If you wonder what a duvet cover is, the answer is very simple. Just like you use a pillowcase for your pillows, a duvet cover is for the duvet.
A duvet cover is a pouch for the duvet insert that protects the insert from getting dirty. But that’s not all; a duvet cover is a versatile piece of bedding that can add some substance and style to the bedroom.
Duvet covers come in handy because you can easily throw them into the washing machine without worrying about the duvet's plush filling. People often confuse a duvet with a comforter, but these beddings have different structures and usage. But, we have got your back. In this guide, we will tell you all that there is to know about a duvet and its cover, and we will also introduce you to a duvet almost twin, the comforter. So, just read ahead for more!
What is a Duvet?
A duvet is a blanket typically made of down that is extracted from under the wings of the geese. A duvet is a light quilt used to cover up while sleeping. They can keep you super warm and cozy because it has a natural fiber type of fill.
But, if you don’t want the natural filling option, you also find them in polyester, synthetic fabrics, or down alternatives filling. Duvets are known to be light in weight, fluffy, and incredibly comforting.
As per the season, whether it is winters or summers, you can determine the type of fill of the duvet. The standard range of 400-600 fill power works the best for duvets.
Usually, duvets are classic white. It is stitched in patterns to ensure even distribution of the fill throughout the duvet. A duvet in itself is not enough, unlike a comforter with one-piece bedding. They need duvet covers to protect them from stains, wear and tear, and sweat. More about the duvet cover is given below.
What Is a Duvet Cover?
A duvet cover is an external protective layer of the fluffy duvet. It keeps the duvet from getting spoilt and makes bed-making manageable and fuss-free.
So how does a duvet cover work?
A duvet cover is open from one side and has ties, a zipper, or a button to keep the duvet from slipping out of the duvet cover. People use duvets without the top sheet making them more prone to stains or spills. A duvet cover is useful, as it absorbs all the immediate spills and dust, eliminating the need to dry clean the duvets often.
Duvet covers are thin and light in weight, much like a top sheet of the bed. Their thinness also makes them machine-wash friendly. The duvet cover is versatile. It can accommodate a thicker duvet during winters and a lighter duvet during summers.
Traditionally white duvet covers have been in use. Now people prefer buying colorful duvets to add a spark to the interiors of their bedroom.
Benefits of a Duvet Cover
Now that you know what a duvet cover is let’s look at all the benefits it brings to the table. It includes;
Affordable
Changing a duvet or a comforter covers cost very little. Duvet covers are affordable. A duvet cover can be changed multiple times during the year, giving the duvet a new and fresh look.
Machine-Washable
Duvet covers are light and easy to store and manage. You can wash duvet covers in washing machines at home. It also saves up the laundry expenses of getting duvets dry-cleaned.
All-season usage
The best part about a duvet cover is that it can be used all around the year. During summers, the duvet cover can accommodate a light duvet, and during winters, the duvet cover can accommodate bulky and voluminous duvets.
Hassle-Free Bed
Making Duvet covers have simplified the process of cleaning and bed making. In addition, you can replace the duvet cover instead of a duvet for a fresh look.
All-inclusive Variety
Duvet covers come in various colors, patterns, and designs. So, choose something that matches your room's personality and makes you feel good. You don’t always have to choose white if that’s not your color. However, some vibrant colors can help you keep the atmosphere cheerful.
What Is a Duvet Insert?
A duvet insert is nothing but the duvet itself. So, if you are wondering what goes inside a duvet cover? Then it’s the duvet insert. A duvet insert is a piece of bedding that goes inside the duvet cover.
Duvet inserts are quilts that have a high thread count. A duvet insert differentiates from a comforter and a blanket by having another significant half- the duvet cover. In addition, duvets have running stitches that form compartments that hold the filling in their place. These stitches protect the thermal properties of the duvet insert. You can also buy a complete duvet set that consists of a duvet insert, duvet cover, and pillow shams.
What Are Duvet Covers Made of?
Duvet covers can be both natural as well as synthetic materials. There are types of duvet covers that you can choose from based on your preference. Some of the most popular ones are listed below.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural and breathable fabric. Cotton is soft on the skin and does not cause allergies or rashes. It is a temperature regulating fabric which makes it an ideal fit for both winters and summers. Cotton is one of the best materials for duvet covers because it is a low-maintenance fabric that can be machine washed at home.
Silk
If you like the royal feel, silk might be the best fabric for a duvet cover. Silk is a luxurious fabric that gives warmth. It is better-insulated which makes silk perfect for winters. In addition, silk is dust-repellant, making it ideal for those with dust allergies. You don’t need to wash silk duvet covers very often, but whenever you do, ensure to wash them as per the instructions on the label to keep the material damage-free.
Flannel
A flannel duvet cover is perfect for those living in hilly regions or areas with cold conditions. Flannel is a mix of wool and cotton, two natural fabrics. It is machine-washable and also does not hold wrinkles. The wool element in the flannel duvet covers makes them warm and toasty. However, for some, flannel duvet covers can be slightly suffocating to use during summers.
Duvet vs. a Comforter: What Is the Difference?
The main difference between a duvet and a comforter is that comforters don’t need a cover. You can directly use a comforter to cover yourself. Duvets pair up with duvet covers that protect the fluffy duvet from spills and stains. A comforter is a ready-to-use, single piece of bedding, while duvets are quilts made of down feathers and have a casing of cotton or polycotton.
Comforters are thinner and less filled than duvets. You can machine-wash the duvet covers instead of a duvet when dirty. Duvets and comforters also differ based on the following factors;
Fill
Comforters are thin and lightly filled. Duvets are soft, fluffy, and have large volumes of stuffing that make them fuller.
Covers
Comforters have fine finishing and are ready to use without requiring any additional layer of fabric. But duvets require a duvet cover.
Temperature
A duvet is warmer and cozier than a comforter because of its high fiberfill. Comforters are also cozy, but they won’t suffice alone. You will need an additional quilt during extreme winters.
Care
Maintenance of duvets is easy because the duvet cover can be removed and washed easily. Comforters are not so low maintenance because they will require dry-cleaning.
Style
The comforter is one piece quilt, hence available in various patterns and designs. Duvets have duvet covers that come in patterns and colors.
Price
Duvets are an expensive investment because they have a filling of natural down. On the other hand, comforters are cost-effective because they do not have a natural filling. However, you will also find a duvet with artificial fillings that can suit your budget.
How to Choose a Duvet Cover
There are a few things you can consider before making your decision.
Fabric/Material
The duvet cover can be cotton, poly-cotton, silk, or flannel. Yet, natural fabrics work best as duvet covers. Natural fabrics are breathable, easy to maintain, and machine-wash-friendly.
Thread Count
Thread count refers to the number of threads in a fabric per square inch. A high thread count reflects the durability and softness of the material. Usually, a 300 - 400 thread count duvet works the best. However, if the quality of threads is poor, a high thread count is futile.
Fill and Construction
Duvets can have either a down filling or a down-alternative filling. Some people who may have allergies should buy duvets with a down alternative because it is made of synthetic material. Different fill powers are suitable for different seasons. For example, the fill for a summer-friendly duvet will be less than the one for winter.
Maintenance & Care
Duvet covers made from natural fabrics are usually easy to maintain. However, for fabrics like silk and flannel, you must read the wash instructions on the label.
Size
Duvet covers can fit standard-sized mattresses like king size, queen size, California king, etc. However, the duvet covers do not have the same size as a duvet. So you must measure the duvet before purchasing a duvet cover.
Cost
A good-quality duvet costs between $50 and $150, usually. The prices of premium quality duvets made of quality cotton can be higher.
How to Put on a Duvet Cover
Read further if you want to know how you can put on a duvet cover. We bring you two simple methods. One is the traditional method, which is simple and easy, while the second method, the California roll method, is unique.
California Roll Method
Sushi was the inspiration behind this rolling technique. Hence, the name “California Roll” method. Following are the steps to do a California Roll;
- Turn the duvet cover inside out and lay it flat on the bed.
- Put the duvet on top of the duvet cover.
- Roll the duvet from one end to the other.
- Hold the other end of the roll from beneath and pull it out while stuffing the entire roll into it.
- Zip it up and unroll the duvet on the bed.
Traditional Method
The traditional method is an easy and uncomplicated one. The steps you need to follow are;
- Turn the duvet cover inside out.
- Insert your hands from the inside and grab the two corners.
- Then hold the two ends of the duvet and flip the duvet cover from the fair side onto the duvet.
- Shake it across the bed and zip up the edges. Voila! You are all done.
Now, you know the purpose of a duvet cover. It is to ensure easy maintenance and washability of the duvet insert. A duvet can be ideal if you want a fluffy, soft, and easy-to-maintain quilt. On the other hand, you can opt for comforters if you want something lighter. Also, purchasing a duvet is an expensive investment. Therefore, you must consider the benefits of a duvet and understand the types of filling in a duvet before buying.
