Duvets vs. Comforters: Understanding Duvet Types

Certain types of bedding—like our Tencel™ cooling sheet set—have moisture-wicking and breathable properties, making them ideal for hot summer nights. But when summer turns to fall and the nights get chilly, you'll want to consider fall blankets and bedding to wrap yourself in cozy warmth.

Not sure what bedding you need for cooler temperatures? Should you use a duvet or a comforter? This guide will walk you through the similarities and differences between the two so you can determine which top bedding layer best fits your sleep needs.

What’s the Difference Between a Duvet and a Comforter?

A duvet is a soft blanket filled with down feathers, goose, duck feathers, wool, silk, or synthetic filling. They come in various sizes from twin to emperor size and the tog rating determines its warmth. You could have a slim summer duvet and a thicker duvet for the winter months.

A comforter is similar to a duvet but tends to be thinner. It is quilted or fluffy and available in various colors and patterns. A duvet cover protects the duvet and changes the style of your bedding with different colors and patterns.

What Is a Duvet?

A duvet is a type of bedding that originated in Europe. It looks like a fabric pocket filled with feathers, wool, silk, or synthetic material that covers the entire bed. It keeps you warm as you sleep and can add a colorful element to your bedroom aesthetic as duvet covers come in a multitude of colors and patterns.

Duvet Sizes

*Exact duvet dimensions may vary between brands.

TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) Ratings

Duvet Construction

The construction of the duvet is important to its comfort and longevity. It must be stitched in a way that keeps the filling intact as you move the duvet around in your sleep and when it’s removed and washed.

• Baffle Box: Checkerboard construction that holds filling in place
• Quilt Stitching: Same appearance as baffle box but without the additional fabric strips used to reinforce the stitching
• Channel: Parallel stitching (straight lines instead of a checkerboard) so the filling can be redistributed to colder areas on your body
• Gusset: Walls of fabric around the perimeter of the duvet in baffle stitching creates a more luxurious feel

Duvet Fillings

• Goose Down: Soft, lofty, and warm
• Duck Down: Soft, lofty (but less than goose down), and warm
• Viscose from Bamboo: Lightweight and breathable
• Down-Alternative: Synthetic fiber such as polyester, affordable but often less durable than premium duvets
• Cotton: Affordable, breathable
• Wool: Heavy, luxurious, super warm, and breathable. Great winter duvet
• Silk: Soft, light, and comfortable, great for the summer heat

Fill Power (Down)

• Under 400: Lightweight, low loft, great for summer and hot sleepers
• 400-600: Higher loft for chilly nights
• 600-800: High loft, all-season comfort, great for cold sleepers
• Over 800: Highest loft for cold climates and those who sleep cold

What Is a Duvet Cover?

The beauty and fun of using a duvet are that you get to play around with the style of top sheet, covers, and pillowcases. Bedding sets typically include a duvet cover and pillowcases in various colors and patterns that can easily be removed and washed. The duvet cover protects the duvet from dirt and spillage. Duvets and comforters differ in this respect because the outer cover of the duvet can be so easily changed. Whereas a comforter typically does not need a changeable cover.

Duvet Cover Materials

• Viscose from bamboo is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking
• Cotton is breathable, machine washable, and affordable, look for a 300 thread count
• Polyester is synthetic yet affordable, is durable but may sleep hot
• The cotton-poly blend is a little more breathable than polyester yet still affordable and durable

What Is a Comforter?

A comforter is additional blankets that most people use as a top blanket on the bed. Typically soft and fluffy, it adds warmth to winter nights and can be used as a couch blanket too. Comforters are like quilts in their stitching that look like patchwork or embroidery. A comforter set can range from minimalist to ornate design and can include bed shams and pillows to complete the look. Some comforters are dry clean only due to their fabric and construction. Check the label for cleaning instructions. Comforters usually provide less warmth than duvets but a bed in a bag and comforter set could provide premium comfort when combined, especially if you live in a colder climate.

Does a Comforter Need a Cover?

A comforter is designed to not need a cover. Unlike a duvet that is typically plain white in color, a comforter is designed with a built-in cover that can be colorful to match any aesthetic. Most comforters are thin enough to be machine washable but be mindful of the fabric and watch for dry clean only tags.

While duvets require a cover, comforter are designed to stand alone.

How to Wash a Duvet or Comforter

Sheets blankets, duvet covers, pillowcases, and most bedding are usually thrown into the washer at high temperatures. But, washing your duvet or comforter at a low temperature with good quality laundry detergent could extend the durability of your duvet or comforter. Air dry if possible so as not to cause shrinkage or damage to the shape in a dryer.

Looking for additional bedding to keep you comfortable and cozy? Consider a weighted blanket. Our article How Do Weighted Blankets Work explains the benefits of this popular sleep accessory.

Conclusion

When it comes to duvets vs comforters the winner is determined by your bedroom climate, personal taste, and sleep style. Those who feel the cold at night may prefer a duvet over a comforter. Those who sleep hot may enjoy the cooling relief of a slim comforter. If you live in a cold climate, a duvet with a comforter as a top blanket provides much warmth and coziness. Duvets and comforters are in many colors and patterns, sizes, and materials. They can be plain or elaborate in design so both have positive attributes but the universal element of duvets and comforters is their ability to add a comfortable and luxurious touch to your bedroom.

Disclaimer: Nolah does not provide medical advice. All resources on the Nolah blog, including this article, are informational only and do not replace professional medical counsel. Talk to your doctor about any health, mental health, or sleep-related issues.