Learn which option you should snuggle up to with our guide to bed covers.
Whats the difference between a duvet vs. comforter?
Duvets come in two separate pieces, an insert and a cover, whilecomforters are one pieceof quilted bedding.
Credit:(L) Kim Cornelison, (R) John Merkl
A duvet insert or comforter is essentially the base of your beds top layer.
There are also variations between manufacturers, so even duvets and comforters differ significantly depending on the brand.
What Is a Duvet?
Credit: Werner Straube
Down is soft, fluffy, and warm, and it givesduvets their reputation for coziness.
A simple cotton or polyester shell encases the filling.
Duvets come with a duvet cover for easy cleaning and more style options.
Credit: John Bessler
The cover can be closed with ties, zips, or buttons to prevent the insert from shifting.
Most duvets come with special care instructions to prevent damage, but the covers are typically machine washable.
Although clumping of the insert material is a common complaint, it can be remedied with tumble drying.
What Is a Comforter?
Comforters are designed to be used as-is; they dont need an additional cover.
However, comforters may come with a complete bedding set, often called a bed in a bag.
A quilted stitch pattern keeps the filling in place, so there is less clumping.
Although many are machine washable, care instructions vary based on the fill material.
To reduce the need for frequent washing,use a top sheet as a sleep barrier.
For style and a cohesive look, purchasecoordinating pillowcases or sheets.
Duvet vs. Comforter: What Are the Differences?
With a duvet, the insert slides inside the cover, like a pillow that goes inside a pillowcase.
Their fill materials are also often different.
Comforters are usually filled with synthetic materials, while duvets typically feature high-quality down or feather filling.
Comforters are primarily designed for aesthetic appeal and mass production, so theyre typically lightweight.
Finally, duvets are usually the same size as the mattress, while comforters are longer.
Duvet vs. Comforter: How Do You Choose?
A comforter is lower maintenance, but a duvet provides extra thickness and more style options.
If you cant decide which to use, go for the best of both worlds.
Protect your comforter with aduvet cover.
A duvet cover is easily removable to wash and switch up the design of your space, says Hoban.
