Buyers Guide - Quilt & Doonas
The type of quilt you use has a lot to do with how well you sleep. Are you waking up at night because you’re too hot or too cool? Do you play tug of war all night because your partner is a quilt-hogger? Planet Linen understands the most important aspects of buying a new quilt are getting the right size and distinguishing between the properties of different fills and matching them to your needs.
Which Size?
When choosing your next quilt, take the depth of your mattress into consideration. The quilt needs to be big enough to accommodate the overhang, that is, the quilt should hang sufficiently over the mattress to completely cover the mattress sides, but not so much that it drags on the floor. For the deep walled and lofty pillowtop mattresses, Planet Linen recommends one size up, for example, a king size quilt on a queen bed.
- Single bed 140 x 210 cm
- King single bed* 180 x 210 cm
- Double bed 180 x 210 cm
- Queen bed 210 x 210 cm
- King bed 245 x 210 cm
- Super king bed (Australia) 270 x 240 cm
- Super king bed (New Zealand) 265 x 210 cm
- Mega king bed 330 x 330 cm
How Does Quilt Construction Play A Part?
All our down, feather and microfibre quilts use a boxed cassette construction (see below). Individual squares are sewn through the fill to keep it all in place. This in turn provides an even distribution of fill so the quilt will wrap around you more easily and eliminate any cold spots.
Natural or Synthetic?
Different fills have different properties including varying degrees of warmth, comfort, hypo-allergenic qualities and easy care ability. Planet Linen gives you options to match the right quilt to your needs.
Down & Feather
A totally natural product, down and feather is harvested commonly from duck and geese. The feathers are from the wings and back of the bird and add loft and weight to the quilt. Down is the soft, fluffy plumage from the chest area and is a natural insulator. Each down cluster contains thousands of filaments that intertwine, forming air pockets that keep cold out and warmth in. Natural feather fillings are light, soft, warm and resilient. An increase in down content adds extra softness, more warmth with less weight.
Wool
Wool is not just for winter. In fact, the natural properties of wool make it a suitable quilt filling all year round. Wool does not conduct heat, rather it maintains the body at an even temperature, aiding undisturbed sleep. Wool can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture without feeling damp. Heavier than a feather and down, the crimp of wool fibres will bounce back after you sit or lie on it, maintaining an even loft.
Cotton
Naturally breathable, cotton filled quilts are an alternative to a light, cotton blanket and are suitable for the warmer seasons. Easy care and machine washable.
Microfibre
Microfibre is a modern synthetic fabric. The ultra-thin fibres create quilts that are super soft, lightweight, long lasting and easy care. The filling is air blown into the quilt casing, promoting good loft and softness. Microfibre is designed to emulate the characteristics and feel of down but with the added benefit of easy maintenance. Often preferred by allergy sufferers and children as they are dust mite resistant and machine washable.
