Blanket

For other uses see: Blanket (disambiguation).

File:Lautrec in bed 1893.jpg

The Bed by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec depicts two people under a blanket

A blanket is a type of bedding, generally speaking, a large piece of cloth, intended to keep the user warm, especially while sleeping. Blankets are distinguished from sheets by their thickness and purpose; the thickest sheet is still thinner than the lightest blanket. This is because blankets are for warmth, while sheets are for hygiene, comfort and aesthetics. Blankets are subdivided into many types, including quilts, duvets, and comforters, depending on their thickness, construction and/or fill material. Electric blankets are heated by electricity. Blankets were traditionally made of wool because of wool's warmth, breathability and natural fire-retardant properties, while sheets were made of cotton or linen, which are less irritating to the skin. These days, synthetic fibers are frequently used for both. Throw blankets are smaller blankets, often in decorative colors and patterns, that can be used for extra warmth outside of bed.

Etymology

The term arose from the generalization of a specific fabric called Blanket fabric, a heavily napped woolen weave pioneered by Thomas Blanket (Blanquette), a Flemish weaver who lived in Bristol, England in the 14th century. Earlier usage of the term is possible through its derivation from the French word for white, blanc.

Use as a ground cloth

File:Blanket2.jpg

A girl wearing a blanket over her head.

Blankets may also be used on the ground for a picnic or other places where people want to sit in a grassy or muddy area without soiling their clothing. Temporary blankets have been designed for this purpose, although their inherent wastefulness is a chief concern of several environmental groups.

Use in firefighting

Specialized blankets known as fire blankets may be used by firefighters to protect furnishings from water damage during firefighting. Firefighters often wear specialized variants of the fire blanket to protect themselves as well.

Use in moving of household goods

Thick quilted and durable blankets are used as protective covers and cushioning when furnishings are moved.

Use in horse care

A warming coat for a horse is called a horse blanket, intended to prevent the development of a shaggy winter coat of hair. A small saddle blanket protects the horse's skin from chafing from the pressure points of a saddle.

Use in keeping heat within the body

To keep warmth inside the body, a blanket can be used to cover one's skin and keep the warmth in. Many kinds of blankets, such as wool are used because they are thicker and have more substantial fabric to them, but cotton can also be used for light blankets. The term blanket is often interchanged with comforter, quilt, and duvet, as they all have similar uses.

The US Department of Defense uses wool blend blankets for disaster relief where warmth and comfort are desirable characteristics. The specifications for these blankets are outlined in the item description for National Stock Number (NSN) 7210-00-119-5335.

See also

Bed Bedspread Blanket fort Comforter Duvet Horse blanket Hudson's Bay point blanket

Photo blanket Quilt Security blanket Sleeping bag Slanket Space blanket

External links

• 12px Media related to Blankets at Wikimedia Commons
• File:Wiktionary-logo-en.svg The Wiktionary definition of blanket

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