Duvet or Comforter?

Written by Chinmay Shankar

Last Updated September 11, 2024

When it comes to bedding, there are a lot of different options to choose from. And that can be difficult at times to make a decision. For example, duvets and comforters are two of the most popular types of bedding, but they can often be confusing for people who are simply opting for a good sleeping material and meanwhile also trying to define their bedroom space. Be it a duvet or a comforter, both have their own unique benefits that can make them ideal for specific needs, so it's important to know the difference before making a decision.

Duvets are typically filled with down or feathers, and they're known for being extremely cozy and warm. They're also relatively lightweight, which makes them easy to move around. Duvets are puffy, light, and cozy, thus better at keeping you warm on a cold winter night than any other blanket or bedding out there.

latex mattress

Comforters, on the other hand, are usually made with synthetic materials like polyester, rayon, or a mix of organic materials like cotton. They tend to be heavier than duvets, but they're also very good at trapping heat. A comforter is like a thick, quilted blanket and doesn't require a cover, so you might need a top sheet or a thin blanket underneath for better sleep.

So, which one is right for you?

If you're someone who likes to be warm and cozy while you sleep, a duvet is probably the better option. However, if you are conscious of the cost, a comforter would be good for you.

Ultimately, it's all about personal preference. In this blog post, we'll be taking a closer look at the difference between duvets and comforters so that you can make the best decision for your needs.

duvet or comforter - how to choose the right bedding for you

Are duvets and comforters the same thing?

No. Technically, they are all part of your bedding, but a person handling housekeeping chores would know the difference. For starters, a duvet comes with a duvet cover, while a comforter comes with none and is a standalone piece. Let's dig deeper and look at some more differences between a duvet and a comforter to get a fair idea about them:

DUVET COMFORTER
DUVET COMFORTER
How hot is it? Good enough to save you on a cold winter night. It has baffle boxes which are basically stitched squares with down feathers or any other material of your choice to trap heat. It is more like a thick, quilted blanket. It can give more coverage for your bed for sure, but it is good for all seasons instead of just a cold, frigid winter.
Is it comfortable? Think about fluffy and lightweight bedding, and a duvet is right there on the top. But it also depends on the kind of fabric and fill material you choose. Well, the name is 'comforter, so yeah, you guessed it right. Since what is mostly filled in a comforter is a syn thetic material and stitched on the sides, the fills are evenly distributed, making the sleeper comfortable.
How do I take care of it? Duvets come with duvet covers, so whenever your beddings are due for a wash cycle, you can pull your duvet cover out of the duvet and put it in the washing machine.
And keep a new duvet cover always handy in case you don't wanna send your duvet to the dry cleaners.
We just hope that you don't have kids or pets rolling on the bed. Or you will have fun washing the stain off your comforters since it doesn't come with a cover. Also, did we say comforters are bulky? So better to send them to professional launder ers instead of breaking your home washing machine.
How much does it cost? It is expensive - Usually based on what you are looking for in the fill and in the fabric. Down and silk surely gives a luxurious feel but also increases the making cost. Affordable. Since it comes filled with synthetic material and as a stan dalone piece with no cover so no frivolous charges here.
What else? Duvets are a good addition to your bedroom decor. Just change duvet covers and pillowcases, and you're golden. Well, you can't get everything at the cost you want. Can you?

What's the point of a Duvet?

Duvets are designed to be used in conjunction with a separate sheet, as they are not meant to be washed on a regular basis. Plus, a duvet can last for many years, so it is not uncommon for people to eventually want to replace their old one. When this time comes, it is important to know what to look for in a new duvet

natural and organic latex mattress topper

Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a new duvet.

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new duvet is the fill power. This term refers to the amount of space that the down or other filling takes up. Usually, the higher the fill power, the warmer and more comfortable you'll be when sleeping under a duvet - This means the duvet will have more insulating power.

When shopping for a new duvet, it is important to find one with a high fill power to ensure that it will be warm enough for your needs.

Another factor to consider when choosing a new duvet is the type of filling that you would like.

Down is the most popular choice, as it provides excellent insulation while still being lightweight. Feathers are also a good choice, as they offer good insulation as well. But if you are allergic to down or feathers, there are also synthetic fills available that can provide similar levels of warmth and comfort.

Why is a duvet better than a comforter?

There are many reasons why a duvet is better than a comforter. One reason is that duvets are more versatile.

You can use them in a variety of ways, such as you can place them under a mattress topper for extra warmth or on their own as a light blanket. Duvets also come in different thicknesses, so they are good for different seasons and sleeping preferences.

Another reason why a duvet is better than a comforter is that duvets generally last longer. This is because they are made with higher quality materials and construction. Duvets have a higher thread count than comforters, meaning that they are more densely woven and thus more durable. Comforters, on the other hand, are often made with lower quality materials and construction, which means they may start to fall apart after a few years of use.

Additionally, duvets can usually be removed from their covers and washed, while comforters cannot. And finally, duvets often have more interesting and stylish designs than comforters. And that means more designer look and elegance to your home decor and bedding.

why is a duvet better than a comforter

Is the duvet a blanket?

There is some debate over whether a duvet is a type of blanket or has its own unique entity.

Often people will use a duvet in place of a blanket or comforter. In fact, duvets are becoming popular in Europe and most countries with cold climates. In the last couple of decades, they have gained popularity in the United States too. But if we look closely, then yes, it is a type of comforter with a thick and soft bedding cover and with better material and design.

A blanket is a type of bedding that you can use to cover the body while sleeping. It can be quilted or woven in a way that creates a padded, insulated layer between the sleeper and the bedding underneath. A good blanket can provide warmth and comfort on cold nights. And a blanket can also be designed for use in the outdoors, such as camping blankets or picnicking blankets.

But when you look at a blanket, you will find it thinner and less fluffy than a comforter or a duvet. Although you can use a blanket as a duvet insert, it will still not be as warm or comfortable.

So there are several reasons why a duvet is not a blanket. First, duvets are filled with down or another type of insulating material, while blankets are usually made of cotton or another type of fabric. This alone makes duvets much warmer than blankets, making them ideal for use in cold weather. Second, duvets are usually larger than blankets, meaning they can cover more of your body and keep you warmer. And finally, duvets have a removable cover that you can wash, while most blankets do not have such covers. This makes duvets much easier to care for than blankets.

What do you put inside a duvet?

What you put inside a duvet is called a duvet insert. Duvet inserts are usually made of down, feathers, wool, or synthetic fiber. They come in different thicknesses and sizes to fit any type of duvet cover.

Now we know that down and feather inserts are the most popular because they are soft and lightweight. But, they can be more expensive than other types of inserts. Alternatively, you can also choose wool inserts for they are natural and breathable. However, they can be heavier compared to other types of inserts.

But if you are allergic to down or feather, you can choose synthetic fiber inserts. They are also usually less expensive than other types of inserts.

When choosing a duvet insert, you should consider the climate in your home. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to choose a lighter insert. If you live in a cold climate, you may want to choose a heavier insert. You should also consider the type of duvet cover you will be using. Some inserts are designed to be used with specific types of covers.

Once you have chosen an insert, it is important to make sure it fits properly inside your duvet cover. The insert should be about 2 inches smaller than the cover so it can fit snugly inside. Otherwise, it will bunch up and be uncomfortable to sleep on.

Why are duvet covers bigger than the duvet?

One of the most common questions we get asked is, "why are duvet covers bigger than the duvet?" and it's a great question! Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Duvet covers are perfectly designed to be easily removed and washed, so they need to be big enough to fit over the entire duvet. In fact, they're meant to be pulled all the way up over the top of the bed, so a cover needs to be long enough to reach the floor on all sides of the bedding.
  2. Duvet covers protect the duvet from dirt and wear, so they need to be large enough to completely cover the duvet. It's important that they fit and not be too small. And in doing so, creating a clean, finished look when they're pulled up over the bed.
  3. Duvet covers add an extra layer of warmth, so they should be slightly larger than the duvet to help keep you warm.
  4. Finally, duvet covers often have decorative features such as ruffles or piping that add to their overall size. And that gives plenty of room to your duvet to expand and fluff up.

Which is fluffier - A duvet or a comforter?

There's no denying that both duvets and comforters can be extremely cozy and comfortable. But which one is actually fluffier? To get to the bottom of this debate, we'll need to take a closer look at each type of bedding.

As we have known from the start of this article, a duvet is usually filled with down or feathers, which makes it very soft and fluffy. It has stitched squares (often called baffle boxes) that are stuffed with insulating materials. The practice alone traps a good amount of air in pockets and makes a duvet fluffy.

Comforters, on the other hand, are usually made with synthetic materials like polyester or organic materials like cotton. While they may not be as soft as duvets, the fill material in a comforter is evenly distributed compared to a duvet. But they might get flat with time.

So, back to the question - which is fluffier? It really depends on your personal preference. If you like a soft and cozy bedding option, then a duvet is probably the better choice. But if you're looking for something that's more affordable and easier to maintain, then a comforter might be a better option. Whichever you choose, you're sure to enjoy a cozy night's sleep!

How do you use a duvet?

There are a few different ways that you can use a duvet, depending on what you need it for. If you just need a light layer of warmth, you can simply drape the duvet over your body like a blanket. If you need more warmth, you can tuck the duvet around you like a comforter. And if you need to be extra warm, you can zip the duvet up around you like a sleeping bag.

Okay, now, for formal home usage and for guests, you have to first make sure that it fits your bed. Duvets are available in different sizes, so you'll need to choose one that's big enough to cover your entire mattress. Once you have the right size, take it out of its packaging and fluff it up. This will help it retain its shape and keep it from bunching up when you put it on your bed.

Now start by putting on the duvet cover. Once the cover is in place, grab hold of the corners of the duvet and shake it out so that it's evenly distributed. Then, tuck the duvet into the sides of your mattress and smooth it out.

If you want to use a top sheet with your duvet, put it on after you've smoothed out the duvet. Otherwise, you can just enjoy the warmth and comfort of your new bedding!

You can also remove the duvet from its cover and wash it as needed. You can get it spot-cleaned or dry-cleaned.

How do you use a comforter?

The best part about a comforter is that you can use them right from the moment they arrive at your home. It requires no assembly, no cover. Maybe if you feel, you can use a light blanket underneath or a top sheet to save it from dust and dirt.

A comforter gives a layered look to your bed and often comes with pillow shams. You can use a comforter in every season, be it winter or summer. However, it might not be that suited for the winter, but you can mix it with blankets and sheets and manage to stay comfortable.

How to take care of your duvet or comforters?

To know how to take care of a comforter or duvet correctly, you'll need to pay close attention to the manufacturer's guidelines given on the care tag, as one manufacturer's instructions may vary from the next.

Be it a duvet or a comforter, they can be a little difficult to wash at your homely washing machine.

For duvets, taking care is a bit easy as they come with different duvet cover options. So you can pull out your duvet cover and throw it in your washing machine with other beddings for a quick spin. Even then, you should check your machine's capacity. Usually, duvet covers have zippers, ties, or buttons in them. Make sure ties are knotted, zippers are zipped, and buttons are closed before you put a cover in the washer. Keep the setting low and gentle.

For comforters, it is a bit tricky. Most comforters are heavyweights as they are filled with synthetic materials (sometimes cotton), which may soak the water or moisture. Since they do not come with a cover, a spill means you have to take it off your bed and send it to a professional laundromat for spot cleaning or dry cleaning. If your comforters are lightweight, then you can wash them at home.

But for duvets, if they are without any cover and if they face spill and dirt, they also need to be dry cleaned as the home washing machine might not bear the load.

natural and organic pillows

How to choose the right bedding?

Undeniably, duvets and comforters are two of the most popular choices when it comes to deciding on a comfortable sleeping, but how do you know which one is right for you?

Summing up a few things for you to consider when you make your decision:

  • Temperature: Duvets are typically lighter than comforters, that is, if you use lighter fillings. If you are using more down as fillings, your duvet would be thicker and more suited for the colder climates. So a duvet's warmth can be adjusted based on what you fill in and how much of it you stuff in it.
  • Fill: Duvets too can be filled with various materials, such as down, feathers, or synthetic fibers. If the fill is not uniform, even duvets can have pockets or bulges in places that can make it uncomfortable for the sleeper.
  • Care: Duvets need more care than comforters. They need to be fluffed and shaken regularly to maintain their shape, and they should be dry cleaned or laundered according to the manufacturer's instructions. Comforters are usually machine washed and dried.
  • Cost: Duvets can be more expensive than comforters, depending on the materials used.

Related blog posts:

1. How to Care for Your Bedding?

How to Care for Your Bedding?

2. Duvet Cover Size Chart

Duvet Cover Size Chart

3. Top 3 Reasons Organic Bedding is Better

Top 3 Reasons Organic Bedding is Better

4. Ultimate Guide to Weighted Blanket

Ultimate Guide to Weighted Blanket

5. How to Find the Perfect Comforter

How to Find the Perfect Comforter

Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.

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