a natural, breathable fabric; it stays cool in warm weather and still feels pleasant in the cold. A cotton comforter is lighter, easier to wash and gets softer with every wash.

For everyday use, children's and teens' rooms, or anyone who prefers a light, cool comforter, cotton is the best option.

• Softness: good, and better with washing
• Warmth: balanced; suitable for all seasons
• Look: simple and calm
• Care: machine wash in warm water

Choose the Right Size and Number of Pieces

Before choosing a design, know the size of your mattress and bed. Most La Vita designs are double, and some also come in a single size. Depending on the design, comforter sets have 4 to 10 pieces: the comforter, a fitted sheet, flanged pillowcases in the same fabric as the comforter, everyday cotton pillowcases and, in many designs, decorative cushions. In the duvet-cover designs, instead of a one-piece comforter you get a duvet cover with a white inner comforter.

If your bed is large or you like the comforter to hang over the sides, be sure to ask the store for the dimensions before you buy.

Match the Color to Your Room

Light colors such as cream, ivory and light gray make a room look larger and calmer. Warm colors such as blush pink, beige and brown feel cozy, while dark colors such as navy and smoky gray create a modern, luxurious look. A simple rule: match the comforter to one of the colors of your curtains, rug or walls.