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A duvet cover serves as a protective casing for the duvet insert, shielding it from dirt and stains. However, its functionality goes beyond that. It’s a versatile bedding accessory that can enhance the bedroom’s aesthetic appeal and provide an extra layer of warmth. Duvet covers are convenient because they can be effortlessly cleaned in a washing machine, without worrying about the duvet’s fluffy filling. Many people mistake a duvet for a comforter, despite their distinct constructions and functions. However, do not worry as we have got you covered. This guide provides comprehensive information about duvets and their covers, as well as introduces you to a similar bedding option, the comforter. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is A Duvet?
A duvet is a type of blanket commonly filled with down feathers extracted from beneath the wings of geese. It serves as a lightweight quilt designed to cover and keep you warm while sleeping. Due to its natural fiber filling, a duvet is capable of providing exceptional warmth and comfort, making it an ideal choice for a cozy and snug sleep experience.
If the natural filling option is not your preference, you can opt for alternatives such as polyester, synthetic fabrics, or down substitutes. Duvets are renowned for their lightweight, fluffy, and comforting characteristics. The type of filling for the duvet can be determined based on the season, whether it is winter or summer. The optimal range of fill power for duvets is typically between 400 to 600. Duvets typically come in a classic white color and are stitched in patterns to promote even distribution of the fill inside. Unlike comforters, which are one-piece bedding, duvets require the use of duvet covers to protect them from stains, wear and tear, and sweat. Further information about duvet covers is provided below.
What Is A Duvet Cover?
A duvet cover serves as an outer shield for a fluffy duvet, protecting it from damage and simplifying the process of bed-making. Its design allows it to enclose the duvet, preventing it from becoming soiled, while also offering convenience. Typically, a duvet cover is open on one side and features ties, a zipper, or a button to secure the duvet inside. As people often use duvets without a top sheet, the duvet cover acts as the primary barrier against spills and stains.
A duvet cover serves a practical purpose by absorbing spills and dust, reducing the need for frequent dry cleaning of the duvet. These covers are lightweight and thin, similar to a bed’s top sheet, and can be easily machine-washed due to their thinness. The versatility of duvet covers is demonstrated by their ability to accommodate both thicker duvets during winter and lighter duvets during summer. While white duvet covers have traditionally been popular, many people now opt for colorful duvet covers to add a touch of vibrancy to their bedroom decor.
What to Look for in a Duvet Cover
Material
A diverse range of materials is used to create duvet covers. Cotton and linen are favored for their breathability, whereas flannel and microfiber are more suitable for colder weather. If you opt for cotton, which is the most commonly used material, it is essential to consider the weave type. Percale will offer a cool and crisp sensation, while brushed cotton or jersey will be slightly softer and warmer.
If you’re aiming for a luxurious 5-star finish, sateen cotton can provide a silky drape and subtle sheen. While thread count is important to consider, it’s not the sole factor to keep in mind. High-quality duvet covers crafted from long-staple cotton may have a lower thread count compared to other options, yet the cotton’s superior quality delivers extra softness, breathability, and durability.
Closure
According to textile experts, successfully fitting a large, fluffy comforter into a duvet cover requires both skill and determination. To keep the comforter securely inside the cover, one can use ties, buttons, or a zipper. Baker recommends opting for a zipper or well-concealed buttons to avoid the unsightly appearance of the duvet hanging out from the bottom of the cover. If you want to minimize the time and effort spent on making your bed, consider opting for a duvet cover with a zipper closure instead of buttons. This way, you can avoid the tedium of fastening each button individually.
Although zippered covers are becoming increasingly popular, there are still people who prefer the traditional style of a buttoned duvet. Some buttoned duvet covers feature an additional fabric flap that conceals the buttons, while others showcase the buttons as decorative elements. While less common, fabric ties can also be used to close off the open end of a duvet cover, providing a relaxed and breezy appearance to your bedding.
Care Instructions
Latest Bedding recommends opting for a washable duvet cover as one of the primary reasons for using it is to minimize the frequency of washing your comforter, particularly if it’s made of down and requires specific cleaning methods. However, if you’re okay with dry cleaning, you can consider using a duvet cover that requires this method. It’s important to check the care instructions of your preferred duvet cover to confirm if it can be machine washed and dried safely. However, it’s worth noting that some fabrics, like percale cotton, tend to become softer with use. Therefore, if your new percale duvet cover feels rigid at first, washing it a couple of times may help to soften it up.
Size
Many duvets are designed to match a specific mattress size or a group of similar sizes like full/queen. However, it’s important to note that duvet measurements can vary considerably. Therefore, customers should ensure that the cover fits the insert before purchasing. When selecting a duvet, it’s also important to consider its size. One should choose a duvet that is large enough to cover them comfortably as they change sleeping positions, while also taking into account how far it extends off the bed. A duvet that hangs too low could limit movement during sleep.
Design
Duvet covers typically feature a simple pocket design that securely encases the duvet insert. However, factors such as internal ties or closure options, such as zippers versus buttons or clasps, can also impact both functionality and aesthetics. While zippers can effectively prevent the intrusion of dust mites and other allergens, some people may prefer the stylish appearance of buttons or elegant clasps. If you have pets or young children, it may be wise to select a more durable duvet cover option.
How do you keep duvet covers in place?
For a duvet cover to be of good quality, it ought to have internal corner ties that can be fastened to the loops on the duvet insert. The number of ties varies, with some covers having four ties located in each corner and others having up to eight ties, including extra ties at the middle of each side of the duvet cover.
To avoid bunching up your duvet insert inside its cover, these tips can be useful. However, it is advised to regularly fluff your duvet while making your bed by lifting it up and giving it a few quick shakes to distribute the filling evenly. Duvet covers can be closed using buttons, a long zipper, or fabric ties along one side. Although buttons or ties may seem cumbersome, they typically have a longer lifespan than zippers.
Consider fabrics before choosing a duvet cover
When choosing a duvet cover, it’s important to take into account the type of fabric used, as this can greatly affect your sleeping experience. A lot of the duvet covers we suggest are crafted from either cotton sateen or percale sheeting fabrics. It’s worth noting the differences between these two types of fabrics before making a decision on which cover or sheets to purchase. In our guide to cotton sheets, we highlight that sateen fabric has a luxurious and silky texture that’s perfect for those who prefer a soft and smooth feel.
Percale sheets offer a crisper, cooler, and slightly rougher texture than sateen sheets. However, both options have their own unique advantages, and the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. Linen bedding, on the other hand, is not as commonly used as percale or sateen. Linen’s coarser texture may not appeal to everyone, as some people find it too scratchy while others adore it. If texture or wrinkles are not a concern for you (since linen tends to wrinkle unless ironed), then you might enjoy linen. It’s one of the most breathable fabrics we’ve examined, making it suitable for both summer and winter use. However, if you’re looking for warmth on frigid winter nights, flannel is your best bet. Nonetheless, if you tend to get hot easily, flannel may be too warm for you.
What Are Duvet Covers Made of?
There is a range of materials for duvet covers, including both natural and synthetic options. You can select the type of duvet cover that best suits your needs from the following list of popular choices.
Cotton
Cotton which is a natural and breathable fabric is gentle on the skin and doesn’t cause allergies or rashes. It regulates temperature, making it suitable for both winter and summer use. Due to its low-maintenance properties, cotton is an excellent choice for duvet covers that can be easily machine washed at home.
Silk
If you prefer a regal touch, then silk could be the optimal choice of fabric for your duvet cover. Not only does silk exude luxury, but it also provides warmth and excellent insulation, making it an ideal choice for the colder months. Moreover, silk has dust-repellent properties, making it a great option for people who suffer from dust allergies. Although silk duvet covers do not require frequent washing, it is important to follow the instructions on the label to prevent any damage to the fabric when you do decide to wash them.
Flannel
Flannel duvet covers are an ideal choice for people residing in hilly regions or places with cold weather conditions. Made from a combination of wool and cotton, two natural fabrics, flannel is easy to maintain as it is machine-washable and doesn’t wrinkle easily. The wool component of flannel duvet covers provides warmth and coziness. However, some people may find flannel duvet covers a bit stifling to use during the summer months.
Best overall duvet cover
Caractere Beige Duvet Cover
The Caractere Beige Duvet Cover distinguishes itself from its competitors with its luxurious texture and superior craftsmanship. Constructed from 280-thread-count cotton with a sateen weave, the fabric has an incredibly soft feel that gracefully drapes and stays wrinkle-free. Those who appreciate bedding that is silky and refreshing to the touch will undoubtedly relish this duvet set.
The duvet cover boasts of being crafted from organic cotton that is GOTS-certified and renowned for its ability to allow air to flow through it. To ensure a stable position throughout the night, corner ties and a concealed zipper closure have been incorporated, making it suitable even for those who toss and turn. Its distinct appearance is attributed to the 2-inch flanged edge, and shoppers can select from three neutral colors that best match their bedroom’s decor. This bedding set is offered in two different sizes: full/queen, and king/California size. The full/queen and king/California king sizes include two pillow shams, whereas the twin/twin XL set only comes with one. All components of the bedding set are safe to clean in a washing machine using cold water and can be dried on low heat in a tumble dryer.
Astor Bianco Duvet Cover
The Astor Bianco Duvet Cover boasts a luxurious texture, thanks to its 100% long-staple cotton material and 400 thread count. With its amazing distinct color and pattern variations, this duvet cover seamlessly blends comfort and fashion-forward design. You can enjoy its breathable and cozy feel while adding a touch of individuality to your bedding.
This cover is an excellent choice for sleepers who prioritize breathable and soft textures, thanks to the utilization of long-staple cotton, resulting in a highly durable and soft fabric. The duvet cover is designed with “long” and “short” side labels, accompanied by large buttons, making it effortless to fit the cover over a duvet insert. Additionally, ties are incorporated into the cover to keep the comforter in place during the night. The cover is also easy to maintain as it can be machine-washed and tumble-dried in standard household machines.
Ellis Heathered Gray Duvet Cover Set
Many materials for duvet covers are suitable for warm or humid weather, but none can compare to the natural cooling properties of cotton muslin. This delicate and lightweight fabric has exceptional breathability, enabling air to flow freely between you and your duvet insert. The Ellis Heathered Gray Duvet Cover Set is made entirely of cotton, ensuring excellent temperature regulation throughout most nights of the year, even in areas prone to extremely hot weather.
The cover can be easily washed by machine and is completely washable. To wash, simply use warm water on a gentle cycle with similar colors, then dry on low heat and promptly remove from the cycle when finished to minimize wrinkling. Queen and king sizes are both available, and you can select from three neutral colors.
Bloom Raffia Linen Duvet Cover
For people who have a preference for smooth and gentle bedding, particularly those with delicate skin, the Bloom Raffia Linen Duvet Cover is an excellent choice. Constructed from robust raffia linen, the cover is incredibly breathable, making it well-suited for warmer weather. However, the hemp linen material is biodegradable and compostable, allowing for effortless disposal of the cover when it has reached the end of its life.
Bloom provides customers with a choice of three different colors and patterns for the cover, available in both full/queen and king/California king sizes. The cover is designed to be easily washed in any household washer and dryer, making cleaning both inexpensive and convenient.
Chanson D’Amour Gold Duvet Cover
The Chanson D’Amour Gold Duvet Cover is made from 100% cotton with a percale weave and a thread count of 400, resulting in a crisp and breathable feel that promotes air circulation to keep you cool all night long. Sleepers who tend to get hot or prefer fabrics that don’t cling will appreciate the airy texture of the percale weave. However, the duvet cover is reasonably priced when compared to other covers of similar quality construction.
This ivory cotton sateen duvet cover comes with two shams to give your bed a coordinated look. The cover has button closures and corner ties to keep it in place, while the shams use envelope closures to stay snug and comfortable. Both the duvet cover and shams can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle and tumble-dried for easy care. Available in only one amazing gold color option and two sizes, suitable for beds from twin to California king.
What’s the Difference Between a Duvet and a Comforter?
Duvets and comforters have a similar purpose of providing warmth to sleepers, but the primary distinction between them is that a comforter typically features a fixed cover. However, it is not uncommon for people to enhance their comforter’s functionality by adding a duvet cover, which effectively blends the features of both bedding types.
Typically, duvets are made with white or off-white fabric that is generously filled with insulating materials like down or feathers. However, since these materials are fragile and require special care, duvets are usually covered with a protective outer layer that can be easily removed for washing. In addition to providing protection, many people find that this extra layer eliminates the need for a top sheet, serving as a secondary purpose for the duvet cover.
Comforters are typically made of durable materials such as cotton or down alternative and are slightly thinner than other bedding options. While they are not intended to be washed frequently, it is generally acceptable to wash a comforter one or two times per year. Comforters often feature unique designs and are meant to be used without an additional cover. To protect them against stains and provide an extra layer of insulation, many people use a top sheet in conjunction with their comforter.
Comforters can be bundled with sheet sets, which makes them a cost-effective option compared to duvets. In addition, comforters offer more convenience as they don’t shift around within the cover and don’t require reconstruction after washing. However, some may consider comforters a riskier purchase as they lack the added protection of an outer cover. If a comforter becomes stained or if you want to change its design, there’s no way to replace the cover.
One of the more conventional options for a blanket is a quilt, which is composed of a thin layer of cotton, wool, or down batting that is sewn together throughout to secure the filling. Like comforters, quilts are self-contained and do not necessitate a protective cover. However, quilts are typically less thick than comforters, prompting many sleepers to add extra sheets or blankets during the winter.
In conclusion, there are many great duvets covered on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. By considering the material, closure type, and design, you can choose the best duvet cover for your needs and create a comfortable and stylish bedroom.
