What Is a Duvet Cover + How
Is It Different From a Comforter?

If you’re updating your bedroom or preparing to move into your first dorm, you’re probably shopping for bedding. And if you’re shopping for bedding, you may have come across the term duvet cover. 

But what is a duvet cover? And how is it different from a regular comforter? Read on for simple answers to all of your duvet-related questions.

What Is a Duvet?

A duvet (also called a duvet insert) is a large, blanket-shaped sack that is filled with something soft, like wool, feathers, down or synthetic fibers. It goes on top of your bed, like a comforter would, to keep you warm while you’re sleeping and is usually protected with a removable cover, the duvet cover, which we’ll go into next.

What Is a Duvet Cover?

As previously mentioned, a duvet cover is a protective (and often decorative) cover for a duvet insert. In the same way that you slip a pillow insert into a pillow sham, a duvet insert is inserted into a duvet cover. 

Unlike duvet inserts which are typically plain white, duvet covers come in a wide variety of colors, patterns and materials.

What Is a Duvet Cover Used For?

The purpose of a duvet cover is to protect a duvet insert. Duvet covers (without the insert) weren’t designed to be used on their own, and we’d recommend using a fluffy blanket or quilt to keep you warm instead. But if you’re in a pinch and need something light to keep you cozy during the warmer months, a duvet cover would work.

Duvet vs. Comforter

Comforters and duvets are similar in that both go on top of your bed to keep you warm at night. Like duvets, comforters are also filled with a soft material, like down or cotton. 

However, while a duvet insert almost always goes inside a duvet cover, a comforter is meant to stand (or should we say lie) on its own, with no protective sleeve. That said, some people do choose to put comforters inside of duvet covers.

What Are Duvet Covers Made of?

Duvet covers come in a variety of materials that can help you stay warm or cool at night, depending on how you prefer to sleep.

Cotton

This breathable fabric is a popular choice for all sorts of bedding. From sheets and pillows to comforters and duvet covers, cotton is an easy-to-maintain fabric that holds up well over time.

Silk

A silk duvet cover is a prime pick for those that prefer luxe-feeling bedding. Not only is silk incredibly smooth to the touch, but it’s also hypoallergenic, making it an ideal choice for anyone with asthma or allergies.

Linen

Linen is a great fabric that adapts well to changing room temperatures and seasons. In the summertime, linen’s porous nature helps direct heat away from the body. Those same porous properties also help trap heat to keep you warm in the colder months.

Flannel

Flannel duvet covers are an excellent choice for those in colder climates. Flannel is a breathable fabric that helps insulate your body heat while wicking away moisture during the night.

Pros and Cons of Duvets

Before purchasing a duvet cover, here are a few advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind.

Pros

• Easy to clean the duvet cover. Washing a duvet cover is a simple task. Duvet covers can be removed from the duvet insert and easily tossed in the washing machine along with your other linens.
• Comes in a variety of materials. Cotton or silk duvet covers can be great for warmer weather or those that tend to get hot in the night. Flannel and linen duvets are a great choice for colder climates or those that like to be extra cozy.
• Simple to store. Duvet covers can be neatly folded and stored, taking up about as much space as a folded top sheet.
• Customizable to your room theme. As your favorite colors change or your room theme evolves, you can easily swap out your duvet cover for a new one while keeping your duvet insert. Duvet inserts tend to be the more expensive item, so replacing a duvet cover is an inexpensive way to freshen up your bedroom style.

Cons

• Prone to bunching. For those that like a crisp and flat bedding look, you might find that duvet inserts tend to bunch up toward the foot of the bed. However, this can be fixed by readjusting the duvet insert or tying or snapping the corners of the duvet cover to the duvet insert if the bedding allows.
• Difficult to insert. Duvet inserts can be tricky at times to properly insert into a duvet cover. However, one expert trick is to flip the duvet cover inside out and lay it on top of the insert before beginning the insertion process.
• Tricky to clean the duvet insert. Unlike the duvet cover, duvet inserts are filled with materials like down and goose feathers that are difficult to clean and often require a trip to the dry cleaner.

How to Choose a Duvet Cover

Now that you know the basics of duvets, we have a few tips to keep in mind as you search for the perfect bedding.

Look for Duvets With Ties or Buttons

Duvet inserts have a tendency to slide around as you sleep. To ensure your duvet insert stays where it should, look for a duvet cover with ties or buttons in the four corners. This will help securely hold the duvet insert in place.

Consider the Duvet Cover Material

Do you typically get hot during the night? Consider a breathable duvet cover fabric like cotton or silk. Do you like to be snug and cozy in your bed? Consider a linen duvet cover that helps insulate your body heat and keeps you warm all night long.

Choose the Best Duvet Insert Material

Duvet inserts are often filled with down, which comes from the fluffy area below the goose or duck feathers. Another popular duvet insert material is down alternative, which is made of a range of synthetic materials such as cotton and polyester. 

Down alternative duvet inserts can be washed at home in a front-loader washing machine, while a down duvet insert will need to be professionally dry-cleaned. So from a cleaning perspective, down alternative duvet inserts are easier to maintain.

Find the Right Duvet Size for Your Bed

Choosing the perfect duvet size for your bed really depends on the look you’re after. 

If you like your duvet to drape down the sides of your bed, consider going up one size from your bed frame size. For example, choose a king-sized duvet cover for a queen-sized bed. 

If you prefer your duvet to fit perfectly on your bed without much overhang, choose the size that matches your bed frame size. 

Whether you want a neutral look or to make a statement with bold colors, duvet covers are a versatile bedding style that can adapt along with your design and room theme. 

Ready to find your dream duvet cover for your bed or dorm room? Sifting through teen bedroom ideas is a great place to start.