Alternative Comforter
Monday, August 9th, 2010
Alternative Comforter
How to Raise the Comfort Level on a Deck
Any deck that may look great and be situated in the exact best location, but if it is not comfortable, it will have limited use. Several factors affect deck comfort, some physical in nature and some psychological. These include protection from the elements of nature, the control of things that are considered annoyances and ergonomics.
In some cases the solutions are very simple. A wall that is placed correctly can do much to buffer wind and sound. Sun and glare can be reduced by a few yards of shade cloth. Other problems might not be solved so easily and may involve the addition of an entire structure to the deck such as a screened gazebo.
Some comforts are of a less physical nature. This is especially true for privacy. A simple solution could involve something as simple as pulling down a shade or it might require adding a trellis, arbor or pergola to the deck.
The desire to create a sense of security that has nothing to do with any real threat might be a factor. Small, cozy places bring big spaces down to a human scale. Enclosing a deck area with potted and climbing plants can define an outdoor space and make it more appealing and comfortable. The addition of a fountain can easily distract from the noise generated by passing automobiles.
Outdoor speakers, cozy lounge chairs or a hammock are steps that can go far to create a pleasant deck retreat.
Dealing with wind, especially in areas where it blows much of the time, can be one of the most difficult deck comfort problems to solve. That is because wind is so unpredicatable. A solid wind barrier can cause wind to curl over the wall and swirl at a deck occupant from behind. The solution would be to construct a wall that allows some wind to filter through it.
A barrier built with a lattice panel installed into its upper section is one alternative. Another option would be to space the fence boards an inch or two apart to allow for the passage of wind. Breaking the wind with boards that are staggered and gapped minimize turbulence on the leeward side.
Tempered glass panels installed over a solid railing system can offer stiff resistance to wind without blocking a scenic view. Outdoor fabrics can be an effective option as long as the flapping sound generated during gusty occasions does not become an annoyance.
Creating shade is a an important step in keeping a deck cool during the hot summer months. The simplest option is a center post umbrella designed to fit through the hole in an outdoor table and into a weighted base below. A good choice would be an umbrella that is 8 to 12 feet wide and is simple to open and close.
Octagonal umbrellas will provide more shade than their square counterparts of similar width. In high wind situations it might be wise to purchase an umbrella base that fastens to the deck surface.
Side post umbrellas are a more recent development. They get the post out of the way and are available in even wider sizes. The umbrella is mounted on an arm or hangs from a boom that can be rotated 360 degrees to block the sun as it moves across the sky. Pricier units have a tilting mechanism.
Some umbrellas are available that can be hung from an overhead structure such as an arbor or pergola. These units are raised and lowered into position with the use of a pulley.
Selecting outdoor fabrics centers around the issues of looks, durability and the transmission of light. Acrylic and canvas and PVC fabric are best for water resistance. High density propylene is the best choice for blocking UV rays in hot and arid climates. Some fabris are treated to resist mold and mildew which is a real asset in the outdoors.
A more recent innovative way to add shade and contemporary styling to a deck is the use of shade sails. They resemble sailboat sails and are held together by stainless steel cables sewn into their edges. The triangular or rectangular sails are then attached to posts or to the existing structure by means of steel rings at reinforced corners.
Talk to a professional regarding the shade sail best suited to the local climate.
A retractable canopy might be a wise comfort solution to be used in relation to a pergola or arbor structure. It installs unobtrusively along tracks on the structure's rafters to provide shade without interfering with the style of the structure.
Deck awnings are another shade alternative. They can be attached to the house and provide protection from the sun as well as the rain. Deck awnings come in manual or electrically powered versions.
Freestanding gazebos can also offer respite from the hot rays of the sun. They are fitted with outdoor fabric. The lightweight nature of some of these structures make them ideal choices because they can easily be moved to provide more flexibility in the use of deck space.
Others are heavier, requiring special support framing or their own footings. Gazebos can be fitted with drapes for privacy and screening for protection from insects.
Screened enclosures come in many different sizes in order to cover some or all of any deck. They eliminate the major annoyance caused by flying insects. Some models are free standing. Others are 3 sided attaching to the wall on the fourth side. A large majority are do-it-yourself types that are easily and quickly installed.
The better units have heavy guage aluminum frames with baked on enamel finishes. Cheaper units are made of galvanized steel. The roof of these screened enclosures is often made of vinyl fabric ranging in thickness from 6 to 22 ounce weights. Heavier duty enclosure versions have aluminum roofs.
Privacy structures generally need to provide seclusion from 1 or both sides of a home. This is done to prevent a deck user from feeling claustrophobic. Build a trellis, pergola or arbor so that guests seated near any one of them will be able to see out without being seen.
Another useful strategy is to construct a privacy wall or overhead structure using boards that are set at an angle. From a neighboring home it will look solid. Drapes, shades, canopies, awnings and hanging umbrellas all offer privacy solutions.
Deck comfort is a very important factor to be considered in designing and constructing a deck because it has a powerful impact as to how often the deck will be used by the homeowner, family members and guests.
About the Author
Richard Vande Sompel is a professional deck builder of 35 years and over 850
decks built and is the author of "How to Plan, Design and Build a Deck from
Start to Finish". To Discover More About
Deck Design and Claim your 2
FREE Deck Plans, Insider Report, MP3 Audio and discover everything to know about
building a deck visit:
http://www.DeckBuildingRevealed.com
What is down alternative? If it's not made from down then is it just cotton?
If it's jsut cotton then why not buy a regular cotton comforter? Does it feel the same? The reason i'm asking is because i found the shade of blue i'm looking for in a comforter but it's alternative. But i was looking for down... any help would be appreciated.
There are synthetic alternatives that are just as warm as down and are machine washable. I grew up with a down comforter and now I use the synthetic alternative on all my beds. I like to be able to wash and dry my comforters and not have to pay the expensive dry cleaning bill. The alternatives are not usually cotton.
Alternative Comforter
Microfiber Down Alternative Comforter - Twin
|
|
Natural Living Luxury Down Alternative Comforter $90 Pacific Coast Feather Co - Comforter Sets - The Natural Living Luxury Down Alternative Comforter uses the revolutionary Ingeo Fiberfill, a filling that is non-toxic, requires less energy to produce, and outperforms traditional polyester fibers. The comforter provides warm and fluffy comfort, with Ingeo Fibers that are silky and lofty for a plush and luxurious feel. With other benefits such as natural moisture wicking properties, low odor retention, and resistance of bacterial growth, it is also hypoallergenic and a great alternative to a down comforter while giving you everything that a down comforter can provide. Available in Twin, Full/Queen and King sizes Warm, soft and fluffy comfortable construction Non-toxic and hypoallergenicIngeo Fiberfill filling Natural moisture wicking properties Low odor retention Resistance to bacterial growth Specifications: Twin dimensions: 63 W x 86 L Full/Queen dimensions: 88 W x 90 L King dimensions: 104 W x 89 |
|
|
Free Shipping. Down Alternative Comforter - Queen $89.99 Do you love the look and warmth that a down comforter provides, but want something that is down and feather free? Look no further than this excellent down alternative comforter. With a 400-thread count 100% Egyptian cotton cover, this comforter features a 100% hypoallergenic cluster polyester fill that will keep you cozy all night long. End-to-end box stitching looks great and keeps the fiber in place for even distribution. Sleep well under this wonderful comforter, and wake up refreshed and ready to start the day! Available in King, Queen and Twin sizes. This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 2-8 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable |
|
|
Free Shipping. Down Alternative Comforter - King $99.99 Do you love the look and warmth that a down comforter provides, but want something that is down and feather free? Look no further than this excellent down alternative comforter. With a 400-thread count 100% Egyptian cotton cover, this comforter features a 100% hypoallergenic cluster polyester fill that will keep you cozy all night long. End-to-end box stitching looks great and keeps the fiber in place for even distribution. Sleep well under this wonderful comforter, and wake up refreshed and ready to start the day! Available in King, Queen and Twin sizes. This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 2-8 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable |
|
|
Free Shipping. Down Alternative Comforter - Twin $82.99 Do you love the look and warmth that a down comforter provides, but want something that is down and feather free? Look no further than this excellent down alternative comforter. With a 400-thread count 100% Egyptian cotton cover, this comforter features a 100% hypoallergenic cluster polyester fill that will keep you cozy all night long. End-to-end box stitching looks great and keeps the fiber in place for even distribution. Sleep well under this wonderful comforter, and wake up refreshed and ready to start the day! Available in King, Queen and Twin sizes. This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 2-8 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable |
|
|
The Comforter $19.84 The Comforter |
|
|
The Alternative $18.35 The Alternative |
|
|
No Alternative? $24.95 No Alternative? |
|
|
Alternative $11.99 Alternative |
|
|
Pacific Coast 63049 Natural Living Luxury Down Alternative Comforter - Twin $89.99 Ingeo - Ingenious fibers made from plants not oilThis comforter featuring Ingeo fiber fill provides superior all-season insulation. The durable fibers offer comfortable lasting loft, while the no shift box design keeps the fill in place to eliminate cold spots. The 300 thread count, 100 percent cotton sateen cover offers premium natural softness and durability. Hypoallergenic. Machine wash and dry.Features:Fill - Durable Ingeo Garnet FiberConstruction - 15 Sewn Though Box300 Thread Count, 100 percent All-Natural CottonPackage - Vinyl Bag with Flyer |
|
|
Pacific Coast 63051 Natural Living Luxury Down Alternative Comforter - King $129.99 Ingeo - Ingenious fibers made from plants not oilThis comforter featuring Ingeo fiber fill provides superior all-season insulation. The durable fibers offer comfortable lasting loft, while the no shift box design keeps the fill in place to eliminate cold spots. The 300 thread count, 100 percent cotton sateen cover offers premium natural softness and durability. Hypoallergenic. Machine wash and dry.Features:Fill - Durable Ingeo Garnet FiberConstruction - 15 Sewn Though Box300 Thread Count, 100 percent All-Natural CottonPackage - Vinyl Bag with Flyer |
|
|
Restful Nights Ultra Supreme Comforter $80 Pacific Coast Feather Co - Comforter Sets - If you want the loft and warmth of a down comforter, but want an alternative fill to down, then this is the comforter for you. The Ultima Supreme Comforter from Restful Nights is filled with highly slickened and patented Ultima Supreme fiber coils that offer silky loft and breathability to you all year round. Designed to mimic everything that a down comforter can provide at an affordable price. Available in Twin, Full/Queen and King sizes Warm, soft and fluffy comfortable construction Highly slickened and patented Ultima Supreme fiber coils filling Silky loft and breathability all year round Specifications: Twin dimensions: 64 W x 86 L Full/Queen dimensions: 88 W x 90 L King dimensions: 104 W x 90 L |
|
|
PrimaLoft Hotel Style King Comforter $174 Downlite is America's premiere manufacturer of down and feather bedding. Downlite searches the globe for the finest fabrics and fills available. These quality materials are combined with unsurpassed workmanship in their Cincinnati, Ohio factory. Not everyone can enjoy down bedding and for those who want the best - we have PrimaLoft. Specially engineered to give the look and warmth of down, PrimaLoft is a great easy care choice for consumers with allergy concerns. This silky soft microfiber features a permanent antimicrobial treatment that won't wash off. Designed to be laundered again and again - this down like comforter will last years and keep you snuggly at rest. -1 King Comforter -Medium Warmth -PrimaLoft, Luxury Down Alternative- 54 oz of fill -230 Thread Count, 100% Cotton -Construction: Sewn Thru Box Construction -Easy Care - Home Machine Washable & Dryable -Made in USA |
|
|
PrimaLoft Hotel Style Queen Comforter $158 Downlite is America's premiere manufacturer of down and feather bedding. Downlite searches the globe for the finest fabrics and fills available. These quality materials are combined with unsurpassed workmanship in their Cincinnati, Ohio factory. Not everyone can enjoy down bedding and for those who want the best - we have PrimaLoft. Specially engineered to give the look and warmth of down, PrimaLoft is a great easy care choice for consumers with allergy concerns. This silky soft microfiber features a permanent antimicrobial treatment that won't wash off. Designed to be laundered again and again - this down like comforter will last years and keep you snuggly at rest. -1 Queen Comforter -Medium Warmth -PrimaLoft, Luxury Down Alternative- 48 oz of fill -230 Thread Count, 100% Cotton -Construction: Sewn Thru Box Construction -Easy Care - Home Machine Washable & Dryable -Made in USA |
|
|
PrimaLoft Hotel Style Twin Comforter $122 Downlite is America's premiere manufacturer of down and feather bedding. Downlite searches the globe for the finest fabrics and fills available. These quality materials are combined with unsurpassed workmanship in their Cincinnati, Ohio factory. Not everyone can enjoy down bedding and for those who want the best - we have PrimaLoft. Specially engineered to give the look and warmth of down, PrimaLoft is a great easy care choice for consumers with allergy concerns. This silky soft microfiber features a permanent antimicrobial treatment that won't wash off. Designed to be laundered again and again - this down like comforter will last years and keep you snuggly at rest. -1 Twin Comforter -Medium Warmth -PrimaLoft, Luxury Down Alternative- 35 oz of fill -230 Thread Count, 100% Cotton -Construction: Sewn Thru Box Construction -Easy Care - Home Machine Washable & Dryable -Made in USA |
|
|
Pacific Coast 63050 Natural Living Luxury Down Alternative Comforter - Full / Queen $119.99 Ingeo - Ingenious fibers made from plants not oilThis comforter featuring Ingeo fiber fill provides superior all-season insulation. The durable fibers offer comfortable lasting loft, while the no shift box design keeps the fill in place to eliminate cold spots. The 300 thread count, 100 percent cotton sateen cover offers premium natural softness and durability. Hypoallergenic. Machine wash and dry.Features:Fill - Durable Ingeo Garnet FiberConstruction - 15 Sewn Though Box300 Thread Count, 100 percent All-Natural CottonPackage - Vinyl Bag with Flyer |
|
|
The Mourner's Comforter $7.63 The Mourner's Comforter |
|
|
The Christian Comforter $19.11 The Christian Comforter |
|
|
Comforter Bear $13.5 Comforter Bear |
Choosing The Best Alternative Down Comforters
Having allergies used to be the factor that automatically negated any type of down comforter. A person who was allergic to any type of feathers could not tolerate the filling even when the bedding was beautiful and luxurious. Thanks to the advances in manufacturing and technology, you can now have the luxury of a perfect comforter when you compare alternative down comforters.
Many people find that advances in technology have brought a fabulous material that gives the same look and feel of feathers that will make your comforter special. The polyester fiberfill comforter is manufactured and woven using techniques that will result in teardrops of fabrics. At the wide end of the teardrop, the fiber fans out and feels like a feather. The narrow end of the tear drop is woven tight and feels like the end of a feather. When the fiber is used to stuff the comforter, it produces the same feel as genuine feather stuffed bedding.
There are many different materials used to make alternative comforters. Choosing the fill that gives you the same quality as a genuine down comforter and is sturdy and durable will give you a piece that will last for several years. The new polyester fiberfill has met the challenge of the alternative comforter. The fabric is woven in a teardrop with a tighter weave at the bottom of the drop. At the top of the teardrop the fiber fans out and feels like a feather. The bottom of the teardrop is tightly woven and feels like the bottom end of a feather.
When choosing the alternative comforter, deciding on the primary location for the comforter will be a great idea. Not only will it be important to match the decor in the room where the comforter will be, but the temperature of the area where it will be used will also be important.
Whether you get the lightweight fill or the heavy duty fill, your comforter will feel the same weight. The fibers are infused with insulating materials to make them warmer so the threads in the polyester does not make the blanket heavy. On a cold night though, the warmer fill will keep you perfectly comfortable.
Besides choosing the warmth level of the bedding, you will also want to make sure that the comforter fits the theme of the room where you will be using it. Comforters are wonderful additions to rooms of any theme. The designs and dyes used do not fade when they are washed and are available in any color. A person may want to use their comforter in a minimalistic room and select a comforter that has the classic lines with a solid color on each side. Using contrasting colors will give you a chance to enhance your decor theme with pillows and other bedding.
When you begin comparing alternative down comforters, it will be important to talk to a professional who knows about the different types of bedding available. They will be able to give you information on the best types of fabrics for the area where you will be using the comforter. In addition, they will be able to provide you with the details about the care and maintenance of your new comforter.
About the Author
The Treehouse Hotel combines the warmth of Indian hospitality with the comforts of a modern business hotel. The Treehouse Hotel is a destination for a great family weekend
.
|
|
Natural Comfort Classic Heavy Fill Goose Down Alternative Duvet Insert Comforter, White $150.00 The loft heavy duvet insert comforter is very comfrotable and 100% Allergy Free.The 82"x86"-76OZ for full, 82"x95"-82OZ for Queen and 102"x90" -88OZ for king size.... |
|
|
1200 Thread Count California King 1200TC Siberian Goose Down Comforter 700FP, White 1200 TC $138.44 Package contains 1 Goose Down Comforter in a beautiful zippered package. Wrap yourself in these 100% Egyptian Cotton Superior comforters that are truly worthy of a classy elegant suite, and are found in world class hotels. Woven to a luxurious 1200 threads per square inch,these fine Luxury Bed Duvets are crafted from Long Staple Giza Cotton grown in the lush Nile River Valley since the time of the... |
|
|
1200 Thread Count California King Size Goose Down Alternative Comforter 100% Egyptian Cotton 1200 TC - 750FP - 50Oz - Solid White - By The Sheet & Duvet Store $89.85 Wrap yourself in the Softness of the luxurious 100% Egyptian cotton Down Alternative Comforter like those found in World Class Hotels. Imported from the Land of Cleopatra, these fine luxury bed Comforter are crafted from long staple Giza cotton grown in the Lush Nile River Valley since the time of the Pharaohs. A comforter so luxurious and soft. Comfort, quality and opulence set our luxury bedding... |
|
|
300 Sateen White F/Q Down Alternative Comforter $119.99 SIZE: F/Q 86x86COVER/SHELL: 300 Thread Count, 100% Cotton SateenFILL TYPE: Down Like Polyester FiberFILL WEIGHT: 40 ozCONSTRUCTION: 10 inch End to End sewn through Box PIPING: Double stitch Silk COLOR:WhiteHypoAllergenic, Dry Clean Imported ... |
|
|
300 Sateen White King Down Alternative Comforter $139.99 SIZE: Twin 102x86COVER/SHELL: 300 Thread Count, 100% Cotton SateenFILL TYPE: Down Like Polyester FiberFILL WEIGHT: 50 ozCONSTRUCTION: 10 inch End to End sewn through Box PIPING: Double stitch Silk COLOR:WhiteHypoAllergenic, Dry Clean Imported ... |
Alternative Comforter