Bedspreads

Bedspreads are bed coverings that extend over the entire bed and down the side of each side of the bed, nearly reaching the floor. Bedspreads sometimes act as blankets because it similarly acts as a layer of cover to provide warmth. But more often than not, they are used on top of the actual blanket instead.

Bedspreads were originally used as covers to protect the mattresses, bedding and blankets from dirt from the surroundings. Bedspreads form the top-most layer of a bed and that is where the bed comes into contact with items like damp towels, bags, dirty clothes and of course, where you will sit on. Unlike sheets and comforter covers, bedspreads do not come into contact with the skin and are not washed as often.

And because it is used as a large cover on the bed, bedspreads sometimes are used to hide an untidy bed for people too busy or lazy to make their beds. Lumps and lines underneath are hidden by a ‘tidy’ bedspread.

Overtime, bedspreads gradually took on a decorative purpose. Today, bedspreads are used mainly for this purpose, especially in hotels and other hospitality services. Bedspreads in hotels and such are probably washed much more frequently than they would have been when used at home, but it is not known if that’s really the case.

Usually the advice is to simply roll down the top part of the bedspread before tucking into bed. Since the bedspread doesn’t come into contact with your skin, it shouldn’t matter how clean the bedspread really is so long as it doesn’t smell bad.