Dekens

Dekens are soft coverings used to provide warmth. In Dutch, deken is the singular form and dekens the plural; in English contexts the word refers to blankets in general. Dekens come in a wide range of sizes, from tiny baby blankets to large bed coverings, and they can be used on beds, couches, or during travel. They may be woven, knitted, or quilted, and are made from wool, cotton, fleece, or synthetic blends. The weight and warmth of a deken vary, with heavy woolen blankets favored in cold climates and lighter throws used for layering or decoration. Some dekens are designed for special uses, such as weighted blankets for added pressure or travel blankets that fold compactly.

In Dutch terminology, a deken denotes a standalone blanket, whereas a dekbed refers to a duvet that is placed inside a dekbedovertrek (duvet cover). The two are commonly used in bedrooms, depending on preference for heft, warmth, and ease of cleaning.

Care instructions depend on material: woolen dekens often require gentle washing or dry cleaning and air drying; cotton and synthetic blends are usually machine washable and dryer-safe on low heat. Always follow the care label to prevent shrinkage or damage.

Historically, blankets have been produced across cultures for warmth, comfort, and trade. European wool blankets and North American trade blankets have played notable roles in textile history, and modern dekens continue to be produced in a wide range of styles for domestic and hospitality use.