Skip to Main Content
From as low as $35/mo* Prequalify Now
30-Day Price Match Guarantee
365-Night Home Trial
Forever Warranty™
Free Shipping & Returns

Bedding

Published December 13, 2021

12 min

Duvet vs Comforter: What's the Difference?

For the longest time, people have been unaware of the difference between a duvet vs comforter. In fact, we also didn’t know about it for a prolonged period until we went to the bedding store to get ne
 Nectar Editorial Team Author Image
Nectar Editorial Team
Spotlight Image
Table of contents
What Is a Duvet?What Is a Comforter?Duvet Sizes vs Comforter SizesThings to Consider While Choosing Between Duvet or ComforterDuvet Vs Comforter : Which one to chooseFrequently Asked Questions
For the longest time, people have been unaware of the difference between a duvet vs comforter. In fact, we also didn’t know about it for a prolonged period until we went to the bedding store to get new mattresses. What is a duvet vs comforter? A duvet is a type of bedding filled with sustainable or synthetic fibers - like wool, down, or feather. At the same time, a comforter is more like a quilted blanket made with synthetic fibers. Another difference between a duvet and a comforter is - the former is made of two separate pieces (an insert and cover). The latter is a single piece of quilted bedding.

What Is a Duvet?

No matter how simple the question - ‘ What is a Duvet?’ sounds, the answer seems to confound quite a number of people. A duvet is a comforting material that is not quilted. Instead, it is filled with synthetic or down fibers like wool or cotton. It is not supposed to be stitched or quilted and, therefore, delivers an unfinished or unpolished look. Then what is a duvet insert? A duvet is meant to act as an insert, which is why it is always sold separately from its cover or coverlets. Some things to know when learning about duvet vs comforter, a duvet itself is cozy and warm enough - you don’t have to keep on adding two or bed sheets during those midnight times when it gets pretty chilly. A duvet is even easier to attend to; you can strip off the duvet cover, and dry clean it. Remember to dry clean it mostly, as machine washing needs to be done by following specific mandatory instructions.

Pros

A duvet comes up with many advantages. If you are fascinated by the features of a duvet in the comparison between duvet vs comforter, then keep on reading the pros.
  1. Blending StylesDuvets are great ways to amp up your home decor game. A duvet can be used immensely for experimentation - myriad colors, and duvet sizes. If you are bored with your room’s interior, just try out different duvet colors, and see how the aesthetic changes. And all these are not even that costly.
  2. Use it as a Top SheetHow does a duvet work in Europe? A duvet is often used as a top sheet in the European bedding style because of its sheer amenity and lush feeling. If you are someone who regularly finds their top sheets tangled between your legs, start fixing the duvet as your top sheet.
  3. Flexible WashingA duvet is just the right catch for someone simply standing miles away from the bulky washing pieces. To know how to use a duvet, carefully follow the duvet cover washing instructions. It’s quite easy and will hardly take you some time.

Cons

But, there are certain downsides to buying a duvet, as can be learned from this comparison between duvet vs comforter.
  1. Quite a Cumbersome ProcessThe complexity appears when after washing the duvet cover, you begin placing the duvet in it. It will take you quite a while of meticulous work to hold two ends of the duvet and slowly putting it inside. You also have to ensure that there are fluffs or bumpers in the midst. After it’s done, some shaking and fluffing are required as well. Therefore, always opt for duvet covers having clasps.
Now you know how to use a duvet cover explicitly. Go ahead with your thoughts about how you purchased a duvet and if you still wish to buy it.

What is Duvet Cover

Having confusion about understanding what a duvet cover is? How to use a duvet cover? Don’t worry, we too did! The role of duvet covers is similar to that of pillowcases. You need to slip in the duvet inside the duvet cover and tie it up or use the clasps to tighten the ends of the duvet and Taddaaaa! You have your duvet ready.

What Is a Comforter?

Wondering what is a comforter? Comforters are stitched or quilted materials made of synthetic or cotton blends and are decent-looking covers for your bed. You can place a comforter over your bed sheets or sheet blankets. Comforters act as solo pieces and you will not need any additional coverage to protect them. It is a very charming and simple piece of bedding that makes your bed attractive. You will get an aesthetic look, shopping ease, and layering all in one.

Pros

There are numerous advantages of a comforter as stated below:

1. No Assembly Required:

As already mentioned, a comforter doesn’t require any cover. A comforter is already stitched or quilted and is, therefore, readymade. In comparing a duvet vs comforter, the latter will always win when it comes to assembling.

2. Ease of Shopping:

Comforters majorly get delivered in a set that comprises color coordinated pillowcases and bed sheets. Someone who doesn’t wish to involve themselves in a lot of shopping or have a time crunch can easily go with a comforter of their favorite color and get the whole set.

3.Layered Appearance:

The comforter is the perfect accompaniment if you wish to cover your bed sheet and give an overall layering look. You can just place your pillows and cushions over it, and it will not even give a bit of a fluffy look, unlike duvets.

Cons

Like everything else, in the discussion on duvet vs comforter, the latter does have certain downsides.1. Caring is Tough: quite in anticipation, a comforter, unlike a duvet, doesn’t own a cover. This makes it harder for the users to clean it. In fact, it is recommended that the comforter is tidied at least once a month and spot cleaned whenever required.2. Comforters tend to flatten over time3. Comforters might not provide enough warmth during the winter months

Duvet Sizes vs Comforter Sizes

Size Duvet Comforter
Twin/Twin XL64” x 89” to 70” x 88” 66” x 86” to 68” x 88”
Full/Double80” x 89” to 90” x 94” 81” x 86” to 84” x 88”
Queen88” x 90” to 90” x 94” 86” x 96” to 88” X 100”
King/Cal King104” x 90” to 108” x 94”102” x 88” to 110” x 98”

Things to Consider While Choosing Between Duvet or Comforter

For people learning about duvet vs comforter, it is important to know the factors to consider while choosing between duvet vs comforter. Both the products might seem fascinating, but you need to choose one after considering their price, purpose, caring approaches, and more.

1. Price

Price of the product is regarded as one of the most determinant factors when considering duvet vs comforter. The difference between duvet and comforter price is not much, but a duvet will slightly cost you more because you need to purchase the duvet cover separately. Therefore, it is advised to buy a complete pair of duvets with its cover. Comforters or duvets made of down materials like cotton or feather will be on the higher end of the budget.

2. Care

Duvet is easier to clean because it contains a cover that can easily be stripped off and machine washed. The comforter doesn’t comprise a cover and is quite challenging to wash since it needs to be dry cleaned only.

3. Personal Style

For someone who likes to keep their room decor changing, and wants a layering effect, then a comforter is the choice; it is meant to go over your bed sheets, seamlessly aligns with the pillows and sheets, and the comforter sizes are made in a way to hang on the sides. Whereas a duvet is a go-to choice for a more simplistic and precise look. Duvet sizes fit exactly one of your mattress sizes and are fluffier.

Duvet Vs Comforter : Which one to choose

Duvet vs comforter - are you in a dilemma between these two and in a time constraint? Worry not, we have got you covered. Below is the illustrated difference between a duvet vs comforter:You can choose a duvet if
  • You want something easy to maintain.
  • You have a higher budget.
  • You want to change the appearance of your bed frequently.
  • You want to give a fluffy look to your bed.
You can choose a comforter if:
  • You don’t want to go around buying separate pieces of bedding
  • You want something ready to use
  • You want to give your bed a layered look
Duvet vs comforter is one topic people are often curious about. To sum it up, a comforter is the most suitable option for people looking for light, aesthetic, and layered looks without having to assemble. On the other hand, for people looking to experience the ease of washing, go for duvets as they have a cover and offer a more simplistic appearance.This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to use a duvet cover? Put your duvet inside the cover. You can either tie the ends, zip it, or button it up depending on the type of duvet cover it is. The cover helps to protect your duvet from dirt and dust. It’s machine washable and thus easy to maintain. Can you put a comforter in a duvet cover? No, a duvet cover will not be able to provide you with the warmth of a duvet. If you ask how to use a duvet, the best way is to put the insert in the cover and use it together. Can you use a duvet cover without an insert? Yes, you can use the duvet cover without an insert by simply laying it down like a flat sheet, and use it to cover yourself. Is a duvet cover the same as a comforter? No. A comforter is a quilted blanket that will keep you warm. A duvet cover is a soft and thin sheet of outer covering for your duvet. What is the best material for a comforter? The best material for a comforter depends on your personal preferences. If you are prone to allergies, you can go for cotton filling. However, wool and polyester will keep you warmer as they tend to trap heat . What type of comforter is best for hot sleepers? While there are many types of comforters, you can go for one with a cotton filling if you are a hot sleeper. Cotton is super breathable and will prevent your body temperature from rising.